Discover the strategic playstyles of the Tau Empire in Warhammer 40k with our comprehensive guide, and learn how to master Riptides, Battlesuits, and the Farsight Enclaves tactics!
Updated December 27th, 2024, by Rob Baer with the latest information and links.
So, you’re eyeing the Tau Empire for your next Warhammer 40k adventure? Good choice. Known for their sleek battlesuits, high-tech weaponry, and a philosophy that’s equal parts teamwork and tactical domination, the Tau brings a unique flavor to the battlefield.
In this guide, we’re breaking down the ins and outs of their signature Kauyon and Mont’ka strategies—because, let’s face it, outsmarting your opponent is way more fun than brute-forcing your way to victory. Whether you’re new to the Greater Good or just looking to sharpen your edge, this is your chance to get the upper hand with Tau’s game-winning tactics. Let’s make that tabletop your proving ground.
Introduction to The Tau Empire
The Tau Empire is a faction in 40k that thrives on precision, technology, and teamwork. Rooted in the philosophy of the “Greater Good,” the Tau approach warfare with a blend of long-range firepower (perfect for staying away from armies like the Emperor’s Children) and tactical innovation. Whether you’re drawn to their sleek aesthetics or their strategic complexity, the Tau Empire in Warhammer 40k offers an exciting way to dominate the tabletop.
Playstyles of the Tau Empire
When it comes to playstyles, the Tau excels at ranged combat and tactical positioning. They aren’t the faction to charge headlong into battle; instead, they focus on controlling the battlefield with calculated strikes. Two core strategies define their approach: Kauyon, the Patient Hunter, and Mont’ka, the Killing Blow. Each emphasizes different aspects of their army’s strengths, allowing players to adapt their tactics to the situation.
Kauyon: The Patient Hunter
Kauyon, or “Patient Hunter,” is all about luring your opponent into a trap. This strategy rewards careful planning and methodical positioning. Your units pull back strategically, forcing your enemy to overextend and stumble into your kill zones. It’s a playstyle that leverages the Tau’s exceptional range, with units like Fire Warriors and Kroot hunting packs laying down a withering hail of firepower.
The Riptide battlesuit becomes a key asset here, acting as a durable anchor for your forces. Its heavy weaponry and resilience make it perfect for punishing foes who fall into your carefully set traps. Supporting units like drones add further depth to the strategy, boosting accuracy with markerlights and protecting your key assets from harm.
Mont’ka: The Killing Blow
For those moments when patience wears thin, Mont’ka provides a more aggressive alternative. Translating to “Killing Blow,” this strategy focuses on decisive, high-impact actions. Here, the Tau’s mobility comes into play, with Tau battlesuits such as Crisis suits and the Farsight Enclaves leading the charge. Mont’ka demands boldness, using overwhelming firepower to crush the enemy before they can react.
Crisis suits excel in this playstyle thanks to their ability to carry a wide variety of weapons and upgrades. Whether it’s plasma rifles for heavy armor or missile pods for versatile strikes, these units are the scalpel to the Riptide’s hammer. Meanwhile, the Warhammer 40k Tau Empire codex provides the tools to fine-tune your army for Mont’ka, ensuring that every unit plays a role in delivering the killing blow.
The Role of Key Units
At the heart of any successful Tau Empire Warhammer 40k army is its iconic units. The Riptide battlesuit stands out as a powerhouse, capable of taking on everything from hordes to heavy armor. Crisis suits, on the other hand, bring flexibility and tactical mobility, making them indispensable for adapting to changing battlefield conditions.
Even supporting units like Fire Warriors and drones play a critical role, providing a reliable base of fire and enhancing the effectiveness of your heavy hitters. Plus, Fire Warriors would be a great way to show off the Tau in the upcoming Cavill Amazon series!
Choosing between Kauyon and Mont’ka depends on your playstyle and the challenges you face, but one thing’s for sure: the Tau Empire offers the tools to dominate any engagement.
Strategies for Assembling a 40k Tau Empire Army
Creating an effective Tau Empire Warhammer 40k army starts with understanding their strengths. This faction thrives on synergy, with each unit supporting others in a coordinated web of destruction. Core infantry like Fire Warriors provide the backbone, delivering consistent long-range firepower. Meanwhile, units like Kroot hunting packs add flexibility, acting as scouts or disruptors in the early stages of the game.
