[500-1000pt] Space Marine Army (new player)

[bnguyen91]

Hey there, I just recently entered the world of 40k from a friend of mine and another who is also starting out. So as of right now, I will most likely be playing with these two guys for the time being.

One of my friends who is starting out, just bought a Tau megaforce set. So I have been reading my codex and rulebook to see what to work on, and I just want to make sure what to set my army to so that I can be at least a competitive opponent. My other friend, who does have some 40k experience uses The Imperial Army.

Anyway, as of right now I have the following at my disposal:

-13 Space Marines*
-4 Scouts w/ snipers + 1 Scout w/ Rocket Launcher, and 5 scouts w/ Bolt Pistol + CCW
-1 Commander w/ Storm bolter + CCW
-1 Rhino*
-5 Assault Marines*

*For those starred, I haven't decided on which weapon set to use.

I am going to buy one more squad unit and I haven't exactly decided. I've pondered on a Venerable Dreadnought, a Veteran Squad, or a Devastator squad. Could you also help me pick out a selection for another unit?

That's my army list so far, if anyone could help out for my army list which will most of the time be playing against the Tau army it would be great! Thanks.

[Canew]

Welcome to 40k, and welcome to the marines, brother!

Originally Posted by bnguyen91

-13 Space Marines*
-4 Scouts w/ snipers + 1 Scout w/ Rocket Launcher, and 5 scouts w/ Bolt Pistol + CCW
-1 Commander w/ Storm bolter + CCW
-1 Rhino*
-5 Assault Marines*

*For those starred, I haven't decided on which weapon set to use.

I am going to buy one more squad unit and I haven't exactly decided. I've pondered on a Venerable Dreadnought, a Veteran Squad, or a Devastator squad. Could you also help me pick out a selection for another unit?

Ok, a few ways you can go here. First off, how did you get 13 space marines? Is it a tactical box set and something else? Do you have access to bits at all? With what you have, you could make one squad with lascannon and plasma gun, and one 7-man squad with meltagun, maybe a power fist if you have it. That's not bad, but even better would be buying a "combat squad" box set, which will give you five more bolter-toting marines. Then you could have two nine-man squads, one with plasma gun and one with melta gun. Find a way to give both your sergeants power fists and that's a nice start.

The scouts look good. Don't change a thing.

For the Rhino, you usually don't need much. It comes with a storm bolter standard (I think) in its profile, and extra armour (which you don't need to model) and smoke launchers are pretty much all this needs. Pack your meltagun squad into this and go tank hunting!

Assault marines are a nice start, but you need five more to make it worth it. Then, build a single 10-man squad. Give the sergeant a power fist and bolt pistol, and give two of the "grunts" plasma pistols. That's a classic 260-point infantry-killing machine that you'll have fun with, especially if your tau friend has crisis suits that need chasing down.

A dread is a very good idea. It's probably most useful with the assault cannon/DCCW combo for now, but once you get toward 1,500 points or so, you might consider the missile launcher/lascannon combo (all these parts come with the dread -- yay!). Again, armour and smoke are useful.

As for what squad to buy next, like I said, another 5 assault marines will help, and that combat squad will get you nearly a full complement of marines. You could go to battlewagon bits to buy a pair of marine legs and use some leftover parts to max the squads out to 10 each.

A devastator squad won't be much use in 1,000 points or less. You won't encounter many vehicles (usually), and the meltagun can make short work of devilfish or other light transports. If you're that worried, use the antitank dread combo I mentioned above. Unless he brings hammerheads (highly unlikely in 1,000 points), that should be more than enough tankbusting power.

Vets are nice, but only if you know how to use them. I'd suggest playing a few games with the rest of your stuff first, then deciding what your army needs most (anti-infantry? Objective takers? Anti-tank?) and build a vet squad appropriately.

[bnguyen91]

Ok, a few ways you can go here. First off, how did you get 13 space marines? Is it a tactical box set and something else? Do you have access to bits at all? With what you have, you could make one squad with lascannon and plasma gun, and one 7-man squad with meltagun, maybe a power fist if you have it. That's not bad, but even better would be buying a "combat squad" box set, which will give you five more bolter-toting marines. Then you could have two nine-man squads, one with plasma gun and one with melta gun. Find a way to give both your sergeants power fists and that's a nice start.

