Tau Empire Start Collecting Box Review: Your Essential Guide
The Tau Empire Start Collecting box is one of the best value boxes Games Workshop offers for those looking to start a new Warhammer 40,000 army. Containing a solid core force for a combat patrol detachment, this set provides T’au players with two of their most iconic units at a discount.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to whether the Tau Start Collecting box is worth purchasing: Yes, the Start Collecting Tau Empire box is an excellent starting point for a new T’au army due to its discounts on staple units and powerful combo potential.
In this approximately 3000 word article, we will provide an in-depth look at everything included in the Tau Empire Start Collecting box. We’ll examine the strengths and synergies of the units, their battlefield roles, painting tips, lore insights, and how to expand the force.
You’ll learn all you need to know to get started with the dynamic T’au!
Contents of the Tau Start Collecting Box
XV8 Crisis Battlesuits
The Tau Start Collecting Box includes the impressive XV8 Crisis Battlesuits, which are the backbone of the Tau Empire’s military might. These highly advanced and customizable suits are piloted by skilled Tau warriors and are equipped with a wide array of devastating weapons.
With their versatile nature, the XV8 Crisis Battlesuits can be configured to excel at close-quarters combat, long-range firepower, or battlefield support. They are known for their mobility, allowing them to swiftly maneuver across the battlefield and strike at their enemies with precision.
Tau Empire Fire Warriors
Another essential component of the Start Collecting Box is the Tau Empire Fire Warriors. These infantry units form the core of the Tau Empire’s ground forces and are equipped with pulse rifles, allowing them to unleash a hail of firepower on their foes.
With their disciplined training and advanced technology, the Fire Warriors are formidable opponents on the battlefield. They are capable of engaging enemies at a distance, holding key objectives, and providing supporting fire to their allies.
In the Start Collecting Box, you will find a squad of Fire Warriors that you can assemble and paint to match your own unique color scheme.
XV25 Stealth Suits
The Start Collecting Box also includes XV25 Stealth Suits, which are specialized units designed for stealth and infiltration missions. These sleek and deadly suits allow the Tau Empire to strike from the shadows and disrupt enemy lines.
Equipped with advanced cloaking technology, the XV25 Stealth Suits can remain hidden from enemy detection, allowing them to ambush unsuspecting foes or carry out reconnaissance missions. With their burst cannons and fusion blasters, they possess the firepower needed to eliminate priority targets with precision.
In the Start Collecting Box, you will find a set of XV25 Stealth Suits that will enhance your tactical options on the battlefield.
The Tau Start Collecting Box provides a great starting point for anyone looking to build a Tau Empire army. With the XV8 Crisis Battlesuits, Tau Empire Fire Warriors, and XV25 Stealth Suits included in the box, you will have a versatile and formidable force at your disposal.
Whether you are a seasoned player or just starting out, these units will allow you to create a balanced and powerful army that can adapt to various battlefield scenarios.
Rules and Tactics for Units
Crisis Suits Weapon Options
The Crisis Suits are one of the most versatile and powerful units in the Tau Empire army. With their ability to equip a wide range of weapons, they can be tailored to fit various roles on the battlefield.
Some popular weapon options for Crisis Suits include the Fusion Blaster, which excels at taking down heavily armored targets, and the Cyclic Ion Blaster, which is great for dealing with hordes of infantry.
It’s important to consider the specific needs of your army and the type of opponents you’ll be facing when choosing the weapon loadout for your Crisis Suits.
Fire Warrior Team Breakdown
The Fire Warriors are the backbone of the Tau Empire army. They are equipped with pulse rifles, which have a decent range and firepower. When building your Fire Warrior team, it’s important to consider their role on the battlefield.
They can be used as a defensive unit, providing covering fire for other units, or as an offensive force, advancing and capturing objectives. Their strength lies in their ability to form a cohesive firing line and support each other with overlapping fields of fire.
