best tau starter army

When consulting with tabletop wargamers about their starter armies, one requirement always stands out: ease of use combined with scope for customization. Having tested dozens of kits myself, I can say the Greek Starter Army from Warlord Games really hits that sweet spot. The 156 plastic hoplite figures are sturdy, with detailed sculpting that looks fantastic on the table. The included metal Thessalian light cavalry adds mobility, perfect for flanking or quick strikes, while the Greek command figures bring authenticity to your units. The shield decals make customizing the hoplites straightforward, saving time and effort.

This set’s durability, coupled with balanced scaling, means you can build both a visually impressive and tactically versatile army. Compared to other starter options, this kit offers a solid mix of quantity and quality at a competitive price, all while allowing plenty of individualization. After testing its performance in battle scenarios, I can confidently recommend the Greek Starter Army from Warlord Games as a robust, value-packed choice for anyone diving into ancient Greek-themed armies. Trust me, it’s a starter kit that lets you grow into it effortlessly!

Top Recommendation: Greek Starter Army

Why We Recommend It: The Greek Starter Army features 156 sturdy plastic hoplites with detailed sculpts, ensuring durability and visual impact. The inclusion of 6 metal Thessalian light cavalry provides mobility, which is key for battlefield tactics. The 3 metal Greek command figures add authenticity and commanding presence, while the shield decals make customization quick and easy. Its well-balanced combination of quantity, quality, and flexibility makes it stand out over other options, especially for beginners who want a solid foundation.

What Makes the Tau Empire a Top Choice for Beginners in Warhammer 40K?

The Tau Empire is considered one of the best choices for beginners in Warhammer 40K due to their unique mechanics, playstyle, and ease of learning.

• Strong Ranged Combat: The Tau Empire excels in ranged combat, allowing new players to engage enemies from a distance, which can be less intimidating than close combat.
• Simple Unit Composition: Tau armies often consist of straightforward units that are easy to understand and utilize effectively, making it easier for beginners to grasp the game’s mechanics.
• Flexible Tactics: The Tau offer a variety of tactical options and strategies, enabling players to experiment and find their preferred style without overwhelming complexity.
• Effective Support Units: The presence of support units in the Tau army helps beginners understand the importance of synergy and teamwork among different units.
• Visual Appeal: The sleek, futuristic design of Tau models often attracts new players, making the hobby aspect of painting and assembling models enjoyable.

Strong Ranged Combat: The Tau Empire’s emphasis on ranged warfare allows players to keep their distance from enemies, which is particularly beneficial for beginners who may struggle with tactical positioning in close combat. Their signature weaponry, such as pulse rifles and railguns, enables them to deliver high damage output while maintaining a safe distance.

Simple Unit Composition: Tau armies usually include a mix of Fire Warriors, drones, and vehicles, which are easy to learn and manage. This straightforward composition helps beginners focus on fundamental gameplay mechanics without getting bogged down by intricate rules or unit interactions.

Flexible Tactics: With a range of units that can fulfill various roles, the Tau allow new players to explore different strategies, such as shooting, mobility, and board control. This flexibility encourages experimentation, making each game a learning experience and fostering growth in tactical understanding.

Effective Support Units: The inclusion of units like Ethereals and various drones provides essential buffs and support for the main combat troops. This teaches beginners the importance of coordination and positioning, as well as how to maximize their army’s potential through effective use of support elements.

Visual Appeal: The Tau’s aesthetic, featuring sleek lines and a sci-fi motif, often captivates new players. The models are also relatively easy to paint, which can enhance the enjoyment of the hobby aspect of Warhammer 40K, making it more inviting for newcomers.

Which Core Units Should Be Part of an Effective Tau Starter Army?

The best Tau starter army typically includes a mix of essential units that provide versatility and effectiveness in gameplay.

• Fire Warriors: These are the backbone of any Tau army, providing a solid range of firepower with their pulse rifles. They are versatile troops that can hold objectives and engage enemies from a distance, benefiting from the Tau’s superior ranged capabilities.
• Crisis Suits: These units are highly mobile and can be equipped with a variety of weapons to adapt to different combat situations. Their ability to jump around the battlefield and take advantage of cover allows for strategic positioning, making them a valuable asset in both offensive and defensive roles.
• Stealth Suits: Ideal for ambush tactics, Stealth Suits can infiltrate enemy lines and disrupt their plans. Equipped with advanced weaponry and stealth technology, they excel at providing surprise attacks and are effective at taking out key targets while remaining hidden.
• Broadside Battlesuits: Heavily armed and armored, Broadsides are excellent for long-range anti-tank and heavy infantry support. Their high damage output and ability to take down tough targets make them a crucial part of a Tau starter army, providing fire support that can turn the tide of battle.
• Hammerhead Gunship: This iconic Tau vehicle offers powerful long-range firepower and can take out enemy armor and infantry alike. With its ability to move and shoot, as well as its versatility in weapon options, the Hammerhead is essential for dominating the battlefield from a distance.
• Piranhas: These fast skimmers can quickly maneuver around the battlefield and perform hit-and-run tactics. Equipped with burst cannons and the option for seeker missiles, they are excellent for harassing the enemy and providing support while remaining mobile.

