The Tau Empire army list is split into following sections: Dedicated Transport, Elites, Fast Attack, Fortification, Heavy Support, HQ, Lords of War and Troops. All of the squads, vehicles and characters in the army are placed into one of these categories depending upon their role on the battlefield. Each model is also given a points value, which varies depending on how effective that model is in battle.

Before you choose an army, you will need to agree with your opponent upon the type of game you are going to play and the maximum total number of points each of you will spend. Then you can proceed to pick your army following the guidelines given in the Warhammer 40,000 rulebook.

---

Wargear List

These lists detail the points values of various items of wargear available to units in your army. Many unit entries in the army list that follows may include wargear options from one or more of these lists - in each instance, the army list entry will tell you (in bold) exactly which of these lists you may use.

Where a weapon has two points costs, the first is for a standard, single version, and the second is for a twin-linked weapon of that type. A twin-linked weapon counts as two choices from this list.

Flamer

5/10 pts

Burst cannon

10/15 pts

Airbursting fragmentation projector

15 pts

Cyclic ion blaster

15 pts

Fusion blaster

15/20 pts

Missile pod

15/20 pts

Plasma rifle

15/20 pts

Only one of each Signature System can be taken per army.

Neuroweb System Jammer

2 pts

Onager Gauntlet

5 pts

Failsafe Detonator

10 pts

Repulsor Impact Field

10 pts

Command and Control Node

15 pts

Puretide Engram Neurochip

15 pts

Multi-spectrum Sensor Suite

20 pts

XV8-02 Crisis ‘Iridium’ Battlesuit

25 pts

XV81 Crisis Battlesuit

25 pts

XV84 Crisis Battlesuit

20 pts

Where a support system has two points costs, the second is for a Riptide, Ghostkeel and Stormsurge, and the first is for any other battlesuit.

Advanced targeting system

3 pts

Counterfire defence system

5 pts

Early warning override

5 pts

Positional relay

5 pts

Target lock

5 pts

Vectored retro-thrusters1

5 pts

Drone controller

8 pts

Stimulant injector2

15/35 pts

Velocity tracker

20 pts

Shield generator3

25/50 pts

¹ May not be taken by models equipped with Broadside, Riptide or Ghostkeel battlesuits or KV128 Stormsurges.
² May not be taken by KV128 Stormsurges.
³ May not be taken by models equipped with Riptide battlesuits.

Blacksun filter

1 pt

Decoy launchers

3 pts

Automated repair system

5 pts

Sensor spines

5 pts

Flechette discharger

10 pts

Point defence targeting relay

10 pts

Advanced targeting system

10 pts

Disruption pod

15 pts

MV1 Gun Drone

12 pts

MV4 Shield Drone

12 pts

MV7 Marker Drone

12 pts

MV8 Missile Drone1

12 pts

MV36 Guardian Drone2

12 pts

¹ May only be taken by models equipped with Broadside battlesuits.
² May only be taken by a Strike Team or Вreacher Team Shas’ui.

---

HQ

110	WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type Aun’Shi 5 3 3 3 3 5 4 10 - Infantry (Character) Unit Composition: 1 (Unique)

Wargear:  • Honour blade  • EMP grenades  • Photon grenades  • Shield generator

Special Rules:  • Failure is Not an Option  • Independent Character  • Invocation of Elements  • Stubborn  • Blademaster

---

100	WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type Aun’Va 1 3 2 3 4 1 1 10 5+ Infantry (Character) Ethereal Guard 4 4 3 3 2 3 3 10 5+ Infantry Unit Composition: 1 (Unique), 2 Ethereal Guards

Wargear (Ethereal Guard):  • Honour blade  • Photon grenades Signature Systems (Aun’Va):  • Paradox of Duality Warlord Traits (Aun’Va):  • Exemplar of the Selfless Cause

Special Rules (Aun’Va):  • Bonding Knife Ritual  • Failure is Not an Option  • Invocation of Elements  • Stubborn  • Very Bulky  • Great Invocation  • Supreme Loyalty

Special Rules (Ethereal Guard):  • Bonding Knife Ritual  • Stubborn

---

60	WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type Cadre Fireblade 4 5 3 3 3 3 3 9 4+ Infantry (Character) Unit Composition: 1 Cadre Fireblade

Wargear:  • Pulse rifle  • Photon grenades  • Markerlight

Options:  • May take up to two Drones from the Drones list. Special Rules:  • Independent Character  • Split Fire  • Supporting Fire  • Volley of Fire

---

85	WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type Commander 4 5 5 4 4 3 4 10 3+ Jet Pack Infantry (Character) Unit Composition: 1 Commander

Wargear:  • Crisis battlesuit Special Rules:  • Independent Character  • Supporting Fire  • Very Bulky

Options:  • May take up to four items from the Ranged Weapons and/or Support Systems lists.  • May take items from the Signature Systems list.  • May take up to two Drones from the Drones list.  • A Commander may instead replace its Crisis battlesuit with an XV86 Coldstar battlesuit, equipped with high output burst cannon and missile pod. 60 pts  • A Commander in an XV86 Coldstar battlesuit may take up to two items from the Support Systems list, and up to two Drones from the Drones list.

