Final Thoughts
Overall, when I use a Tau army, I first go for a high number of models, then
I choose fancy weapons and wargear. It is easy to bog down elite Crisis suits
with a huge array of weapons and sensors. Do not fall into this trap! Outnumbering
an opponent will cause immediate intimidation. Projecting a huge volume of
firepower from a single squad will cause him to yell "cheese!" or
some other form of profanity, all of which are sure signs of fear!
Keep in mind that it is more difficult for an enemy to target vital Broadsides and Crisis teams if he cannot kill the piles of the Fire Warriors and Kroot by the end of Turn 6. The new Assault rules really benefit the Tau, because it is now more difficult for an enemy unit to destroy a squad in an assault. So, never underestimate the ability of a large Kroot squad during an assault.
During deployment, form a solid firebase and stay out of assault range. Tau like to hunt and shoot. They do not get involved in assaults. The Kroot however are quite good in large numbers, but they are not suicide squads (Human Auxiliaries are much better for that). Do the math. If winning the assault is very likely, then charge! The usual requirement to win a charge is to outnumber an opponent by at least 3:1 with Tau Fire Warriors (including Crisis suits: do not let the high Strength and Attacks fool you) or 2:1 with Kroot. Keep in mind the numbers presented in the Assault rules when attacking Monstrous Creatures and Dreadnoughts. If a Dreadnought counts for 10 models, then attack it with 20 Kroot. If there is little or no chance to win, then start moving back. This moment is where the real value of pulse carbines comes shining through: it is easy to outrun a pinned opponent.
The Tau army is rewarding both to play and to model. Once, when setting up at a Rogue Trader Tournament, I overheard another player say, "You've got to have guts to come to a tournament with a Tau army!". This is true. There are huge numbers of models to paint. Their tactics are not easy to grasp. It takes erudite skill and tactical acumen to master a Tau force. It is also fun to answer "125" when asked, "How many models are in your army?"
Now get out there and fight for the Greater Good!
Related Links:
Designer's Notes | XV8 Battlesuit Configurations
Previous: Heavy Support Choices.
