Warhammer 40k Building a List That Works for You. Vol. 1

Steve and Ian chat about the basics of list building. Today they go over the first two steps that they take when building a list from scratch. Be sure to like, subscribe, and comment to join the conversation.

[@Carbwolf]

When Im making a list, first Ill start with putting in a couple units of Steves. Then I know Im going to have at least one big unit of Steves, to hold the back line. Then Im definitely adding a Steve or two because I just love the models. After that, probably a unit of Steves. Ive been really high on Steves lately, so Im going to get at least one of those in there. Depending on how the meta looks, I might add a Steve. Finally, if Ive got the points, Im going to try to squeeze a Steve in there. List complete!

[@hyperspacehobbies]

Wow, I didn't know you were a Power Gamer like that, however its a unique list, not a meta net list.

[@spacemarinesteve6057]

Whoa, I wasn't thinking about pairing Steve and Steve together like that. The combo is intense. I love it!

[@raymanning9903]

I build a list based on what I have and can afford to add. 😢

[@spacemarinesteve6057]

No need for the sad face. It is a reality that people face and you can make a list with what you have and absolutely play the crap out of it! That happens to us all. At some point, I don't have three of everything - there are always times when I don't have something and need to make do

[@crsmith6226]

All of his space marines being named Steve remind me of the vault in fallout 3 with “Haha Garyyyyyy”. If you get it you get it.

[@Mark-ky1je]

fallout 3 has the vault with gary clones

[@crsmith6226]

@@Mark-ky1je thanks I’ll fix it

[@hyperspacehobbies]

WOH that brought me back hahaha! I got replay that one.

[@nomassgoer8350]

This is for Steveus Calsteve!

[@spacemarinesteve6057]

For Steveus Calsteve!!!!!

[@nomassgoer8350]

What would it take for you to call him Steveus Calsteve on play-on? I’m also open to Steveus Stevegar

[@arianash7763]

@@nomassgoer8350 Steveus Stevesteve

[@voxcasttonowhereofficial]

My Jedi Masters grace me their wisdom once more 🙌🏽

[@spacemarinesteve6057]

You are aware of your feelings! Embrace it!

[@hyperspacehobbies]

Join the Dork Side.

[@paulbalfour9339]

Will save this over for my way home. I ran Crons close last night with my Ultras, but I couldn’t chew through their durable units on primary. Have you ever considered a fix my list type show… I’d certainly put my name forward! 😅

[@spacemarinesteve6057]

That's a great idea! We will put it in the 'maybe column'

[@hyperspacehobbies]

Dang that is a good Idea "PUT IT ON THE WHITE BOARD"

[@jprovorse4159]

Steveus Calsteve… I’ll never be able to unsay it. Thanks guys. 😂😂😂

[@spacemarinesteve6057]

Neither will I hahahahaa

[@daviddefalco4190]

I always like to start with my favorite unit, likely the unit that got me into the faction. Then build out from there.

[@randomethics7528]

I've only been in a hobby a year. I build list based off of what I failed to do in my previous matches. My first list was just random units. Every match since then has been me improving on things that I definitely see I didn't have. I build my army the way I would build a squad in an RPG game. DPS healer tank trying to leave enough room and redundancy so that if something dies something else can fill that role. Usually more specialized units are what I start with and then try to round out that team with other troops and characters.

[@impp18]

We asked and thus received! Many thanks for help getting into the hobby

[@hyperspacehobbies]

Ya this hobby is awesome and has so much to it, glad to be a part of getting more people into this plastic obsession.

[@seanscanlon2000]

Vanguard tactics has a good rule that I've been trying and honesty it's improved my gaming weather casual or more competitive. Run 2 or 3 units that are your must have units. Those are your non-negotiable choices and will let you have fun. The other one is I've not changed a list until after 5 to 10 games and even then only 250 points worth of change it gives you alot of reps with the army and you really get to know what your units can and cannot do

[@AsgardMedic]

I almost always start with my must-haves. Intercessors for stickying objectives Infiltrators (+Librarian) for keeping the enemy out Scouts + Callidus to jump in for missions The jump Captain plus company to take enemy home objective Thunderwolves for anty infantry or bait purposes And then filling my list with heavy hitters - tanks/dreadnoughts. The best thing you could do is have a purpose for all of your units, and knowing how you can alter those purposes if the situation requires it

[@hyperspacehobbies]

Well said.