---

165	WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type Commander Farsight 5 5 5 4 4 5 4 10 3+ Jet Pack Infantry (Character) Unit Composition: 1 (Unique)

Wargear:  • Crisis battlesuit  • Plasma rifle  • Shield generator

Signature Systems:  • The Dawn Blade Warlord Traits:  • Through Boldness, Victory

Special Rules:  • Independent Character  • Preferred Enemy (Orks)  • Supporting Fire  • Very Bulky

---

135	WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type Commander Shadowsun 4 5 4 3 3 4 4 10 3+ Jet Pack Infantry (Character) Unit Composition: 1 (Unique)

Wargear:  • Two fusion blasters  • Advanced targeting system Signature Systems:  • XV22 Stealth Battlesuit Warlord Traits:  • A Ghost Who Walks Among Us

Options:  • May take a single MV62 Command-link Drone 20 pts  • May take up to two MV52 Shield Drones 20 pts/model Special Rules:  • Independent Character  • Infiltrate  • Shrouded  • Stealth  • Supporting Fire  • Defender of the Greater Good

---

100	WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type Darkstrider 4 5 3 3 3 3 3 9 5+ Infantry (Character) Unit Composition: 1 (Unique)

Wargear:  • Pulse carbine  • Photon grenades  • Blacksun filter  • Markerlight

Signature Systems:  • Structural Analyser

Special Rules:  • Independent Character  • Outflank  • Scout  • Supporting Fire  • Fight on Foot  • Fighting Retreat

---

50	WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type Ethereal 4 3 3 3 2 3 3 10 - Infantry (Character) Unit Composition: 1 Ethereal

Special Rules:  • Failure is Not an Option  • Independent Character  • Stubborn  • Invocation of Elements

Options:  • May take one of the following:   - Honour blade 5 pts   - Two equalisers 10 pts  • May take:   - Blacksun filter 5 pts   - Homing beacon 5 pts   - Recon armour 5 pts   - Hover Drone 5 pts  • May take up to two Drones from the Drones list.

---

190	WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type Commander Shas’O R’alai 4 5 5 5 4 4 4 10 3+ Jet Pack Infantry (Character) Blacklight Marker Drone 2 2 3 4 1 4 1 7 4+ Jet Pack Infantry (Drone) Unit Composition: 1 Commander Shas’O R’alai (Unique), 2 Blacklight Marker Drone

Wargear (Blacklight Marker Drone):  • Blacksun filter  • Markerlight Wargear (Shas’O R’alai):  • XV9 Close Support Battlesuit  • Drone controller

Signature Systems (Shas’O R’alai):  • Experimental Pulse Submunitions Rifle  • Eclipse Shield Generator Warlord Traits (Shas’O R’alai):  • Assassin

Special Rules (Shas’O R’alai):  • Supporting Fire  • Extremely Bulky  • Independent Character  • Stubborn  • Lone Warrior

---

145	WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type Commander Shas’O R’myr 4 5 5 4 4 3 4 10 3+ Jet Pack Infantry (Character) Unit Composition: 1 (Unique)

Wargear:  • Double-barrelled plasma rifle  • Upgraded shield generator  • Drone controller  • Target lock Signature Systems:  • XV89-02 Battlesuit Warlord Traits:  • Through Unity, Devastation

Options:  • May take up to two drones from the Drones list. Special Rules:  • Independent Character  • Supporting Fire  • Very Bulky  • Preferred Enemy (Imperial Guard)  • Bonding Knife Ritual

---

Troops

45	WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type Fire Warrior 2 3 3 3 1 2 1 7 4+ Infantry Fire Warrior Shas'ui 2 3 3 3 1 2 2 8 4+ Infantry (Character) Unit Composition: 5 Fire Warriors

Wargear:  • Pulse blaster  • Field amplifier relay  • Photon grenades Special Rules:  • Supporting Fire

Options:  • May include up to five additional Fire Warriors 9 pts/model  • May upgrade one Fire Warrior to a Fire Warrior Shas’ui 10 pts  • A Fire Warrior Shas’ui may take a markerlight and target lock 15 pts  • A Fire Warrior Shas’ui may take up to two Drones from the Drones list.  • The unit may take EMP grenades 2 pts/model  • The unit may take a DS8 tactical support turret with missile pod or smart missile system 10 pts  • The unit may take a TY7 Devilfish as a Dedicated Transport.  • The entire unit may take the Bonding Knife Ritual special rule 1 pts/model

---

60	WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type Kroot 4 3 3 3 1 3 1 7 6+ Infantry Shaper 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 8 6+ Infantry (Character) Krotox Rider 4 3 6 3 2 3 2 7 6+ Infantry Kroot Hound 4 - 3 3 1 5 2 6 - Beast Unit Composition: 10 Kroot

Wargear (Kroot and Shaper):  • Kroot rifle with pulse rounds Wargear (Krotox Rider):  • Kroot gun Special Rules:  • Acute Senses (Kroot Hounds only)  • Bulky (Krootox Rider only)  • Infiltrate  • Move Through Cover  • Stealth (Forests)

Options:  • May include up to ten additional Kroot 6 pts/model  • May include up to three Krootox Riders 25 pts/model  • May include up to ten Kroot Hounds 5 pts/model  • May upgrade one Kroot to a Shaper 15 pts  • Shaper may exchange his Kroot rifle for either a pulse rifle or a pulse carbine 4 pts  • May upgrade all models with Kroot rifles to take sniper rounds 1 pt/model

---

45	WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type Fire Warrior 2 3 3 3 1 2 1 7 4+ Infantry Fire Warrior Shas'ui 2 3 3 3 1 2 2 8 4+ Infantry (Character) Unit Composition: 5 Fire Warriors

Wargear:  • Pulse rifle  • Photon grenades Special Rules:  • Supporting Fire

Options:  • May include up to seven additional Fire Warriors 9 pts/model  • Any model may exchange his pulse rifle for a pulse carbine free  • May upgrade one Fire Warrior to a Fire Warrior Shas’ui 10 pts  • A Fire Warrior Shas’ui may take a markerlight and target lock 15 pts  • A Fire Warrior Shas’ui may take up to two Drones from the Drones list.  • The unit may take EMP grenades 2 pts/model  • The unit may take a DS8 tactical support turret with missile pod or smart missile system 10 pts  • The unit may take a TY7 Devilfish as a Dedicated Transport.  • The entire unit may take the Bonding Knife Ritual special rule 1 pts/model

---

30	A Drone Sentry Turret Team is a Troops choice for a Codex: Tau Empire army, but does not count as one of the army’s compulsory Troops choices. BS F S R HP Unit Type Drone Sentry Turret 2 11 11 11 2 Immobile Vehicle Unit Composition: 1 Drone Sentry Turret

Wargear:  • Twin-linked burst cannon Special Rules:  • Immobile Vehicle

Options:  • May include up to three additional Drone Sentry Turrets 30 pts/model  • May exchange twin-linked burst cannon for one of the following:   - Twin-linked missile pods 10 pts/model   - Twin-linked fusion blasters 15 pts/model   - Twin-linked plasma rifles 15 pts/model  • The entire unit may be upgraded to have the Deep Strike special rule 10 pts/model  • Any Drone Sentry Turret may take items from the Vehicle Battle Systems list.

