WW1 themed army that is fun to play (against)

[Maritn]

I'm currently thinking about starting a WW1 themed AM army (2000-2500 points), and reading through other similar topics it seems people react negatively to a lot of artillery. I have never played against massed indirect fire, so I have no own experience. That's why I'd like some advice on how to best create a WW1 themed list (2000 points) that is fun to play and fun to play against.

 

Generally I was thinking of a lot of expendable infantry (at least 8 DK/Cadians/infantry squads) that marches forward under the cover of artillery fire (I'd start with FOBs). I'm just not sure what to complete the list with, but I know I'd like to stay away from Forgeworld stuff.

 

I definitely need some AT, and I'd say a little bit more artillery for the WW1 feel, but I'm not sure how much more would be too much before my opponents become frustrated.

 

Edit: I'd also like to include one or two Kasrkin squads as some kind of shock troops.

Edited July 20, 2023 by Maritn

[duz_]

I'd use DKOK models if you really want the WW1 vibe. 

 

As for artillery, do what you want. The pendulum swings too often these days to worry about what the internet is complaining about. 

[Santaclauswitz]

Not all artillery is indirect fire and not all indirect fire is artillery. It's all in the keywords. I think players dislike mass spamming of indirect fire weapons rather than artillery. There's been a bit of a point hike on a lot of indirect fire units so you can't take quite as many as before. However there are still some cheap spammable units that if combined could cause a rage quit outcome. I'm mainly referring to the medusa carriage and earthshaker carriage which for 6 units currently come in at 480 points and are considerably better on the table than fobs. One of each and a squad of mortars would be pretty strong and less likely to cause agro. Just try and avoid spam! Although I'm also in agreement with Duz about doing what you want.

 

Duz is totally correct in pointing to dkok. Their new plastic squads are beautiful with lots of options on the sprue. They're cheaper than forge world but, as a kill team, on the more expensive side for troops.

 

You also might want to look at 3rd party models or 3d printing for a themed army. There's a lot of great stuff out there.

[Maritn]

Thank you for your replies.

I'm considering Wargames Atlantic WW1 kits to supplement DKOK cheaper and outfitting the Cadians with gas masks. But I think I'd go with one or maybe two DKOK boxes because they look great.

 

Regarding spamming, as I currently don't want to buy FW stuff, the only towed artillery are the FOBs, so I think I'd want to have three of them, and then maybe one of most of the other artillery units (especially a Basilisk). With two or three combat patrols I'd get enough plus Cadians, command squads and sentinels.

[sitnam]

If your already willing to do some conversion work, some Rough Riders would make sense too, just fit them out to be WW1 and not mongol inspired. 

[Scrinson]

Anvil industries do a range of heads with WW1 style British helmets with or without gasmasks. These fit with minimal-no conversion into the neck joints of the new Cadian kit and the rough riders.   

[TCC]

My local meta is very strong (most players are tournament players and very good to - so to make my army competitive and give them a good game I have to run the best meta lists. 
 

therefore don’t worry about it and play what you want. You can always go easy if you know you are smashing them.

[TCC]

Also most guard lists are not fun the play into because the shooting feels none stop and brutal.

Edited July 21, 2023 by TCC

[Emperor Ming]

2 hours ago, TCC said:

Also most guard lists are not fun the play into because the shooting feels none stop and brutal.

That must be why guard are near the bottom at the moment languishing around 40-45% win rates,

 

Truly terrifying

[Maritn]

OK, then I won't worry too much regarding my artillery choices. ^^

 

Would you consider Tanks for a WW1 themed army? The AM tanks are somewhere between WW1 and WW2 so they don't break the theme? Aside from LasCannons in Infantry Squads and a few melta guns here and there I don't know what else to use for AT purposes than tanks.

[Orion]

On 7/26/2023 at 2:14 AM, Maritn said:

OK, then I won't worry too much regarding my artillery choices. ^^

 

Would you consider Tanks for a WW1 themed army? The AM tanks are somewhere between WW1 and WW2 so they don't break the theme? Aside from LasCannons in Infantry Squads and a few melta guns here and there I don't know what else to use for AT purposes than tanks.

The Malcador's look like the most WWI of the Guard tanks.

I think it's the lack of turret that does it for me. I ended up going the Gorgon instead though.