Apocalypse Army Selection: Chaos

By Thomas Wisenhunt

How do you select the army you use when you participate in an Apocalypse sized game of 40K?

The process that players go through in selecting the forces they use is as varied as the players themselves.  I have found that the experiences and the types of games that players regularly participate in affects how those players choose the forces they use in the larger sized Apocalypse games. As an example, I play in friendly local games with a small group of players. We have our own league but the games are not played to a tournament level of competitiveness. This has guided me to choosing armies that fall into what is commonly referred to as ‘fluff’ lists. I choose the units for my army with an eye towards the established background history of the army as presented by GW. A player that regularly plays in tournaments may choose those units he or she believes to be the most effective in helping to win their games.

In addition to the style of play, the types of armies available to a player will have a role in how you choose an Apocalypse force.

The armies I use are variations of Chaos armies. My principal army is a force of Chaos Space Marines from the World Eaters Traitor Legion. I enjoy the look of the army, the play style and the history.  I also have an Imperial Guard army that I use as a ‘Traitor Guard’ force. My Chaos Demon army is in the process of being assembled as well.

When I select my army, I have a choice to make. Do I pick one army and only use units from that codex book? Do I select a mixed force and use units from two or all three codex books?

During my first Apocalypse games, I would use a pure World Eaters army made up of only units from the Chaos Marine Codex. When I began working on the Traitor Guard army, I began to include Infantry Platoons along with my Chaos World Eaters. I can imagine that a World Eaters Lord would send forth the hordes of expendable guard infantry ahead of the precision assault by his Berserkers.

One of the challenges I have found in selecting an Apocalypse sized army for Chaos is what to choose to go in the army! There are so many choices in each army book it becomes a challenge to field what you think is an effective force. Additionally, you have the option of taking a variety of legendary units and formations available for each army. Do I take multiple squads of Khorne Berserkers or do I spring for the added benefits of a Maelstrom of Gore formation?

During my last few Apocalypse games, I’ve found that taking a mixed force has worked as long as I keep the unit selection to a roughly 35%/65% mix.  If a mixed force approaches the 50%/50% ratio, the units do not appear to be as effective because there is not enough of either force to adequately use that forces advantages.

How do you choose the units that make up your Apocalypse sized 40K army? Do you follow the armies history? Do you take the most effective, best performing units? Do you take a unit or model simply because it looks cool?

Post your comments below and share your wisdom!