---

25	WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type Gue’vesa’la 3 3 3 3 1 3 1 7 5+ Infantry Gue’vesa’ui 3 3 3 3 1 3 2 8 5+ Infantry (Character) Unit Composition: 6 Gue’vesa’la

Wargear:  • Lasgun  • Close combat weapon Special Rules:  • Death to Traitors

Options:  • May include up to six additional Gue’vesa’la 4 pts/model  • May upgrade one Gue’vesa’la to a Gue’vesa’ui 10 pts  • A Gue’vesa’ui may exchange his lasgun for a pulse rifle 3 pts  • The entire unit may take frag grenades 1 pt/model

---

134

WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type Shas’ui Kye’n 2 3 3 3 1 2 2 8 4+ Infantry (Character) Shas’la Obita 2 3 3 3 1 2 1 7 4+ Infantry Shas’la Tun’ot 2 3 3 3 1 2 1 7 4+ Infantry Shas’la Sep’gumi 2 3 3 3 1 2 1 7 4+ Infantry Fire Warrior 2 3 3 3 1 2 1 7 4+ Infantry Unit Composition: 1 Shas’ui Kye’n (Unique), 1 Shas’la Obita (Unique), 1 Shas’la Tun’ot (Unique), 1 Shas’la Sep’gumi (Unique), 6 Fire Warriors

Wargear:  • All Infantry models have photon grenades  • Shas’la Sep’gumi and 4 Fire Warriors have pulse rifles  • Shas’ui Kye’n, Shas’la Obita, Shas’la Tun’ot and 2 Fire Warriors have pulse carbines  • The Strike Team includes 2 MV1 Gun Drones and a DS8 tactical support turret with smart missile system

Special Rules:  • Supporting Fire Leader Trait:  • Shas’ui Kye’n has the following Leader Trait: Quick Thinker

Specialists:  • Shas’la Obita is an Indomitable Specialist and has the following special rule: Feel No Pain  • Shas’la Tun’ot is a Guerilla Specialist and has the following special rule: Scout  • Shas’la Sep’gumi is a Weapon Specialist and has the following special rule: Eagle-eye

---

Elites

180	WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type Riptide Shas’vre 2 3 6 6 5 2 3 9 2+ Jet Pack Monstrous Creature Unit Composition: 1 Riptide Shas’vre

Wargear:  • Riptide battlesuit  • Heavy burst cannon  • Twin-linked smart missile system  • Riptide shield generator  • Nova reactor Special Rules:  • Fire Team  • Supporting Fire

Options:  • May include up to two additional Riptide Shas’vre 180 pts/model  • Any Riptide Shas’vre may exchange its twin-linked smart missile system for one of the following:   - Twin-linked plasma rifle free   - Twin-linked fusion blaster free  • Any Riptide Shas’vre may exchange its heavy burst cannon for an ion accelerator 5 pts  • Any Riptide Shas’vre may take up to two Shielded Missile Drones 25 pts/model  • Any Riptide Shas’vre may take up to two items from the Support Systems list.  • The entire unit may take the Bonding Knife Ritual special rule 1 pt/model

---

90	WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type Stealth Shas’ui 2 3 4 3 1 2 2 8 3+ Jet Pack Infantry Stealth Shas’vre 2 3 4 3 1 2 3 9 3+ Jet Pack Infantry (Character) Unit Composition: 3 Stealth Shas’ui

Wargear:  • Stealth battlesuit  • Burst cannon Special Rules:  • Infiltrate  • Shrouded  • Stealth  • Supporting Fire

Options:  • May include up to three additional Stealth Shas’ui 30 pts/model  • Any Stealth Shas’ui may take a single item from the Support Systems list.  • For every three models in the squad (excluding Drones), one may replace his burst cannon with a fusion blaster 5 pts/model  • May upgrade one Stealth Shas’ui to a Stealth Shas’vre 10 pts  • A Stealth Shas’vre may take up to one item from the Support Systems list.  • A Stealth Shas’vre may take:   - Homing beacon 10 pts   - Markerlight and target lock 5 pts  • A Stealth Shas’vre may take up to two Drones from the Drones list.  • The entire unit may take the Bonding Knife Ritual special rule 1 pt/model

---

22	WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type Crisis Shas’ui 2 3 5 4 2 2 2 8 3+ Jet Pack Infantry Crisis Shas’vre 2 3 5 4 2 2 3 9 3+ Jet Pack Infantry (Character) Unit Composition: 1 Crisis Shas’ui

Wargear:  • Crisis battlesuit Special Rules:  • Supporting Fire  • Very Bulky

Options:  • May include up to eight additional Crisis Shas’ui 22 pts/model  • Any Crisis Shas’ui may take up to three items from the Ranged Weapons and/or Support Systems lists.  • May upgrade one Crisis Shas’ui to a Crisis Shas’vre 10 pts  • A Crisis Shas’vre may take up to three items from the Ranged Weapons, Signature Systems and/or Support Systems lists.  • Any Crisis Shas’ui or Crisis Shas’vre may take up to two Drones from the Drones list.  • The entire unit may take the Bonding Knife Ritual special rule 1 pt/model

---

32	WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type Crisis Bodyguard 2 3 5 4 2 2 3 9 3+ Jet Pack Infantry Unit Composition: 1 Crisis Bodyguard

Wargear:  • Crisis battlesuit Special Rules:  • Supporting Fire  • Very Bulky  • Sworn Protector