It’s also worth noting that Fire Warriors can be upgraded with additional weapons, such as pulse carbines or markerlights, to enhance their effectiveness in specific situations.
Stealth Suit Abilities and Synergies
Stealth Suits are a specialized unit within the Tau Empire army, focused on stealth and infiltration. They excel at disrupting enemy lines and taking out key targets. One of their key abilities is their Stealth Fields, which provide them with a bonus to their cover saves.
This makes them incredibly resilient on the battlefield, allowing them to withstand enemy fire and stay in the fight longer. Additionally, Stealth Suits can also be equipped with burst cannons, fusion blasters, or fusion blasters to suit different tactical needs.
They can also benefit from synergies with other units, such as Markerlight support from Pathfinder teams, which can increase their accuracy and effectiveness.
Powerful Unit Combinations
When it comes to building a formidable Tau Empire army, understanding powerful unit combinations is key. By strategically pairing different units together, players can maximize the effectiveness of their forces on the battlefield.
Here are some of the most potent unit combinations that can be achieved with the Tau Empire Start Collecting Box:
Crisis Suit Bomb with Stealth Suit Markerlights
The Crisis Suit Bomb with Stealth Suit Markerlights is a deadly combination that can wreak havoc on enemy units. The Crisis Suits, armed with their powerful weapons and jetpacks, can quickly maneuver around the battlefield to engage high-value targets.
Meanwhile, the Stealth Suits can provide invaluable markerlight support, painting targets for the Crisis Suits to eliminate with precision. This combination not only enhances the accuracy of the Crisis Suits’ attacks but also increases their survivability with the Stealth Suits’ ability to disrupt enemy targeting systems.
Castle with Fire Warriors
A “castle” formation consisting of Fire Warriors is a popular and effective strategy for Tau Empire armies. By positioning a large number of Fire Warriors in a tightly grouped formation, players can create a formidable defensive line.
The Fire Warriors’ rapid-fire capabilities, combined with their long-range pulse rifles, make them excellent at mowing down enemy infantry. Additionally, their ability to benefit from the Tau Empire’s special rules, such as For the Greater Good, allows them to provide supporting fire to nearby units engaged in combat.
This combination creates a strong defensive position that can withstand enemy assaults while dealing significant damage.
Mobile Skirmishing Force
The Tau Empire excels at hit-and-run tactics, and a mobile skirmishing force can take full advantage of this. By combining units like Pathfinder Teams, Devilfish transports, and Crisis Suits, players can create a highly mobile force that can strike at vulnerable enemy units and then quickly retreat to safety.
This combination allows for flexibility on the battlefield, as it can adapt to changing situations and exploit weak points in the enemy’s defenses. The Pathfinder Teams provide valuable markerlight support, while the Devilfish transports can ferry units to different parts of the battlefield.
The Crisis Suits, with their jetpacks, can swiftly move in and out of combat, dealing devastating blows to priority targets.
Remember, these unit combinations are just a starting point, and there are countless ways to customize and adapt your army to suit your playstyle. Experiment with different combinations, and don’t be afraid to try new strategies to keep your opponents guessing. Happy gaming!
Hobby Aspects – Painting and Modeling
When it comes to the hobby aspects of collecting and playing with T’au Empire armies, painting and modeling play a crucial role in bringing these futuristic warriors to life on the tabletop. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or just starting out, there are several key considerations to keep in mind when working on your T’au models.
Start Collecting Color Schemes
One of the most exciting aspects of painting T’au models is the opportunity to choose from a variety of vibrant color schemes. The T’au Empire is known for its sleek and futuristic aesthetic, and you can let your creativity run wild when deciding on the color palette for your army.
Some popular color schemes include:
- The classic T’au sept colors of white and blue, which give your models a clean and polished look.
- The fiery colors of the Vior’la sept, with bright oranges and reds that symbolize their aggressive nature.
- The stealthy hues of the Sa’cea sept, featuring darker shades and camo patterns for a more covert appearance.
