Optimal build for Centurion Devastators

[BLACK BLΠFLY]

I’ve been playing my Ultramarines in-between seasons for the city league. No ITC Missions, just playing Eternal War Missions from Chapter Approved 2018 so far. My current build is a squad of three Centurion Devastators (DevCents) armed with lascannons and Hurricane Bolters... it’s been great so far supporting them with Calgar and the Phobos Lieutenant for casual games and Guilliman for more competitive games. I also just started fielding a Primaris Ancient with the relic standard... wow they do some work. I’d like to work in an Apothecary but would rather use those points for typically a Vindicare Assassin which synergizes well with Guilliman (i.e. , 12" re-roll 1s to hit buff aura). I also am bringing Tiggy and his Prescience buff really helps to keep the DevCents around for another turn.

 

I recently saw a battle report using Grav Cannons for the DevCents along with Guilliman versus Necrons - lots and lots of damage inflicted over the course of the game including taking down the Necron heavy construct by turn 2. I know heavy bolters and Hurricane Bolters is a popular configuration now with the new Bolter rule and for good reason but I’m liking the anti armor configurations. My other two anti armor units are six Hellblasters with the standard Exterminators and five plasma Inceptors. I’m not claiming there is one best build, just sharing my recent experience and looking for some constructive feedback here .

Edited June 11, 2019 by Black Blow Fly

[Prot]

I think you hit the nail on the head... there is no best build. Your config is mostly how I’ve been playing mine for months except one has Grav. It gives my Ultramarines a bit of life in this current meta.

[MegaVolt87]

Surely with the points cuts, the pure dakka load out is best? 

[BLACK BLΠFLY]

It depends the rest of your army. Tanks don’t benefit from the relic banner so there is that to consider.

[Captain Idaho]

I have been enjoying ALL of the shots. So Heavy Bolters and Hurricane Bolters is doing me great so far.

 

I haven't quite the army build to provide the right target saturation I need for such expensive models.

[Captain Idaho]

In regards to my post above, that's an interesting thought... what do players consider appropriate for target saturation for Centurions?

[BLACK BLΠFLY]

Here is an example for me Captain. I was play dirty eldar today and those sweet twin laser cannons shredded the Dark Reapers as soon as the CP was gone. Lascannons and Hurricane Bolters make the unit more versatile while the popular build is overkill versus chaff. DevCents can have six laser cannons wounding T8 on 3+ and yeah this is a big deal being and to move and shoot with no penalty plus ignoring cover. Devs pale in comparison.

[BLACK BLΠFLY]

Surely with the points cuts, the pure dakka load out is best?

 

I don’t even know how to respond to this gib.

[Joukernaut]

If you can get them in range grav cannons combined with Guilliman shred everything. The D3 damage vs most things you shoot at is horrific with that many dice and wounds.

Vs fast list you will be outranged all the time since the 24 inch range with the appalling movement of the centurions gets you nowhere.

[Ishagu]

If they could use Drop Pods or you are running them in a Transport it's all about Grav and Hurricane Bolters.

 

If not, use Heavy and Hurricane Bolters and the Vigilus detachment rules.

 

Las Cannons can indeed work, and the best thing about the squad is that it can be hidden and has a 1+ save in cover.

Edited June 13, 2019 by Ishagu

[BLACK BLΠFLY]

I’m going to try the sargeant with las and the other two with Grav.

[Prot]

I’m going to try the sargeant with las and the other two with Grav.

 

My favorite combo for 8th has been Sarge and one other with Las, and (the first to die) one with Grav. 

 

The Grav still has uses and punishes the right armies, but it's a bit of a discount and is usually the first to die. 

 

I'm trying not to use Centurions for a while. I feel I've become too reliant on them lately, but I imagine Heavy Bolters with Guiliman is quite effective too. (Since I'm  not using Guilliman I prefer my build for every day play.)