Options:  • May include up to eight additional Crisis Bodyguards 32 pts/model  • Any Crisis Bodyguard may take up to three items from the Support Systems and/or Ranged Weapons lists.  • Any Crisis Bodyguard may take items from the Signature Systems list.  • Any Crisis Bodyguard may take up to two Drones from the Drones list.  • The entire unit may take the Bonding Knife Ritual special rule 2 pts/model

---

130	WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type Ghostkeel Shas’vre 2 3 6 5 4 2 3 9 3+ Jet Pack Monstrous Creature MV5 Stealth Drone 2 2 3 5 1 4 1 7 4+ Jet Pack Infantry (Drone) Unit Composition: 1 Ghostkeel Shas’vre, 2 MV5 Stealth Drones

Wargear:  • Ghostkeel battlesuit  • Fusion collider  • Ghostkeel electrowarfare suite  • Holophoton countermeasures  • Twin-linked flamer Special Rules (Ghostkeel Shas’vre):  • Fire Team  • Stealth  • Supporting Fire Special Rules (MV5 Stealth Drone):  • Stealth Field

Options:  • May include up to two additional Ghostkeel Shas’vre, each with two MV5 Stealth Drones 130 pts/model  • Any Ghostkeel Shas’vre may exchange its fusion collider for a cyclic ion raker free  • Any Ghostkeel Shas’vre may exchange its twin-linked flamer for one of the following:   - Twin-linked burst cannon 5 pts   - Twin-linked fusion blaster 10 pts  • Any Ghostkeel Shas’vre may take up to two items from the Support Systems list.  • The entire unit may take the Bonding Knife Ritual special rule 1 pts/model

---

Fast Attack

145	BS F S R HP Unit Type AX3 Razorshark Strike Fighter 3 11 10 10 3 Vehicle (Flyer) Unit Composition: 1 AX3 Razorshark Strike Fighter

Wargear:  • Burst cannon  • Quad ion turret  • Two seeker missiles

Options:  • May exchange burst cannon for a missile pod 5 pts  • May take items from the Vehicle Battle Systems list.

---

160	BS F S R HP Unit Type AX39 Sun Shark Bomber 3 11 10 10 3 Vehicle (Flyer) WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type MV17 Interceptor Drone 2 2 3 4 1 4 1 7 4+ Jet Pack Infantry (Drone) Unit Composition: 1 AX39 Sun Shark Bomber, 2 MV17 Interceptor Drones

Wargear:  • Pulse bomb Wargear (AX39 Sun Shark Bomber):  • Pulse bomb generator  • Missile pod  • Networked markerlight  • Two seeker missiles Wargear (MV17 Interceptor Drone):  • Twin-linked ion rifle

Options:  • May upgrade missile pod to a twin-linked missile pod 5 pts  • May take items from the Vehicle Battle Systems list. Special Rules (MV17 Interceptor Drone):  • Interceptor  • Skyfire  • Supporting Fire  • Afterburners  • High Velocity Deployment

---

56	WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type MV1 Gun Drone 2 2 3 4 1 4 1 7 4+ Jet Pack Infantry (Drone) MV7 Marker Drone 2 2 3 4 1 4 1 7 4+ Jet Pack Infantry (Drone) MV4 Shield Drone 2 2 3 4 1 4 1 7 4+ Jet Pack Infantry (Drone) Unit Composition: 4 MV1 Gun Drones

Wargear (MV1 Gun Drone):  • Twin-linked pulse carbine Wargear (MV4 Shield Drone):  • Shield generator Wargear (MV7 Marker Drone):  • Markerlight Special Rules:  • Supporting Fire

Options:  • May include up to eight additional MV1 Gun Drones 14 pts/model  • May upgrade any MV1 Gun Drone to:   - MV7 Marker Drone free   - MV4 Shield Drone free

---

44	WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type Pathfinder 2 3 3 3 1 2 1 7 5+ Infantry Pathfinder Shas’ui 2 3 3 3 1 2 2 8 5+ Infantry (Character) Unit Composition: 4 Pathfinders

Wargear:  • Pulse carbine  • Photon grenades  • Markerlight Special Rules:  • Scout  • Supporting Fire

Options:  • May include up to six additional Pathfinders 11 pts/model  • May include an MB3 Recon Drone 28 pts  • May include an MV33 Grav-inhibitor Drone and/or an MV31 Pulse Accelerator Drone 15 pts/model  • Up to three models may replace their pulse carbine and markerlight with one of the following:   - Ion rifle 10 pts/model   - Rail rifle 15 pts/model  • The unit may take EMP grenades 2 pts/model  • May upgrade one Pathfinder to a Pathfinder Shas’ui 10 pts  • A Pathfinder Shas’ui may take a blacksun filter 1 pt  • A Pathfinder Shas’ui may take up to two Drones from the Drones list.  • The entire unit may take the Bonding Knife Ritual special rule 1 pt/model  • A Pathfinder Team may take a Devilfish as a Dedicated Transport.

---

40	BS F S R HP Unit Type TX4 Piranha 3 11 10 10 2 Vehicle (Fast, Open-topped, Skimmer) WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type MV1 Gun Drone 2 2 3 4 1 4 1 7 4+ Jet Pack Infantry (Drone) Unit Composition: 1 TX4 Piranha

Wargear:  • Burst cannon  • Two MV1 Gun Drones

Options:  • May include up to four additional TX4 Piranhas 40 pts/model  • Any TX4 Piranha may take up to two seeker missiles 8 pts each  • Any TX4 Piranha may exchange its burst cannon for a fusion blaster 10 pts/model  • Any TX4 Piranha may take items from the Vehicle Battle Systems list.

