Pathfinders

Pathfinder

At first glance, the Pathfinders hardly seem like a Fast Attack choice. Even though they may move once before the game starts and deploy with a transport, they are armed with pseudo-Heavy Weapons and are infantry after all. However, since they are a Fast Attack choice, they deploy last. They also deploy regardless of the scenario deployment restrictions. Hence, I get to place my Pathfinders last, in a position where they will do the most good.

Pathfinders and Seeker Missiles go together like peanut butter and jelly. Since the squad comes with a Devilfish, I attach a few Seeker Missiles to the vehicle. These are by far the best upgrades for a Devilfish. For the other options available to Pathfinders apply the same advice that I gave for Fire Warriors (except for one that is mentioned below).

Pathfinders with Rail Rifles

The newest option for Pathfinders are of course the deadly Rail Rifles. This weapon has the same range and pinning effect as a Sniper Rifle. By following another squad's Markerlights, the Rail Rifles will hit on a 2+. I consider these weapons a definite must-have. It gives the Pathfinders some impressive firepower to keep enemies away while the squad lights-up important targets for other Tau. This is where the Target Lock becomes a valuable, albeit extremely risky, option. A word of warning, though: do not use Pathfinders as a cheap substitute for Broadsides!

Gun Drones
There is another Fast Attack choice for the Tau, the Gun Drone Squadrons. In my opinion, these are the best bodyguards a Tau commander could ask for. They have jetpacks and can keep up with him. I take a squadron of eight drones with my commander and I include two more with his Drone Controller. Then my opponent has to kill 10 drones before he can get to my commander! They are separate squads, so I deploy my commander first and then place the drones in front of him.

Gun Drone Squadrons are also good at harassing the enemy since the drones can hover forward while ducking in-and-out, sniping, and slowing down the enemy. Use smaller squadrons (about four to six models) for this job, as they are more expensive than Kroot or Fire Warriors.