40K: The Most Important Units Of 2018
With the year drawing to a close it time to look at the units that really impacted 40K in 2018.
2018 was another big year for Warhammer 40,000. We saw a whole ton of new Codecies come out, as well as new units and models. People also came to really master some of the older units that hadn’t yet hit their stride. Throughout 2018, there have been a number of units that really got people talking. Maybe it was because how they dominated the meta, or maybe it was just their potential. So for better or worse, here are the units that had the biggest impact on the game this year.
5. Knight Castellan
The Knight Castellan was quite literally the biggest thing to come out this year. This massive model made a big impression when it was first announced, and an even bigger when it hit tables. Not only does the Castellan push the size and scope of what non-Forgeworld models can be, but it helped build Knights into an impressive fighting force. Since the release of the new knight codex, knight based armies have come to be one of the defining elements of the meta. While the other new knights have played a role in this, a Castellan is almost always at the heart of these this and has come to dominate the meta in the latter half of the year.
4. Smash Captains
Ah the god old smash captain. One of the most compact and points efficient killings units in the game. When Codex: Blood Angels came out at the end of last year it took a little while for people to fully grasp the power of a Smash Captain ( A Blood Angel Captain with a jump pack and thunderhammer, often augment by a relic or warlord trait, and the Death Company Stratagem.) Once people figured the combo out however they’ve been a staple of competitive lists for pretty much the whole year. From knocking flyers out of the sky to taking down Knights, there is almost nothing these brave Captains can’t do. Throughout the whole year they’ve shown up in competitive Imperium list of many different flavors.
3. Shield Captains On Jet Bikes/Flyrants
I’ve put these two together because they had a very similar rise and fall. Does anyone remember back in the early part of the year when it briefly looked like Custodeos and Nid lists were going to take the meta by storm? That was pretty much thanks to these two units. Both combined speed, toughness, ranged and melee killing power, with an affordable points cost (Flyrants of course added psychic powers and deep striking). For a short period we saw a lot of lists running 6-9 of either of these units and little else. However both these rising stars had their ascent cut short by the BIG FAQ 1 and the introduction of the rule of three, killing players ability to super spam the units. Its been argued the Rule of Three was introduced largely as a reaction to these two particular units. Both for dominating the meta briefly and for forcing a huge FAQ on the game these guys get a place on the list.
2. Dark Reapers
I can’t think of any single unit that has dominated the competitive meta this year anywhere near as much as Dark Reapers have. Eldar soup lists have won nearly every major North American event this, and plenty of international and small events as well. Though they’ve dropped off a bit towards the end of this year (in large part due to players getting bored and trying new lists) they are still in many ways THE army to beat. At the heart of almost anyone of these armies you kind find units of Dark Reapers. Towards the start of the year you had several winning lists built almost entirely around them, taking up to 11 units. Even after the Rule of 3 and some nerfs they remains a core in most Eldar lists. Backed up with the right psychic powers and stratagems they are one of the most deadly units in the game, and the most dominant.
1. The Guard Infantry Squad
Who would have thought the the humble Guard Infantry Squad would be the single most important unit this year? Turns out a man with a lasgun isn’t something to sneer at. Though not the toughest units in the game Guard are able to bring a very valuable assent to any army, cheap CPs. Throughout the year the Loyal 32 have been one of, if not the, most ubiquitous detachments, showing up in almost every Imperium force. They are the secret sauce that gives knights lists their kick, and buffs both Marine and Custard lists, while also being able to stand on their own. Though the BIG FAQ 2 limited the CP regenerative powers, they still provided much needed CP. Moreover outside of the Loyal 32, the basic Guardswoman is still one of the most deadly and points efficient units in the game. Backed up properly, she can put out 4 s3 shots,and then charge in with 3 s4 attacks, all for 4 points. These gals are truly the best team players in all of 40K, holding together Imperial armies both in the fluff and on the table.
Let Us Know What Units Had The Biggest Impact This Year, Down In The Comments!
