It’s Like Tactics: Kommandos Review

Readers of my previous tactics will notice a few changes to how these reviews are presented. Now you will find is a break down each unit into five broad categories.

Utility

Kommandos are the only Ork with Infiltrate and the only unit that can take Burnas outside of well Burna Boyz. It gives Kommandos a tactical flexibility no other Ork unit has, and with Snikrot some additional tricks. Kommandos always serve a disruptive role in any Ork army, forcing your opponent to think before committing. 

Cost

Kommandos haven't gone down in price in any way, shape, or form. At 10 points apiece you really cannot ask for much more though. Kommandos are great for this price, especially with the weapon options available. What did make Kommandos cheaper though is Snikrot is now 15 points less, so for most unit configurations this is a big deal.

Speed

Like most Infiltrators, speed comes in the deployment phase, where they can start in a position deep behind enemy lines. Once on the board though they are just as fast any other Ork, with one major exception. Since they have Move Through Cover their movement and charges are generally longer than other Orks, making them effective at moving across any terrain placed in front of them.

Assaulty

Assault for most Ork units is where Kommandos really shine. They have the standard Ork profile, but can take the all purpose Burna making them deadly against most opponents. Kommandos can also take a HQ Mek for some added punch, but the biggest change is Snikrot doesn't take up your Nob slot, so it means you no are no longer hanging without a Power Claw.

Shooty

Kommandos are marginally better shooters than most Orks, because oft repeated Burnas. Other than the Burnas you can take Rokkits and other ineffectual weapons, but without extra Power Weapons their is little to no justification.

-- Kommandos Army Templates--

Boss Snikrot's Red Skull Kommandos Formation List

Kommando Combined Arms Detachment List

Kommando Great Waaagh! Detachment List

Kommando Ork Horde Detachment List

Kommandos Allied Detachment List

Formations

Boss Snikrot's Red Skull Kommandos: If you have the models, I don't see why you wouldn't use this Formation. With the Sneaky Gitz ability Kommandos are at worse will be getting 5+ re-roll save on the first round they arrive. This Formation will no doubt mess with your opponents deployment, just remember everyone has to come in from the same table edge, meaning your opponent could deny a board edge easily. This Formation is at its most effective when other units can apply pressure forcing your opponent into an ever smaller box. It is great against armies that rely on mobility to be effective. 

Detachments

Ork Horde Detachment: This Detachment is not the best for Kommandos, the extra HQ slot doesn't do much when you can't Infiltrate together. It leaves your Kommandos with the role of damage soaking as your get your heavy hitters closer to your opponent. At best they are distraction or a late objective grab if ignored.

Great Waaagh! Detachment: If you are looking to save some points, you can't really go wrong with filling your required Elite slot with Kommandos. Great Waaagh!Detachment can pride themselves on multiple deployment options, Kommandos fit right in, leaving your opponent not knowing where any of your units will be coming from.

Final Thoughts...

Overall, Kommandos are not back to the heights of playability they once had with 5th edition, but they still provide a tactical advantage no other Ork unit has. Their damage output has increased with the various character you can attach, but the problem and one all Ork units has is how exactly do you get them safety into Assault without being picked apart from shooting.