The Penitent Host is a formidable force within the Warhammer 40K universe, known for its incredible combat potential and versatility. In this guide, we’ll explore the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of the Penitent Host, offering you valuable insights to maximise their effectiveness on the battlefield.
Strengths of the Penitent Host
1. Unmatched Combat Potential
The Penitent Host shines in close combat, boasting units like Mortifiers, Arco-flagellants, and Repentia that can devastate enemies up close.
Arco-flagellants: With up to six attacks per model and the ability to sustain these attacks, Arco-flagellants excel at overwhelming hordes. While their attacks are AP 0 and only 1 damage, the sheer volume (up to 60 attacks from a full unit) can shred through lighter infantry with ease.
Repentia: These units are designed to take on more elite targets, wielding strength 6, AP -2, 2 damage attacks. With rerolls on hits and wounds, they are reliable in trading up against tougher enemies, though their low number of attacks per model can make them a bit swingy.
Mortifiers: With strength 8, AP -3 attacks, Mortifiers are excellent at dealing with vehicles and other heavily armoured targets. Their versatility in handling different profiles makes them a crucial component of the Penitent Host.
2. Objective Control
One of the often-overlooked strengths of the Penitent Host is its ability to remove enemy units from objectives. While the army has Objective Control (OC) 1 on most units, the large squad sizes and aggressive playstyle mean that they can push enemies off objectives and secure crucial points.
Large Squads: Units like Arco-flagellants and Repentia are often taken in large numbers, allowing them to overwhelm smaller enemy squads on objectives.
3. Speed and Manoeuvrability
The Penitent Host is deceptively fast, especially when combined with transports like Rhinos. This mobility allows them to close the gap with the enemy quickly and deliver devastating charges.
Rhinos: These transports not only provide protection but also enable rapid redeployment and aggressive plays with disembarkation and charges.
Miracle Dice: The use of Miracle Dice guarantees a minimum 7-inch charge, ensuring that your units can reliably get into combat when it counts.
Weaknesses of the Penitent Host
1. Fragile Durability
Despite their offensive power, the Penitent Host suffers from low durability, particularly with units like Repentia and Arco-flagellants, which have low toughness and minimal armour saves.
Low Toughness: Most units are toughness 3 with only a 6+ invulnerable save, making them vulnerable to even moderate firepower.
T-Shirt Armour: The nickname “t-shirt armour” refers to the Penitent Host’s poor ability to withstand damage, as most of their protection comes from being inside Rhinos or avoiding being shot at altogether.
2. Vulnerability to Overwatch
Overwatch can be a significant problem for the Penitent Host. Losing models to Overwatch before they even reach combat can severely reduce their effectiveness.
Expensive Units: With units like Repentia costing 180 points for ten models, losing even a few to Overwatch can drastically reduce their impact in combat.
3. Poor Primary Objective Holding
The Penitent Host struggles to hold objectives effectively. While they can push enemies off objectives, maintaining control over them is challenging due to their fragility.
Exposed Outside Transports: When units are outside of their Rhinos, they are highly susceptible to being shot off objectives.
Opportunities for the Penitent Host
1. Effective Mission Play
The Penitent Host has access to several units that can excel in playing the mission, particularly in secondary objectives.
Seraphim and Zephyrim: These units can deep strike and perform actions, providing valuable utility in scoring secondary objectives.
Infiltrators: Units like the Novitiates can infiltrate and secure forward positions, playing a crucial role in mission objectives.
2. Leveraging Strategic Support Units
Support units like Junith Eruita and Rhinos can be game-changers when used effectively.
Junith Eruita: Her presence on the battlefield can provide crucial buffs and allow for the use of multiple defensive stratagems in a turn, enhancing the durability of your units.
Rhinos: Essential for keeping your key units safe until they’re ready to strike, Rhinos are a must-have for the Penitent Host. They allow for advance and charge tactics, maximising the impact of your assaults.
3. Countering Overwatch
Utilising specific strategies and units can help mitigate the threat of Overwatch.
Callidus Assassin: A key unit for disabling Overwatch with her ability to increase the CP cost for enemy stratagems, allowing your Repentia or Arco-flagellants to reach combat safely.
Timing and Positioning: By carefully planning your assaults and using Rhinos or other distractions, you can minimise the impact of Overwatch.
Threats to the Penitent Host
1. Opposing MSU (Multiple Small Units)
Armies that deploy in multiple small units (MSU) can present a significant challenge to the Penitent Host. These units are often difficult to engage efficiently, and they can chip away at your forces over time.
Difficult Targeting: The Penitent Host struggles when there aren’t clear, high-value targets to engage, as they can be forced to waste their powerful attacks on weaker units.
2. Move Blocking and Screening
Move blocking and screening tactics can severely limit the effectiveness of the Penitent Host by preventing them from reaching key targets or objectives.
Screening Units: Cheap screening units can block the advance of your key combat units, forcing you to waste precious time and attacks clearing them out.
Essential Units and Final Recommendations
1. Rhinos: A Key to Success
Rhinos are absolutely essential for the Penitent Host. They provide protection and mobility, allowing your fragile but powerful units to reach the frontlines safely.
Ratio: A good rule of thumb is to have one Rhino for every two combat units. This ensures you have enough transport capacity to keep your units safe while maintaining offensive pressure.
2. Infiltrators: Gaining the Upper Hand
Infiltrators like the Novitiates are crucial for countering enemy infiltrators and preventing move blocking. Deploy them aggressively to secure key positions and enable your main force to advance unhindered.
Deployment: Use your Infiltrators to block enemy scout moves and set up favourable engagements for your Penitent Host.
Conclusion
The Penitent Host is a force to be reckoned with, combining devastating combat potential with strategic mobility. However, their fragility and vulnerability to Overwatch and move blocking present significant challenges. By understanding their strengths and weaknesses, and leveraging key opportunities like effective use of Rhinos and Infiltrators, you can maximise the impact of your Penitent Host on the battlefield.
As you refine your strategies and build your list, remember that careful planning and tactical foresight are the keys to getting the most from the Penitent Host. Stay aggressive, protect your key units, and focus on maximising your combat effectiveness while mitigating their inherent weaknesses.
