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Post by CappenVerra on Jan 24, 2015 13:13:30 GMT
Hey guys,
I'm a big fan of the Zentraedi and I just love the idea of an unending tide of pods swarming the battle field. (I used to love playing Tyranids in 40K.) I've played a few games now and I've come to realize that the Glaugs (much like the synapse creatures in a Tyranid army) are the key to any pure Zentraedi force.
The problem is, so have my buddies... So I'm afraid that, until Wave 2 is released, my games are going to turn into (for those familiar with 5th ed. 40K) "shoot the big ones first".
So far, here is what I do to counter this:
1. Keep at least 3 Regults within 2 inches of the Glaug, preferably with at least 2 for LoS blocking. Sharing the MDC in formation is key. 2. Never send the Glaug more than 20 inches forward on the board. (So that reinforcement can enter his 8 inch regen bubble on the turn they arrive.) 3. Always keep Command points in your pool to Dodge and RwI. 4. And the obvious one... Keep the Glaug hidden behind cover.
I know this may seem pretty obvious but on a few occasions, I got carried away and not stuck to these basic principles and had my Glaugs blown away.
Does anybody else have some tips? I suspect that this might be the best tools we have for now but I was wondering if any of you have some additional wisdom to share.
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Post by Thorfinn on Jan 24, 2015 15:21:07 GMT
I'd add that you really need to stick pods in your opponent's face. Force him to deal with that imminent threat so that he'll pay less attention to your command elements.
The support mocha are really pretty important too. The scout pod's abilities should not be understated. The recovery pod can be one of the pods you keep close to the Glaug. It'll help cover, adds a command point, and increases the Glaug's bubble from 16" to 24".
The 2 sides work very differently, which is nice. The Micronians are all about the heroes. Individuals making a difference. The Zen operate more along the lines of a hive mind. With them it's all about the team, and units working together.
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Post by CappenVerra on Jan 24, 2015 23:33:27 GMT
I have not played with the recovery pod yet. I have the feeling that, without any weapons or anti-missiles, he is just asking for a volley to the face. I'll have to play around with one a bit to see if the increased regen bubble for the Glaug is worth it.
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Post by InitiatedNeophyte on Jan 25, 2015 14:41:31 GMT
OK, Cappen, you mean you've played more than one game, but we only have one battle report? We're waiting with baited breath!  Just kidding. I know that must be a lot of effort to type that stuff up. These all sound like good tactics. And as far as the recovery pod taking one to the face, better him than your Glaug, right? And until that happens, he's boosting your regen ability quite a bit and giving you a command point. Seems like a pretty good set up. |
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Post by CappenVerra on Jan 26, 2015 17:10:37 GMT
Heheheheee. Glad to hear that some of you really liked my battle report.
I'm going to try and get a game in this week and see if my teammate is up for another report. The thing is, it doesn't just take time to write it up, it also slows down the game a lot because of all the pics and the annotations.
If I do get a game in, I'll add the Recovery pod to a Glaug unit and let you all know how it went.
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Post by wargamer43210 on Jan 26, 2015 17:51:06 GMT
Love the advice and the comparison to Tyranid Synapse! It's great that the Zentraedi play so different from the UEDF.
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Post by captkaruthors on Jan 26, 2015 20:35:29 GMT
What I've found that works is fielding multiple recon squads with artillery support. 2 recon squads will get you 2 glaugs, 2 recon pods for maximum command points. If points allow, add in a recovery pod to each recon squad. Also add in 2 artillery pods to each. This really starts to drive up the command points...which allows you to dodge as much as you can and roll as much as you can. It also allows your recon pods to boost your squads easier and also to bone your opponents key mecha. Always stick the Glaug and Recon pods to the rear of any close formation. For me, the Recon squadron base is the best as it gets you the redundancy you need. I'm toying with building another battle pod squad with no upgrades to act as a picket line for the other more destructive squads. If points allow, fielding Grell or Khyron helps. Lastly, don't forget to use your missiles on your Glaug to shoot down incoming volleys. Play around some more and see of you can get the hang of it. I struggled in the beginning, but I'm starting to get the hang of using Glaugs effectively. They are really nasty when they can bear down on an opponent. The particle cannon is pimp..and should be brought to bear as quickly as possible.
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Post by CappenVerra on Feb 10, 2015 2:27:54 GMT
With the posting of the official FAQ it is confirmed that mecha within the same squad as the targeted mecha can provide cover. So for the Glaug, use those expendable pods to block LoS as much a possible! The -2 to shooting a Glaug behind a screen of pods can make a heck of a difference!
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Post by clymer on Feb 27, 2015 3:21:37 GMT
I don't know if there really is a great way (or reason) to keep the glaug alive forever.
Screening it with pods means that you're obstructing the Glaug's LOS too. While the Glaug is great for bringing pods back, it also packs a tremendous wallop that you don't want to lose.
The other issue is that if you're using all your command points to keep the Glaug alive so that you can use even more command points to bring pods back on the board, then you may be losing critical shots that you could have aquired by using command points for that.
IMHO you want to keep the glaug safe turns 1-2, and possibly 3. But after that, having him alive is just gravy.
Maybe just try fielding more Glaug's? Using recon squads you can get two of them in a 150 point game.
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Post by mike1975 on Feb 27, 2015 4:15:25 GMT
I don't know if there really is a great way (or reason) to keep the glaug alive forever. Screening it with pods means that you're obstructing the Glaug's LOS too. While the Glaug is great for bringing pods back, it also packs a tremendous wallop that you don't want to lose. The other issue is that if you're using all your command points to keep the Glaug alive so that you can use even more command points to bring pods back on the board, then you may be losing critical shots that you could have aquired by using command points for that. IMHO you want to keep the glaug safe turns 1-2, and possibly 3. But after that, having him alive is just gravy. Maybe just try fielding more Glaug's? Using recon squads you can get two of them in a 150 point game. Wrong....read the rules.....friendlies in same squadron DO NOT block LOS...... So keep him in the back. It only costs 1 yes 1 Command Point to bring back any casualties from his squadron. He still has to be 8 inches from the Pods though unless you have a Recovery Pod with him. |
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Post by CappenVerra on Feb 27, 2015 13:53:57 GMT
Mike is correct. Mecha from the same squadron as the firer do not count as cover.
However, clymer does have a point. I've found that turns 1 to 3 are the most critical where you have to keep the Glaug hidden. After that point, those pesky UEDF Valkyries start running out of missiles and you can bring your Glaug forward with less risk.
I always try to bait my opponent with bunched up Battlepods out in the open to have the UEDF use up their stock of missiles. At only 1CP to bring them back, those pods are great ammo leaches. With range 18, their massed shooting can be pretty effective and the UEDF can't ignore the pods for too long without paying for it. |
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Post by CappenVerra on Feb 27, 2015 14:38:07 GMT
An attack squadron with the Grell special character with the addition of a recovery pod and a Regult squad as the 2 supports is really good for this. 15 pods as canon fodder, a 12 inch regeneration bubble and no need for LOS (Grell). Effective and relatively cheap for what this unit does.
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Post by clymer on Feb 27, 2015 15:09:58 GMT
Wrong....read the rules..... Wow, thanks for the cordial atmosphere, Administrator. |
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Post by mike1975 on Feb 27, 2015 17:07:54 GMT
Wrong....read the rules..... Wow, thanks for the cordial atmosphere, Administrator. If you read a harsh tone in that I apologize....the internet does not portray tone of voice. No insult was meant. |
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Just kidding. I know that must be a lot of effort to type that stuff up.
