The Evolution of Blood Angles Tactics in Warhammer 40K
The Origins of Blood Angles Tactics
Warhammer 40K is a game that has evolved over the years, and the combat tactics of the Blood Angels chapter have undergone constant shift as the metagame has changed.
Chapter Tactics
At the start of the game, each chapter was given a unique set of Rules that was specifically designed for that chapter. The Blood Angels Chapter Tactics, for example, allowed them to re-roll missed To Hit rolls of 1 in close combat, which made them extremely enthusiastic close combat killers. They also have a background that makes them extremely effective against the undead as they had few units that could ignore armor saves resulting in superior damage output.
Inferno and Flank Tactics
The next edition of Warhammer 40K saw the introduction of the Inferno and Flank rules. These rules allowed the Blood Angels to gain an additional +1 to their To Hit rolls in close combat. This made them even more dangerous, as they could now hit on a 3+ in standard close combat combats. They also saw the introduction of the Combat Tactics special rule, which allowed them to re-roll hits in the first round of close combat, further increasing their effectiveness.
Heightened Reactions
The latest edition of Warhammer 40K has seen even more changes to the game that have given Blood Angels an extra tactical advantage. The first change was the introduction of the Heightened Reactions special rule, which essentially allows them to re-roll their To Hit and To Wound rolls in close combat when targeting a unit with 10 or more models. This makes them even deadlier against hordes -a unit type that is very common in the game.
Avenger Gatling Cannons
The last major change to Blood Angels tactics was the introduction of the Avenger Gatling Cannons. This special weapon is similar to other heavy weapons, but it has the added benefit of allowing the unit to fire multiple shots even if it didn't move during the shooting phase. This can be invaluable if the Blood Angels are trying to take out enemy vehicles, as they no longer need to move to put shots on the target.
Conclusion
The Blood Angels have gone through quite an evolution over the years when it comes to their combat tactics. From their unique Chapter Tactics to the introduction of the Heightened Reactions special rule, these ancient warriors have become even more deadly with each passing edition of Warhammer 40K. There is no doubt that they will continue to evolve and become even more lethal in the future, making them a fearsome opponent to face on the battlefield.