After seeing the new datasheets in the Space Marines and Necron Codexes GW could very well be ushering in a horde meta in 9th Edition 40k.
We’ve seen Necrons and Primaris at the forefront of the focus in 9th Edition for what seems to be months now. From all-new units inside Indomitus to newly emerged datasheets on units for both factions, GW has been busy bringing new toys into the mix. On that note, there seems to be a heavy focus on killing armor. But is it possible that the reaction from this shift is less elite style units on the table, and in fact it ushers in a whole horde type meta (on that teenie table)?
The Rise of The Horde Meta in 9th Edition 40k
Before we jump into the details, it’s important to note that Space Marines are by far the most-played faction competitively. With new releases just about every month, it looks like GW may have no plans on jumping off the gravy train either. With that said, there were 3 new tank hunters revealed for the Primaris within the span of a few weeks.
Let’s rapid-fire their datasheets.
LOL Eradicators.
Starting with Eradicators, they come with 24″ melta rifles. But thanks to Total Obliteration, a max-strength squad can basically pump out six S8 melta shots. In case you were thinking they wouldn’t be all that popular, there have been tournament lists emerging in top 3 spamming the max number of these guys.
Sure we know now that they can’t advance and shoot twice, but with the Steady advance Stratagem, it kinda doesn’t matter. Plus with other Strats like Unyielding in the Face of the Foe, and ye olde Transhuman Physiology, changes are dislodging these face-melters is going to be hard.
Invader ATV Squad (yes they mean it)
Moving on, we’ve got Invader ATV datasheets with a new multi-melta. Instead of rerolling damage within half-range, you just roll D6+2. A single ATV has a potential of 16 damage if the dice roll perfectly. Looking at the unit itself, it also moves 14″ and the gun already has a 24″ range. That means that’s a 38″ threat range on that little guy.
Considering that maps also got smaller, it should be easy to ride up and kill armor. Riding in squads of 1-3 that’s six Multi Melta shots to the dome. Plus you can still use Transhuman Physiology, on them to keep the enemy from wounding them as easy, and even bring a whole model back for free with an Apothecary kitted out with Selfless Healer warlord trait (or heal 3 straight wounds) because this bad boy is PRIMARIS.
This is My Boom-Stick I mean Servo-Turret
Finally, we’ve got the Firestrike Servo Turret. Looking at the armor-killing wargear, this las-talon has four shots and the turret itself hits on a 2+. That means that’s a potential of 24 damage. Although it only has a 24″ range and the turret basically doesn’t move at all, it’s entirely a defensive unit (duh). But to the players running Gallants (and Gallant equivalents) forward, RIP.
So there we go. That’s three units that have the potential to melt through armor like a hot knife through butter. As Knights and Repulsor Executioners have been staples in the meta, we could be seeing Space Marine lists spam all sorts of different combinations of these units in the future.
Given some time, we may see factions like Orks, Tyranids, and GSC rise up and be the real winners of the meta. Or perhaps more Infantry based fast-moving multiple small unit lists with heavy rates of fire and low AP.
Watch your six out there!
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What do you think about GW’s heavy focus on killing armor within the Primaris line? Do you think these units could be the death of Knights and other tank lists in 9th Edition?
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About the Author: Wesley Floyd
