Post by shasodnarb on May 31, 2010 3:01:29 GMT -5
This is a simple concept that I try to incorporate when I'm designing a firepower-based army list. It is the attempt to maximize the army's effective firepower by giving it the ability to fire at multiple enemy units. Usually, this can be accomplished by fielding larger numbers of units. However, this is more easily accomplished by equipping target locks.
Good cascading fire control minimizes wasted firepower. For example, consider a Fireknife squad that can fire at three separate enemy units. Early in the game, their firepower is likely to be directed towards enemy transports. Obviously, without the target locks, only one transport could normally be targetted. However, because the unit has target locks, it can fire on three separate enemy units. If they damage three transports, then other units in the army can fire at different targets... but if a target is missed, a supporting Tau unit can then fire at what's left.
Ultimately, this helps offset one of Tau's greatest problems: limited volume of fire. At least when firing at light vehicles, that expensive Fireknife squad now does a similar job that would have otherwise required three squads. With target locks, the net result of the squad's firepower could potentially be tripled.
In order to reliably achieve this effect, there are a couple of prerequisites. First of all, the unit has to fire at appropriate targets. Secondly, the unit has to be able to reach multiple targets. This requires equipping weapons that have good range. Furthermore, because some of the initial targets might not be damaged, the supporting units also need weapons with good range to reach remaining targets.
In the case of Tau, equipping a squad with a couple target locks to acquire good cascading fire control is neither difficult nor costly. The downside by spending a few extra points is fairly minimal. Ultimately, all Tau players have to make the choice whether to include target locks or not. In my humble opinion, the benefits far outweight the drawbacks.
Good cascading fire control minimizes wasted firepower. For example, consider a Fireknife squad that can fire at three separate enemy units. Early in the game, their firepower is likely to be directed towards enemy transports. Obviously, without the target locks, only one transport could normally be targetted. However, because the unit has target locks, it can fire on three separate enemy units. If they damage three transports, then other units in the army can fire at different targets... but if a target is missed, a supporting Tau unit can then fire at what's left.
Ultimately, this helps offset one of Tau's greatest problems: limited volume of fire. At least when firing at light vehicles, that expensive Fireknife squad now does a similar job that would have otherwise required three squads. With target locks, the net result of the squad's firepower could potentially be tripled.
In order to reliably achieve this effect, there are a couple of prerequisites. First of all, the unit has to fire at appropriate targets. Secondly, the unit has to be able to reach multiple targets. This requires equipping weapons that have good range. Furthermore, because some of the initial targets might not be damaged, the supporting units also need weapons with good range to reach remaining targets.
In the case of Tau, equipping a squad with a couple target locks to acquire good cascading fire control is neither difficult nor costly. The downside by spending a few extra points is fairly minimal. Ultimately, all Tau players have to make the choice whether to include target locks or not. In my humble opinion, the benefits far outweight the drawbacks.
