The Road to TableTop Tactics
A Fun Approach to the Tabletop Tactics Two-Day Event
I'm a huge fan of tabletop tactics, I've watched so many of their video's! So, I'm excited to be entering the 2 day tournament event in October. I’ve crafted a T’au Empire list especially that’s designed to bring the heat, but with a focus on having fun rather than pure competitive domination. This event has a fun-competitive vibe, so while I could have gone all out, I decided to strike a balance between powerful units and my favorite aspects of the T’au playstyle: big guns, stealth tactics, and aggressive maneuvers. Here’s a look at why I picked this army, what its strengths and weaknesses are, and how I think it’ll perform in the matches ahead.
I’'m a Huge fan!
So, I'm excited to be entering the 2 day tournament event in October.
Why I Chose T'au and This List
The T’au Empire is known for its advanced technology, precise firepower, and mobile tactics, which naturally appeals to my playstyle. I enjoy the idea of having an army that can dictate the flow of the battle through long-range superiority and careful positioning. The theme of my army revolves around the Kauyon philosophy—patiently waiting, then striking with overwhelming force at the right moment.
I also wanted to field some of my favorite T’au models. Units like the Riptide, Ghostkeel, and the massive Stormsurge are not only centerpieces on the battlefield but pack serious punch, which adds to the fun factor. At the same time, I’ve included units like Crisis Battlesuits and Stealth Battlesuits for their versatility and tactical flexibility.
Strengths of the Army
Big, Heavy-Hitting Units
The Stormsurge and Riptide Battlesuit are absolute beasts in this list. The Stormsurge brings an incredible amount of firepower to the table, especially with the Pulse Blast Cannon and Destroyer Missiles, which can shred through enemy armor and elite units. Meanwhile, the Riptide with its Ion Accelerator and Twin Fusion Blasters can deal massive damage to a variety of targets, from infantry to vehicles.
Kauyon Tactics
My list is built around Kauyon, which rewards patient play and well-timed aggression. Units like the Stealth Battlesuits and Ghostkeel Battlesuit will help me lay the groundwork, positioning them in key areas to harass the enemy early on while setting up devastating counter-attacks when the time is right.
Versatility with Crisis Suits
Both Crisis Sunforge Battlesuit units are armed with Fusion Blasters, making them ideal for getting into close range and taking out high-value targets like vehicles and monsters. The drones attached to these units give them added survivability, and I can use them flexibly based on how the battle unfolds. Their mobility also means I can apply pressure wherever it’s most needed.
Board Control with Breacher Teams
The Breacher Teams bring numbers to the list and can hold objectives while delivering a surprisingly strong punch at close range with their Pulse Blasters. They’re not the toughest units in the game, but their sheer volume of fire, especially in cover or near drones, will help them hold the line and score points.
Drones for Support and Survivability
I’ve packed in plenty of drones throughout the list, from Shield Drones to Gun Drones, which will help me protect my more fragile units or keep my Crisis Suits alive longer. The drones add a layer of durability that will be vital in maintaining momentum during the mid game.
Weaknesses of the Army
Close Combat Vulnerability
Like most T’au lists, close combat is a major weakness for my army. Outside of a few units like the Krootox Rampagers and Commander Farsight with his Dawn Blade, most of my units will struggle if the enemy closes in for melee. I’ll need to rely heavily on my firepower and positioning to prevent fast-moving or deep-striking enemy units from getting too close.
Limited Objective Securing
With only two Breacher Teams making up my battleline, I’ll have to be cautious about spreading them too thin. While they pack a punch, they aren’t the toughest infantry units around, so I’ll need to balance holding objectives with keeping them alive long enough to do so. My other units are more specialized and lack Objective Secured, which could make certain missions a bit tricky.
Reliance on Kauyon Timing
Since this army leans into the Kauyon philosophy, I’ll have to be careful about when I commit to the battle. If I strike too early, I risk overexposing key units. On the flip side, if I wait too long, I could miss my opportunity to swing the battle in my favor. It’s a delicate balance, and I’ll need to stay patient and seize the right moments to engage.
How I Think It Will Match Up
Against more casual armies, I think this list will shine. The sheer volume of firepower, combined with mobility and board control, should give me the ability to take down most threats while staying flexible in my movements. My Stormsurge will draw a lot of attention, but that’s part of the plan—it’s a distraction that allows my Crisis Suits and other units to position for critical strikes.
Against more competitive armies, I’ll need to be cautious. My limited battleline units and the army’s vulnerability to melee mean I could be overwhelmed by armies that focus heavily on board control or close combat. However, the T’au’s strength lies in precision, so if I can pick apart key enemy units before they get too close, I’ll have a fighting chance.
Overall, I’m not expecting to dominate every game, but I’m confident that my army will be a blast to play at the Tabletop Tactics event. The mix of units and the theme of Kauyon will allow me to adapt to various opponents while staying true to the fun, tactical gameplay that drew me to the T’au Empire in the first place. This event is more about enjoying the game, and with this list, I’m sure to have some memorable moments on the battlefield!
Whether I win or lose, the thrill of unleashing the T’au's superior firepower and tactical prowess will make for an exciting two days of gaming. Be sure to check back in for my updates during the event, and a reflection on how the event went afterwards.