Thanks for the reply. It is really helpful because I was quite lost on what to focus on. Anyway, I so happened to have 13 space marines due to the Battle for MacCragge paint set that comes with 3 extra marines. Since I wanted something to start off with before I entered the world of 40k. I do have an extra power first from my Commander that I can give to my SGTs. But I will be able to pick up another combat squad box set for the addition.

Assault marines are a nice start, but you need five more to make it worth it. Then, build a single 10-man squad. Give the sergeant a power fist and bolt pistol, and give two of the "grunts" plasma pistols. That's a classic 260-point infantry-killing machine that you'll have fun with, especially if your tau friend has crisis suits that need chasing down.

The store I am buying from does not necessarily have Assault marines. But they do have Terminator Assault Squads if that makes a difference. I will consider trying to buy them if they are more worth it then picking up a Dreadnought?

A dread is a very good idea. It's probably most useful with the assault cannon/DCCW combo for now, but once you get toward 1,500 points or so, you might consider the missile launcher/lascannon combo (all these parts come with the dread -- yay!). Again, armour and smoke are useful.

Problem is I have to pick between a Dreadnought or an assault squad due to budget issues. I don't really want to blow too much money just for a first game!

[Canew]

Originally Posted by bnguyen91

Thanks for the reply. It is really helpful because I was quite lost on what to focus on. Anyway, I so happened to have 13 space marines due to the Battle for MacCragge paint set that comes with 3 extra marines. Since I wanted something to start off with before I entered the world of 40k. I do have an extra power first from my Commander that I can give to my SGTs. But I will be able to pick up another combat squad box set for the addition.

Yeah, the combat squad is the easiest way to beef up your numbers. You'll have to use the flamer, but as soon as you can, ditch it for a marine with a better "special" weapon down the road.

Originally Posted by bnguyen91

The store I am buying from does not necessarily have Assault marines. But they do have Terminator Assault Squads if that makes a difference. I will consider trying to buy them if they are more worth it then picking up a Dreadnought?

Terminator Assault Squads and regular SM assault squads are VERY different animals. First off, the termies are big and slow, while the assault marines wear jump packs. The termies are also more expensive, so if you want to save money, buy the jump-pack equipped assault box. This makes more sense anyway, since you already have five of them. Finally, if the five assault marines you already have includes a sergeant with a power fist, you can use the spare you get in the new box set for the sergeant on your second tactical squad.

Again, with the combat squad and the assault squad you'll find you have LOTS of extra body parts. All you need to do is buy some legs from battlewagon bits, and you'll have even MORE marines!

Originally Posted by bnguyen91

Problem is I have to pick between a Dreadnought or an assault squad due to budget issues. I don't really want to blow too much money just for a first game!

Fair enough. I've been there. Buy the assault marines to fill up that squad, and use the spare parts, plus the combat squad, to fill out your tactical squads. If you place any orders with battlewagon bits, be sure to pick up a plasma gun and a meltagun. They will be good additions to your tactical squads eventually.

When you can, pick up a dread. They are versatile, tough, and can dish out the pain.

Good luck!

[bnguyen91]

Sorry for the long time span till I replied.

But I happened to face my Tau friend just the other day. We both played with 500pt armies. My army was incomplete because the items I ordered did not come in yet.

Here were some problems I encountered while playing (although strategies would be subject to change when I do have my full army).

-His Tau Battlesuits shredded through my guys as if they were nothing. Only because his one commander had 6 shots, and his bodyguard had 4 shots. It was absolutely insane. Not to mention he even had a plasma gun which ripped through my armor. How should I equip myself to deal with his battlesuits?

-At the time, I only played with 5 assaulties, and I was chasing his 12 man Fire Warrior squad with a Devil Fish. He kept on running away. =( How should I deal with that?

And just to let you know, he will be using a Hammerhead.

As for squads, I did what you told me and I bought extra 5 Assault Space Marines and an extra tactical box set of 5. So my Tactical Squads should be full. My dreadnought I also bought as well.

Any advice?