The true stars, though, are the Tau battlesuits—sleek, customizable, and devastating on the battlefield. The Riptide battlesuit, for instance, offers unparalleled durability and heavy firepower, making it a reliable centerpiece for your army. Choosing the right mix of units depends on your preferred tactics, whether you favor Kauyon’s patient traps or Mont’ka’s aggressive strikes.
To start playing them, you will need a Codex book or access to a reference site like Wahapedia, or the official Warhammer 40k army builder app (subscription required for most up-to-date rules.)
Analyzing the Warhammer 40k Codex Tau Empire
The Warhammer 40k codex Tau Empire is your blueprint for success. It’s packed with detailed unit profiles, strategies, and upgrades tailored to the Tau’s playstyle. The codex emphasizes the importance of markerlights, drones, and support systems, which can transform your army from effective to nearly unstoppable.
If you’re leaning toward the renegade Farsight Enclaves, the codex provides options to build a force focused on aggressive tactics and close-range dominance. On the other hand, traditional Tau septs are ideal for players who prefer a balanced approach, combining overwhelming firepower with clever battlefield positioning.
Key Units and Upgrades
Every successful Tau Empire 40k list revolves around its key units. The Riptide battlesuit is a fan favorite, offering a devastating combination of firepower, mobility, and resilience. With upgrades like shield generators and advanced targeting systems, the Riptide can hold its own against anything from infantry swarms to heavy armor (perfect to combat the new DKoK).
Crisis suits are another must-have, prized for their adaptability. These Tau battlesuits can be equipped with a variety of weapons, from plasma rifles for heavy armor to burst cannons for infantry. Their jetpack mobility makes them perfect for repositioning and hitting hard where it counts.
Support units like drones and markerlights are vital for maximizing efficiency. Markerlights improve the accuracy of your ranged attacks, while drones provide protection and enhance your units’ survivability. Whether you’re defending a stronghold or launching an all-out assault, these elements ensure your army operates at peak efficiency.
In short, assembling a powerful Tau Empire Warhammer 40k army is all about balance, strategy, and leveraging the unique strengths of your units. By mastering the tools in the codex and choosing the right upgrades, you can turn the battlefield into a stage for the Greater Good.
Core Components of a Tau Army
The Tau Empire 40k is a faction like no other, built around high-tech weaponry, sleek design, and tactical supremacy. This isn’t the army for those who want to smash things with brute force. Instead, the Tau shine when they leverage their advanced units and careful planning to dominate the battlefield. From infantry to the iconic Riptide battlesuit, each element of the Tau army contributes to a master plan built on synergy and firepower.
Building a Tau Empire warhammer 40k force starts with understanding its essential parts. The backbone of any army lies in its infantry, like the reliable Fire Warriors, supported by a range of versatile units that excel at ranged combat. The Tau’s reliance on advanced technology means you’ll be fielding drones, markerlights, and jetpacks, creating a highly mobile and reactive force.
To capitalize on these strengths, Tau armies often revolve around maintaining strong lines of fire while staying out of reach of melee-focused opponents. Key units work together to ensure every shot counts, turning your army into a well-oiled machine of destruction.
Tau Battlesuits
Tau battlesuits are a hallmark of the faction, blending cutting-edge tech with devastating firepower. These mechanical marvels are as flexible as they are deadly, offering customizable weapon loadouts to adapt to any opponent. From Crisis suits to Ghostkeels, they bring unmatched versatility to your list.
Crisis suits are particularly beloved for their mobility and firepower. With jetpacks that let them zip across the battlefield, they can strike hard and reposition before the enemy can respond. Pair them with drones to boost survivability or markerlights to enhance their accuracy, and they become the ultimate tactical tool.
Riptide Battlesuit
The Riptide battlesuit is the undisputed heavy hitter of the Tau Empire. Towering over the battlefield, it combines durability with devastating firepower, making it a cornerstone of any competitive army. Its main weapon options, like the Heavy Burst Cannon or Ion Accelerator, can lay waste to infantry and vehicles alike.
Equipped with a Nova Reactor, the Riptide can push its systems to the limit, boosting its effectiveness when you need it most. Whether it’s tanking incoming fire or annihilating a key target, this battlesuit doesn’t just hold its ground—it dominates it.
Tau Empire Fire Warriors
No Tau army would be complete without Fire Warriors. These disciplined troops are the bread and butter of the faction, offering consistent firepower and the ability to hold objectives with confidence. Armed with Pulse Rifles or Carbines, their long-range attacks are a threat to anything that strays into their sights.
Fire Warriors shine when supported by markerlights, turning their already impressive firepower into a deadly barrage of precision shots. Positioned well, they can lock down key areas of the battlefield, forcing your opponent to think twice before advancing.
