Warmachine: SteelHeads Halberdiers/Riflemen 101
Do you need cheap bodies to stem the tide of war? Steelheads have a repack you won’t want to accept a contract without.
The new plastic steelhead kit is out and it’s a 2 for 1. You can make either riflemen or halberdiers out of the box or if want to mess with magnets –both.
While they have been out for ages lets take a look at what steelheads bring to the table.
Steelhead Halberdiers:
Steelheads work for all the Warmachine factions.
Halberdiers have a pretty average even below average statline. They are SPD6 and MAT5 with 13/13 DEF/ARM. This isn’t going to keep them up vs any concentrated fire.
Halberdiers do have few things going for them.
- Set Defense DEF15 is a lot harder to hit then 13 and this can keep them in the game.
- With SPD6 and Reach that is pretty good alpha charging.
- Combined Melee Attack and Powerful Charge. They go up to MAT7 on the charge and vs high defense they can CMA to get up to a 9 or better. Meaning the MAT5 isn’t exactly what it seems.
- Cheap. You get a lot of bodies for not a lot of points.
Steelhead Riflemen
Like their halberdier brothers they will also work for all warmachine factions. Undead included.
They have the same stats as the halberdiers but with 1 lower armor.
What do Riflemen Really Do?
Similar to the MAT5 of the Halberdiers the Riflemen have ways around their low RAT. They have Combined Range Attack and Combined Arms. Meaning they can get rerollable RAT 7 shots if they combine.
They don’t have the Cheap factor though and some people may argue that taking 2 min units is better then taking one max since they are oddly costed at 5/9.
Steelhead Synergies
Steelheads have some supporting cast. Sgt Verendrye and Stannis Brocker. If you are going all in on Steelheads look at these guys to buff them more.
Cygnar: Cygnar doesn’t have a cheap reach unit so halberdiers are a great way to fill that gap.
Khador: Khador is kind of blessed when it comes to infantry so Steelheads don’t get fielded often over winterguard or pikemen.
Cryx: Cryx can make use of Riflemen ans their shooting troops are kind of lacking at the moment.
Protectorate: Reznik tier is great with halberdiers and the priest attachment can make them quite useful.
Mercs: Damiano is Mr. Steelhead hiself. Giving buffs like Reform and Money shot makes the steelheads a whole lot better.
Check out the new plastic steelhead BoLS. Any great battlefield stories involving steelheads? Please share in your comments below.