[@azrael1045]

Azrael with Hellblasters and either an apothecary or lieutenant is fun

[@deadrabit71]

I like starting with suppressors and eliminators. I know they're not particularly good at any one thing but the models are sick and I love that I can flex between leaning on their mobility and the special rules depending on match up. Second I find a unit that I want to use rapid ingress on.

[@hyperspacehobbies]

Rule of cool!

[@williamk1000]

I like seeing Princess Steve in your shot. Back to NERD energy!

[@nicholasd7107]

Looking forward to Vol. 2

[@spacemarinesteve6057]

Us too!!!

[@the_guitarcade]

It depends on the army, for me. For Thousand Sons, I start by getting to at least 15 Cabal Points, make sure all of those characters are in a unit, then I make sure I've got all of the flamers and Terminators I'll need to erase anything that moves near me, then if I have points left, I'll add stupid fun units like a heldrake or knight. For Drukhari or Ynnari, I always start with Drazhar and a unit of Incubi, then I add units with transports as pairs to make sure they have the speed and protection to get places and shoot once or twice before they die. For CSM, I build my lists exactly like y'all described.

[@letsgetit792]

I always start with what detachment am I going to play. It doesnt make a lot of sense to start list building if you dont what the enhancements and strategems do. Then I start building the list based on how that detachment plays. You really need 3 types of units. Units for completing actions like investigate signals. Incepters and scouts come to mind. Units for contesting objectives and trading with the enemy so I think Intercessors and the like. Then you need units that kill. These should be the units you are using to kill the enemy. You juice them up with enhancements and use strategems on them to help them kill units.

[@sliven21]

Im not sure how to make lists, this is why i watched XD But I do usually try and start with a HQ and/or a big tank/monster.

[@MarcosGarcia-ot2lt]

For current Eldar: one sturdy expensive unit for primary (Avatar + farseer, Yvraine + troupes , Wraithblades), storm guardians for stickying, rangers for screening turn 1 and hawks for scoring. The rest is down to preference and how the meta is going: you can build for damage, durability or scoring then

[@Tankshock55]

I usually base my list around a flamer unit or two. Right now I'm always bringing a 6 man Aggressors squad with captain and 10 Infernus Marines with a captain or vulkan. Plus a Land Raider Redeemer. Might have a Repulsor for Infernus, but I sometimes drop it for other units i want to try.

[@jasonneuhaus6348]

Usually when I start list building I consider how I want that list to play. Am I planning to play super aggressive and in the opponent's face? Am I playing cagey and trying to out score and outlast my opponent? Then I find what detachment allows for that play style the best, and a few key units and characters to compliment that play style. I like Firestorm assault force, because I like fast movement, and being in my opponents face. [Assault] on all shooting weapons, and +1 strength within 12" suits the way I like to play. Put the pressure on and don't let up! Strength 10 meltas within melta range, and assault centurions charging out of land raiders is fun to play!

[@iandestroyerofworlds576]

I started with a meme and a dream. Dark Angels like Plasma. I like MkX Tacticus armor. You can get 30 Plasma for cheap through hellblasters. Wow. 30 hellblasters. How to make hellblasters hit harder? Azrael, Liutenants, Stormspeeder Thunderstrike and strat to move around infantry through vanguard? Everything else is cheap infantry to sacrifice to trade OC or do secondaries, Scouts, Intercessors, Assault Intercessors. :D

[@Keldorn1000]

I play 40k since the 3rd/4th edition and i played Space Marines, Necrons, Tyranids, Orks and Astra Militarum and my listbuilding generally goes like you say but i have one step before i come to this. I ALWAYS start with either a unit combination or a theme the List should have like e.g. Astra Militarum an artillery convoy or an all mororized patrol or something and with that theme i include some units that i absolutely want to see in there for the rule of cool and THEN i start a process pretty similar of what you guys lined out in the video.

