Introduction
Facing the Harlequins in Warhammer 40K can be a formidable challenge. Despite their flamboyant appearance, they are a highly competitive and lethal faction. In this guide, we’ll delve into strategies to defeat these enigmatic “space clowns.”
Understanding Harlequin Playstyle
The Harlequins, a part of the Aeldari army, are known for their agility and versatility. When confronting Harlequins, be prepared for a fast and flexible opponent. Their infantry and bikers can advance, retreat, and charge, making them unpredictable.
Don’t Underestimate Their Resilience
Despite their apparent fragility, Harlequins boast a 4+ invulnerable save and impose penalties on those attempting to hit them in close combat. Their vehicles, equipped with Holo-suits, make it challenging to reroll hits against them.
Rerolls and Fusion Pistols
Harlequins benefit from the Laughing God’s Luck, granting crucial rerolls for invulnerable saves and maximizing the damage from fusion pistols.
Adapting to Minor Changes
While Harlequins have seen minor adjustments in Warhammer 40,000’s Balance Dataslate, they remain swift and deadly in close-quarters combat.
Key Units to Watch Out For
Harlequins field a limited variety of units, but some are particularly notable when playing against them:
1. Troupe of Harlequins
Equipped with fusion pistols and melee weapons, Troupes are agile and hit hard, benefiting from invulnerable saves.
2. Starweaver Transport
Fast and durable, these transports carry Troupes, allowing them to fire fusion pistols from within.
3. Skyweaver Jetbikes
Fast and versatile, Jetbikes can perform various roles, including rapid assaults.
4. Troupe Master
A strong HQ choice, the Troupe Master provides rerolls to wound for basic units.
5. Shadowseer
The sole Harlequin psyker, the Shadowseer is known for psychic powers and auras.
Effective Stratagems
Harlequins have a range of potent stratagems to enhance their elusive playstyle. Understanding these can help you counter their strategies effectively:
– “Fire and Fade” (2CP)
Allows a 7″ move after shooting, offering mobility and surprise.
– “Phantasm” (2CP)
Lets Harlequin units redeploy, confounding your battle plans.
– “Cegorach’s Jest” (1/2CP)
Grants a consolidation move or a shot when the enemy retreats, making them hard to predict.
– “Veil of Tears” (1CP)
Confers a -1 to hit penalty on enemy units, increasing their durability.
– “Hysterical Fury” (2CP)
Boosts the damage of melee weapons by +1, making their close combat attacks more lethal.
Secondary Missions to Be Aware Of
Harlequins have specific secondary missions that can earn them points. Understanding these can help you anticipate their strategies:
– “Deadly Performance”
Involves controlling an uncontrolled objective, positioning units in the opponent’s area, and eliminating enemy units through shooting or combat.
– “Weave the Web”
Requires a Shadowseer to veil units from enemies, with difficulty increasing as more units are veiled.
– “Hold the Line”
Involves deploying three additional objective markers, which Harlequins must occupy to earn points.
Strategies When Playing Against Harlequins
Playing against Harlequins requires a strategic approach. Focus on the following tactics:
– Measure Distances and Ranges
Always be mindful of distances and ask your opponent about their troop movements and weapon ranges to avoid deadly charges and fusion pistol shots.
– Target Fast Transports
Concentrate on eliminating their fast transports to disrupt their mobility and firepower.
– Exploit Their Invulnerable Saves
Utilize high-volume shooting to overcome their invulnerable saves and reduce their survivability.
– Employ Mortal Wounds
Look for sources of mortal wounds, as they bypass hit penalties and invulnerable saves, making them highly effective against Harlequins.
– Control the Game
Force Harlequins into suboptimal moves by dominating the battlefield, making it challenging for them to execute their preferred strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Are Harlequins difficult to play against?
A1: Harlequins can be challenging due to their unique playstyle and agility, but with the right strategy, you can defeat them effectively.
Q2: What are some effective stratagems to use against Harlequins?
A2: Stratagems like “Fire and Fade” and “Veil of Tears” can be effective in countering Harlequin tactics.
Q3: How can I counter Harlequin mobility?
A3: By targeting their fast transports and using high-volume shooting, you can limit their mobility on the battlefield.
Q4: What is the best way to deal with their invulnerable saves?
A4: Exploit sources of mortal wounds, as they bypass hit penalties and invulnerable saves, making them highly effective against Harlequins.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of playing against Harlequins in Warhammer 40K requires a keen understanding of their playstyle, units, and tactics. By following the strategies and tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be better equipped to defeat these enigmatic “space clowns” and achieve victory on the battlefield. Adapt your strategy and learn from each game to become a formidable opponent in the world of Warhammer 40K.
