Changing Gears: Relearning Armies In 6th Ed

So I have gotten into the double digits for games of 6th edition now.  Most of which have been with the Eldar and the Dark Eldar.  My win loss record is not a pretty one.  Fumbling through all the changes has been challenging, but with each game things get smoother.

I think the big hurdle is really relearning how your army work in the new edition.  I have been rereading my codexes, which really is a good idea anyway, as I read through the rulebook.  Knowing your own army is important as is how it functions with the rule changes.  Reading the FAQ for your codex is also important as this gives you some updates and changes to how things work.  In some cases stuff is added that was not there before and other stuff is removed altogether.

My latest game was with the Dark Kin against the forces of the Tau Empire.  Now the Tau have been in a funk and although a decent army, in my opinion, they have been suffering from old codex syndrome.  This latest game was the first time I have played against the Tau in a while.  The changes to how things work, especially shooting, wound allocation and cover, have been very kind to the Greater Good.

6th edition is shaping up to be a shooting game.  This is a big swing as close combat was a major decider in past editions.  Imperial Guard and Tau armies fell apart when dedicated close combat troops reached the lines and started their bloody work.  I knew I was not going to be able to out range the Tau, so in a classic move I rushed my units forward to bring the fight to the Tau and slaughter them in close combat.

This proved to be a big mistake.  The 15 inch rapid fire range was very deadly and with the fire warriors behind an Aegis Defense Line, with a quad gun, my Voidraven bomber and Reaver bikes were quickly dealt with after I misjudged the range.  The Broadside units made quick work of my Raiders which left my warrior squads in the open and subject to punishing volleys of Pulse Rifle fire.

Even when the remains of my forces reached the lines A series of failed charges meant another round of shooting.  I was tabled in turn 5.......by Tau.  My previous battles versus the Tau never went this way.  I am really at a loss.  I am really taking a hard look at my armies and how I have to change my tactics.

I did learn one thing with the Craftworlders this past week as well.  The new psychic powers are a trap.  Giving up your regular powers for stuff from the new disciplines ensures you don't have access to Fortune.  The equivalent power in the Divination discipline only affects the caster and not his unit.  So if you choose to exchange powers do so with extreme discretion.


Well I am going to throw some thoughts and opinions out this week about allies and Fortifications.  After playing a few games with both involved I have some ideas for the Eldar and Dark Eldar.


Until Next time...............

Blood Runs, Anger Rises, Death Wakes, War Calls!!!!!!!!!