---

80	BS F S R HP Unit Type TY7 Devilfish 3 12 11 10 3 Vehicle (Tank, Skimmer, Transport) WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type MV1 Gun Drone 2 2 3 4 1 4 1 7 4+ Jet Pack Infantry (Drone) Unit Composition: 1 TY7 Devilfish

Wargear:  • Burst cannon  • Two MV1 Gun Drones

Options:  • May exchange both MV1 Gun Drones for a twin-linked smart missile system 10 pts  • May take up to two seeker missiles 8 pts each  • May take items from the Vehicle Battle Systems list.

 Transport Capacity: Twelve models. A Devilfish may transport Drones, but may not transport models with the Bulky, Very Bulky or Extremely Bulky special rules.
 Fire Points: None.
 Access Points: One on each side and one to the rear.

---

72	WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type Vespid Stingwing 3 3 3 4 1 6 1 6 4+ Jump Infantry Vespid Strain Leader 3 3 3 4 1 6 2 9 4+ Jump Infantry (Character) Unit Composition: 4 Vespid Stingwings

Wargear:  • Neutron blaster Special Rules:  • Fleet  • Hit & Run  • Move Through Cover  • Stealth (Ruins)

Options:  • May include up to eight additional Vespid Stingwings 18 pts/model  • May upgrade one Vespid Stingwing to a Vespid Strain Leader 10 pts

---

145	BS F S R HP Unit Type Combat Role Pursuit Agility AX3 Razorshark Strike Fighter 3 11 10 10 3 Vehicle (Flyer) Attack Flyer 3 3 Unit Composition: 1 AX3 Razorshark Strike Fighter

Wargear:  • Burst cannon  • Quad ion turret  • Two seeker missiles

Options:  • May be upgraded to a Flyer Wing with up to three additional AX3 Razorshark Strike Fighters 145 pts  • Any model may exchange burst cannon for a missile pod 5 pts  • Any model may take items from the Vehicle Battle Systems list.

---

160	BS F S R HP Unit Type Combat Role Pursuit Agility AX39 Sun Shark Bomber 3 11 10 10 3 Vehicle (Flyer) Bomber 2 2 WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type MV17 Interceptor Drone 2 2 3 4 1 4 1 7 4+ Jet Pack Infantry (Drone) Unit Composition: 1 AX39 Sun Shark Bomber, 2 MV17 Interceptor Drones

Wargear:  • Pulse bomb Wargear (AX39 Sun Shark Bomber):  • Pulse bomb generator  • Missile pod  • Networked markerlight  • Two seeker missiles Wargear (MV17 Interceptor Drone):  • Twin-linked ion rifle

Options:  • May be upgraded to a Flyer Wing with up to three additional AX39 Sun Shark Bombers 160 pts  • Any model may upgrade missile pod to a twin-linked missile pod 5 pts  • Any model may take items from the Vehicle Battle Systems list. Special Rules (MV17 Interceptor Drone):  • Interceptor  • Skyfire  • Supporting Fire  • Afterburners  • High Velocity Deployment

---

130	BS F S R HP Unit Type Barracuda Air Superiority Fighter 4 11 11 10 2 Vehicle (Flyer) Unit Composition: 1 Barracuda

Wargear:  • Ion cannon  • Two auto-targeting burst cannons  • Twin-linked missile pod Special Rules:  • Supersonic  • Deep Strike  • Agile

Options:  • The Barracuda may take up to four seeker missiles 8 pts each  • The Barracuda may take items from the Vehicle Battle Systems list.

---

90	BS F S R HP Unit Type DX-6 Remora 3 10 10 10 2 Vehicle (Flyer, Hover) Unit Composition: 1 DX-6 Remora

Wargear:  • Twin-linked long-barrelled burst cannon  • Two seeker missiles  • Networked markerlight  • Blacksun filter

Options:  • May include up to four additional DX-6 Remoras 90 pts/model Special Rules:  • Shrouded  • Deep Strike

---

75	WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type Goaded Great Knarloc 4 - 6 5 5 3 3 7 6+ Monstrous Creature Kroot Goad 4 3 3 3 1 3 1 7 6+ Infantry Shaper 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 8 6+ Infantry (Character) Unit Composition: 1 Great Knarloc, 4 Kroot Goads

Wargear:  • Kroot rifle with pulse rounds (Kroot Goads and Shaper only) Special Rules:  • Move Through Cover  • Stealth (Forest)  • Herd  • Feeding Frenzy (Great Knarloc only)

Options:  • May include up to four additional Kroot Goads 6 pts/model  • May upgrade one Kroot Goad to a Shaper 15 pts/model  • A Shaper may exchange his Kroot rifle for either a pulse rifle or a pulse carbine 4 pts  • May upgrade all models with Kroot rifles to take sniper rounds 1 pt/model  • The Great Knarloc may be upgraded to have the Baggage Laden special rule free

---

75	WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type Knarloc Rider 4 3 5 4 2 3 3 7 6+ Cavalry Unit Composition: 3 Knarloc Riders

Wargear:  • Kroot rifle with pulse rounds Special Rules:  • Move Through Cover  • Stealth (Forests)  • Outflank  • Eaters of the Dead

Options:  • May include up to six additional Knarloc Riders 25 pts/model  • May upgrade all models with Kroot rifles to take sniper rounds 1 pt/model

---

85	WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type Mounted Great Knarloc 4 3 6 5 5 3 3 7 6+ Monstrous Creature Unit Composition: 1 Mounted Great Knarloc

Wargear:  • Kroot bolt thrower with iron bolts Special Rules:  • Move Through Cover  • Stealth (Forests)  • Fleet

Options:  • May include up to two additional Mounted Great Knarlocs 85 pts/model  • All the Mounted Great Knarlocs in the herd may upgrade their Kroot bolt throwers to fire explosive bolts. 15 pts/model  • Any Mounted Great Knarloc in the herd may exchange their Kroot bolt thrower for twin-linked Kroot gun. 20 pts

---

70	BS F S R HP Unit Type Piranha TX-42 3 11 11 10 2 Vehicle (Fast, Open-topped, Skimmer) Unit Composition: 1 Piranha TX-42

Wargear:  • Twin-linked fusion blasters

Options:  • May include up to four additional Piranha TX-42 70 pts/model  • Any Piranha TX-42 may replace its twin-linked fusion blasters for on of the following:   - Twin-linked missile pods free   - Twin-linked plasma rifles 10 pts   - Twin-linked rail rifles 20 pts  • Any Piranha TX-42 may take up to two seeker missiles 8 pts each  • Any Piranha TX-42 may take items from the Vehicle Battle Systems list.

