First impressions of Astra Militarum (aka Imperial Guard)

The Astra Militarum codex has arrived.  The internet has of course been focusing on the nerfs.  For example, Vendettas cost 40 pts more and can only carry 6 now, Chenkov has gone meaning no more recyclable conscripts, no Penal Legion, Colossus or Medusa and Leman Russes losing Lumbering Behemoth.

Knowing the rumours were not all bad, I picked up a copy of the new codex this morning to see if it is worth digging out my existing army.

Chenkov heads for retirement, with his replacement rumbling onto the scene

For me the stand out innovation is the HQ Tank Commander, which can be accompanied by 1-2 other Leman Russes and can even be upgraded to Pask.  He can issue tank orders to his own unit.  There is nothing in the codex about challenges or look out sir, but this could enable an army of 12 Russes, with each one costing quite a bit less, 120 to 170 pts, depending on the type, plus an extra 30 for the HQ.  I would suggest making the HQ one of the Demolisher variants, due to the slightly better rear armour, although Pask gives each variant a special rule.  Troops still have to be infantry, but with the improved rules for firing from Chimeras, you could field an all-armoured army... at least until an APC is destroyed.

I did wonder if the Baneblade would appear in this book, but it remains accessible through Escalation.  Of course the lost artillery pieces are also in the relevant FW books too.

Orders and platoons were the defining features of this army and this is still the case.  Of course, elite stormtroopers, sorry Tempestus Scions can now be taken in platoons too.  Heavy weapons squads are a good fraction cheaper now.  Orders have also been updated to 6th Edition, with most now referencing a USR.  Like the Ultramarines doctrines on my Howling Griffons, using them well will be the key to victory.  Note to self - don't forget to use orders!!

Some of the combos of units will also become more important.  For example, a Priest in a blob squad or cheaper conscript squad will be very useful, as will a Enginseer, which can now give a vehicle POTMS, which will help Leman Russes use their full range of weapons, including Ordnance, more effectively.

Armoured sentinels are also much cheaper - for example, the plasma cannon version is 2/3 the cost of the old previous incarnation.  I suspect we will be seeing a lot more of these.

No more Penal Legion!

Hydras finally have a Citadel model, although leaving one open-topped seems like asking for trouble.  Whilst they no longer ignore jink saves, they do of course have skyfire and 4 twin-linked shots should give some decent anti-air.  The same box can also build the Wyvern.  After some initial scepticism, this is growing on me and I would like to see one in play for the amounts of saves it can force.

The models for the Ogryns are very characterful and I shall probably get a box at some point to add to my converted Ogres.  I think the more defensive and also expensive Bullgryns will also be useful, with a choice between +1 cover and 5+ Invulnerable save, depending on loadout.

Those are my initial thoughts on the new book.  My next job is to work out a few lists.  Perhaps I will try some armoured allies for my marines.

On first look, there are some interesting options here, but only time will tell how much fun and/or effective the new guard are to play.