What to take at 500 points?

[YanLosBeard]

My gaming group haven't played 40k in about 7 years. We have decided to play a 500-point Combat Patrol League when the UK finally exits lockdown. I have chosen to field Space Wolves.

 

I have no idea where to start, though have read repeatedly that the Faction Combat Patrol box is probably not the best purchase.

 

What are some examples of good Space Wolf Combat Patrols? Please bear in mind that my group has decided to play by point value, and not Power Level. This takes the Blood Angels Combat Patrol box off of the table, though I gather it is pretty good.

 

I've seen a couple of players recommend a list of Ragnar + 5 Assault Intercessors + Lieutenant + something else (e.g. Thunderwolf Cavalry/Invictor Warsuit). How would you equip the Lieutenant in this build? Do you use the standard Holder Icepelt configuration, or is the idea to take a shooty Lieutenant to sit back and guard an objective whilst the rest of the force does the killing?

Edited March 16, 2021 by YanLosBeard

[Karhedron]

The Axe / Carbine Lt is fairly decent but lacks an invulnerable save unless you choose to give him a Relic like the Armour of Russ or Runic armour. Personally I would prefer either the Storm Shield + MCPS build from Indomitus or a Battle Leader in Terminator as you can then give him a good combo like Storm Shield and Fist/Hammer. Alternatively, a Battle Leader on Thunder wolf is also really good and can also take a SS/TH.

 

Having said that, I think I would stick to just 1 HQ in 500 points.

[QuarterPounder]

Yeah, I would definitely recommend only a single HQ, mainly because you need something to grab objectives. Another troop choice would work, or something like Terminators would provide both durability and killing power.

 

*Note that I haven't done the math on whether that would actually fit in 500 points... codex isn't in front of me!

[Karhedron]

Infiltrators are very good in small games. They are Troops which is good for holding Objectives. Enemy units cannot come in from Reserves within 12" of them which makes them hard to ambush. The Helix Adept allows them to ignore the first failed save each turn. They have access to Smoke Grenade and Transhuman Physiology stratagems to keep them alive if the enemy throws something heavy at them.

 

Dreadnoughts are a great choice for SM armies now. If you can afford the points, a Redemptor with Macro Plasma Cannon, onslaught Gatling Cannon, storm bolters and missile pod packs a lot of firepower and melee punch into a fairly durable unit.

 

A Primaris LT with Storm Shield, Neovolkite and Master Crafted Power Sword is a good leader.

 

Then put in as many Bladeguard veterans as you can afford with your remaining points (probably 3 or 4).

 

That gives you a durable unit to hold an Objective. An offensive unit plus leader to attack the enemy and a support unit that combines firepower and melee ability in one reasonably durable package. Add a Warlord trait and Relic to taste and away you go!

[YanLosBeard]

This is great advice! But doesn’t feel terribly Wolfy. Would the list work as well with Bjorn/Venerable Dread/Wulfen Dread/Murderfang in place of the Redemptor? Would at least give me the chance to field one of my Space Wolf-specific models Edited March 17, 2021 by YanLosBeard

[Karhedron]

Yup, a regular or wolfy-ish Dread would work just fine. Bjorn might be overkill in a 500 point game. Then again, he counts as your HQ too so you would not need a separate one. That leaves with enough points for some Thunderwolf Cavalry which are both very wolfy and very good in 9th edition.

 

180 HQ Bjorn (armed to taste).

130 Troop 5 Infiltrators with Helix Gauntlet

175 Fast 3 Thunderwolf Cavalry with 3 Storm Shields. 2 with Lightning Claws and a Thunder Hammer on the pack leader

Edited March 17, 2021 by Karhedron

[Jorin Helm-splitter]

This is great advice! But doesn’t feel terribly Wolfy. Would the list work as well with Bjorn/Venerable Dread/Wulfen Dread/Murderfang in place of the Redemptor? Would at least give me the chance to field one of my Space Wolf-specific models

What space wolf models do you have?

[YanLosBeard]

Yup, a regular or wolfy-ish Dread would work just fine. Bjorn might be overkill in a 500 point game. Then again, he counts as your HQ too so you would not need a separate one. That leaves with enough points for some Thunderwolf Cavalry which are both very wolfy and very good in 9th edition.

 

180 HQ Bjorn (armed to taste).

130 Troop 5 Infiltrators with Helix Gauntlet

175 Fast 3 Thunderwolf Cavalry with 3 Storm Shields. 2 with Lightning Claws and a Thunder Hammer on the pack leader

I like this.