---

35	BS F S R HP Unit Type Tetra Scout Speeder 3 10 10 10 2 Vehicle (Fast, Open-topped, Skimmer) Unit Composition: 1 Tetra Scout Speeder

Wargear:  • Twin-linked pulse rifles  • High intensity markerlight  • Homing beacon Special Rules:  • Scout

Options:  • The team may include up to three Tetras 35 pts/model  • Any Tetra may take items from the Vehicle Battle Systems list.

---

75	WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type Hazard Shas'yr 3 3 5 5 2 3 2 8 3+ Jet Pack Infantry Unit Composition: 1 Hazard Shas'yr

Wargear:  • XV9 Close Support Battlesuit  • Two twin-linked burst cannon Special Rules:  • Supporting Fire  • Extremely Bulky  • Bonding Knife Ritual

Options:  • The team may include up to two additional Hazard Shas’yr 75 pts/model  • Any Hazard Shas’yr may exchange one or both of their twin-linked burst cannon for one of the following:   - Phased ion gun 10 pts/model   - Fusion cascade 15 pts/model   - Pulse submunition rifle 20 pts/model  • Every Hazard Shas’yr must take one item from the Support Systems (except Vectored retro-thrusters)

---

Heavy Support

58	WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type Firesight Marksman 2 5 3 3 1 2 1 7 4+ Infantry MV71 Sniper Drone 2 2 3 4 1 4 1 7 4+ Jet Pack Infantry (Drone) Unit Composition: 1 Firesight Marksman, 3 MV71 Sniper Drones

Wargear (Firesight Marksman):  • Pulse pistol  • Drone controller  • Markerlight Wargear (MV71 Sniper Drone):  • Long-shot pulse rifle

Options:  • May include up to two additional Firesight Marksmen 13 pts/model  • May include up to six additional MV71 Sniper Drones 15 pts/model Special Rules:  • Stealth  • Supporting Fire

---

125	BS F S R HP Unit Type TX7 Hammerhead Gunship 4 13 12 10 3 Vehicle (Tank, Skimmer) WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type MV1 Gun Drone 2 2 3 4 1 4 1 7 4+ Jet Pack Infantry (Drone) Unit Composition: 1 TX7 Hammerhead Gunship

Wargear:  • Railgun with solid shot  • Two MV1 Gun Drones Special Rules:  • Fire Team Longstrike Special Rules:  • Preferred Enemy (Astra Militarum)  • Tank Hunters Hammerhead Ace: Longstrike’s Hammerhead is Ballistic Skill 5 and has the XV02 Pilot Battlesuit Signature System. If Longstrike’s Hammerhead is destroyed, he is slain. Longstrike and his Hammerhead are a single unit for the purposes of Victory Points.

Options:  • May include up to two additional TX7 Hammerhead Gunships 125 pts/model  • Any TX7 Hammerhead Gunship may exchange its ion cannon for one of the following:   - Ion cannon free   - Twin-linked missile pods and velocity tracker free   - Two long-barrelled burst cannons free   - Two plasma cannons 10 pts   - Two fusion cannons 15 pts  • Any TX7 Hammerhead Gunship may:   - Take submunition rounds for its railgun 5 pts   - Take up to two seeker missiles 8 pts each  • Any TX7 Hammerhead Gunship may exchange both MV1 Gun Drones for one of the following:   - Twin-linked burst cannon free   - Twin-linked smart missile system free  • Any TX7 Hammerhead Gunship may take items from the Vehicle Battle Systems list.  • One TX7 Hammerhead Gunship in the army may be upgraded to include Longstrike 45 pts

---

115	BS F S R HP Unit Type TX78 Sky Ray Gunship 4 13 12 10 3 Vehicle (Tank, Skimmer) WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type MV1 Gun Drone 2 2 3 4 1 4 1 7 4+ Jet Pack Infantry (Drone) Unit Composition: 1 TX78 Sky Ray Gunship

Wargear:  • Six seeker missiles  • Two networked markerlights  • Velocity tracker  • Two MV1 Gun Drones Special Rules:  • Fire Team

Options:  • May include up to two additional TX78 Sky Ray Gunships 115 pts/model  • Any TX78 Sky Ray Gunship may exchange both MV1 Gun Drones for one of the following:   - Twin-linked burst cannon free   - Twin-linked smart missile system free  • Any TX78 Sky Ray Gunship may take items from the Vehicle Battle Systems list.

---

65	WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type Broadside Shas’ui 2 3 5 4 2 2 2 8 2+ Infantry Broadside Shas’vre 2 3 5 4 2 2 3 9 2+ Infantry (Character) Unit Composition: 1 Broadside Shas’ui

Wargear:  • Broadside battlesuit  • Twin-linked heavy rail rifle  • Twin-linked smart missile system Special Rules:  • Extremely Bulky  • Supporting Fire

Options:  • May include up to two additional Broadside Shas’ui 65 pts/model  • May upgrade one Broadside Shas’ui to a Broadside Shas’vre 10 pts  • Any Broadside Shas’ui or Shas’vre may exchange his twin-linked heavy rail rifle for a twin-linked high-yield missile pod free  • Any Broadside Shas’ui or Shas’vre may exchange his twin-linked smart missile system for a twin-linked plasma rifle 5 pts/model  • Any Broadside Shas’ui or Shas’vre may take a seeker missile 8 pts/model  • Any Broadside Shas’ui or Shas’vre may take up to one item from the Support Systems list.  • Any Broadside Shas’ui or Shas’vre may take up to two Drones from the Drones list.  • The entire unit may take the Bonding Knife Ritual special rule 1 pt/model

