Astra Militarum/Imperial Guard - A Comprehensive Review & Comparison

[The Emperor]

Yeah, it's a real shame that the Tank Commander didn't have an option for altering the Force Organization Chart so that Leman Russ tanks could count as Troops, the same way that Spiritseers move Wraithguard/Wraithblades from Elites to Troops or Space Marine Captains/Chapter Masters on Bikes move 5+ man Bike Squads from Fast Attack to Troops. I would've loved to have been able to take an armored company without a single infantryman straight out of the new codex rather than having to rely on a Forge World list.

[Learn2Eel]

To be fair, I think Games Workshop doesn't want to steal Forge World's thunder too much. After all, making Assault Marines Troops choices is still the sole domain of Forge World - at least where the stock Space Marine codex is concerned anyway (Raven Guard).

Good early impressions by the way Katharon! I've had a quick read of the codex and so I don't know everything, but from what I've seen the Wyvern is something special.

[MajorWesJanson]

Yeah, it's a real shame that the Tank Commander didn't have an option for altering the Force Organization Chart so that Leman Russ tanks could count as Troops, the same way that Spiritseers move Wraithguard/Wraithblades from Elites to Troops or Space Marine Captains/Chapter Masters on Bikes move 5+ man Bike Squads from Fast Attack to Troops. I would've loved to have been able to take an armored company without a single infantryman straight out of the new codex rather than having to rely on a Forge World list.

People already complain about Knight only lists. Making a list that is comprised entirely of Leman Russ tanks may be exciting for one player, but not the other.

[Katharon]

@Learn2Eel

Thanks man. I'm personally still iffy on the Wyvern. Mostly because it just doesn't have a high enough strength -- even though it does have the "Shred" USR. It still can't hurt a lot of stuff and is absolute crap against vehicles (a perfect example being that it can't even scratch the paint of a Rhino...come on...).

So yeah...I'll have to wait and see how it pans out. Sometimes multiple usage and experience with a new unit will result in it become more viable later on...but we'll see.

[Mr Mystery]

Wyvern is awesome. Believe me!

The sheer amount of hits it can cause, combined with re-rolling failed to wounds heavily mitigates it's average strength. And quite often, troops really hugging cover are doing so in lieu of decent armour, so ignoring that cover helps a lot.

[Katharon]

Wyvern is awesome. Believe me!

The sheer amount of hits it can cause, combined with re-rolling failed to wounds heavily mitigates it's average strength. And quite often, troops really hugging cover are doing so in lieu of decent armour, so ignoring that cover helps a lot.

Yeah...but it's only AP6...only Ork Boyz and 'Gaunts might have something to be afraid of there.

[Charon]

Doesnt matter.
The sheer amount of templates makes up for the AP6. They are pretty cheap too.
Ignore cover basically helps against anything up to a 5+ save.
3 Wyvern come basically at the same cost as 1 LR Executioner with plasma cannons. Both will do roughly the same job (a little shifted between armor types)

[This Dave]

I still just sad that taking a Tank Commander doesn't make Leman Russ Battle Tanks a Troop Choice (but just one that isn't able to score). But then I suppose the guys at Forgeworld and the writers of IA would throw a fit.

I'm with you there. But the whole non-scoring issue can really be a pain.

[Mr Mystery]

Doesnt matter.
The sheer amount of templates makes up for the AP6. They are pretty cheap too.
Ignore cover basically helps against anything up to a 5+ save.
3 Wyvern come basically at the same cost as 1 LR Executioner with plasma cannons. Both will do roughly the same job (a little shifted between armor types)

Yup.

I think it's a really nicely pitched entry.

Basilisk is essentially preferable against enemies with decent armour saves, as often their cover save won't be as good as their armour.

Wyvern is preferable against anything up to a 4+ armour save because of it's reliable wounding, and total ignoring of cover.

I know I'm preaching to the choir, but it's all about forcing your opponent to use the worst available save.

Plus, dropping cover ignoring weapons on Snipers is great for IG, as it helps keep your officers and commisars alive, and thus your troops punching above their weight.

Downside? I'd always, always take three. One isn't enough, and if you're going two, you might as well go three

[Defenestratus]

I was on the receiving end of a Wyvern battery yesterday and it was not pleasant.

Made 5 wraithguard disappear. I was not pleased.