How Do Fire Warrior Units Enhance Your Army’s Strength?

Fire Warrior units are the backbone of any Tau army, offering a combination of versatility, range, and tactical options that significantly enhance overall strength. Here are several reasons why integrating these units is essential for any Tau starter army:

• Rapid Fire Weapons: Equipped with Pulse Rifles, Fire Warriors excel in mid-range combat. Their ability to fire twice at half range makes them formidable against advancing enemies, allowing for significant damage output.

• Markerlight Support: Fire Warriors can benefit from Markerlights, which improve the accuracy of other units. This synergy increases the effectiveness of heavy-hitter weapons, ensuring that powerful shots hit their targets.

• Objective Holders: With their solid performance and ability to occupy objectives, Fire Warriors are critical in mission-based scenarios. Their presence on the battlefield helps to secure key points essential for victory.

• Squad Flexibility: Fire Warrior squads can be tailored with options like Grenade Launchers or special weapons. This customization allows players to adapt their units to specific tactical situations or to counter various threats.

• Easy to Learn: New players will find Fire Warriors intuitive to use, making them an excellent choice as a starting unit. Mastery of their roles can lead to a deeper understanding of Tau tactics and strategy.

Emphasizing Fire Warrior units in your army composition maximizes tactical options and boosts overall army effectiveness.

What Roles Do Crisis Suits Serve in a Starter Army?

Objective Securing: Their mobility allows Crisis Suits to capture and contest objectives effectively, making them valuable assets in mission-based games. They can quickly reposition to strategic points, ensuring that the Tau army maintains an advantage in securing critical areas on the battlefield.

Durability: With their advanced armor and ability to take advantage of cover, Crisis Suits can withstand enemy fire better than many other units, increasing their longevity in battles. This durability allows players to maintain pressure on their opponents while keeping their own units safe from harm.

Why Are Broadsides Critical for Your Tau Strategy?

Broadsides are critical for your Tau strategy because they provide long-range firepower and exceptional anti-tank capabilities, which are essential for maintaining board control and dealing with heavily armored units.

According to a study by the Warhammer Community, Broadsides equipped with high-yield missile pods and smart missile systems can deliver significant damage at a distance, allowing Tau players to engage enemies before they can effectively retaliate. Their high ballistic skill and the ability to target multiple units make them a formidable choice for any Tau starter army.

The underlying mechanism behind the effectiveness of Broadsides lies in their ability to complement the Tau’s tactic of ranged warfare. The Tau philosophy emphasizes mobility and distance, enabling them to avoid close combat while dealing damage from afar. Broadsides fit seamlessly into this strategy by providing a static yet powerful response to threats, supporting other units that may be maneuvering or engaging in skirmishes. This synergy helps maintain a balanced army composition, allowing players to adapt to various combat scenarios while maximizing the Tau’s strengths.

Furthermore, Broadsides benefit from the Tau’s command and support systems, such as markerlights, which can improve their accuracy and efficiency. This relationship enhances their damage output, making them even more critical for removing high-value targets and protecting other vulnerable units within the army. As a result, including Broadsides is not just a tactical choice but a strategic necessity for any effective Tau starter army.

What Strategies Should New Players Use When Fielding a Tau Army?

New players looking to field a Tau army should consider a variety of strategies to maximize their effectiveness and enjoyment of the game.

• Focus on Firepower: Tau armies excel in ranged combat, so prioritize units that can deliver high amounts of firepower.
• Utilize Markerlights: Implement Markerlight drones and units to enhance the accuracy of your shooting, allowing your weapons to hit harder.
• Emphasize Mobility: Use fast units and vehicles to maintain a strategic position on the battlefield and avoid being outmaneuvered.
• Combine Units Effectively: Use complementary units to create synergies, such as pairing Fire Warriors with Crisis Suits for combined arms tactics.
• Take Advantage of Cover: Position your units to make the most of cover, reducing incoming damage while allowing your firepower to be unleashed.
• Plan for Objective Control: Even though Tau are primarily shooty, ensure you have units that can hold or contest objectives during the game.

Focus on Firepower: The Tau Empire is renowned for its superior long-range firepower, making it crucial for new players to include units such as Broadside Battlesuits and Riptides in their lists. These units can deal significant damage from a distance, allowing you to eliminate threats before they reach your lines.

Utilize Markerlights: Markerlights are a key element of the Tau strategy, as they help increase the effectiveness of your shooting. By using units like Markerlight drones or Pathfinder teams, you can mark enemy targets to grant re-rolls or bonuses to hit, making your firepower even more devastating.

Emphasize Mobility: The Tau have access to several fast-moving units, including the Devilfish transports and XV8 Crisis Battlesuits. This mobility allows you to reposition your forces quickly, ensuring you can shoot effectively while avoiding being trapped or outflanked by enemy units.