[@SaiBowen]

I tend to start from a theme, my most recent being "how many Squig Ruders can I put in a list? " (the answer is 28) Then step 2 is "what do I need to add to make this list perform as well as it can?" In this case, I have a lot of punch but need some secondary scorers and primary holders. Gretchen and Boyz to the rescue! After that, it is just flavor

[@nathangontarz4127]

I start with something ... usually cool but also hopefully good, and I try to figure out a way to support that to make it functional. Then I need to ask, what is my army's goal - is it to sit and squat on objectives and try to dominate primary, or am I sneaky and will I try to focus on secondaries, or super killy and mop up points at the end. Once I know what's priority I start filling in needs with a little redundancy. I'd add in with your comments its a good idea to have a unit or two left over for secondary play (deploy homers, behind enemy lines, signals, etc). Two small footprint deepstriking units for cheap (lone op is a bonus) can help you win a close game by scoring points that the main part of your army might not be able to get too.

[@hyperspacehobbies]

100%, having a goal for your army list is important, and building in redundancy is smart.

[@arianash7763]

With my Dark Angels, I pretty much always start with a unit of terminators and a terminator librarian. With my daemons, usually my Lord of Change. In both cases it's something that can get where I need it to go with deep strike, can throw out a lot of damage and take a lot in return. With my Chaos Knights I usually start with a tyrant with the flamer and harpoon, mostly because it's funny. This big-ass thing that moves slow as hell and most of its guns can't fire outside of 18" haha

[@hyperspacehobbies]

Solid starts to any lists i think. I usually start with the LOC as well.

[@chrisprime7767]

I assume there will be multiple videos on the topic, but my number one step would be choosing a fun Detachment, look at playstyle and enhancements/strats. But once that is figured out, I agree, look at fun characters that make the Detachment sing.

[@spacemarinesteve6057]

Ahh, I see! You start at the Detachment! It is a great place to start, we go with some barebones units first, usually, and then start to think about where those units can go to make them most effective

[@chrisprime7767]

I'm currently trying to make the 1st Company work, i love list building and theory crafting with less good Detachments. Love your content gents!

[@hyperspacehobbies]

@@chrisprime7767 Im totally like that too, I love playing the underdog.

[@spacemarinesteve6057]

​@chrisprime7767 give g-man a try. His double Oath makes the Reroll hits and wounds rule literally twice as good lol

[@chrisprime7767]

​@@spacemarinesteve6057ohhh good thinking! My brain went to fists for Lysander, and his minus 1 to wound plus a ancient with the fnp Relic, to create a massive terminator brick. I might have to go back to the drawing board though lol... all part of the process

[@tros5447]

I'm here for Bulbasteve

[@spacemarinesteve6057]

Definitely the best of the three starter Steves

[@thomaswilloughby2951]

As fate would have it, I'm starting a new force as of a few hours ago, so, I'll walk you through my process. First is the army concept. What do I want in this army? In THIS case, I'm finally pulling the trigger on a Chaos Marine force (boooo!), and teh core idea was to go with veterans of the Long War and to make mirror universe Ultramarines (heresy!) ... so, the color scheme of orange as the core, purple for shoulder pads and other markings, and green for the guns and eyes, stands against the blue, yellow, and red of teh classic Ultras. Secondary colors are "evil" while primary colors are "good" so it clicks. (This is why so many supe rheroes are red, blue, and yellow, while villains are so often purple and green.) So, the army itself! A leader always defines the force, even more so for a Chaos army, so I know I want a "Captain" in power armor, with a power weapon, who runs the show. He's a tactiian, not a slaughter guy, so a sword over an axe is good and he wants a unit of elite warriors with him, so I know I want a unit of Chosen for him to hang with. After this, lineguys are essential. I need basic Legionaires and a lot of 'em. Since the eventual goal is half a "Company" in essence, I know I want thirty "tactical marines", 10 "assault marines", and 10 "Devastator marines" ... the core would be two units of ten Legionaires and two units of 5 Legionaires... the larger units are fighters, the smaller units are objective guys. Two units of Havocs will serve as the firebase, wwhile one unit of ten assault-style guys make up teh attack force. The question, there, is if I want them on foot in a Rhino or on jump packs. PROBABLY on foot, since I can scrounge up those models easily, while jump packs would be more of an investment. I'd *rather* have gthe jumps, but, money *is* an issue. After that core is finished, then we season. A unit of Terminators is a classic, some Cultists for the next generation would be nice but not a priority, while some vehicles.... Rhinos, Predators, etc, would be key. Eventually a Land Raider as the centerpiece, and possibly a Dreadnought in the mix but probably not. So, the core concept dictates what goes in. Are the units good? Bad? I don't really care ... the army's there to tell a *story*, and that's more important to me in the end.