 

How about (as an alternative, using models I own):

 

80. Phobos Lieutenant

130. 5 Infiltrators. Helix Gauntlet

125. Wulfen Dreadnought. Blizzard Shield

165. 3 Thunder Wolf Cavalry. 3 Storm Shields, 1 Lightning Claw, 1 Power Fist, 1 Chainsword

 

I don't have Bjorn, because I've already built my Venerable kit as a Wulfen Dread. But would be willing to invest in Bjorn if you can justify to me me that your list above is strictly and distinctly better than this one.

Edited March 18, 2021 by YanLosBeard

[Karhedron]

How about (as an alternative, using models I own):

 

80. Phobos Lieutenant

130. 5 Infiltrators. Helix Gauntlet

125. Wulfen Dreadnought. Blizzard Shield

165. 3 Thunder Wolf Cavalry. 3 Storm Shields, 1 Lightning Claw, 1 Power Fist, 1 Chainsword

 

I don't have Bjorn, because I've already built my Venerable kit as a Wulfen Dread. But would be willing to invest in Bjorn if you can justify to me me that your list above is strictly and distinctly better than this one.

No, your list looks good. The only reason I favour Bjorn (or a Ven Dread) is that I like the combination of firepower and melee capability in small games. But the Wulfen Dread is cool and will certainly put the fear of Russ into anyone in combat.

 

The only unit I am not loving is the Phobos Lt as he hits with all the power of a wet noodle. Maybe swap him out for the SW specific version with MC Power Axe and Carbine. He costs the same points and will give you more bang for your buck I think.

 

As your Warlord, the Lt has access to a Relic and a Warlord Trait. For the Relic, Armour of Russ is a good choice as it upgrades him to a 2+/4++ save and forces an enemy unit to strike last. There are plenty of good Warlord traits to choose from. Imperium's Sword will boost him in melee while Rites of War will help you grab Objectives.

[YanLosBeard]

You are quite right. I mistakenly thought that the Phobos Lieutenant had the Concealed Positions rule, so that he could accompany the Infiltrators. Turns out that only the Phobos Captain has that rule though. Might just go with the Bjorn list then, as I might as well roll with him if I am going to have to have a HQ choice that is foot-slogging up from the back.

[YanLosBeard]

 

No, your list looks good. The only reason I favour Bjorn (or a Ven Dread) is that I like the combination of firepower and melee capability in small games. But the Wulfen Dread is cool and will certainly put the fear of Russ into anyone in combat.

The only unit I am not loving is the Phobos Lt as he hits with all the power of a wet noodle.  Maybe swap him out for the SW specific version with MC Power Axe and Carbine. He costs the same points and will give you more bang for your buck I think.

As your Warlord, the Lt has access to a Relic and a Warlord Trait. For the Relic, Armour of Russ is a good choice as it upgrades him to a 2+/4++ save and forces an enemy unit to strike last. There are plenty of good Warlord traits to choose from. Imperium's Sword will boost him in melee while Rites of War will help you grab Objectives.

 

 

Alternative idea:

105. Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf. Power Fist, Armour of Russ, Rites of War
155. 3 Thunderwolf Cavalry. 3x storm shields, 2x chainswords, 1x lightning claw
120. Wulfen Dreadnought
120. 5 Infiltrators

It loses some durability by being light on upgrades (no blizzard shield, no helix gauntlet). But gives me two ObSec units and a leader that can keep up with the Thunderwolves

Edited March 20, 2021 by YanLosBeard

[Karhedron]

Without the Helix Gauntlet, I would be tempted to suggest saving yourself 20 points by downgrading the Infiltrators to Intercessors as they have better guns. Edited March 20, 2021 by Karhedron

[YanLosBeard]

The above list also leaves no points for weapons on the WGBL which is a shame as he is the most potent fighter in your list. I think that list tries to cram in too many units without spending points on crucial upgrades. Without the Helix Gauntlet, I would be tempted to suggest saving yourself 20 points by downgrading the Infiltrators to Intercessors as they have better guns.

 

The points cost of 105 factors in a power fist for the WGBL, I just forgot to mention it in my list (edited and updated now).

 

I like the 12" deep strike null zone that the Infiltrators create, particularly as I know that one of the gamers in my group intends to use the new Terminus Est Assault Force of teleporting Death Guard.

 

It's a pity that I fall just 15 points short of taking the models that I want, in the configuration that I want. I guess that's just what happens when building such tight lists at this particular level.

Edited March 20, 2021 by YanLosBeard