Unit of the Week: Razorback

[Jolemai]

Welcome to part three of the Blood Angels Unit of the Week Series!

Following the release of the 8^th edition Codex, there is no better time to discuss all the units we have access to. Each week a different unit will appear, with the idea being that we discuss how best to use that model on the battlefield. Where part one will focus on the unique BA units and part two will focus on BA units that are new to this edition of the Codex, part three will discuss how to get the best use the generic units from the past that are still with us (and that many of us have in our armies still).

Note, this isn't to lament any nerfs, etc, from previous editions; the rules are as they are so try to unlock its potential for those who wish to use them all the same. Similarly, this thread is only for using the option being discussed; it matters not if you feel something is a better choice as such comments aren't constructive to the topic and shall be removed.

Without further ado, here's this week's entry:

Razorback

What are you thoughts here folks? How best would you use a Razorback? Please see the BA Nomenclature thread for the explanations on the shorthand names if need be.

• To compliment a list, or to build a list around? Will the beta rules affect your list(s)?
• Will you be running multiple units?
• What units (if any) will you be transporting and how will they be equipped?
• What optional weapons choices are you taking and does the above affect how you run them?
• Are you buffing this unit? If so, how?
• Stratagems of note?

Over to you.

Please note that the Infernus-pattern Razorback will be discussed elsewhere.

[Jolemai]

Should you want your model on display here (or on another thread from the series), then submit a photo here please.

[Thoridon]

I don't actually own a Razorback yet but this reminds me I do have one arriving within the week I might just have to get ready for my next ETL vow :)

[Dont-Be-Haten]

There are so many variants that I enjoy fielding.

 

For aggressive play I'll run H-backs with storm bolters for a mid tier gun platform. I've found the utility of a sub 90 point model works a bit better than the now overpriced assault cannon variant.

 

The twin lascannon variant is a sweet spot for its points. Occasionally HKMs are added for that extra one turn push for damage output.

 

Sadly the las/plas variant is too outdated. If the twin plasma gun only caused a mortal wound rather than blowing up the vehicle I would use it much more. Until/if that ever gets fixed the awesome kitbashed turrets will remain on the shelf.

 

The heavy flamer variant has some interesting uses. I almost always add a storm bolter for when I need to take a pop shot at something, it does however suffer from close range syndrome. If they ever increase the distance of auto hit templates on vehicles it will definitely be more palatable!

[Zephaniah Adriyen]

Yey, I just got a Razorback today and it's the Unit of the Week. Unfortunately, it's not only Black Templars pre-owned, but it's good enough of a paint job I'm really wanting to crank out a fluff reason for a Black Templars Razorback ("Retribution") to be owned by the Crimson Knights rather than strip and file.

 

Edit: to clarify, I really don't wanna ruin the decent spray and decal work I'm seeing on this Razorback; if anything, I'll do some edge highlight practice to it and fluff it into existence. In addition, it has 3d plastic bits for Black Templars (doors and such) so I genuinely feel I'd be better served to fluff it into the Crimson Knights. Maybe it was gifted from the Black Templars after a joint operation?

Edited June 10, 2019 by Zephaniah Adriyen

[tychobi]

My preds have been serving as razorbacks all of 8th.

[dread05]

I also have a razoback in the box for about a half a month or so, I havent built it yet cause I cant decide if I want to do the H bolter or the lascannon turret. Im leaning towards the heavy bolter since I want it to acompany a squad of sternguard with SIB and 2 heavy bolters.

[sebs_evo7]

I’ve regularly ran two assbacks running assault units in them with either a jump captain or Dante to provide re rolls. Pretty decent for the points so long as it’s not your main threat and can react to something or push into your enemy’s zone. Once your opponent focuses on them their t7 11w evaporates though

I want to try the hb variety more with a cheap tac squad for that harassment unit/late game objective grabber

[Karhedron]

Just to go against the grain, I am not a fan of Heavy Bolters on the RB since to me, they bring too little bang for their buck. You get the same level of dakka from a single Bolter Inceptor.

 

Even with the points increase, I still think Assault Cannons are the best all-round option although the Lascannon version is decent if you are short of anti-tank firepower. People may point out that TLAC costs more than HBs on a points-per-shot basis but since you are paying 70 points for the hull, it only works out as a 31% increase in total price for a 100% increase in firepower.

[bludainjel]

Ran 2 lasbacks last night, pretty decent unit to make up for lack of range in a BA army and can transport your battalion unlockers (scouts) if need be. The two combined killed a leman russ and if my razorbacks are getting shot at then my choppy killy stuff isn't. Will be running 2 in my 1250 list.

[Karhedron]

Ran 2 lasbacks last night, pretty decent unit to make up for lack of range in a BA army and can transport your battalion unlockers (scouts) if need be. The two combined killed a leman russ and if my razorbacks are getting shot at then my choppy killy stuff isn't. Will be running 2 in my 1250 list.

This sums up why RBs are so much better than Rhinos. A Rhino has minimal threat value once it has delivered its cargo. Short of blocking LOS or soaking some overwatch, most opponents will ignore them. A Razorback continues to be a threat and so can both contribute to damaging the enemy and also draw fire from other units. Never under-estimate the value of threat overload.

[Panzer]

I wish opponents would ignore Rhinos. It's just that after delivering their cargo they are basically a melee unit and the opponent destroys them before they can do much most of the time. If they'd ignore them then we could use Rhinos to bind shooty units all day long lol