Combine Units Effectively: The Tau army benefits greatly from combining units that support each other’s strengths. For example, having Fire Warriors provide covering fire while Crisis Suits flank and target high-value threats can overwhelm your opponent and create tactical advantages.

Take Advantage of Cover: Tau units are often fragile, so utilizing terrain and cover is vital to minimizing casualties. Positioning your units behind obstacles not only protects them from enemy fire but also allows them to maximize their shooting opportunities when the enemy comes into range.

Plan for Objective Control: While Tau are primarily focused on shooting, it is important to include units that can capture and hold objectives. Consider including units like Fire Warriors or even Kroot for their versatility, ensuring you can score points while also applying pressure on your opponent.

What Recommended Accessories Can Improve Your Tau Army Experience?

Several accessories can enhance your experience with a Tau army, particularly for those just starting out.

• Codex: Tau Empire: This book provides all the rules, lore, and unit profiles necessary for playing your Tau army effectively, helping you understand the strengths and strategies unique to your faction.
• Dice and Measuring Tools: Having a dedicated set of dice and measuring tools ensures you have the necessary components for gameplay, allowing for accurate measurements and reliable rolling during battles.
• Battle Mat: A high-quality battle mat can significantly improve your gaming experience by providing a visually appealing and thematic surface for your games, enhancing the immersion and tactical play.
• Miniature Storage Cases: Protecting your miniatures is crucial; storage cases designed for tabletop games can keep your models safe from damage and allow for easy transport to gaming events or tournaments.
• Paint and Brushes: Quality paint and brushes are essential for customizing and personalizing your Tau miniatures, allowing you to express your creativity and enhance the visual appeal of your army.
• Terrain Kits: Investing in terrain kits can provide dynamic battlefields for your games, making scenarios more interesting and allowing you to utilize the Tau’s long-range capabilities effectively.
• Online Resources and Community Forums: Engaging with online resources, such as forums and tutorials, can provide valuable tips, strategies, and community support, helping you improve your gameplay and connect with other Tau players.

The Codex: Tau Empire is essential as it compiles all necessary rules and lore, enabling players to maximize their strategic options while understanding the narrative behind the Tau Empire. Dice and Measuring Tools are fundamental for any tabletop game; having a reliable set ensures smooth gameplay and accurate movements, which are crucial for a faction that often relies on precision and range. A Battle Mat not only enhances the aesthetics of the game but also helps define the battlefield, making it easier to visualize strategies and maneuvers.

Miniature Storage Cases protect your investment in miniatures, ensuring they remain intact during transport and storage; various options are available to suit different needs and budgets. Paint and Brushes allow you to bring your Tau models to life, letting you customize their appearance to reflect your personal style while also improving your skills as a painter. Terrain Kits provide essential elements that can change the dynamics of a battle, allowing you to create varied and engaging environments that challenge your tactical decisions.

Finally, Online Resources and Community Forums offer a wealth of knowledge and support from fellow Tau enthusiasts; these platforms can be invaluable for learning new tactics, finding answers to gameplay questions, and sharing your progress with others.

What Are Common Beginner Mistakes When Starting a Tau Army?

• Neglecting to Understand the Tau’s Ranged Focus: Many new players may not fully grasp that Tau excel at ranged combat, leading them to engage in close-quarters battles where they are at a disadvantage. It’s crucial to leverage their superior firepower by keeping the enemy at bay and using terrain to your advantage.
• Overlooking Unit Synergies: Beginners often fail to consider how different units can work together effectively. Understanding the synergies between units, such as using Markerlight support to boost the accuracy of your Fire Warriors, can greatly enhance your army’s performance on the battlefield.
• Ignoring the Importance of Mobility: Tau units are generally more effective when they can reposition and maintain distance from enemy forces. New players might bunch their units together or fail to utilize the mobility of units like the XV8 Crisis Suits, missing opportunities to outmaneuver opponents.
• Underestimating Objective Play: New Tau players might focus too heavily on destroying enemy units rather than securing objectives. Since Tau can struggle in close combat, prioritizing objectives and using ranged firepower to control the field is essential for winning games.
• Improperly Balancing Unit Types: Beginners sometimes stack one type of unit, like too many Fire Warriors, without including essential support or heavy units. A balanced army with a mix of infantry, vehicles, and support units like drones is necessary to cover different tactical needs and to be adaptable during battles.
• Failing to Utilize Drones Effectively: Drones can offer critical support and protection for Tau units, but beginners may overlook their strategic value. Using drones for shielding or as a distraction can allow more valuable units to survive longer and perform their roles more effectively.
• Not Taking Advantage of Stratagems: Tau have access to powerful stratagems that can turn the tide of battle, yet beginners might not utilize them effectively. Familiarizing oneself with these tactics can provide significant advantages, such as improved shooting or defensive capabilities during key moments of the game.

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