Normal termies v.s. assault

[deity12]

Just building some lists using deep-striking termies as tip-the-balance units, and wondering which of the two termie types is better. Assualt termies seem better with the better pfist and swapping stormbolter for shield, they seem superior and can do the lightning claws if they want, also the normal sergeant has the worst of the termie weapons, and he's the leader? Huh? I know normal can take weapon upgades but unlike assault they COST. Anybody willing to stand up for normal termies or back me? Any input appreciated.

[newach]

If you want to deep strike the normal termies are better. You can not assualt the turn you deep strike, givening your the enemy a free turn to deal with them.

 

I run my assualt termies with a chaplain in a crusder. The lay out is 3-4 pair of claws with 2 thunder hammer/storm shield depending on the size of game.

[LardO'Blood]

This thread opens at least once a month. Search next time.

It is a stylistic choice, try both. Assault are fun for smashing the crap out of stuff, tactical terminators are much more then that. I would give you a complex explanation of tactical terminators but I feel a simple search is not beyond your capabilities.

 

Or just don't worry about it and play Deathwing!

EDIT: In my experience, I find deepstriking terminators useless or stupid if you aren't Deathwing.

 

Just thought I'd do this for any future people who want to run tactical terminators, these are lists of threads regarding them. They seem to be one of those threads that comes up every few months (I think I have gone back to the start of C:SM5 but I'm not sure):

Lysander with Tactical Terminators Discussions

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/index.p...p;hl=terminator

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/index.p...p;hl=terminator

Tactical Terminator Weapon Configuration

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/index.p...p;hl=terminator

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/index.p...p;hl=terminator

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/index.p...p;hl=terminator

Army Building and Tactical Terminators

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/index.p...p;hl=terminator

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/index.p...p;hl=terminator

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/index.p...p;hl=terminator

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/index.p...p;hl=terminator

Ten Man Terminator Squads

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/index.p...p;hl=terminator

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/index.p...p;hl=terminator

Tactical (mostly) Terminator Tactics

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/index.p...p;hl=terminator

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/index.p...p;hl=terminator

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/index.p...p;hl=terminator

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/index.p...p;hl=terminator

Tactical Terminators vs. Assault Terminators

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/index.p...p;hl=terminator

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/index.p...p;hl=terminator

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/index.p...p;hl=terminator

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/index.p...p;hl=terminator

I think all of these links are helpful, if they aren't then tell me and I'll remove the ones that aren't. I hope that somebody will make use of these links I compiled and try tactical terminators out.

I thought I'd re post this. I think it is a decent resource regarding tactical terminators.

[DarkGuard]

Once a month, you sure you don't mean once a week?

 

Really, the hint is in the unit descriptions. Tactical Terminators are tactical. They move, they shoot, they assault. They're a jack of all trades, the ultimate Space Marine, and so against the dedicated combat units they'll get out assaulted, against the dedicated shooting units they'll get out shot. What they can do though is bully the units not good at assault or shooting, the other jack of all trade units, and stay alive and mobile while doing it. If you want to deep strike a unit, this is the better one to go with.

 

Assault Terminators are assault units. They can be equipped to rip through infantry, or given massive thunder hammers and storm shields to let them go toe to toe with other elite combat units (I'm looking at you Genestealers and Howling Banshees), and Monstrous Creatures. The lighting claws are faster and have more attacks, while the thunder hammers, while slower hit harder, and their storm shield make them drastically more survivable. This unit is best used in a Land Raider Crusader or Redeemer (most people in my LGS favour the Redeemer), with either a kick-arse combat character, like a Chaplain or a Captain or Vulkan, or a support character to augment their power like a Librarian or Pedro. Deep striking is less effective for reasons already listed, they cannot assault, although what you could do is deep strike them behind terrain, run them and then watch as your opponent tries to deal with them, giving the rest of your army room to manoeuvre.

 

In the end it comes down to what you want, what you prefer, what style of play you want, what gaps in your army need filling. Most run around the same points as you need a Land Raider for the assault squad or 10 men with upgrades for the tactical squad, but a small deep striking unit with flamer or assault cannon can be viable.

[Guest Drunk Guardian]

I think from a value perspective Assault Terminators are one of the best units you can take - bar none. The problems with these units though is that without a Land Raider, they're not nearly as effective. Tactical Terminators don't really require a Land Raider and be very effective in the right list / situation. But point for point the Assault Termies really give you the best bang for your buck.