Playing Warhammer 40k An All Dreadnought List Experience

Introduction: Embracing the Ironclad Horde

The all-Dreadnought list is a popular and iconic army composition in Warhammer 40,000, capturing the imagination of players with its image of a relentless, lumbering force of heavily armored war machines. These lists, typically fielded by Space Marine Chapters or their successors, forgo the traditional infantry-heavy formations in favor of a mechanized onslaught led by various Dreadnought patterns. Playing an all-Dreadnought list offers a unique gameplay experience, distinct from the more common combined-arms approaches. In this article, I will delve into my experiences piloting such a list, discussing the strengths and weaknesses, tactical considerations, and overall enjoyment derived from commanding these behemoths on the battlefield. The allure of an army composed entirely of Dreadnoughts is undeniable. It evokes images of ancient heroes entombed within walking tanks, their martial prowess undiminished by time or grievous wounds. This concept resonates deeply with the lore of Warhammer 40,000, where the Adeptus Astartes are revered as demigods of war. For many players, fielding an all-Dreadnought list is a way to embody this aspect of the setting, to command a force that is both awe-inspiring and brutally effective. Furthermore, the all-Dreadnought list presents a refreshing tactical challenge. It requires a different mindset than a conventional army, demanding careful positioning, calculated aggression, and a deep understanding of the strengths and limitations of each Dreadnought pattern. It's a list that rewards strategic thinking and adaptability, forcing players to find creative solutions to overcome obstacles. The satisfaction of outmaneuvering and crushing an opponent with a seemingly slow and cumbersome force is a uniquely rewarding experience. In the following sections, I will explore the specific challenges and triumphs I encountered while playing an all-Dreadnought list, providing insights into the strategic nuances and the sheer fun of commanding these iconic war machines.

Building the Ironclad Legion: List Composition and Choices

Crafting an effective all-Dreadnought list requires careful consideration of the available units and their roles on the battlefield. Space Marine Chapters offer a diverse array of Dreadnought patterns, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. A well-rounded list will incorporate a mix of these patterns to cover different tactical needs. In my experience, a successful list typically includes a core of durable melee Dreadnoughts, such as the venerable Ironclad or the versatile Redemptor, supported by ranged firepower from Dreadnoughts like the Leviathan or the classic Contemptor. The choice of Chapter Tactics also plays a crucial role in list construction. Chapters like the Iron Hands, with their inherent durability, or the Imperial Fists, with their bolter-focused doctrines, synergize particularly well with Dreadnought-heavy armies. When building my all-Dreadnought list, I focused on creating a balanced force capable of both absorbing punishment and delivering devastating counter-attacks. I opted for a core of Redemptor Dreadnoughts, prized for their speed, firepower, and melee capabilities. These formed the backbone of my assault, pushing forward to engage the enemy while drawing fire away from my more specialized units. To provide heavy firepower support, I included a Leviathan Dreadnought equipped with a siege claw and a storm cannon. This behemoth served as my primary anti-tank platform, capable of tearing through enemy armor with ease. I also included a Contemptor Dreadnought armed with a twin lascannon and a missile launcher, providing long-range fire support and threat projection. In terms of Chapter Tactics, I chose the Iron Hands, whose inherent resilience made my Dreadnoughts even more durable. Their ability to shrug off damage and repair wounds made them incredibly difficult to kill, allowing them to weather enemy fire and maintain their offensive momentum. Finally, I included a Dreadnought character, such as a Techmarine in a Dreadnought chassis, to provide repairs and support to my armored brethren. This unit served as a crucial cog in my machine, ensuring that my Dreadnoughts remained in the fight even after taking heavy damage. The process of list building is a critical part of the all-Dreadnought experience. It's a puzzle that requires careful consideration of unit roles, synergies, and the overall strategic goals of the army. The satisfaction of crafting a list that performs well on the battlefield is a reward in itself.

Tactical Doctrine: Lumbering Advance and Armored Superiority

Playing an all-Dreadnought list demands a specific tactical approach that leverages the strengths of these armored behemoths while mitigating their weaknesses. Dreadnoughts, while powerful, are not the most mobile units on the battlefield. Their lumbering gait requires careful planning and positioning to ensure they arrive in combat at the right time and in the right place. A key element of the all-Dreadnought strategy is the