The two obvious choices are AP HMG Vet Kazak in a full link and Shock HMG Spetsnaz. There are also Tankhunters with Auto cannon or HMG, though these may be outshined by the two above. Then we have Frontovniks in a core, which shoot nearly as well as Veteran Kazaks (-1BS), with less survivability on the troop itself. Frontovniks have Molotok (which is basically an AP HMG with Spitfire range and -2DAM), Heavy and Light Rocket Launchers (in a link, with B3). There's also T2 ammo in weapons with B3, like T2 rifle or T2 marksman rifle. Here we have Plushenko (you'll likely will want a CoC Tankhunter anyway, why not make it a T2 marksman rifle one), or a Strelok, both with Ambush camo with BS11 or BS13. We also have the T2 rifle Vet kazak, which also has an x visor for suppressive fire. Worth mentioning the Ratnik with 2 Molotoks, who has an inbuilt Haris. Though a Molotok Frontovnik in a link is just better at shooting.
Is this a question or a statement? Raw stats-wise, nothing trumps a vet kazak with 4 line kazaks cheerleading/fangirling for him.
In this order: Linked Vet HMG, Spetz HMG, AC Tankhunter You might be surprised, but Scouts tend to be major attack pieces in my lists, both the Ojotnik and AP Sniper profiles
Everyone says the vet kazak for a reason, seriously these guys are monsters. A linked APhmg with camo, good armor and memetism is scary. Spetznaz hmg's are also fantastic and can just rip through enemies. I also love my shotty spetznaz as he can run in off of parachutist and really make a mess if the opponent isn't prepared. Seriously the paranoia in my local group is pretty great, ivan's coming. Scout shotguns are also a nasty surprise, especially now they can be paired with streloks for more token nonsense. Just start your attack by ap slugging something they love.
This is contrary to popular opinion here, but I think TAK's best attack pieces are run solo - Vet AP HMG, Vet T2 / X Visor, Spetsnaz HMG, Tank Hunter AP HMG, and the irregular units like Dog Warriors. By the numbers, the Vet AP HMG in a link is the best. That said, a savvy opponent isn't going to leave models out for you to blow away...you will likely have to expend orders flanking. Here's the problem - big links are unwieldy at best. LI links that lack template weapons stand a very real chance of getting blitzed first turn in your DZ (if you don't go first) by AD jumpers, faster movers and infiltrators with BSG. The other issue is advancement - if you advance into the midfield to flank, you're moving a fire team (inefficient) and run the risk of overextending. The Vet / Line mixed link is good in the active turn but fairly weak in reactive, and once the Line Kazaks start dropping it's game over. IMO, the best TAK build for fireteams is to keep the Line Kazak link cheap and defensive, and flood the board with solo attack pieces (Spetsnaz, the aforementioned Vets, etc.) that can't be blitzed on the first turn, and can mitigate overextension by recamoing.
My main attack piece has been a link Vet with HMG Vet paramedic Frontovik engineer 2*Kazaks FO The +3 bonus for the full link is good but not critical. The purpose is more to attack and carry specialists along. Engineer can fix immobilized or glued veterans. The vet paramedic can be exchanged for T2 + X-visor if you don't need a durable specialist. You can also split the link when you have gotten up the board to set up some suppressive fire or to have specialists go for different objectives.
I'm going to be trying out a 5 member Line Kazak link and a Haris of a Veteran and two Frontoviks. Also, I've been putting a Frontovik Sniper in my link as an ARO piece, then dropping him out later. It's been really good.
This contradicts itself. You know what you get for the price of 4 line kazaks added to a vet kazak HMG? 4 more orders, 4 more aro platforms, 4 more things for the enemy to deal with. You know what happens if the enemy busts the link? You're left with a solo vet kazak, which by your own logic is the most optimal choice since it's a solo assault piece. You also forget links can be made and broken and reformed. So you could start with the vet kaz HMG, then swap a frontovnik into his place to let Mr. veteran go do his thing.
There is no contradiction and I'm aware of the ability to reform mixed links. You have misread my post- my suggestion is to take the defensive Line Kazak link (you still have those orders - last paragraph of my post), but to leave it behind when you advance for the reasons that I outlined. Or, drag your vulnerable order base into the midfield and see what happens. I love when opponents do this.
Especially Vassily with FD1 and BS13 Strelok I'm not 100% on yet, he's definitely good but BS11 isn't the best platform unless you can really leverage range and surprise shot.
4x Spetz HMG. What else do you need? For real, I've been a big fan of BSG Streloks and scouts lately. Most of my TaK lists have 2x Spetz HMG, 2x FO Streloks, 2x SMG Streloks and 1-2 BSG Scouts. Usually backed by up by a Line Kazak 2x Sniper, 2x Rifle (ones my LT) and a HRL Frontovik. Then add stuff as needed.
No votes for assault pack?!? I use mine as a guided missile, they rock at killing something important quickly!
Spetsnaz Boarding Shotgun is a very, very mean attack piece. Much better than many long-range shooters in the faction early game as he can effectively close and kill with guys taking cover from your DZ.
18's to hit and denial of cover bonus to ARM. She's a murder machine. Mine has a bad habit of getting crit right out the gate. But when she doesn't she usually goes on a backline rampage. BS Spetsnaz are scary folks.
How do you deploy those spetsnazs? I am very reluctant to use Ariadna parachutists, seems I never deploy them on the right side of the table. They end up killed entering the battle or not showing at all.
It's a question of proper sequencing. First you kill all ARO pieces with the two HMG Spetsnaz you fielded. Then you land the BSG Spetsnaz and kill all troopers your HMG Spetsnaz has no line of fire to. And then you do whatever you please.