[@thegrimpaladin9926]

What about Steve the MIME? The most powerful Steve in all of Stevedom?

[@jonmattison3939]

I'm caught up in playing my Black Templars thematically, using the Righteous Crusaders detachment, and sticking with the thematic units like Primaris Crusader Squads, Sword Brethren, and Helbrecht. Thankfully I like my PCS better than Intercessors and Assault Intercessors. Unfortunately I struggle with my Sword Brethren when compared to Blade Guard (which can't attach to Helbrecht, so that's a moot point) I want to make Hellblasters and Infernus marines work. I don't have any of the new hover tanks, just the old Rhino-chassis everything... Still playing at 1500 points with my buddy.

[@hyperspacehobbies]

This is the best, just playing what you have with a close friend no arms race going on, Just rocking kickass models and enjoying the game.

[@jonmattison3939]

@@hyperspacehobbies yeah, just trying to get to average a 50% win rate. I don't mind losing half the time if it's close. Struggling against my buddy's Tyranids. Hard to out melee a melee army...

[@cameronwoods-reynolds4793]

Gotta get myself a Steveus Calsteve with Victrix Steve Gaurds 😂 Step one is rule of cool! Ezekiel, my favourite model, with 10 Assault Intercessors is 50 chainsword attacks as Ezekiel gives +1 attack in close combat. I slap those bad boys in a redeemer and send them right up mid field. So much fun. Either Deathwing Knights or Deathwing Terminators always make it into my list, either with a Libby or Captain. And i dont leave home without Azreal/hellblasters or Sterngaurd.

[@spacemarinesteve6057]

Nothing beats rule of cool!

[@isaacgraff8288]

I have an army that I like and I am building on. I started with a Dark Angels Combat patrol. I looked at what I had and thought "I don't have a lot, what can I add to keep this functional?" A friend suggested Assault Intercessors to link with the Chaplain. They are a bit better at close range which the Chaplain buffs. A friend gave me Belial, okay who can he work with? Lets go Deathwing Terminators, to get a little more shoot-y. Got a fun proxy and thought it'd be fun to have it be a Ballistus. I still have those primaris intercessors, how can I help them? Lets link an apothecary. I think starting small and thinking how can I bump it up a little? Where am I struggling?

[@LollipopKnight2]

I usually start with my tank corps, because I'm an inveterate treadhead. However, I've learned that I usually have to pare it back a bit, so I have space for either assault troops, or, at minimum, massed infantry, to hold objectives. That being said, a lot of my experience is in simulations, and my actual model armies are basically based around the Guard's Combat Patrols and my Rogal Dorns, because there was a good Christmas box for Dorns last year, Combat Patrols are the cheapest way to get blank models, and I am still an inveterate treadhead. Got some neat 3rd party proxies for Bullgryn, but those can't be used in official tournaments, so I'm trying to figure out how to do without them.

[@hyperspacehobbies]

Inverterate treadhead might be what I call out to the next drive through employee who forgets to put my fries and straw in the bag, really confuse them. If you clear it with the Tournament organizer they can give you a pass on the Bullgryn. Starting a list with your favorite stuff is 100% a way to keep friends and have fun.

[@LollipopKnight2]

@@hyperspacehobbies Yeah, they already give me a pass for smaller events, along with others in the group, but for the occasional proper GTs, they feel like they need to tighten standards up a bit. So I usually get to use them, which makes me happy. Just need a plan for the odd tourney where I can't.

[@JoeHero40k]

By what I have painted and the I move on to something I haven't tried much and is currently powerful

[@hyperspacehobbies]

Oh yea that work's, sometimes that units get nerfed before I get to use them on the tabletop haha

[@Mark-ky1je]

for making lists either whats cool like tanks for my iron warriors such as the kratos or ctan for necrons, but the units also have to be good.

