Warhammer 40K: A Guide to the Tau Empire

In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war… and the Tau. But unlike the endless conflict that defines most of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, the Tau Empire offers a different vision: a path to unity, progress, and the Greater Good. This guide will delve into the fascinating world of the Tau Empire, exploring their background, philosophy, gameplay, and providing insight for new and experienced players alike. Get ready to explore a faction unlike any other in the galaxy, a civilization that seeks to usher in an era of enlightenment, even if it means bringing the fires of war to accomplish its aims.

A Beacon of Progress Amidst the Chaos: Unveiling the Tau Empire

The Warhammer 40,000 universe is a brutal tapestry of galactic warfare, where humanity struggles against the horrors of the Warp, alien threats, and the constant threat of internal conflict. Amidst this galaxy-spanning conflict, the Tau Empire stands out. Emerging relatively recently compared to the ancient races and established powers of the setting, the Tau offer a unique perspective, a technological prowess, and a philosophical approach that separates them from the endless cycle of violence that defines so much of the 40k world.

Hailing from the Eastern Fringe of the galaxy, the Tau are a young, expansionist race. They initially encountered the galaxy’s horrors relatively late. The Tau’s history is one of rapid advancement, driven by a commitment to their overarching philosophy. Their society is built upon a unique caste system, each responsible for specific roles, from the warrior Fire Caste to the administrative Water Caste, the technological Earth Caste, and the exploratory Air Caste. Overseeing it all are the Ethereals, the enigmatic leaders whose wisdom and guidance shape the destiny of the Tau Empire.

Understanding the Greater Good: The Guiding Philosophy of the Tau

At the heart of the Tau Empire lies the concept of the “Greater Good” (Tau’va). This isn’t just a slogan; it’s the core belief that guides the Tau in all their actions. The “Greater Good” prioritizes the collective well-being of all sentient beings. It is a philosophy that emphasizes cooperation, progress, and the eradication of suffering. The Tau believe that through unity and shared purpose, they can build a better future for everyone.

This philosophy shapes their approach to warfare. While the Tau are skilled warriors, their primary goal isn’t conquest for its own sake. They seek to bring other civilizations into the fold of the Greater Good, offering the benefits of their advanced technology, healthcare, and societal structures. This approach often involves diplomacy, but when diplomacy fails, the Tau are prepared to utilize their superior firepower to bring wayward civilizations to their side. The Tau’s belief in the Greater Good also fuels their commitment to technological innovation and their pursuit of knowledge.

However, the Greater Good isn’t without its critics. Some see it as a form of subtle coercion, a way of absorbing other cultures and erasing their unique identities. Others point out the often-authoritarian methods the Tau employ to achieve their goals. The Tau’s strict adherence to the Greater Good can sometimes lead to actions that appear morally questionable, highlighting the complex nature of this powerful philosophy.

Strategic Prowess: Playing the Tau in Warhammer 40,000

The Tau Empire offers a distinctive play style on the battlefield. Unlike many factions that thrive in close-quarters combat, the Tau excel in ranged engagements, utilizing advanced weaponry and tactical maneuvers to outmaneuver their foes. Their reliance on superior technology allows them to engage enemies from a distance, taking advantage of their powerful railguns, pulse rifles, and devastating battlesuits.

Mastering the battlefield

The core of the Tau strategy is to maximize firepower while maintaining distance. Here are the primary strengths of the Tau:

• Exceptional Ranged Firepower: The Tau boast some of the most accurate and potent ranged weaponry in the game, with units like the Hammerhead gunship and Broadsides battlesuits being able to dismantle even the toughest targets from afar.
• Mobility and Maneuverability: Their battlesuits, along with units like the Sky Ray gunship, are capable of impressive mobility. This allows the Tau to reposition quickly, controlling key objectives and adapting to changing battlefield situations.
• Superior Technology: The Tau are at the cutting edge of technological development, with advanced targeting systems, shield generators, and drone technology. This gives them a significant advantage in combat.
• Strong Overwatch: The Tau excel in overwatch. A number of the units have an ability to open fire against enemy units on the turn they charge, potentially devastating any foe trying to engage in close combat.