Remember, you can always customize your color scheme to make it unique to your army. Experiment with different combinations and techniques to make your T’au models stand out on the battlefield.
Painting T’au Armor Panels
When painting T’au armor panels, it’s important to pay attention to detail and ensure a smooth and even finish. Start by applying a base coat of your chosen color, making sure to cover the entire surface. Once the base coat is dry, you can add highlights and shading to create depth and dimension.
For a quick and effective technique, you can use dry brushing to highlight the edges and raised areas of the armor panels. This will give your models a worn and weathered look, as if they have been battle-tested.
Additionally, adding small details such as decals or freehand designs can further enhance the overall appearance of your T’au models.
Basing your T’au Models
The bases of your T’au models are an often overlooked aspect of painting and modeling, but they can greatly contribute to the overall presentation of your army. Basing your models not only adds visual interest but also helps them blend seamlessly into the tabletop terrain.
Consider using materials such as fine sand, rocks, or small foliage to create a realistic and immersive base for your T’au models. You can also use technical paints and washes to add texture and depth to the base, making it look like a part of the battlefield.
Remember, the basing style should align with the theme of your army. If you’re going for an urban warfare theme, you can add small pieces of debris or broken pavement to the base. If your T’au army represents an alien planet, you can incorporate alien flora and fauna to create a visually stunning display.
For more painting and modeling tips, you can visit websites like Warhammer Community or DakkaDakka, where you can find tutorials, inspiration, and engage with a community of fellow hobbyists.
Expanding Your Army
As you delve deeper into the world of the Tau Empire, you’ll quickly realize that having a diverse and powerful army is crucial for success on the battlefield. The Tau Empire Start Collecting Box is just the beginning of your journey, and expanding your forces is an exciting prospect.
Here are some options to consider:
More Troops – Kroot and Breachers
When it comes to expanding your army, adding more troops is always a wise choice. The Kroot and Breachers are versatile units that can provide valuable support on the battlefield. The Kroot, with their stealthy abilities and close combat prowess, can be excellent for ambushes and flanking maneuvers.
On the other hand, the Breachers specialize in close-quarters combat and excel at holding objectives. Adding these units to your army will give you more flexibility and tactical options.
Heavy Support – Broadsides
For devastating long-range firepower, look no further than the Broadsides. These heavy support units are armed with powerful railguns and missile pods, making them a formidable force on the battlefield. Their ability to deal massive damage to both infantry and vehicles makes them a versatile choice.
With their sturdy armor and high toughness, they can also withstand incoming fire, making them a valuable addition to your army.
Elite Choices – Riptides
If you’re looking for a centerpiece unit that can turn the tide of battle, the Riptide is the perfect choice. These towering battle suits are armed with powerful weapons and equipped with advanced technology.
With their impressive firepower and mobility, Riptides can engage enemies at long range or charge into close combat with devastating effect. Their ability to weather incoming fire with their powerful shields makes them a formidable force on the battlefield.
Commander Option
Finally, don’t forget to consider adding a Commander to your army. Commanders are the leaders of your forces and can provide valuable bonuses and abilities to your units. They are highly customizable and can be tailored to suit your playstyle.
Whether you prefer a Commander who excels at ranged combat or one who specializes in close-quarters fighting, adding a Commander to your army will enhance your strategic options and give you an edge on the battlefield.
Remember, expanding your army is an ongoing process. As you explore the many options available to you within the Tau Empire, be sure to consider your playstyle, tactical needs, and the strengths and weaknesses of each unit.
With careful planning and a well-balanced army, you’ll be ready to conquer the battlefield and lead your Tau Empire to victory.
Conclusion
With its savings on Crisis Suits and Fire Warriors, two of T’au’s most critical units, the Start Collecting Tau Empire box is an outstanding value and way to kickstart your new xenos army. The included units synergize well, provide a solid core, and are a joy to paint and play.
We hope this overview has helped you evaluate whether the Start Collecting set is right for you. For more Tau tactical articles and collecting advice, stay tuned!
