Warhammer 40K: Strike Force Agastus – 3 Things We Like and 1 We Didn’t
Strike Force Agastus is out for Pre-order this weekend so let’s chat about a few things we liked and one thing we did not.
Games Workshop sent us a copy of Strike Force Agastus and we tackled the boxed set. This new Strike Force box packs a ton of firepower when you look at the units provided inside. And with 3 new kits it’s worth a look for that reason along. That said we found some things we really liked but it’s all overshadowed by the one thing we didn’t — and judging by the general reaction on the internet, you probably know what that is already.
Strike Force Agastus – The Good
The big winner here is the Brutalis Dreadnought. It’s featured on the cover and it’s a chonky-boi who’s ready to mess up the enemies of the Emperor. That’s our first big winner from this box. Stat-wise it’s basically the same as a Redemptor Dreadnought except it’s got 5 attacks base. Which, if you’ve seen it’s weapon options, you know what that means.
There’s a few different ways to build this Dreadnought as you can load-up on the dakka from this weapon platform. But, honestly, if you’re taking this Dread to shoot at things you’re doing it wrong. The only shots you want are those Multi-meltas and then you want to get in there with the Brutalis Talons. There is the option to go with the regular fists…but they are 1 less AP and don’t have the two different attack options. They are literally just worse than the Talons. You DO get more bolt rifle shots…but again, this thing’s real job isn’t to shoot things. It’s going to rip and tear with those talons and it’s darn good at it.
The next thing we really liked was the new Primaris Lieutenant option in the box. I really hope this kit gets a separate release eventually and I’m sure this and the Brutalis will. What makes this one so good is the sheer number of options you have. You should be able to load out this LT in any configuration you’ll want. Power fist, sword, plasma pistol, all 3 bolt rifle variants…it’s got it all. You can also built it with or without a helmet and it’s generic enough that he’ll fit right in with any Space Marine Chapter out there.
The final thing we’re going to talk about in the “like” column is the inclusion of the Heavy Intercessors. Yeah, this kit isn’t new but it’s still good. Those Primaris Marines put out a lot of hard hitting bolt shots and I think their inclusion in this kit was a good idea to the overall theme. As mentioned, if you look at the sheer volume of attacks the units in this box put out it’s impressive! Now, a lot of that shooting is probably considered anti-infantry but the Brutalis is your anti-armor option. The rest of the units in the box will sweep away anything with a low armor save and single wounds with ease.
Strike Force Agastus – The Bad (and The Ugly)
I don’t think this is really a surprise for anyone out there who’s seen the new Desolation Marines. Look, I get it. They are supposed to be the Primaris replacements for the Devastators. And, yeah, they can fill that role if you’re replacing Missile Launchers. But Abe made a really strong point about their weapon options.
One of the advantages of the classic Space Marine Missile Launcher was that you could choose with missile to fire. You weren’t locked in and had the versatility of frag or krak. Now, we all know that Missile Launcher Devastators weren’t really a meta choice — this isn’t the Horus Heresy. But that was the best reason to take them. With the Desolation Marines you’re locked in. You don’t have that same versatility. And that’s the bad, imo.
Personally, if I were to field this unit, I’d probably just go with the superfrag option. Why? Because the gun also has the Castellan Launcher and it’s just a bucket of s4 shots. “But the marines already pump out a bucket of s4 shots!” Yeah. I know. That’s why I said “if I were to field this unit.” I probably won’t be fielding them any time soon. I’m struggling to find a good place to swap them out for other units that do the same job. It’s an ugly job and I’ve already got better looking models that fill that role.
Unfortunately, I think the Desolation Marines have really overshadowed this box release. There’s some good stuff in the box but I just don’t know if those high points are high enough points to overcome the first impressions of the Desolation Marines.
Strike Force Agastus is available for Pre-order this weekend.
