Tactical Squads Inquiry

[Aothaine]

Hey everyone!

 

So I'm working on building 4th company of the Dark Angels. I've got all six of the tactical squads on the way and I'm trying to decide on a few things.

 

First

 

I am running all plasma. Plasma Gun/Cannon on my normal tacs. But I need to figure out if I want to go with Combi-Plasma or Plasma Pistol & Thunder Hammer/Power Weapon.

 

Any thoughts on the selection between those two options?

 

Second

 

Should I combat squad the tactical squads so I can keep the heavy weapons a little more stationary and in firing lanes?

 

[Roderikum]

Greetings, brother!

 

From my experience with tactical squads in 8th, I would advice you to not bother with full squads: our high leadership means that our small squads are night inmune to flee the battlefield. Furthermore, 2 tac squads of 5 marines cost as much as 1 tac squad of 10, but you'll have better leadership (8) in both. Keep in mind that if combatsquadding a 10 men unit leaves you with a 8 leadership squad and a 7 leadership squad.

Regarding wargear, I tend to favour mid range squads, so If I were you, I'll have 12 5 men full plasma (plasma gun and combi-plas in serg): this way you'll have even more plasma shots.

If you really want a heavy weapon in the squad, I'd go for missile launcher: 4 points more expensive than the plas cannon, but better damage output (imo).

Hope you'll find this usefull!

[Gen.Steiner]

Leadership isn't really an issue when combat-squadding.

However!

What you should consider is that by deploying them as six 5-strong squads with sergeants with combi-plas (and powe weapon) and a plasma gun, and six 5-strong squads with bolters and a Plasma Cannon, you get:
 

Six units that are small, mobile, can move and fire at full effect, and have some combat punch, and

Six units that are small, able to take advantage of cover, and provide serious plasma punch at range (and don't forget those bolters either).

I would always Combat Squad, and I would generally take a combi-weapon that compliments the special weapons.

On the other hand...!

 

Combi-flamers add some versatility and provide a bit of extra punch when in overwatch, and they don't suffer the -1 to hit on the flamer portion if you decide to fire both barrels at a target.