I am working on a few list ideas and after listening to friends and a number of podcasts I have started working on a few items that lists should cover. A while ago, I posted a list from a friend that covers what you should build into your lists for Warmachine. It was a great idea and something that translates well into 40k.
In the past, most of my lists weren't really "all comers". I think that is the main problem I have been having at tournaments. My lists do one or two things really well and fall apart if someone can neutralize that or worse brings something that I didn't plan for. This list below shows what I need to cover to have a all comers list:
- Cheap Durable Scoring Units: Usually 1 per 500 points. I say durable and that is really a key part. If a well placed baleflamer hits it will it be off the points. Cheap is also key but sort of relative.
- Something to Deal with Hordes/Blobs: The new norm now for a lot of armies.
- Something to Deal with LOW AV (10-12): Transports, a lot of IG vehicles, and the like.
- AV 13 and 14: There aren't a lot but CronAir has 13 until they take a pen. Landraiders are making a comeback. What do you have to effectively deal with them?
- Monstrous Creatures: Be it Tyranids, Daemons, GK or Tau. You need to deal with them.
- Flyers: Can you deal with them or ignore them?
In the weeks to follow, I plan on taking my lists and seeing how they stack up to this. Both in the initial building phase and the actual test phase. If I think of any new items or modifications, I will be sure to add them. You know what they say, "No plan survives contact with the enemy."