The Tau army is quite flexible as they possess very advanced skimmer technology in all their vehicles. This means Devilfish transports can redeploy or recall their troops in an instant and coordinate to perform feints that'll leave the enemy open to attack on unprotected fronts. Heavy gunships like the Hammerhead can be both fast and deadly as their sophisticated tracking systems allow them to constantly be on the move while laying waste to enemy armour. While these are frightening aspects of the Tau army, tanks are vulnerable to any lack of sufficient cover and specialized tank hunters. The real danger of a successful Tau army lies in the skilled usage of XV8 Battlesuits.

These high tech suits are worn only by the most veteran of the Fire Warrior Shas'ui, who have proven their worth in battle time and time again. Add to the experienced crew factor a heapin' dose of integrated weapon systems, anti-gravitic jet technology, high manoeuvrability, and you've got a single warrior capable of some serious damage. These loyal and honourable Tau make the absolute best use of battlefield terrain features as their jetpacks allow swift movement into cover after a deadly fusilage of fire has been laid down. Nine times out of Ten, the enemy will be caught flatfooted with no target to bring retribution upon!

As a Tau commander you will inevitably wish to have some of these units in your army. However, a quick glance at their army list entry reveals that designing and XV8 unit is almost an art form. With so many options and weapon systems to fill, the Crisis can be kitted out to suit any specific ranged battle role. If you're head is spinning after an attempt to figure out how each weapon works well with what system, never fear. In the following pages you'll learn a bit on each weapon, weapon system and drone that'll help you decide just what it is you wish to do with your XV8 Crisis Battlesuit. Soon enough filling out 'Hard Points' will be a breeze!

Then once your set on how you wish to arm a battlesuit, we'll show you how to put one together. Expect tons of full colour stage by stage shots, complete with handy tips throughout the entire process so you get the model together right the first time!

Aspiring Shas'el can begin their Crisis Battlesuit training by selecting either the XV8 Armoury or the Manufacture process from the academy training computer below.