Warhammer 40K: Does The Brutalis Dreadnought Make The Redemptor Obsolete?
There’s a big new Space Marine Dreadnought on the block. Is the Brutalis the new “one” to take?
Strike Force Agastus is here. With it comes a host of new Marine units. An expansion to the Marine range is nothing new. It seems every couple of months for the past few years has seen a couple of new Marine units with convoluted names show up. This is no different. However, we haven’t gotten a lot of dreadnoughts in the past few years. Indeed the only true dreadnought we’ve gotten is the Redemptor, part of the original Primaris Marine drop back at the start of 8th Edition. Thanks to new buffs, the Redemptor is currently pretty good. However it may have met its match in the new Brutalis, lets take a look.
Base Stats
The two dreadnoughts share similar stat lines. This is to be expected. However, the Brutalis is superior in a couple of ways. As, theoretically, a more combat-focused dreadnought it gets an extra attack. This is solid and expected. It’s also a faster walker. It goes from an 8-inch move to a 10-inch one. This is pretty nice as not only does it let it get into combat quicker, it also helps get its shorter-ranged guns on target. Stats are simply a win for the Brutalis.
Close Combat
Hands, or fists, or talons, down the Brutalis is the winner here. It is by far the superior close-combat dreadnought. Simply its stats alone would make that the case. With its extra attack and movement it’s better off than the now-classic Redemptor. However, it doesn’t end there. In addition to stats, it also has the option to take the Brutalis Talons, which are simply better than the Redemptor Fist. Not only do they have better AP, but they have the option for a sweep attack letting it plow through light infantry. Another clear win.
Shooting
OK, onto shooting. The Brutalis is a close-combat dreadnought so surely the Redemptor is the better one at range? Well, not really. While the Brutalis tends to have lighter shots, the option to take a pair of multi-meltas gives it some major ranged punch. At max rolling, the Redemptor can put out 35 shots. Its maximum damage is 44. The Brutalis can at most, put out only 22 shots. Its max damage output is 48. Giving it higher theoretical max damage. It’s also one that is a bit easier for it to achieve. A large number of the Redemptor’s guns have a random number of shots. All of the Brutalis’ are fixed.
Both have a fair number of options that let them tailor a bit. Against hordes, the Redemptor is normally better at shooting. Against vehicles and monsters, the Brutalis wins. The Redemptor doesn’t even really have longer-ranged weapons. While it’s micro plasma incinerator has a 36″ range, the rest of its guns are 18-30″. For the Brutalis, only its multi-meltas have less than a 30″ range. Moreover, it’s extra movement helps balance that out. Overall, it’s a bit of a wash, with both being decent at ranged combat.
Points And Final Thoughts
So which of these two armored coffins should you take? Well, right now it really looks like the Brutalis is the best choice, generally speaking. Currently, the Redemptor Dreadnought clocks in at 185 pts.. A Brutalis cost 170, with an extra 15 pts. if you want to take multi-meltas (which you do). This means they cost the same. The Brutalis is faster and hits harder. You can stick with the fists and be better at combat than a Redemptor and about on par with it in shooting. Against some targets, you’ll even be better. Outside of a few corner cases (or if you just want 3 of each!) it really seems lie the Brutalis has just made the old Rememptor obsolete. For now. If you’re a marine player and like dreads – pick one up asap!
Lets us know which dreadnought you like best, down in the comments!
