The latest episode of Battle Report from Warhammer TV is a Kill Team showdown between the Tempestus Aquilons and Vespid Stingwings, and it’s free to watch on YouTube! Presenters Nick and Josh take you through an action-packed match with brand-new rules, tactical insights, and a first look at how these unique teams perform in the new edition of Kill Team.
Nick’s Take on the Tempestus Aquilons: Tactical Mastery
Nick, a seasoned Kill Team veteran, opted to command the Tempestus Aquilons. This elite force excels at tactical flexibility, thanks to their ability to hold units in reserve with their Drop Insertion ability. This rule allows up to six models to arrive later in the battle, giving Nick the chance to deploy his forces exactly where they’re needed at critical moments.
His plan? Focus on securing objective markers—the Crit Op (primary objective)—with the Aquilons’ superior maneuverability. These Imperial stormtroopers drop in from their grav-chutes, bringing heavy weaponry to bear on key locations. His strategy also hinges on keeping his Tempestor and Marksman on the field from the start, using the Tempestor’s Command ability to boost his team’s Action Point Limit (APL) and the Marksman to deliver devastating long-range shots from concealed positions.
Josh’s Vespid Stingwings: Speed and Precision
Josh, returning to Kill Team after a hiatus, took the nimble and deadly Vespid Stingwings. These T’au-aligned insectoids are all about mobility and precision strikes. Josh emphasized using their Flying ability to quickly claim Vantage Points and dominate the battlefield with ranged firepower. The Vespid’s Neutron Weapons are particularly lethal after movement, gaining Piercing 1, which removes one of the target’s defense dice.
Instead of going for objectives, Josh focused on the Kill Op—the new feature of Kill Team that rewards Victory Points for eliminating enemy models. He played a tactical cat-and-mouse game, using movement to both avoid Aquilon firepower and take down key targets.
The Communion mechanic is central to how the Vespid operate. They accumulate Communion Points each turn, which they must spend if they want to attack enemies that aren’t the closest. However, Josh carefully managed these points, ensuring he had enough for rerolls when they mattered most, increasing his Vespid’s lethality.
Tactical Tips from the Battle Report
- Nick’s Tempestus Aquilons: Take advantage of the Drop Insertion to land troops exactly where they can do the most damage. Keep your Tempestor and Marksman on the field early to maintain command and control while softening up the enemy with long-range fire.
- Josh’s Vespid Stingwings: Stay mobile and take full advantage of Flying to outmaneuver your opponent. Use the Piercing ability from Neutron Weapons after moving to maximize damage, and manage your Communion Points carefully to strike when it counts.
With Preliminary Ops providing a fast-paced, objective-focused game mode, both Nick and Josh showed off their respective team’s strengths. Whether it’s the surgical strikes of the Aquilons or the hit-and-run tactics of the Vespid, Kill Team: Hivestorm is shaping up to be an exciting addition to the game.
For the full battle and tactical breakdown, check out the video on the Warhammer TV YouTube channel, and don’t forget to pre-order Kill Team: Hivestorm!
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