Primaris Unit Abilities

[L30n1d4s]

It seems like most new Primaris units are getting a unique special rule (i.e. +2A on th charge for Outriders, shot twice if they target the same unit, make an enemy unit fight last for Judiciar, etc.).

 

Based on this, I wonder what unique ability other new Primaris units, like the Gladiator tank, Firestorm turret, Veteran Intercessors, etc. might get.

[Captain Idaho]

I think many of the times they receive abilities to make them worthwhile.

 

Inceptors, for example, don't really need an ability so didn't get one besides a bit of background homage.

 

Hellblasters do their job, as do Repulsors, so didn't really need it a new rule.

 

Executioners? They needed a special rule for their turret because it was just awful in comparison to Lascannon Repulsors otherwise.

 

Aggressors? They needed an increase in output so they got it. They also needed to get across the board so they go that too, at least a little.

 

The new Outriders? Without their boosts to their stats and attacks, they would be pretty ineffectual. Especially at 3 models a unit.

 

Eradicators? They didn't really need to be able to shoot twice to be effective but they aren't particularly scary otherwise, so they got a rule to make them 1 turn killers, so they can compete with Devastators who are top tier right now.

 

We have seen leaks of many datasheets and units that don't need the help get less of it by the looks of it.

 

I suspect the Gladiator won't need the help. It's going to be faster that Eldar and just as killy, whilst having the -2 to charges baked in.

 

I could be wrong though. GW might decide that's not good enough to distinguish between Predators thus it gets free rules.

[Subtleknife]

Is the drop turret that it can shoot at everyone within range?

[Daynga-Zone]

The gladiator needing a special rules boost will probably come down to points cost.

 

That said, another frater made a good point in the gladiator thread that the aquillion optics bit is on this model when the heavy laser destructor is equipped. So I suspect it will be getting that rule for that weapon as well as the repulsor field. Other than that it’s closer to the category of the hellblasters and other units where firepower alone makes it competitive without needing much else.

[Alcyon]

I think rules are often added for fluff reasons too, to flesh out a unit's combat role. Inceptors for example have the mortal wounds on a charge ability, which isn't all that impactful it's just a nice to have, and reflects their impact as an assault unit. Otherwise I think Captain Idaho has it nailed.

 

I think Veteran Intercessors getting +1 attack for 1/2 CP is all the bonus they need, and veterans generally don't get much beyond that. Might be cool to see some diversity in weapon options but I doubt that's on the horizon unless they release a big upgrade kit.

[Ishagu]

The special rules are great, often thematic, and add a bit of extra spice to otherwise underwhelming weapons or units.

[Dracos]

All this can be pretty much said for any unit that's popular though in any Faction.

[Ishagu]

All this can be pretty much said for any unit that's popular though in any Faction.

Absolutely. The Kastellan Robots wouldn't be as good of they couldn't change protocols. Eldar jets wouldn't be as good if they couldn't turn twice whilst zooming, etc, etc