With the state of the world as it is, there isn’t a lot of opportunity to play real live 40k, obviously. So we are left with virtual options.
This poses challenges and opportunities. Since I’m not a millionaire and I like going to tournaments, I have to build up my collection slowly, and with models I think will be effective in competitive games. This doesn’t leave a ton of leeway to try crazy builds that may end up being pretty competitive! Here are a couple of lists I am going to play that I wouldn’t have had the models are inclination to do so pre-quarantine.
1: The Wraith Rush
This is a pure comedy list that I’ve actually played virtually. I did not go so well, but It was a blast to play.
Iyanden Supreme Command:
- Wraithseer
- Wraithseer
- Wraithseer
Iyanden Spearhead
- Farseer Skyrunner (Psytronome of Iyanden)
- Avatar of Khaine
- Wraithlord w/ Ghostglaive
- Wraithlord w/ Ghostglaive
- Wraithlord w/ Ghostglaive
Iyanden Super-Heavy Detachment
- Wraithknight w/Wraithcannons
- Wraithknight w/Wraithcannons
- Wraithknight w/Wraithcannons
So, this list is silly. Especially with the Avatar of Khaine. The thing I took away from playing this army is Wraithknights are still really bad, but Wraithlords and Wraithseers are really good. They’re fairly costed and have a sturdiness that most Eldar Units lack. I think you could drop the Wraithknights and pick up some Guardian Defenders to double down on the tough aspect of the army.
Normally, I would be concerned about Guardians being wrapped in combat, but the Wraith Constructs can take advantage of the Psytronome to get a crazy number of attacks for one turn to help deal with that problem. Additionally, you can take a few smite characters to help dig your guys out of combat. This is what I mean by testing opportunities. Normally, I wouldn’t put all this on the table, but with virtual 40k you can find out new and interesting ways to play.
Next up we have a pure Harlequins! I derived this list from Eldar Wizard Jack Harpster. I actually think this list is pretty badass and could be competitive with the right matchups. It’s certainly capable of going 4-1 at a GT.
2. Attack of the Killer Clowns
Frozen Stars Battalion
- Shadowseer (Warlord)
- Troupe Master (Kiss)
- 11 Players (3 Kiss, 3 Caress)
- 11 Players (3 Kiss, 3 Caress)
- 5 Players
Frozen Stars Battalion
- Shadowseer (Warlord)
- Troupe Master (Kiss)
- 11 Players (3 Kiss, 3 Caress)
- 10 Players (3 Kiss, 3 Caress)
- 5 Players
- Solitaire
Frozen Stars Outrider
- Yvraine
- 5 Skyweavers (5 Haywire Cannons, 5 Zephyrglaives)
- 5 Skyweavers (5 Haywire Cannons, 4 Zephyrglaives)
- 5 Skyweavers (5 Haywire Cannons, 4 Zephyrglaives)
I’ve played some games with the Harlequin Troupes and been very impressed. They kill quite a lot as Frozen Stars. With 5 attacks each, reroll to wound from their Troupe Master, and a +1 to wound stratagem a big unit can threaten most infantry units. And for very hard targets this list has quite a bit of Smite from Yvraine and the two Shadowseers.
The Skyweavers can handle most vehicles as well, and the whole army is blindingly fast. I think a lot of playing this army will be a cat and mouse style patience game, and once the enemy gets in range of your forces you can pounce. It’s also a pretty solid amount of bodies for Eldar, and everyone has a 4++. All the Troupes will be getting -1 to wound from their Shadowseers which can make them deceptively tough.
I’ve been looking for some positives in this crazy time and virtual 40k has been one of them. It lets me try ideas I never thought I would have the time to play, and it removes the burden of money from testing ideas. It’s a pretty pure testing environment where creativity is boundless. It also helps me connect with people in quarantine-land. At the end of the day, it’s going to fuel my list building and help me decide which models I want to buy once al of this is over. Stay Strong and keep gaming everyone!
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