Tactica Aeldari: Windriders

[Karhedron]

Welcome to the next in a series of posts that are intended to provide a "deep dive" into a single unit at a time in the new Index. This thread is to consider the possibilities of Windrider jetbikes.

 

Here are some questions to consider:

 

• Are you considering running Windridersa in your army?
• What wargear and options are you considering?
• What squad size do you think is best?
• Do the different weapon options and squad sizes lead to different roles?
• What Leader(s) would you look to run them with, do any good combos stand out?
• Do they have good synergy with any Stratagems?

 

If you would like your model showcased here, please post a pic on the following thread. https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/363498-eldar-photos-for-uotw-series-im-ready-for-my-close-up/

[Bouargh]

I am considering them mainly because I already own a unit.

Anyway in terms of tooling up and uses, I see some serious restrictions.

 

First - the scatter laser version - I would not even care about this one. Indeed, Shroud runners do better in all respects. Only limit I see is that Shroud Runners are 6 max and WindRider can go up to 9. But as Jetbike Guardians survivability is lower, I do not really think it is a strong enough argument in their favour

 

Second - the S. Cannon version - for me it is the most interesting one if fielded in units of 3. It gives a moble fire power that can be strong enough to deal with MEQ. Yet in this sector they compete with Warwalkers which may have for the same cost less shots but a higher survivability too.

 

Then comes the third and last case, the standard twin linked S catapult tooling up - makes a nice unit to seize objectives left without sufficient support thanks to its OC 2, especially if late in the game. Or be the bodyguard for a skyrunner farseer in order to optimize use of the Guide Psy power.

 

I have been a little bit deceptionated by the eldar jetbikes rules from the index- I always found them as being a signature unit for Eldars but, in the end, the available alternatives in the list make them a little bit useless to my taste. 

Edited August 5, 2023 by Bouargh

[Karhedron]

Yes, as both units are 80 points per 3 models, Shroudrunners outperform scatter bikes in pretty much every way.

 

Of the two remaining options, Shuricannon bikes have better range, RoF, Damage as well as Sustained Hits 1. Shuricats have twin-linked and Assault but I don't think that these are enough to tip the balance so for me, it is shuricannons all the way.

 

For Characters, I think a Warlock for Stealth is a solid investment for anything other than a min-sized squad. I would also give serious consideration to adding a Farseer too as the squad is far more robust than putting him with Guardians. The Jetseer is also a good choice if you already have Eldrad but want a second Farseer for the Branching Fates ability.

[Kryczek]

I used 6 with shuricannons and both seer's in my first game, at 1k vs BA, last night and their speed and manouvreability meant they never got targeted till the very last turn and put out a quite solid amount of shots and damage.

 

I sure prefer them as a bodyguard to guardians.  Those units are just too weak and slow for a bodyguard unit IMO.

 

I'm considering 3 more.