Helldiver

Template:Cryxbox This model is playable only in an Unlimited format.

The Helldiver drags itself through the earth using its powerful front claws. Though incredibly strong, these appendages are used only for movement, not attacks. The machine's primary weapon is its mighty jaws, which it uses to seize and sunder its hapless victims. Few sights are more terrible than one of the metallic menaces erupting unexpectedly from the earth and shredding every living body within reach.

Basic Info

Abilities

• Template:Construct
• Template:Burrow
• Template:Dig In
• Template:Drag Below

Weapons

Jaws
File:Sword icon.jpg		RNG				POW				P+S
		0.5				5				13

Theme Forces

• Cryx
  • Template:Black Industries
  • Template:Dark Host
  • Template:The Ghost Fleet
  • Template:Scourge of the Broken Coast. Helldiver gains Gang Fighter in this theme.

• Other Factions
  • Infernal players can use this model in the Template:Hearts of Darkness theme, but only if Mortenebra is leading the army. It gains Accumulator [Soulless] in this theme.
  • Mercenary and Convergence players can use it by either:
    • putting it under the control of Asphyxious4 in various themes, or
    • putting it under the control of Mortenebra in Strange Bedfellows.

Thoughts on Helldiver

Helldiver in a nutshell

The Helldiver is a combat light. It's not great at killing things, but it is good at not being killed (for a Cryx 'jack at least). It has more ARM and HP than usual for a Cryx 'jack, and a good layout of boxes making it hard to cripple systems. Its DEF is lower than norm, but Dig In assures that you'll be safe from most unboosted ranged/spell attacks. Lastly the Burrow rules ensures it won't be exposed to danger until you're ready.

There are two schools of thought on using the Helldiver:

• As a scenario holder/contestor. You burrow him off on the flank near a zone, and get ready to pop up and claim it when no one else is around. With Dig In and no one nearby you'll be hard to remove
• As a one-turn surprise. You burrow it near the centre and wait until you can pop up straight into melee and headbutt an enemy, or some such trick.

Historically the Helldiver was overpowered in mk2, then it got over-nerfed at the start of mk3 and shelved by most players. 3 years later it got a new lease on life with a revised Burrow rule, but this merely brings it up to "okay" for its points cost.

Combos & Synergies

Direct support is usually wasted on such a cheap model, but spells that affect your entire CTRL area (such as Skarre1), battlegroup buffs (such as Mortenebra, either version), or debuffs applied to the enemy target (such as Deneghra1) work just fine with it.

• Though it lacks arc node, it can still be used as carrier for Scything Touch/Dark Shroud into the midst of the enemy ranks. At worst, you can aim an AoE onto it, as it has an effective DEF of 11 on the back.
• Skarre1's feat is great on a Helldiver as it can pop up at the right time and be a massive threat with its P+S 18 jaws attack - but you probably have better feat targets.
• Asphyxious3 gives it Unyielding to make it even more durable, and can speed it up with Mobility.
• If Asphyxious4 wants a cheap-as-possible battlegroup the Helldiver is a decent choice. It can pop up and spread Dark Shroud quite easily. Plus it doesn't really need any focus from Gaspy.

Drawbacks & Downsides

• 4 times out of 5 you'd be better off with a Deathripper for 1 less point. The Deathripper is slightly less durable, slightly less good at melee, but is faster and most importantly has an arc node.
• It is very limited in what it can do on the turn it unburrows.
• It is one of the slowest models in Cryx.
• If you want a combat-oriented light, there are numerous in-faction substitutes that cost only a tad bit more.
• Most enemies won't stand close enough to the burrow marker for you to attack them on the turn you unburrow.

Tricks & Tips

Burrow

• Burrow can be used as a bluff to force your enemy second-guessing your intentions with it.
• Special rules that deny Advance Deployment or Ambush, don't deny Burrow.
• You cannot run after unburrowing because you can't forfeit your Combat Action twice.

Other

• Once dug in, be wary of models with 1" or longer melee range. They can run past you, engage you briefly causing you to lose Dig In, but not come close enough to eat a free strike. Placement effects like Agatha's feat also blow your cover.
• If you intend to make more than one attack, remember that Drag Below ends your activation. Plan accordingly.

Other

Trivia

• Released in Warmachine: Superiority (2006)
• Sculptor: Jeff Wilhelm
• It was nicknamed Dirt Dolphin in mk2 because it could unburrow, advance, and reburrow in a single turn.