Unit of the Week: Sicaran Venator

[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:

Sicaran Venator

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

• To compliment a list, or to build a list around? Will the beta rules affect your list(s)?
• Will you be running multiples?
• How are you buffing this unit? Will it babysit anything?
• What optional weapons choices are you taking and does the above affect how you run them?
• Stratagem synergy of note?

Over to you

Please note that Sicaran Arcus Strike Tank, Sicaran Batle Tank, Sicaran Omega Tank Destroyer, and Sicaran Punisher will be discussed elsewhere

[Jolemai]

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

[Karhedron]

The 2+ save on the base Sicaran chassis is good an pairs well with AoC giving this tank some much needed durability.

 

My concern is that the main gun really needs to remain stationary to get full effect but this does not pair well with the mobility of the Sicaran. I love the looks of the Sicaran but I remain on the fence about whether they are really worth taking at the moment.

[Majkhel]

I would imagine with the way the tables look like at the moment (being relatively cramped and small) we would still have to move him T1. Especially when going first as it's more than possible that enemy would be almost completely hidden. Also the range of the gun is not that much a benefit on smaller tables anyway.
In this view I would simply assume that he will not be hitting on full potential T1 (if at all) and would need to be moved rather aggressively to a better position with several firing lanes to be used throughout the rest of the game (provided he survives).

Obviously Venator cannot be the only threat in your army. I would see at least one dread supporting him, preferably something scary and survivable to draw attention away (like dual-volkite Contemptor).

 

Edited May 6, 2022 by Majkhel

[Jolemai]

Nothing wrong with it being a three shot stronger lascannon for on T1 tbh.

 

Given split fire is a thing these days, I'd be quite tempted to go for heavy bolter sponsons (as that's nine total heavy boler shots going into something) rather than two extra lascannons, but it does depend on the rest of the list and the meta the tank is in. I like redundancy, so lascannons (etc) elsewhere is preferable to me - single lascannons and I don't seem to get along either...

 

If you're feeling particularly bold, I suppose you could deploy this aggressively as it would dictate your opponents deployment, but you'll need something to back it up with.