It’s Like Tactics: Chaos Rhino, Predator, Vindicator, Land Raider Review

My Tactics pledge: I am not the greatest player, nor a seal pup. I will endeavor to speak from my experience and always be honest about what is theory and what is play tested. Never will I assume to know better than anyone else... unless I must call out ego or pretension.

but you will find that Chaos Space Marines have a need for tanks in specific situations.

What really separates Chaos Space Marine tanks from their Space Marine cousins is the unique equipment any of these vehicles can get.

Still, many players are disappointed with the lack of Land Raider variations or access to Dreadclaw Drop Pods.

Before we dive in, let us look at the rules for the Chaos Space Marine tanks.

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What to look for...

--Chaos Rhino--

The Chaos Rhino hasn't changed much since the last time you saw it and some could say its role has been diminished. 6th edition has hit many transports hard, but none harder than the Rhino. From the new to-hit table for vehicles to Hull Points it is hard life for any Rhino. Luckily, the Chaos Rhino has the ability to become a cheap Razorback with more flexibility.

--Chaos Land Raider--

The Chaos Land Raider is still the cheapest Land Raider around, but costs 10 points more than before. As the only Assault Vehicle for Chaos Space Marines you might see them more than you expect. With the addition of units like Mutilators, the Chaos Land Raider does have its uses. The Chaos Land Raider is still the only Land Raider that can get a Dozer Blade and with the bonus of Dirge Caster it is still a great delivery system.

--Chaos Vindicator--

The Chaos Vindicator is the odd man out. You will find it hard to find a place for this tank; it doesn't use the Chaos Vehicle Equipment well and with Allies you can find better alternatives. The threat of Demolisher Cannon is always real, but in the current meta most opponents will find a way to shred off Hull Points and leave your Chaos Vindicator a burning hulk.

--Chaos Predator--

The Chaos Predator is cheaper, brought into line with other Predators in terms of cost. The key with the Chaos Predator is adding the Havoc Launcher which gives you four weapons to fire at your enemy and on the cheap. The Chaos Predator really takes advantage of the terrible costs of both the Defiler and Forgefiend.

--Chaos Vehicle Equipment--

For a better understanding, here is the complete Chaos Vehicle Equipment rules...

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Putting all together

So what happens when you want to take the old armored standards out for spin? Like everything it depends on what type of lists you want to run.

If you still love the MSU Rhinos with Havoc Launchers is the way to go. What about with Rhinos behind an Aegis Line, with Havoc Launchers, and a Chaos Space Marine unit with a Plasmagun and Lascannon all for only 222 pts? Talk about flexible. The Rhino is still very important because none of the Troop choices available to Chaos Space Marines are fast, so having a ride to objectives is still very important.

What about the Land Raider?

I know the Godhammer isn't sexy, but as the only Assault Vehicle how are you going to get Kharn and his Berserkers safely to the front lines? While taking Chaos Terminators with the Chaos Land Raider isn't optimal taking the 3+ armor save units is. The fun part is things like Palanquin Lords can fit in the Chaos Land Raider. If you're not relying on Bikers or Chaos Terminators as the hammer, taking a Chaos Land Raider should always be an option.

Like I said before the sadness of the Defiler and Forgefiend gives opportunity for the Predator. A Chaos Dakka Predator is only 107 points, a steal for eight shots and one blast template. You can even go cheaper with just the Autocannon and Havoc Launcher and sit at 48" and dink away at targets. The cheap Predator is a prime target for Destroyer Blades as well, because of the immunity to Krak grenades in the front.

As for the Vindicator I still have a hard time finding a spot for it, and that goes for in any army not named Blood Angels. The best way to run a Chaos Vindicator is at 145 points: immune to Dangerous Terrain tests, (for the most part) Shaken & Stunned, and has Armor Value 13. Perspective: that is still 35 points cheaper than a Forgefiend.

Final Thoughts...

Overall, the Chaos Space Marine tanks can be an integral part of many Chaos Space Marine lists. You will always find a use for a few Rhinos and sometimes a Land Raider. The fact that Games Workshop didn't provide any new versions of these old chassis will end up being a good thing in the end. All they did was balance the costs and add some fluffy equipment to the mix.

Reminder, it could've been a lot worse...