---

50	WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type Heavy Gun Drone 2 2 3 4 1 4 1 7 4+ Jet Pack Infantry (Drone) Unit Composition: 2 Heavy Gun Drones

Wargear:  • Twin-linked burst cannon Special Rules:  • Supporting Fire  • Bulky

Options:  • May include up to four additional Heavy Gun Drones 25 pts/model  • Any Heavy Gun Drone may exchange its twin-linked burst cannon for burst cannon and markerlight free

---

260	WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type R’varna Shas’vre 2 3 6 7 6 2 3 9 2+ Monstrous Creature Shielded Missile Drone 2 2 4 6 1 4 1 7 4+ Jet Pack Infantry (Drone) Unit Composition: 1 R’varna Shas’vre

Wargear (R’varna):  • R’varna battlesuit  • Two pulse submunitions cannon  • Integrated shield generator Wargear (Shielded Missile Drone):  • Missile pod  • Shield generator

Options:  • The R’varna Shas’vre may take up to two Shielded Missile Drones 25 pts each  • The R’varna Shas’vre may take up to two items from the Support Systems list (with the same restrictions of choice that apply to a Riptide battlesuit). Special Rules:  • Nova Reactor (R’varna class) R’varna Shas’vre only  • Supporting Fire

---

Lords of War

360	WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type KV128 Stormsurge 2 3 6 6 8 2 2 9 3+ Gargantuan Creature Unit Composition: 1 KV128 Stormsurge

Wargear:  • Pulse blastcannon  • Twin-linked smart missile system  • Cluster rocket system  • Four destroyer missiles  • Twin-linked flamer Special Rules:  • Stabilising Anchors

Options:  • May include up to two additional Stormsurges 360 pts/model  • Any KV128 Stormsurge may exchange its twin-linked flamer for one of the following:   - Twin-linked burst cannon 5 pts/model   - Twin-linked airbursting fragmentation projector 5 pts/model  • Any KV128 Stormsurge may exchange its pulse blastcannon for a pulse driver cannon 15 pts/model  • Any KV128 Stormsurge may take up to three items from the Support Systems list.

---

2 000

BS F S R HP Unit Type Manta 4 13 12 11 30 Super-heavy Flyer (Hover, Transport) Unit Composition: 1 Manta

Wargear:  • Two heavy railguns  • Three long-barrelled ion cannons  • Twin-linked missile pod  • 16 long-barrelled burst cannons  • 10 seeker missiles  • Networked markerlight  • Blacksun filter

Special Rules:  • Supersonic. The Manta may only use the Supersonic rule on turns in which it has chosen to Zoom instead of Hovering.  • AA Fire  • Transport Ramp  • Transport Elevator  • Energy Shield

 Transport Capacity: The Manta has two transport bays that are treated separately as to what they may carry into battle:
- The upper deck may only transport models with the Infantry unit type (this includes Jet Pack Infantry (Drone)) and has Transport Capacity 55 models.
- The lower deck has a Transport Capacity of 145 models (including Jet Pack Infantry (Drone) and up to 8 Tau Battlesuits with the Jet Pack Infantry. These units take up Transport Capacity as normal). It also has the ability to carry up to 4 non-super-heavy, non-flyer vehicles (which count as 30 models each). Transport vehicles being transported in this fashion may themselves carry units without those units taking up space on the Manta.
 Fire Points: None.
 Access Points: Rear transport ramp, lower transport deck elevator

---

400	BS F S R HP Unit Type Orca 4 12 12 10 6 Super-heavy Flyer (Hover, Transport) Unit Composition: 1 Orca

Wargear:  • Twin-linked long-barrelled burst cannon  • Missile pod  • Blacksun filter  • Disruption pod Special Rules:  • Transport Ramp

Options:  • May take items from the Vehicle Battle Systems list.

 Transport Capacity: The Orca may transport 57 models. It may transport models with the type Jet Pack Infantry (Drone), and up to six Tau Battlesuits with the Jet Pack Infantry. These units take up Transport Capacity as normal.
 Fire Points: None.
 Access Points: Rear transport ramp

---

520	BS F S R HP Unit Type Tiger Shark 4 12 12 10 6 Super-heavy Flyer Unit Composition: 1 Tiger Shark

Wargear:  • Twin-linked ion cannon  • Two burst cannons  • Twin-linked missile pod  • 14 Gun Drones. These are held in a Drone Rack and are not Attached Drones. They may not make any attacks until deployed using the Drone Rack special rule. Special Rules:  • Strafing Run  • Supersonic  • Drone Rack

Options:  • May replace its 14 Gun Drones and the Drone Rack special rule with:   - Six seeker missiles free  • May take items from the Vehicle Battle Systems list.

---

660	BS F S R HP Unit Type Tiger Shark AX-1-0 4 12 12 10 6 Super-heavy Flyer Unit Composition: 1 Tiger Shark AX-1-0

Wargear:  • Twin-linked heavy railgun  • Two burst cannons  • Twin-linked missile pod  • Networked markerlight Special Rules:  • Strafing Run  • Supersonic

Options:  • May take up to six seeker missiles 8 pts each  • May take items from the Vehicle Battle Systems list.

---

Fortification

30	WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Unit Type Sensor Tower - 2 - 6 2 - - - 4+ Drone Tower Unit Composition: 1 Sensor Tower

Wargear:  • Twin-linked markerlight Special Rules:  • Multi-phasic Sensor Suite

Options:  • May include up to three additional Sensor Towers 30 pts/model  • All Sensor Towers in the unit may be upgraded to have one of the following:   - Positional relay 10 pts/model   - Homing beacon 15 pts/model

---

Composition: 1 Tidewall Droneport

Terrain Type: Battlefield debris (defence line).

