"8th edition - does it offer tactically challenging gameplay?" Topic

So I've been out of 40K since 5th edition came in. I've been playing other systems since (Flames of War, Battlegroup, Force on Force).

New 8th has a bit of buzz behind it and some of the new models look phenomenal (Genestealer Cult, Deathguard etc). In fact I'd be happy to collect Genestealer Cult.

I've downloaded the freebie rules and they look simple enough.

But does it offer tactically challenging gameplay, especially at lower points?

I'm talking about fire and manoeuvre/assault, flanking etc. The stuff that makes it emphasis more the decisions that you make during the game rather than the list that you play?

I observed some larger games (2000 points) and like any large game of any system, they were pretty mindless (close range guy moves forward as lack of space makes any other kind of manoeuvre impossible, dice are rolled and it all seems a foregone conclusion by turn 2 or 3). Of course large expensive units dominated.

But how does it work at lower points levels (<1000)?

Alas I sold all my 40K stuff many, many years ago so can't really test drive it, hence my questions.

I have played some pretty fun games using the contents of the mini-starters, First Strike (6 marines vs 3 deathguard & 5 poxwalkers) and Know No Fear (about a dozen marines vs a like number of deathguard).

It is pretty fun for these numbers on a 3x3 or mix both sets together on a 4x4.

Actually biggest game I have played so far was a mix of Know No Fear and 2 First Strike sets plus a couple extra poxwalker quick build boxes to even out the Power Levels.
I couldn't tell you how many points that is. I have only used Power Levels to build forces.

I've played a number of smaller games that seemed quite tactically challenging.

I had not played 40K since 2nd edition, but I'm enjoying 8th edition a lot.

It has its own tactics, based on its gameplay. You are not going to find suppression fire, fire and maneuver, realistic CQB, etc. Its a great game(IMO), but its not a simulation by any means. If you take it for what it is its a very fun game.

List building ruins the game. Usually you can compare lists, roll for 1st turn, and then pack in with the results.

If you want to have fun, avoid points altogether.

There are, however, other questionable concepts – like cover adding to armour, so heavily armoured units profit from cover, while lightly armoured rarely do so (5+/6+, who cares). Vehicles, LOS and other concepts are also better in most games out there. If you want to play the background, adapt Tomorrows War. Other then these gripes, its a playable game. So are many others out there…

I think Centurino sums it up well. You are not going to get the feel of modern combat like you do in Force on Force. (One of my favorite games) But it is a fun game again with 8th edition.

I haven't found list building to be a problem. I have seen a variety of lists used locally, and at the Nova Open. I do think that this edition works better for small games than some of the previous editions.

My group has been having a lot of fun using the Power Level system for putting games together. It's extremely flexible and decently balanced for fast games.

There are, however, other questionable concepts – like cover adding to armour,so heavily armoured units profit from cover, while lightly armoured rarely do so

This bit did raise an eyebrow.

I'd house rule that cover's -1 is to hit, not to save.

I always thought that, considering the tight curve of the d6, they should have cover AND concealment. Split the dif between harder to see, and harder to hurt.

But I have also wondered what peoples' experiences were with very small gaames, and if you could REALLY get anything out of JUST a mini-starter. Interesting.

Small games of less than a thousand and even as small as 500 points is mostly what I've played with 8th and found it a fun experience.