Unit of the Week: Land Raider Helios

[Jolemai]

Welcome to part five of the Blood Angels Unit of the Week Series!

Following the release of the 8^th edition Codex, there is no better time to discuss all the units we have access to. Each week a different unit will appear, with the idea being that we discuss how best to use that model on the battlefield. Where part one will focus on the unique BA units and part two will focus on BA units that are new to this edition of the Codex, part three will discuss how to get the best use the generic units from the past that are still with us (and that many of us have in our armies still), and part four will discuss the Legends units that we still own and love. Finally, part five will be dedicated to the reinforcements from Forge World.

Note, this isn't to lament any nerfs, etc, from previous editions; the rules are as they are so try to unlock its potential for those who wish to use them all the same. Similarly, this thread is only for using the option being discussed; it matters not if you feel something is a better choice as such comments aren't constructive to the topic and shall be removed.

Without further ado, here's this week's entry:

Land Raider Helios

What are you thoughts here folks? How best would you use a Land Raider Helios (found in Imperial Armour - Index: Forces of the Adeptus Astertes)?

• To compliment a list, or to build a list around? Will the beta rules affect your list(s)?
• Will you be running multiple units?
• Are you taking the optional upgrades?
• What units (if any) will you be transporting and how will they be equipped?
• Are you buffing this unit? If so, how?
• Stratagems of note?

Over to you.

[Jolemai]

Should you want your model on display here (or on another thread from the series), then submit a photo here please.

[Jolemai]

Personally, I quite like the idea of this (but then, I often run mechanised lists). Four lascannon shots at BS3 (with the usual options to improve it if need be) and a niche support weapon which has "indirect fire" - meaning it can hide/snipe at the start of the game and help out against chaff or whatever needs to die elsewhere on the board (potentially a premium weapon for 9th edition given the apparent changes). It's cargo is basically a five-man Scout/Tactical Squad for objectives, maybe a support character, maybe even a counter force as this tank will likely be sitting back given the range.

 

Should be easy to convert/kitbash too as all you really need is a missile rack and a large scanner/satellite dish...

[Majkhel]

A fun fact - this variant is actually 2pts cheaper than the standard lascanon-armed Land Raider (Phobos pattern) due to twin-linked HBs being 2pts more costly than the Helios Missile Launcher (technically it's free, but Helios Land Raider variant has 15pts higher base cost). 

 

Lesser transport capability actually makes using it easier as you do not have to worry that much of he unused transport capability. This makes him a proper gun platform with the option to have some scouts or something inside that would provide counter-charge or late-game objective grabbing capability. Park on an objective or roam around as needed to get lines of sight for it's lascanons. 

In terms of firepower, the Helios missile launcher is more of a bonus being only S7, AP-1, 1D. But 2D6 can potentially make a nice surprise from time to time and saturate a target nicely. The fact that it does not requite LoS to bite is nice to have.

[Jolemai]

Aye, that's why I like it. Screen clearing potential for that DC/Smash* charge T1 or what have you.

 

* Assuming that's still viable in 9th, who knows...