By understanding the interplay between infantry, battlesuits, and support systems, a Tau Empire 40k force can dominate from a distance, dismantling opponents before they even get close. Every unit has a role to play, and when they work together, the Tau deliver on their promise of the “Greater Good” with style.
Factions Within the Tau Empire
The Tau Empire in 40k is a fascinating faction filled with diverse cultures and subgroups, each adding unique flavor and strategy to your army. With their emphasis on high-tech weaponry, synergy, and a unified philosophy, the Tau offer a tactical haven for players who prefer brains over brawn. Among the standout factions within the empire are the renegade Farsight Enclaves and the enigmatic Tau Air Caste, each bringing their own twists to the Greater Good.
The Tau Empire in Warhammer 40k isn’t a monolithic entity. It’s a coalition of septs and species united under the philosophy of the Greater Good. From the stalwart defenders of traditional Tau culture to the rebellious Farsight Enclaves, the empire’s diversity allows players to tailor their armies to fit their playstyle.
Each faction offers distinct benefits and thematic elements, with specific rules and strategies outlined in the Warhammer 40k Tau Empire codex. Whether you’re fielding a sept brimming with traditionalist Fire Warriors or an enclave of renegade battlesuits, there’s a Tau force for every approach to the battlefield.
Farsight Enclaves
The Farsight Enclaves break away from the Tau Empire’s core philosophy, following Commander Farsight’s vision instead. These renegades reject the empire’s centralized leadership, relying on their own brand of warfare that emphasizes close-range dominance. This faction is all about aggression, with battlesuits and Crisis Teams at the forefront.
Crisis suits are iconic for the Enclaves, allowing players to create highly mobile strike teams that bring devastation wherever they land. The absence of traditional ethereal leadership means your forces rely more on raw firepower and tactical positioning. The Enclaves excel in the Mont’ka playstyle, favoring decisive, high-impact strikes that leave enemies reeling.
Tau Air Caste
The Tau Air Caste might not be the front-line warriors you think of when building an army, but their presence is undeniable. These skilled pilots dominate the skies, providing critical support and transport for the empire’s ground forces. From Orcas to Barracudas, Air Caste units add mobility and aerial firepower that complement the rest of the Tau arsenal.
Their contributions are pivotal in scenarios that require rapid repositioning or surgical strikes. Air Caste units work seamlessly with traditional Tau strategies, enabling armies to adapt to the flow of battle while maintaining superior range and positioning. Although they’re not directly represented on the tabletop as standalone units, the spirit of the Air Caste shines through in the empire’s fast-moving vehicles and transports.
The Big Picture
The beauty of the Tau Empire 40k lies in its variety. The Farsight Enclaves offer a more aggressive approach to warfare, emphasizing battlesuits and independence, while the Tau Air Caste represents the empire’s technological sophistication and mobility. Together, these factions showcase the depth of the Tau’s lore and strategy, making them a favorite for players who value precision and teamwork on the battlefield.
Tau Lore: Background and Overview
The Tau Empire 40k stands as a shining beacon of technological advancement and unity in the grim darkness of Warhammer’s far future. While other factions rely on sheer brutality, psychic powers, or ancient grudges, the Tau offer a more refined, tactical approach to galactic conquest. Rooted in their unique lore and the philosophy of the “Greater Good,” this faction blends science fiction themes with strategic gameplay, making them a standout choice for players.
The Tau are a young race by Warhammer standards, having risen to prominence in just a few millennia. Originating on their homeworld of T’au, they began as primitive tribes warring for survival. Their rapid evolution was catalyzed by the intervention of mysterious ethereal leaders who united the factions under the banner of the Greater Good philosophy.
This newfound unity sparked a meteoric rise in technology and societal organization. Soon, the Tau expanded across the stars, forming an empire that includes various species such as the Kroot and Vespid. Unlike many factions, the Tau embrace diplomacy—at least initially—offering other species the chance to join their cause. Of course, those who refuse often face the business end of a Riptide battlesuit.
Their lore sets them apart from Warhammer’s more chaotic or brutal factions. They’re not driven by religious fanaticism or ancient vendettas; instead, they pursue progress, unity, and the expansion of their empire. It’s an idealistic stance in a universe better known for its grim nihilism, making the Tau both fascinating and refreshing.
The Greater Good Philosophy
Central to Tau culture is the Greater Good philosophy, a collectivist ideology that emphasizes the needs of the many over individual desires. This belief is what unites the various septs and alien allies of the Tau Empire. It also serves as a moral justification for their actions, whether it’s bringing other species into the fold or annihilating those who resist.
