THE TAU ART OF WAR - TAU TACTICS PART II: THE MOVES title image.

Hold the Line

The simplest tactical approach for a Tau army is to remain relatively static and blast away at the enemy with a huge number of long-ranged weapons. However, that isn't to say that the static Tau army is only for novices. The sheer volume of fire this army can produce is attractive to many players of varying skill, especially if they can manage to keep the enemy away from their line. Also, this army spreads the risk more than others, which means the loss of a particular unit will not spell certain doom for the rest. Lastly, it doesn't depend on highly orchestrated timing, which is a difficult ability to master even with years of playing Warhammer 40,000.

Picture of a line of Fire Warrior miniatures and XV88 Broadside Battlesuit models.

The number of points you can save by not taking transports is considerable, and that means you can take that many more Troops and Heavy Support choices. Fire Warriors are going to be the bulk of a static Tau army, with Broadsides providing anti-vehicle support. Together, these two unit types will form the firing line of your army. Keep in mind, though, that only purists will stick with a completely static Tau approach. It's a good idea to mix in a few mobile elements to help protect your fire base and take mission objectives.

First, let's examine the problems that a static Tau army might face one by one and see what you can do to handle them with tactics and unit selections.

Image map with links to the previous page, the introduction, and the next page. Image link to the previous page. Image link to the introduction. Image link to the next page.

PART I:
(Units)
IntroFire WarriorsDevilfishKroot
XVsGun DronesMarkerlightsPathfindersPiranhas
VespidBroadsidesSniper DronesHammerheadsSky Rays
PART II:
(Moves)
IntroAssumptions
Hold the Line: 1 2 3 4Mobile War: 1 2 3 4
Conclusion

Armies of the Warhammer 40,000 Universe
Black Templars
Dark Angels Orks
Catachans
Dark Eldar Space Marines
Chapter Approved
Eldar Tau
Chaos Space Marines Imperial Guard Tyranids
Daemonhunters Necrons Witch Hunters