The units in the upcoming Warhammer 40,000: Armageddon launch box have datacard rules so they can be played right out of the box, and this week we’re showing them off. We start with the one you’ve most wanted to see – the Big Mek Dakkarig.
Dakkarigs are what happens when a Big Mek’s madcap genius finally builds a weapon too big to heft into battle single-handedly. Asking the Boyz for help is just liable to get it nicked, so they throw together an ambulatory monstrosity and head out into battle personally.
The resulting war engines lumber onto the front lines, spewing clouds of bullets from their giant chattering blitzkannons while rokkits stream from auxiliary batteries and a glowing force field prevents return fire from reaching the delighted pilot. The Dakkarig is, in many ways, the crown jewel in a Mek’s personal stash – big enough to stomp on Boyz who forget their place, but not so impressive that Da Big Boss will want it for himself.*
Let’s look at that gun. The Dakkablitz ability almost doubles its fire rate when hurling lead at anything smaller than a Monster or Vehicle, and its impressive stats mean it’ll be punching through Space Marine power armour like it’s nothing. Sure, they’re only hitting on a 5+** (or 4+ if they’re not moving too much***), but with enough shots that’s not a problem at all. Just shoot more.
Otherwise, the Dakkarig is a potent Walker with some impressive stats for a model of its size. It can soak up tons of damage while dishing out the hurt in return, and while it doesn’t have the raw close combat ability of a Deff Dread or even a Killa Kan, it can always just hang around behind its saw-wielding compatriots and get first dibs on the wreckage.
The Orks’ existing Dread Mob detachment is a great place to put your Big Mek, as the Dakkarig gets full benefits from its rules and stratagems thanks to the WALKER keyword. It’s also a Character, so it makes the perfect Warlord to lead a full-Dread army when the thought of mere flesh and blood Orks running around doesn’t quite scratch your mechanical itch.
The Dakkarig will be available first in the Warhammer 40,000: Armageddon boxed set. Join us tomorrow as we take a look at the Space Marines' technological marvel – the shiny new Land Speeder.
* Their loss. Dakka dakka dakka!
** When you think about it, half of all Ork hits trigger Sustained Hits, while only a quarter of Space Marine hits do, meaning Orks are clearly better shots. Our mathz is infallible.
*** Remind yourself of the updates to the Heavy ability in the Chaos Space Marines Faction Focus.
