Space Wolves and Feedback from the NOVA Open

As most of you know, the NOVA open has come and gone.  In the last few days, I've read and heard nothing but praises for the event.  Everything from the tournament organizers and the way the event was run to the missions and sportsmanship of other hobby enthusiasts.  It is for that reason; I regret not being able to have attended such an entertaining event.

Even though I was unable to make the NOVA Open, I feel as though I can still benefit from the event.  In particular, the coverage provided by certain players and the tournament organizers can provide some useful insight or be of help when considering how one of my armies may fair.  After reading dozens of battle reports, I've come to realize that I may need to update or consider a few changes in my Space Wolves List.  I'll detail my current 1850pt list and then discuss the possible changes I'm considering making.

This list is similar to the one I used to play Saint Omerville with in a practice game for the ICGT that took place on July 31st.  In fact, you can find a battle report on his blog, Saint Omerville's 40k Blog.

Space Wolves 1850pts

100pts - HQ: SW Rune Priest
140pts - Elite: SW Dreadnought w/Multi-Melta [Drop Pod]
140pts - Elite: SW Dreadnought w/Multi-Melta [Drop Pod]
198pts - Troops: SW Grey Hunter Pack (10) Wolf Guard w/Power Fist & Storm Bolter, Meltagun x2,
215pts - Troops: SW Grey Hunter Pack (10) Power Fist, Meltagun x2, [Drop Pod]
215pts - Troops: SW Grey Hunter Pack (10) Power Fist, Meltagun x2, [Rhino]
210pts - Troops: SW Grey Hunter Pack (10) Power Weapon, Plasmagun x2, [Rhino]
210pts - Troops: SW Grey Hunter Pack (10) Power Weapon, Plasmagun x2, [Rhino]
169pts - Fast Attack: SW Sky Claw Pack (8) Power Fist
255pts - Heavy Support: SW Land Raider Redeemer w/Extra Armor
Total: 1850pts

I have plenty of Anti-Tank weaponry even though it is short ranged.  The short range weapons are not a hindrance since I plan on being in my opponent's face most of the game, but what happens when I'm assaulted or inevitably assault something that packs a punch.  I just don't think I can rely on my single Power Fists in my Grey Hunter packs.  Two attacks on the charge and one sitting still with the exception of the single Wolf Guard model. 

You might say to yourself, what about your Dreads.  The sad reality is one if not both will probably not survive very long after deploying from their Drop Pods.  They deploy, get a shot off and if I'm lucky, survive to charge a unit.  Even then, a MC or other crazy close combat unit may be able to take them out before they swing back.

After looking for a replacement, this is what I've come up with.

Space Wolves 1850pts

100pts - HQ: SW Rune Priest
140pts - Elite: SW Dreadnought w/Multi-Melta [Drop Pod]
085pts - Elite: SW Lone Wolf in TDA, Chainfist, and Storm Shield
085pts - Elite: SW Lone Wolf in TDA, Chainfist, and Storm Shield
180pts - Troops: SW Grey Hunter Pack (10) Power Fist, Meltagun x2,
215pts - Troops: SW Grey Hunter Pack (10) Power Fist, Meltagun x2, [Drop Pod]
215pts - Troops: SW Grey Hunter Pack (10) Power Fist, Meltagun x2, [Drop Pod]
210pts - Troops: SW Grey Hunter Pack (10) Power Weapon, Plasmagun x2, [Rhino]
210pts - Troops: SW Grey Hunter Pack (10) Power Weapon, Plasmagun x2, [Rhino]
151pts - Fast Attack: SW Sky Claw Pack (7) Power Fist
255pts - Heavy Support: SW Land Raider Redeemer w/Extra Armor
Total: 1846pts

The other consideration is taking a unit of three Thunder Wolf Cavalry in place of the Sky Claws and giving the Rune Priest a Wolf Tail Talisman. 

Some of you may remember when I said I refuse to field Space Wolves riding Giant Wolves.  Well, my stand on using Giant Wolves has not changed.  I was considering using two old Wulfen models per base to represent my Thunder Wolf Cavarly.  I'll have to consider the pros and cons and how other players would react (i.e. Line of site, size, etc). 

Both lists are similar in that they are led by a Rune Priest, their core units consists of five (5) full packs of Grey Hunters, Sky Claws, and a Land Raider Redeemer.  The big difference is their ability to deal with heavy hitting characters, Dreadnoughts, Monstrous Creatures, or Tough units in assault.  Their ability to crack open armor and put down MCs at short range has taken a slight decrease but nothing significant.

I plan on picking up a Space Wolves Terminator Box set this evening and will post some pictures in the near future.  So, Stay tuned!