Apex Predator - W'adrhŭn Guide (english)

The Apex Predator, a powerful and imposing feathered Tyrannosaurus Rex, is the prestige model of the W'adrhŭn faction. It impresses not only with its presence on the battlefield but also with its abilities.

 

• Cost

  At 190 points, the Apex Predator is one of the most affordable monsters in the game. Considering its abilities and stats, it offers remarkable value for money, especially compared to other monsters.

  Strengths

• Cleave 2: In close combat, a Clash attack reduces the opponent's armor by 2.
• Deadly Blades: Every armor roll of 6 results in two damage instead of one when attacking with this rule. Even if the opponent has no armor against these attacks, they must still roll, and each 6 causes two damage.
• Terrifying 2: Reduces the Resolve (morale) of units hit by its Clash or Impact attacks by 2.
• Fearless: Immunity to Terrifying.
• Fiend Hunter: Rerolls all attack rolls against Monsters and Brutes, compensating for its relatively low number of attacks.
• Unstoppable: Each charge roll may be rerolled once. Combined with Movement 8 and Chants, this creates a solid threat range.
• Chants: Generates a Chant marker, supporting the W'adrhŭn mechanics and providing access to many useful abilities.
• Battlefield Role - The Speakers: There are small, nice synergies with the Thunder Chieftain Warlord and the Winglord Predator. Mostly nice to have.

Weaknesses

• Moderate Defense: With Defense 3, Resolve 4, and 15 Health points, it can absorb average damage but is vulnerable to high-quality or concentrated damage. However, the rerolls from Death 2 can help mitigate this somewhat.
• Heavy: As a Heavy Regiment, it can only enter the battlefield starting in round 3, limiting its influence in the early turns. However, with Movement 8 and the option to use the Conquest Chant, it can quickly catch up. Nonetheless, it competes directly with other Heavy choices in the faction.
• Dependence on Morale Tests: Against Fearless units (e.g., Old Dominion), it loses efficiency, as abilities like Terrifying 2 do not work, which make up a significant portion of its damage output.
  
  

General Tactics

The Apex Predator is an outstanding monster that, despite a few weaknesses, impresses with an impressive combination of damage, mobility, and versatility. For its 190 points, it offers an excellent mix that appeals to both new and experienced players. Anyone looking for a model that can intimidate and control both enemy monsters and Brutes will find the Apex a fearsome option. Although it is often overshadowed by the variety of other strong W'adrhŭn units in the current meta, it remains an excellent choice for any player seeking a versatile and dangerous unit.

For players who wish to further increase the Apex's damage output or improve its stability, it can be equipped with a rider. The rider not only provides additional hitting power with 5-6 attacks that also benefit from Terrifying (2), but also offers a kind of "teddy bear" effect: the rider acts as a companion to the Apex, providing emotional support on the battlefield. With this addition, the Apex can adjust its targets flexibly, effectively taking on not only Brutes and Monsters but also infantry and cavalry. Additionally, useful items like Beads of Death can also benefit the Apex.

Overall, the Apex Predator is a versatile and threatening model that will surely bring joy to any W'adrhŭn player, whether through its impressive abilities or its unique presence on the battlefield.