They may both be games tied into the same lore, but the meta is totally different. Let’s look at the rules differences between Horus Heresy’s 30k, and Warhammer 40k.
If you play both 30k and 40k, you’ll agree that they are two completely different games. They have their own unique metas that some would argue is better than the other. If you haven’t played a single match of either game, that’s completely okay! We’re going to break everything down.
The Meta of Horus Heresy Vs. 8th Edition 40k
30k is currently in a meta of heavy duty transports. But we aren’t just talking about any ol’ thing on tracks. We mean the big bad Land Raider Spartan. This behemoth can transport 25 guys and comes loaded with two quad lascannon sponsons and a twin-linked heavy bolter. It also sits at 14 armor all the way around with extra armor and armored Ceramite upgrades available.
Remember that 30k doesn’t have Toughness characteristics for their vehicles. 30k is scaled to where if something is tough enough, a regular bolter can’t hurt it. (and rightfully so). You don’t see M1 Abrams tanks being taken out by 300 rifle rounds. It shouldn’t be that way in a game designed about intricate warfare either.
So not only is this thing tough as nails and can spew out massive amounts of tank-busting firepower, but it can hold that core unit to your army and get them where they need to be. Slap some characters with Terminators or maybe a melee blender like Templar Brethren for Imperial Fists and let them loose at point-blank range from the enemy.
Keep in mind that the transport is usually being helped out by backfield artillery or escorted by something like bikes. The important thing here is that there are no screens! Mainly because they don’t work. 30k forces players to pull models closest to whatever is killing them.
8th Edition 40k: Screen ’em & Cream ’em
8th edition 40k is a totally different beast. Since the recent FAQ, screening units have never been more powerful. Looking into almost any competitive list, you will see SOMETHING getting screened. Imperial Guard will hold back everything the Galaxy has to offer just to keep that Castellan out of combat.
As annoying as that sounds, it gets even worse. Flying units can’t charge over the 5-6ft REGULAR HUMAN BEINGS and deal with the issue. Instead, they use all of their wisdom and tactical genius to land right in front of the REGULAR HUMAN BEINGS and charge headlong on-foot.
The first wave of Guardsmen marching to hold back an army of Bloodletters (m.41 Colorized)
Think we’re done? Oh no. The player with the screen from hell also gets to pull his units off in any place they want. That means that you can’t just hack and cleave your way to the problem. Instead, the player will pull about 10-15 models out from the center and keep you locked up in those REGULAR HUMAN BEINGS.
Bottom line, as of right now, it looks like 40k is in a meta where opponents try to out-cheese each other with units and tactical high-speed model removing. 30k feels more like a war that has shifting sides. I would strongly recommend a game of 30k to anyone getting into the tabletop world.
If you’re a die-hard 40k fan, you might discover that 30k is a breath of fresh air.
What do you think about the meta in 40k? How do you like 30k? Which game fits your playstyle the most? Let us know in the comments of our Facebook Hobby Group.
About the Author: Wesley Floyd