The Greater Good isn’t without its complications, though. The Farsight Enclaves, for example, represent a significant departure from this philosophy. Commander Farsight, one of the Tau’s most legendary leaders, became disillusioned with the ethereals’ leadership and struck out on his own, creating a splinter faction that still adheres to Tau tactics but rejects the Greater Good’s more dogmatic elements.
In gameplay terms, this philosophy translates to the Tau’s focus on teamwork and synergy. Units like Tau battlesuits, Fire Warriors, and drones work in harmony to deliver precise and devastating blows. Markerlights improve accuracy, drones absorb incoming fire, and battlesuits like the Riptide dish out incredible damage, all while staying true to the ideals of unity and strategy.
Tau lore offers a rich backdrop for their unique playstyle. Their rise from tribal warfare to a galaxy-spanning empire reflects their adaptability and ingenuity, while the Greater Good philosophy shapes both their culture and their approach to battle. It’s this combination of lore and gameplay that makes the Tau Empire 40k a faction like no other.
Final Thoughts On Tau In Warhammer 40k
The Tau Empire 40k is one of the most unique factions in Warhammer, blending high-tech precision with a collectivist philosophy that emphasizes teamwork and strategy. From their innovative Tau battlesuits to their enigmatic Farsight Enclaves, the Tau offer players a mix of lore-rich storytelling and tactical gameplay that stands out in the Warhammer universe. With the faction’s emphasis on unity and progress, they’ve carved out a distinctive place in the galaxy—and on the tabletop.
FAQs
1. What makes the Tau Empire different in Warhammer 40k?
The Tau Empire stands apart due to its focus on advanced technology, long-range firepower, and strategic coordination. Unlike many other factions, they lack psychic powers and heavy melee units, instead relying on precision strikes and support systems like drones and markerlights to dominate the battlefield.
2. What are the Farsight Enclaves?
The Farsight Enclaves are a splinter group of the Tau Empire, led by Commander Farsight. While they share the Tau’s love of battlesuits and tactical warfare, they’ve rejected the ethereal leadership and the strict collectivism of the Greater Good. This faction is perfect for players who prefer a more independent and aggressive playstyle.
3. How important are Tau battlesuits in the game?
Tau battlesuits are central to the faction’s gameplay and identity. From the versatile Crisis suits to the imposing Riptide battlesuit, these units deliver firepower, mobility, and adaptability. They can be tailored to fit any strategy, making them a must-have for any Tau Empire warhammer 40k army.
4. Are Kroot still relevant in the Tau Empire?
Yes, Kroot hunting packs add versatility to the Tau’s lineup. These alien allies provide scouting, melee options, and a thematic connection to the Tau’s inclusivity. While not as technologically advanced as the Tau themselves, Kroot units fill important tactical gaps in an otherwise ranged-focused army.
The Future of 40k Tau Empire in Warhammer
The Tau Empire in Warhammer 40k continues to evolve, both in lore and gameplay. As new codex updates and expansions release, the faction grows in depth and variety. The introduction of more powerful units, like the Riptide battlesuit, and ongoing developments in their lore, such as the exploration of the Farsight Enclaves, keep the Tau relevant and exciting for players.
Looking forward, the Tau’s focus on technology and innovation positions them as a faction with endless potential. As the Warhammer 40k universe becomes even grimmer, the Tau’s contrasting ideals of unity and progress will continue to make them a compelling and dynamic choice for players seeking a faction that combines firepower, strategy, and rich storytelling.
Warhammer 40k Factions Explained: A Complete Guide to Every Army
What do you think about the Tau Empire, with Riptides, Battlesuits, and the Farsight Enclaves in Warhammer 40k? Do you like the playstyle and units in 40k?
About the Author: Travis Pasch
Travis Pasch
Job Title: Head Writer & Editor
Socials: @paschbass
About Travis Pasch: Travis has been a Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the 1990s, playing the game since Third Edition. Through extensive traveling, he’s seen a lot of the miniatures hobby from across the world, giving him a unique perspective on the latest gaming topics and trends.
Travis’s brother even owns a commission painting studio, where he’s picked up a lot of good advice and techniques for painting Warhammer and tabletop miniatures over the years, as well. Travis joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the lead writer since 2020.
Currently, he’s working on converting all his 40k Adeptus Mechanicus models and becoming a true tech enjoyer, complete with both sad and happy robot noises!