[@hyperspacehobbies]

A solid mixture of Rule of Cool AND Effective.

[@scottamelville]

Kayvan Steve, Iron Father Steveros, Tor Steveadon, Steve Kantor, Adrax Agasteve.

[@spacemarinesteve6057]

Adrax Agasteve is, hands down, my fave

[@Averagejoepainting]

So alpharios got the idea for the legion of Steve I see.

[@Henticore]

I like to run 2- 3 packs of Thunder Steve Cavalry with, atleast, a Steve Guard Battle Leader and Steve Lord on Thunder Steve, a Stevetalis Stevenought and some Assault Interstevesors with Jump Packs as the backbone of my army, simply because I like those models/ units the most ^^.

[@SumsieBun]

I’m a new player and I’ve found list building to be really difficult, confusing and restrictive. Coming from Age of Empires, there isn’t an actual battleline (the military stratagem, not the keyword) with your flank pressure and fire support. 40K feels like mashing action figures together by comparison. Still fun just tough to get the hang of.

[@hyperspacehobbies]

Big learning curve for Warhammer 40k that's for sure.

[@Spandau-Filet]

Could Ian please do a Rocksteady Greater Demon to go with Bebop? I think I would just smile for a month…

[@nicholasd7107]

1st view here it is! Let’s go!

[@spacemarinesteve6057]

Woo!!!!!

[@EliteDarkAssassin]

I like the Tyranid vanguard onslaught detachment so usually I'll have 2 big blobs of Genestevers each led by a Stevelord. Then I'll throw in a Winged Stevenid prime and 6 melee Stevenid warriors. Those 3 units are my midfield contesting units. Then I'll throw in some lone ops for secondaries so usually 2 Stevetors, 2 Neurostevetors, and a Steveleaper as my warlord. Next i need some punching power so I'll throw in 2 Exosteves and 2 Tyrannisteves that shoot acid. That's really my core list with about ~300 points left over to tailer what i need. Is a blob of 6 Steventhropes for antitank support? Is a unit of 3 Stevenors to pop in and out of deep strike doing hard to reach secondaries?

[@hyperspacehobbies]

How IS the Steveleaper I haven't yet faced off against that terror. Tyrannisteves are insanely effective. lots of beef and a great weapon profile. also vanguard onslaught is awesome with the sneaky speed.

[@EliteDarkAssassin]

@@hyperspacehobbies steveleaper is durable enough at 6 toughness, 7 wounds, 3+ 4++. I like to use him like a scalpel to cripple enemy units by sniping their character. If he dies, he's an 80 point investment that scored assassination and turned off a few combos. But more often than not he tends to live unlike the regular Stevetor who has the same combat potential but none of the bulk. Vanguard is fun cuz you can have total board control on turn 0 with infiltrate, scout movement, redeploy after seeing who goes first to either by more aggressive/more defensive.

[@austinbeale4372]

Theme is everything. Besides that i try to make 'take all comers' rather than specialized or spam.

[@hyperspacehobbies]

all comers is the way to go i think.

[@vxicepickxv]

First, we'll add the Lord Solar...

[@ThroatSore]

Any plans for a video for people that don't play space Mariv3s with Calgar?

[@Astartesparty]

Lmao Steve’s calsteve

[@4TheLion]

Hey how many Lieutenants do I need at 2k? Also, what are some good Ultramatprine units at 500 points?

[@PTurbo4th]

What I do... I like that guy and those guys... they go together. And I like that guy and those over there... they go together. Then I play and lose because I played a cool list...

[@AzkuulaKtaktu]

Stevegar

[@arianash7763]

Wait, I'm confused. NONE of my models are called Steve. Is my list even legal?

[@hyperspacehobbies]

Hmmm ya that's a problem. You are going to have to bump those numbers up.

[@desertzombie]

Just play Vespid's thats all everyone needa

[@hyperspacehobbies]

HAHAHA yep, full Vespid army new leaks on Warhammer community page.

[@desertzombie]

@@hyperspacehobbies if only that was a thing. Vespid vs demons

[@hyperspacehobbies]

@@desertzombie You could do some mods, or even 3d printing and turn kroot into vespid and just use those rules.