People's thoughts on Heavy Intercessors.

[Captain Idaho]

Moving back onto Heavy Intercessors... what's everyone's preference to types of weapons?

 

I'm thinking, with (likely) Orks and other foul Xenos (as well as lighter 1 wound troops like Sisters) taking a positive position in the game now, massed fire appears really stolid over multiple damage.

 

The only issue with that is we get those shots from a lot of sources anyway, so I'd prefer a backfield D2 build myself.

 

That said, using aggressors and an apothecary to get somewhere quick (either by advance and shoot or MOA) and clear screens and then (T2) dropping in some terminators to reinforce that part of the board works like a treat :)

Oh I've too come to the conclusion that an army of mixed Firstborn and Primaris is actually much more effective on the table. It's funny because most people don't like to mix and match but when folk do the effect is profound.

Edited June 7, 2021 by Captain Idaho

[Karhedron]

I favour the Assault 3 guns myself as I think Heavy Intercessors are better in the midfield.

 

If you want Backfield Objective Campers, SBR Intercessors are cheaper, Tac squads with a Grav Cannon have better firepower and Infiltrators get protection from enemies arriving from Reserve.

[Ishagu]

In the end I've chosen to run 10 of the assault variant of the rifle.

 

The reason I chose this is because too many armies have units with damage mitigation. Take Death Guard and the new Sisters Warsuits - both reduce damage by 1. This negates the advantage of the heavy version.

 

Also I predict the new Snagga Boys for Orks will actually become the most popular troop unit in that army due to the better strength and 6++ Invul. That negates the AP of the other Heavy Bolt Rifle variants.

 

For these reasons the Assault was the best option for me. Go for the biggest volume of Str5 shots, still at a respectable 30" range.

Edited June 7, 2021 by Ishagu

[Captain Idaho]

I suspected that might be the case. With their lower numbers across an army (a unit of 10 is astonishing) I imagine they'll do much better with all those dice.

[Mandragola]

I also tend to agree that 3 shots is the best answer, most of the time. It's a bit frustrating that their heavy bolter option doesn't really work, but you could save those for conversions. If I ever got hold of four (which won't happen) then I'd make myself a heavy bolter devastator squad, I think.

 

I'll be honest though, I don't see myself ever fielding this unit. 15 S5 ap0 shots just don't seem that impressive for the cost. Its true that HIs have some positive qualities as troops - or at least one: durability. They're likely to survive through being less of a threat, and more of a hassle to get rid of, than most other stuff. But their big downside is that they don't seem like much use for contesting the midfield, due to their low speed and lack of effectiveness in melee. 

 

I think heavy intercessors look like one of the least attractive troop options, certainly out of the Primaris ones. They don't screen or infiltrate. They can't take ground off enemy troops. They're slow. Each one costs the same as a devastator with a heavy bolter or a vanguard vet with a jump pack, lightning claw and storm shield.

 

I guess it comes down to this durability thing. If you want those home objectives to be secure then these guys will do that job for you, while laying down meaningful amounts of dakka. Typical back field bully units that are looking for weak troops to pick on won't find that with these guys. If your faction works well with them, and I think Ravenguard in particular do (somewhat ironically, when they ought to be good with phobos) then you could probably do worse.

[Blindhamster]

I too went for the 3 shot variant, much like their less heavy brethren, its typically the best option these days.

[Ishagu]

I think the regular Intercessors are still overall best with the standard bolt Rifles thanks to the double shot strat, unless the chapter being used has specific perks for Assault Weapons or bonuses after advancing, such as White Scars.

[G8Keeper]

I also tend to agree that 3 shots is the best answer, most of the time. It's a bit frustrating that their heavy bolter option doesn't really work, but you could save those for conversions. If I ever got hold of four (which won't happen) then I'd make myself a heavy bolter devastator squad, I think.

 

I'll be honest though, I don't see myself ever fielding this unit. 15 S5 ap0 shots just don't seem that impressive for the cost. Its true that HIs have some positive qualities as troops - or at least one: durability. They're likely to survive through being less of a threat, and more of a hassle to get rid of, than most other stuff. But their big downside is that they don't seem like much use for contesting the midfield, due to their low speed and lack of effectiveness in melee. 

 

I think heavy intercessors look like one of the least attractive troop options, certainly out of the Primaris ones. They don't screen or infiltrate. They can't take ground off enemy troops. They're slow. Each one costs the same as a devastator with a heavy bolter or a vanguard vet with a jump pack, lightning claw and storm shield.

 

I guess it comes down to this durability thing. If you want those home objectives to be secure then these guys will do that job for you, while laying down meaningful amounts of dakka. Typical back field bully units that are looking for weak troops to pick on won't find that with these guys. If your faction works well with them, and I think Ravenguard in particular do (somewhat ironically, when they ought to be good with phobos) then you could probably do worse.

 

Re; the Heavy Bolter, I've found you can swap the arms out easy enough without magnets, unless you assemble loosely (then you may want to magnetise), otherwise you just need an extra couple of pads from bits stores and you can have a Heavy Intercessor with interchangeable Heavy Bolter and Bolt Rifle arms loadouts.

[CCE1981]

Do they come with the extra arms to support that?

[Karhedron]

Do they come with the extra arms to support that?

I think there are enough arms for that, particularly if you are happy to use the pointing arms on the Sergeant and/or the reloading arms. Check out the sprue picks below.

 

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EvYeAR8XMAcXD4s.jpg

[XeonDragon]

I favour the Assault 3 guns myself as I think Heavy Intercessors are better in the midfield.

 

If you want Backfield Objective Campers, SBR Intercessors are cheaper, Tac squads with a Grav Cannon have better firepower and Infiltrators get protection from enemies arriving from Reserve.

Agree the assault 3 is the best HI gun from a TAC perspective, for the same reason the assault 3 is the best TAC gun for normal intercessors: volume of shots. Also, tac squads with a grav cannon are really, really good :)

[G8Keeper]

Do they come with the extra arms to support that?

 

Yup , although a word of warning, the instructions on the last marines set of arms completely mis-number both, so trial and error combos of the two (I think) sets left before you glue.

Edited June 9, 2021 by G8Keeper

[MegaVolt87]

Not sold on the assault bolt rifle. Running 5 intercessors with a thunder hammer + their assault bolter version would be my preferred MSU for mid table. Now if we are talking 10 man units mid table I would definitely consider it for heavy intercessors. Give me a unit in HS with all hellstorm heavy bothers/ different variants though. 

[Doghouse]

I'm going with all Hellstorm bolters for my three ten man squads taking advantage of the Rapid Assault tactic in unison with the Eradicators. I was tempted to have one unit of Executor rifles to combat squad and sit on backfield objectives. I may use Bolter Fusillade as well. Shame the Captain can only have the Heavy Bolt Rifle.

[Swordsman]

As imperial Fists and Ultramarine player, il go towards assault version. The mobility of assault weapon and S5 saturation, adapt perfectly to my playstile.

 

I like them advancing and holding midfield objectives, while bladeguard and redemptor carry the assault.

 

For the backfield objectives holding, I prefer infiltrator for deep strike denial or Eliminators, very improved after the points reduction.