They're updating the Vanilla and Dark Angel codexes in a week or two, so there's a full expectation that Heavy Chainswords/Eviscerators will be added options in the new 'dexes.

And, I'm not sure which one it will have, since Heavy Chainswords and Eviscerators have different stat-lines, yet the GW web page has it listed as either/or.

As for if it's worth it... well, it always comes down to what you face. Against MEQs, Str6 > +1 Attack, generally netting you a marginal increase in MEQ wounds. Against GEQs, it comes down to a wash, where you'll get more GEQ wounds with a normal Chainsword, but the Heavy Chainsword is insta-gibbing multi-wound models (and Eldar Exarchs, I should mention). So, thinking aloud on this one, I'd say that if the Heavy Chainsword was 5 points or so, it would probably be "worth it's points". Possibly 10, but I think that'd be a little too much.

The "chainfist" (Eviscerator) is another situational tool. Unfortunately, much like the powerfist of old, it can be challenged out easily. Yet, it does function well as a Melta Bomb+ for those that use their assault squads to go vehicle hunting.

At the end of the day, though, unless they do a major over-haul to the Assault Marine (doubtful), or they receive drastic formation bonsuses (possible), we still won't be seeing them on the table much besides MSU flamer drop pods, as they are often out-performed by our many other assault options (bike command squads, for example).

 

Would any self respecting assault even take a two handed melee weapon, why loose that extra attack?

Used to be standard gear for the old sororitas jump troop squad vet (before they lost the option). Very good for dealing with walkers and heavy armour (like landraiders/monoliths/bunkers).

Unless it's way more expensive than a power fist there wouldn't be much of a reason not to take it instead.

 

I actually like the Eviscerator a lot. It'll just be a matter of price, as otherwise it could be better value than a Melta Bomb.

 

5 points more than a powerfist in the sororitas and inquisition books.

 

Rules appear to be out - one eviscerator per 5 models in addition to the flamers and plasma pistols.

Costs the same as a power fist and replaces both weapons, no changes in the rest of the unit save for the jump packs now being optional (the assault marines costing the same as regular marines without them) and the free transports gone.


Chapter tactics rule is still there.

 

Boo to the loss of the free pod.

 

That's good, but does this mean Vanilla Pod lists will have an upper limit on Pod count?

 

Probably not. Most likely pods will be like the BA, where they are listed with units as options, as well as FA units on their own. So, as long as you're taking units that can take them as dedicated transports, they would be theoretically unlimited, or limited by FOC slots if you just take them as plain FA slots (to put allied Sisters in, or something).

 

Putting SOB's in a drop pod, heresy I say. Aint that what Storm Eagles are for?