Navigating Challenges

Every faction has weaknesses, and the Tau are no exception:

• Vulnerability in Melee: They are generally weaker in close combat. Their units can be quickly overwhelmed in melee.
• Synergy Dependence: The Tau often rely on a high degree of unit synergy to be effective. Breaking down a team leaves the Tau vulnerable.
• Resource Intensive: Many of their most effective units and support systems are points heavy.
• Psychic Weakness: Generally they have no psychic units. This makes them extremely vulnerable to psychic powers.

Units to Deploy: Building Your Tau Army

A successful Tau Empire army is built upon a foundation of well-chosen units, carefully coordinated to exploit their strengths and mitigate their weaknesses. Here are some of the key units you’ll encounter on the battlefield:

The Fire Caste: The Heart of the Tau Army

• Fire Warriors: The basic infantry unit of the Tau. Equipped with Pulse Rifles, they are the backbone of the Tau army. Their strength is in their accurate and rapid fire against an enemy unit.
• Breachers: Specialized short-range infantry equipped with Pulse Blasters, designed for close-quarters combat, particularly in urban environments.
• Strike Teams: Another variation of the Fire Warrior, well-rounded and capable of medium-range engagements.

Air Caste: Unleashing the Might of the Skies

• Drones: Essential support units that provide a variety of functions, including shield drones, markerlight drones, and weapon drones. They’re used to protect the unit and provide additional firepower.
• Crisis Suits: Highly customizable battlesuits that serve as the Tau’s versatile elite infantry, able to adapt to various battlefield roles. They can be equipped with a wide array of weapons and support systems.
• Broadside Battlesuits: Heavily armed long-range artillery units that can devastate enemy formations from a safe distance.
• Riptide Battlesuits: Even more powerful battlesuits, providing heavy firepower and enhanced durability, often acting as the core of the Tau’s heavy firepower.
• Hammerhead Gunships: The main battle tank of the Tau, armed with devastating railguns capable of eliminating enemy tanks and infantry with incredible efficiency.
• Sunshark/ Razorshark: Fast-moving aircraft units that can support battlesuits

Commanders of the Water Caste

• Commanders: Leaders who bring the might of the Greater Good. The Tau commanders offer great leadership, and can be equipped with a variety of battlesuits, often Crisis Suits or Coldstar Battlesuits.
• Commander in XV86 Coldstar battlesuit: Extremely fast commander designed to zip across the battlefield
• Commander in XV8 Crisis Battlesuit: Versatile commander unit, designed for versatility on the battlefield.
• Commander Shadowsun: Legendary commander with special abilities.

Taking the First Step: Building Your Tau Army

If the Tau Empire has captured your imagination, getting started is easy. Here are some recommendations:

• Start Collecting!: The “Start Collecting! Tau Empire” box provides a great starting point, containing a Fire Warrior team, a Crisis Battlesuit team, and an ethereal model.
• Army Building Resources: Utilize online resources such as BattleScribe, which allows you to build and manage your army lists. The official Games Workshop website also offers valuable information.
• Reading: Dive into the Tau codex to explore the full range of available units, rules, and strategies.

Bringing the Tau to Life: Painting and Modeling

Painting your Tau army is a rewarding experience. The clean, futuristic designs lend themselves well to various color schemes. Many players choose a classic scheme of grey or white armor with contrasting colored highlights, often blue, red, or orange. Consider using basing materials to add character to your miniatures and create a cohesive look for your army. Explore different approaches, such as pre-shading and highlighting, to add depth and detail to your models.

The Path to the Greater Good: Conclusion

The Tau Empire offers a compelling and unique experience in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Their philosophy, advanced technology, and distinct play style make them a rewarding faction for both new and experienced players. Their focus on ranged combat and their quest for the Greater Good sets them apart from the more grimdark factions of the game. They offer an alternative way to play the game.

If you enjoy the idea of a technologically advanced army, with powerful ranged weapons, that prioritizes strategy and tactical coordination, the Tau Empire might be the perfect choice for you. Will you join the ranks of the Tau and bring their brand of enlightenment to the galaxy?

Join the conversation. What are your favorite Tau units? What strategies do you find most effective? Share your thoughts and insights in the comments below. Embrace the Greater Good!