Ranger/Pathfinder uses?

[Battle-Brother Wags]

One of my favorite model and fluff specific units in the new eldar codex is the ranger/pathfinder and I would love to find an every game use for them that will actually be beneficial. I understand I can use any unit I like no matter what, but I'd really like them to be at least somewhat effective as well.

Unfortunately, I don't see this happening with rangers. They are very expensive, especially if you upgrade to Pathfinders, which I always would want to do. The good things are that Pathfinders would be nearly invulnerable in ruin-style area terrain (at least from long range attacks) and can infiltrate into that sweet spot from the get-go. The problem is firepower. Yes, they get AP1 quite often, but those AP1 shots are determined before you roll to wound, so that AP1 shot may not even cause a wound and you only wound half the time.

I think this is a solid defensive unit that will probably survive each game, but my concern is that it simply wouldn't do enough damage to make itself worthwhile. Does anyone else have any experience or thoughts on this issue?

I know eldar aren't really space-elves, but sometimes I think of them like Tolkien-style elves and I just love the epitomy of those elves being desplayed in the characteristics of pathfinders . . .

. . . what do you think?

[Lost Nemesis]

I read somewhere else someone saying the following:

"Rangers aren't worth it. Pathfinders, on the other hand, are."

I agree with that person.

For the points, Pathfinders are a very durable unit capable of dishing out a lot of pain to MC's, and even to Troops squads. With their increased cover save, they can take a lot of shooting (as long as you stay away from things like Flamers, CC units, etc.) and with those sniper rifles, coupled with the improved chances of getting the low AP, they can put the hurt on. Rangers, on the other hand, are a little too expensive for what you get.

Plus, the models are terrific!

I'd go with a squad of 6 Pathfinders, and maybe even a second squad if you're playing on a terrain-dense field, or playing Cities of Death. Pathfinders with a 2+ cover save would be excellent. ^_^

[hsin_dragon]

Ugh, the main thing I hate about this new codex is that now there are a million and one choices to fill the elite spots. Pathfinders are good but they seem to pale, for me at least, when compared to your banshees, scorps, harlies, or fire dragons. As for rangers, I'm trying to see how they work out as troop choices and seeing how often they can successfully pin an enemy squad; they seemed to work ok in the old codex when you could use them in squads of 3 but now I don't know if the minimum cost of 95 is worth one pin test.

[Lost Nemesis]

Originally Posted by hsin_dragon

Ugh, the main thing I hate about this new codex is that now there are a million and one choices to fill the elite spots. Pathfinders are good but they seem to pale, for me at least, when compared to your banshees, scorps, harlies, or fire dragons. As for rangers, I'm trying to see how they work out as troop choices and seeing how often they can successfully pin an enemy squad; they seemed to work ok in the old codex when you could use them in squads of 3 but now I don't know if the minimum cost of 95 is worth one pin test.

I believe Pathfinders are Troops chioces.. as they're simply upgraded Rangers.

[hsin_dragon]

True enough. Doh. Stupid old codex is stuck in my mind.

[Katie Drake]

Originally Posted by Lost Nemesis

I believe Pathfinders are Troops chioces.. as they're simply upgraded Rangers.

That's correct. Rangers that are upgraded to Pathfinders don't become anything different - they remain as Troops. That should help you take all of your fancy Elites and still include Pathfinders in your army.:sleep:

[Manu_Forti]

Question: What the heck is the SX supposed to be when shooting at tanks?

A lot of Eldar players seem to spend a bit over 100 points on a unit of 10+ Guardians with a heavy weapon platform. (and normally with a warlock + conceal = more like 14
Really that's paying well over 100 points for basically 1 weapon. While it is a more powerful weapon, the squad itself is less efficient point for point because that weapon is the only thing shooting.
A squad of 5/6 rangers/pathfinders costs roughly the same, and you can shoot with ALL of them. Not to mention they get a good cover save without paying for a warlock (provided there IS cover).

So, the long rifles might not pack the punch of a starcannon or bright lance, but with all 5+ shooting (rather than 1-2 shots), I think it would score more kills. For the same amount of points.

And lets not forget about the higher Ballistic skill :yes:
As for the AP1 hits still being difficult to wound with.. Cast Doom on whatever they are shooting at..

Personally I prefer Dire Avengers, but what Im saying is if you are willing to take a unit of guardians with platform, then why NOT take rangers/pathfinders?

[LordLink]

Hey in the old codex we had rangers without pathfinders and they were a perfectly viable option.

Rangers are brilliant in cityfight. They can hold buildings down and pin enemies down that try to stop them. But its not only cityfight they are good at. They are used mostly to pin squads rather than actual kill. Of course if you vs necrons, orks or chaos don't expect much return other than to hold objectives with a wonderful cover save. Against other vulnerable armies you can pin just about any unit with t heir ap1 ability.

They are used to get into an out of the way objective, like a loot counter or failing that to simply find the best cover on the board. Don't forget they can still fleet somewhere else and they still have pistols.

I have to admit that the upgrade to pathfinders makes them much better though.

I've had a lot of luck with a 5 man ranger squad before. They have saved me many games by holding objectives close to my deployment zone whilst my army advanced. Or they have held a building on the left as my falcons lure their army down the right side.

They love cleanse too. Easy quarter.

[Astantia]

I have no idea why (what with their high leadership) but my rangers have IN EVERY GAME fled off the table. It's like 'oh wow, those guys just exploded, let's ALL run!'

They are cursed like this, so when I paint them, they will be getting Neon Green Jumpsuits and purple / pink robes.

[LordLink]

Mine have only ever run once. Sitting in a building with a 3+ cover save. Got shot by a pair of lascannons. Both hit, both wound I fail both saves rangers run, fail to rally, flee the board. Slightly annoying but it was extremely unlucky. Rangers don't suck becaue of that one situation.