Swissdictator:
While this subject can certainly be debated, there is a general concept that certain armies fit different tiers. So, not counting the current Beastmen book (I got it recently a ways ahead of my upcoming birthday, so I’m still reading it) here are my thoughts.
Tier 1: VC and Daemons of Chaos.
These are perhaps the two most powerful armies in the game. While everyone has a personal view of which one is tougher I feel that it is partially reflected in what army they play.
I’d argue that there are more people who honestly like VC more than DoC simply because of the appeal of undead is probably wider (I know, I love the undead too). However, I do know people (like my buddy Dan Ruud and his Khorne) who love Daemons or pick them as they love Chaos (like why I built my Nurgle Daemons which are now going to round bases).
It is hard, but not impossible, for these armies to make "soft/VERY friendly lists. Their army rules certainly give them an advantage. Generally a strong theme (mono and some duel god Daemon lists, blood line themes, etc) can go a LONG ways to making them more enjoyable.
Tier 1.5 Skaven and Dark Elves
Why Tier 1.5? They do fit on Tier 1, and can go toe to toe with the Tier 1 armies and win… indeed they can make very tough lists that can do well in many different situations. However, they’re not automatically tough in of themselves. They still require list construction and/or tactics. Plus, it is FAR easier to make a very soft or very friendly list for these armies.
Both Skaven and Dark Elves have several ways to make strong competitive lists, so it doesn’t automatically result in cookie cutter lists. Though there are several different themes one might see. (Duel monsters for example).
Tier 2 Lizardmen, Warriors of Chaos, Brets
These armies can do very well on the competitive stage, but are generally a little easier to deal with in several ways. In the case of WoC, the elite nature of the army leads to a generally smaller, albeit very deadly, number/size of units. With Brets they may seem straight forward but I do think they require some skill to use. Lizards have their own weaknesses too.
These armies are competitive, but in the case of “really tough”/“cheesy” you see less variety. In tournaments where composition is a factor you will see more variety (especially in WoC due to different Gods). All three can make friendly and soft lists without difficulty. I would say all three also have some overlooked “good army designs” that could do well, more so with WoC and Brets.
Tier 3 Empire, High Elves, Wood Elves
These three lists are generally well received. They tend to have an uphill battle, but far from a hopeless one. They still have some strengths that can really help them. In a more hardcore environment they’ll have an even harder time, but do have a couple designs that will stand up to the challenge.
Most lists will tend to be fairly friendly/fun by default, unless deliberate effort is made on making the list nasty. However, they can catch you by surprise at times too.
Tier 4 Chaos Dwarfs, Dwarfs, Tomb Kings
The current scene is rough for them. Only a few builds are “very tough”. Regardless of the player fielding a “very tough” list or not, these armies do require better use of tactics (more so than the armies above). However, a good general can put these armies to very good use. I have seen Tomb Kings win Best Overall before, and I have done so with Chaos Dwarfs before.
In my personal experience, people playing these armies (and the tier below) are either a true fan of the army and simply enjoy the army itself. Be it the play-style, the personality of the army,the figures, or whatever they absolutely love it and can accept the challenge. Now, it should be noted there are people like this for ALL armies… I do love my VC and Skaven both (the VC especially)… and I’m very proud of how my Dark Elves look. Heck, there are many Druchii players that played that army even in the last book where they had it hard! The second possibility is that they do enjoy the tactical challenge as well… and there are some where both are true.
Tier 5 Ogres, Orcs and Goblins, Dogs of War
These armies have it the hardest. Be it the nature of the army rules, and older book, or the nature of their troops themselves they have a hard time getting out of the gate. Granted, some people make the mistake of underestimating them… and can suffer from this. However, they simply have a much harder time.
In tournaments that emphasize friendlier lists or composition they will do significantly better.
Orcs and Goblins probably are one of the armies with the biggest fans in the game. They laugh off all kinds of craziness without so much as batting an eye.
Concluding Thoughts
I know not everyone will agree with my summary and ranking, and that is fine. This is just to share my thoughts, and some observations. Though constructive feed back is welcome.
Please post your own thoughts/ranks!
