I was wrong....

Introduction

Welcome to another deep dive into Warhammer 40,000 strategies. Today's topic revolves around some significant changes in my opinions regarding one of my favorite models, the Hammerhead, particularly in light of the recent Leviathan expansion. Known for my steadfast views, I seldom admit being wrong, but in this case, I have had to adjust my stance based on new evidence and gameplay experiences.

Recently, due to some health issues, I have had a heart monitor strapped to my chest to monitor cardiac episodes. But enough about my health; let's talk about tactics and how to decimate your opponent with the Hammerhead.

The Hammerhead's Resurgence

Points Increase and New Insights

Previously, I opted for Tiger Sharks with ion cannons over Hammerheads. I found the ion cannons offered a lot of shooting at damage three, which is effective against many targets. However, Hammerheads started to show their true potential when I decided to include them in my list for proper data collection and experimentation. The results were staggering; Hammerheads consistently averaged about 80 to 100 damage over five rounds, often surviving until the end of the game due to a conservative yet effective playing style.

The Meta Shift

The meta around Tau has evolved, specifically with a notable reduction in the prevalence of four-up invulnerable saves. This shift benefits Hammerheads significantly. When firing enough rail guns, opponents are likely to fail their saves eventually. Each successful hit translates to a minimum of seven damage with devastating potential due to devastating wounds.

Comparing Hammerheads, Sky Rays, and Broadsides

• Hammerhead: With its strength 20 devastating wounds and AP5, it is potent against almost anything on the field. Even without cover, the enemy saves on sixes at best.
• Sky Ray: It excels against flying targets and offers consistent Seeker missile outputs. However, its efficiency can wane against non-flying targets compared to Hammerheads targeting vehicles or monsters.
• Broadside: These offer a more stationary but heavily armored alternative, with double the shots but at strength 12. They lack inherent rerolls, making them less consistent despite the potential for more hits.

Psychological Impact

Having a Hammerhead on the board has a psychological impact on your opponent. With their fearsome reputation and potential damage output, opponents may alter their strategies, which can be a strategic advantage.

Building a Mechanized Tau List: The Cav Carter

In this segment, I propose a competitive and mechanized Tau list leveraging the strengths of Hammerheads and other units:

Core Units

1. Double Fire Blade: Flexible without enhancements.
2. Double Breacher Team: Equipped for maximum output and strategic reserves.
3. Double Pathfinder Team: Vital for guidance and actions.
4. Triple Stealth Battle Suits: Providing stealth and guidance with shields.
5. Vespid Sting Wings: For deep strike actions and disruption.

Heavy Hitters

1. Triple Hammerhead: Mix of rail guns and ion cannons.
2. Triple Sky Ray: Reliable Seeker missiles.
3. Three Piranhas: Multiple roles, including disruption and additional Seeker missiles.
4. Triple Devilfish: For mobility and strategic flexibility.

Tactical Compositions

• Combining various units for guidance, stealth, and deep strike capabilities.
• Utilizing heavy hitters to control board presence and project significant tactical pressure.
• Flexibility with units ready to perform assorted roles from shooting to actions.

Conclusion

Overall, this competitive list balances various Tau strengths and strategic options for a robust battlefield presence. Continuous iterations and data collection will refine the effectiveness further.

Keywords

• Hammerhead
• Leviathan
• Tau Meta Shift
• Sky Ray
• Broadside
• Mechanized Tau List
• Competitive Strategy
• Warhammer 40,000

FAQs

Q: Why did the Hammerhead's performance improve in the recent meta? A: The shift in the meta, particularly the reduction of four-up invulnerable saves, has made the Hammerhead's high-damage output more impactful against a broader range of opponents.

Q: How does the Hammerhead compare to the Sky Ray and Broadside? A: The Hammerhead offers strength 20 devastating wounds and AP5, outpacing Sky Rays against non-flying targets and providing more consistent damage than Broadsides due to its higher strength and built-in rerolls.

Q: What are the benefits of including Vespid Sting Wings in a Tau list? A: Vespid Sting Wings offer a cost-effective deep strike capability, allowing for strategic actions and adding disruption, which diversifies your tactical options.

Q: What psychological impact does the Hammerhead have on opponents? A: Its formidable reputation and high-damage potential can influence opponent strategies, potentially causing them to make cautious moves to avoid its firepower.

Q: Why is there an emphasis on board presence and mobility in the proposed mechanized Tau list? A: Mobility and board presence allow for dynamic responses to enemy actions, control over key areas, and flexibility in tactical maneuvering, essential for leveraging the Tau’s strengths effectively.