Today let’s take a look at some basics of how to play and get started with Warhammer 40k Raven Guard. The masters of stealth!
The Raven Guard are a precise and stealthy Chapter of the Adeptus Astartes. As one of the First Founding Chapters, the Raven Guard have the distinct character of their Primarch, Corax. On the tabletop, the chapter fights with sneaky deployment and exacting combat.
Below we offer some tips on how to play the army and get started with the army.
Who Are The Raven Guard?
The Raven Guard were the XIX Legion of the original Space Marine Legions. Their Primarch is Corvus Corax . Their homeworld is Deliverance (originally named Lycaeus), a moon which orbits the Hive World Kiavahr. The Legion was devastated at the outbreak of the Horus Heresy and survived only by the most desperate of measures. The Chapter specializes in guerrilla warfare, moving behind enemy lines with unrivaled stealth, and striking with precise application of force.
They are known for hitting weak points in enemy defences hard and they perform lightning strikes upon locations of tactical importance to cripple their enemy. The Raven Guard disdain the notion of recklessly charging into enemy ranks. The Chapter relies heavily on their Scouts for pinpointing enemy positions and to scout for good drop sites. Because of their hit and run tactics they also make extensive use of Assault Squads.
Why Play Raven Guard
The Raven Guard bring everything we should expect from a Space Marine chapter, while being as stealthy and tricksy as an Aeldari. They also have a great character, totally unique to their chapter.
Strengths of the Army
- Deployment options.
- Fun play style.
- Versatility.
Weakness of the Army
- Like most marines, an elite army with relatively few bodies.
- Not the greatest Chapter options (stratagems/Relics/Psychic powers).
Raven Guard Signature Rules
The army has a number of special rules. But the key ones to remember are:
- Shadow Masters – The Raven Guard Chapter Tactic gives them improved cover saves (including cover in the open) at long ranges (over 18″).
- Surgical Strike – Very situational, this gives plus one to hit and wound versus Characters when the Tactical Doctrine is active.
What to Buy
The Raven Guard are a Supplemental Codex, being an offshoot of the Space Marines faction. The army can consist of many units taken from both books, giving you a huge amount of variety. To play the army you will need BOTH Codex: Raven Guard, and Codex: Space Marines.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
Get Tabletop, RPG & Pop Culture news delivered directly to your inbox.
Key Faction Units To Know
The army has the immense Space Marine unit roster. Knowing what units to take make use of the Chapter’s rules can be tricky. Here are some suggestions to get you off on the right track.
1. Kayvann Shrike
An iconic Raven Guard hero and Chapter Master of the Chapter, Shrike is a melee based character who enhances Phobos and Assault Marines
2. Eliminator Squad
Eliminator Squads are one of the best equipped to take advantage of the Surgical Strikes ability. Enemy characters beware.
3. Vanguard Veterans
Elite Firstborn close combat Veterans, Vanguard can take advantage of Raven Guard tactics to get in close. Double advantage is you can use the awesome Forgeworld Raven Guard Dark Fury models!
4. Primaris Intercessors
Like all Space Marines Chapters, a core of Primaris Intercessor Troop choices is never a bad way to go.
5. Primaris Inceptors
Mobile firepower, Inceptors can be equipped for any job.
Sample Starter Army
Patrol Detachment
HQ: Shrike. 1 Model. He is equipped with: Blackout; the Raven’s Talons; frag grenades; krak grenades.- 135 pts
Troop: Primaris Intercessors. Ten Models. Every model is equipped with: bolt pistol; bolt rifle; frag grenades; krak grenades. – 200 pts
Troop: Primaris Intercessors. Five Models. Every model is equipped with: bolt pistol; bolt rifle; frag grenades; krak grenades. – 100 pts
Fast Attack: Attack Bike. 1 Model. It is equipped with: bolt pistol; multi-melta; twin boltgun; frag grenades; krak grenades. – 60 pts
Total: 495 pts.
Victorus Aut Mortis
Latest News From BoLS:
Read more at this site