Unit of the Week: Deathstorm Drop Pod

[Jolemai]

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

Following the release of the 9^th edition Supplement, 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:

Deathstorm Drop Pod

What are you thoughts here folks? How best would you use your Deathstorm?

• To compliment a list, or to build a list around? What else would affect your list(s) with this unit?
• Will you be running multiples?
• How are you buffing this unit? Will it babysit anything?
• What Wargear Options do you prefer and how much does it depend on the above choices?
• Stratagem synergy or note?

Over to you

Please note that Drop Pod will be discussed elsewhere

Edited February 24, 2022 by Jolemai

[Jolemai]

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

[BloodyB]

To preface this, I am unaware of the exact size of this model, and will assume it to be of similar size to the regular drop pod.

 

This vehicle has the ability to lay down a scary amount of alpha strike potential. Resolving an assault cannon in the same manner as a Hammerfall bunker is amazingly useful when you can place it anywhere, while the Death storm launcher is an excellent way to soften up tightly packed vehicles. I feel that the 18 inch range could be restrictive, given that you still need to be over 9 inches away, but I don't think I would go much closer anyway.

 

Against melee-focused infantry, the assault cannons can lock down entire sections of the board easily, while shooter armies will need to choose between the annoying thing that shoots everything, or more serious, though potentially distant threats. Vehicles and monsters might ignore the assault cannons, but the launcher option could be too threatening to ignore. Hitting on 4s and doing d6 damage is swing, but even a little luck can see a Hammerhead bracketed right from the start.

 

I would be looking to maximise my alpha strike with this, taking a couple of them and supporting with drop podded tactical marines and maybe some artillery. They are highly expendable, being dirt cheap while also falling to any real effort against them, but they pose such a threat that the foe couldn't afford to ignore them for long. Ideally, I would want a board with few small pieces of cover and more large, but distant, cover options. From there I would be trying to flush my opponents out into the guns that just dropped from on high.

 

 

Alternatively, I might be tempted to use these as the anvil to an APC-borne hammer, twisting the usual method about nicely. Bringing up small squads of Tactical and Assault Intercessor marines while keeping the pressure on with the pods and some Vanguard forces. I would upgrade one, maybe two, of the APCS with the Lucifer-pattern engines start, and round out the list with a Predator Annihilator or a Gladiator Valiant for more secure tank killing.

 

Almost forgot: these things will probably block LOS until they die, so make the most of that and maybe drop a few targets to block that cheeky turn one hammerhead? I can think of worse ideas.

 

In either case I would want at least two, mixing or magnetising armament where possible, simply because of the vast differences between both choices. It is a flexible choice for those who wish to relive the glory days of Drop Pod Assault from way back when, while still being a strong option for any Shock and Awe gambits you want to make. Just try not to get too worked up when they die, it seems like they are meant to die quickly.

[Jolemai]

I'm looking at using one of these in either small games as a distraction whilst things move up the field, or as support for 2-3 other Drop Pods. Whilst two krak missiles is nice and all that, I'll likely use the assault cannon option to pepper opponents within range (and if it's on an objective, it will need to be dealt with). It's just one of those niche things I really like tbh.

[Spagunk]

I'm looking at using one of these in either small games as a distraction whilst things move up the field, or as support for 2-3 other Drop Pods. Whilst two krak missiles is nice and all that, I'll likely use the assault cannon option to pepper opponents within range (and if it's on an objective, it will need to be dealt with). It's just one of those niche things I really like tbh.

Guessing you mean in 40k? I don't remember if they ever added the assault cannon version to HH.