Weapons: A Tidewall Droneport has four Drones chosen in any combination from the following list:

• Gun Drone
• Marker Drone
• Shield Drone

Special Rules:
Drone Control Systems: The four Drones start the game attached to the platform. They cannot perform any actions or be attacked while they remain attached. If the platform is occupied by any model with the Tau Empire Faction, then the Drones can be activated at the start of the occupying model’s Movement phase. When activated, the Drones immediately detach themselves from the platform in the same manner as Drones detaching from a vehicle. They are treated as part of the army that activated them for the rest of the battle, even if their platform is later abandoned. Firebase: Re-roll To Hit rolls of 1 for shooting attacks made by models with the Tau Empire Faction that are on a Tidewall Droneport. Mobile Defence Position: If you take a Tidewall Droneport as part of your army, you may move it up to 6" in the Movement phase. It cannot move if there are any enemy models on it or if any friendly models on it are locked in combat, and it may only carry friendly models if all members of their unit are on the Fortification. Models carried with it are treated as being stationary for the purposes of firing weapons, but cannot move themselves in the same phase. Tidewall Droneports can only move over open ground, and cannot move within 1" of enemy models.

---

Composition: 1 Tidewall Gunrig. The Tidewall Gunrig consists of a defence platform with an attached gun battery.

Terrain Type: The defence platform is battlefield debris (defence line), and the attached gun battery is battlefield debris (gun emplacement).

Weapons: The gun battery is a twin-linked railgun that can fire solid shot and submunitions. Special Rules:
Firebase: Re-roll To Hit rolls of 1 for shooting attacks made by models with the Tau Empire Faction that are on a Tidewall Gunrig. Identification Protocols: The twin-linked railgun may only be fired by models with the Tau Empire Faction that are on the Tidewall Gunrig. Mobile Defence Position: If you take a Tidewall Gunrig as part of your army, you may move it up to 6" in the Movement phase. It cannot move if there are any enemy models on it or if any friendly models on it are locked in combat, and it may only carry friendly models if all members of their unit are on the Fortification. Models carried with it are treated as being stationary for the purposes of firing weapons (this includes the Tidewall Gunrig’s railgun), but cannot move themselves in the same phase. Tidewall Gunrigs can only move over open ground, and cannot move within 1" of enemy models.

---

Composition: 1 Tidewall Shieldline

Terrain Type: Battlefield debris (defence line). Special Rules:
Firebase: Re-roll To Hit rolls of 1 for shooting attacks made by models with the Tau Empire Faction that are on a Tidewall Shieldline. Mobile Defence Position: If you take a Tidewall Shieldline as part of your army, you may move it up to 6" in the Movement phase. It cannot move if there are any enemy models on it or if any friendly models on it are locked in combat, and it may only carry friendly models if all members of their unit are on the Fortification. Models carried with it are treated as being stationary for the purposes of firing weapons, but cannot move themselves in the same phase. Tidewall Shieldlines can only move over open ground, and cannot move within 1" of enemy models. Tidewall Field: Roll a dice each time a successful cover save is made for a model within 1" of a Tidewall Shieldline’s energy barrier, so long as the barrier is between the attacker and the target. On a roll of 6 the attacking unit suffers 1 Randomly Allocated Wound or glancing hit, resolved at the same AP as the attacking weapon.

---

Set-up: When setting up a Tidewall Gunfort, each Tidewall Gunrig must be placed within 6" of the network’s other two Gunrigs.

If you wish to move the Gunfort, then it must finish the move in the same configuration as it started.

Special Rules: The following special rules apply to the Tidewall Gunrigs that make up the Tidewall Gunfort, in addition to the special rules on their datasheet: Coordinated Strike: Once per turn, a model firing a railgun from a Tidewall Gunfort can make a coordinated strike. If it does so, all of the railguns from the Gunfort fire at the same target unit using the model’s Ballistic Skill, and may not be fired separately in the same Shooting phase. Railguns firing in a coordinated strike add 1 to their Strength if using submunitions, and receive the Armourbane special rule if using solid shot.

---

Set-up: When setting up a Tidewall Rampart, all of the Shieldlines must be set up in a continuous line, each touching at least one other Shieldline in the network. Each Gunrig must then be set up within 6" of one of the network’s Shieldlines, and each Droneport must be set up within 6" of one of the network’s Gunrigs.

If you wish to move the Tidewall Rampart, then it must finish the move in the same configuration as it started.

Special Rules: The following special rules apply to the models in the Tidewall Rampart, in addition to the special rules on their datasheets:

Field Network: Roll a dice each time a successful cover save is made for a model on a Tidewall Gunrig or Droneport if one of the Shieldlines’ barriers is between the attacker and the target. On a roll of 6 the attacking unit suffers 1 Randomly Allocated Wound or glancing hit with the Ignores Cover special rule, resolved at the same AP as the attacking weapon.

Telemetry Relay: In the Shooting phase, a model with the Tau Empire Faction that is on a Tidewall Droneport can upload telemetry data for an enemy unit within its line of sight instead of shooting. If it does so, models firing the network’s Tidewall Gunrig against that enemy unit add 1 to their Ballistic Skill and gain the Tank Hunter and Monster Hunter special rules until the end of the phase.

---

Set-up: When setting up a Tidewall Defence Network, place the Tidewall Shieldlines so they form the sides of a square (the gaps at the corners of this square should be no greater than 3"), and then place the Gunrig or Droneport in the centre of the Shieldline square.

If you wish to move the Tidewall Defence Network, then it must finish the move in the same configuration as it started.

Special Rules: The following special rules apply to the models in the Tidewall Defence Network, in addition to the special rules on their datasheets: Indomitable Position: Models with the Tau Empire Faction have the Stubborn special rule whilst on a Tidewall Shieldline from a Tidewall Defence Network. Information Relay: Models with the Tau Empire Faction on a Tidewall Shieldline from a Tidewall Defence Network can operate the railgun or activate the Drones on its central platform.

---

← Previous Tau Empire: Structure

Back To Top

Next → Tau Empire: Special Rules