The Raider is the first of two transport options for the Dark Eldar. It is a fast, open topped skimmer. It has a spectacular armor 10 on each facing and can transport 10 people (or 5 Grotesques). It also comes standard with a ballistic skill 4 dark lance. All this for five more points than it used to cost (it was once 55 points). Wait it also has Night Vision like the rest of the army.
Now as it is the main transport for the army it is probably important to have one or four depending on playstyle. Most units that walk can buy then so they can ride instead. Is it worth it though? Well lets look at upgrades, and there are quite a few, before we decide.
Disintegrator Cannon is a free weapon swap with the dark lance. Not bad if you face a lot of 3+ armor, that is not in a vehicle.
Shock Prow this adds D3 to the vehicle front armor when ramming. Meh.
Torment Grenade Launcher enemy units within 6" suffer -1 leadership and must pass a morale test to assault the vehicle. Nice,but why would anyone assault this when they can easily shoot it and assault the contents after. Armor 10 is not hard to beat.
Retrofire Jets allow the Raider to deep strike. Awesome ability, but being a larger model it might be hard to land where you want.
Chain Snares these act a lot like the Reaver blade veins. They cause D3+1 strength 4 AP - hits to unengaged models the Raider passes over. Much like the ability it gives, I'll pass over too.
Grisly Trophies friendly units within 6" can re-roll failed leadership rolls. I like this, as re-rolling leadership is always good.
Envenomed Blades when assaulting the vehicle, enemy units take a strength 4 AP- hit for every 1 they roll. PFFFFFFFFT!!
Splinter Rack embarked units may re-roll to hit with splinter weapons. This is also nice if you run a squad with a splinter cannon and go drive-by guys. Just don't drive to far or you won't get to shoot with the neat-o re-rolls.
Aether Sails this is one choice everyone was excited about. It allows an extra 2D6" movement. So flat-out movement + 2D6" an be really far or just a bit farther. If used it stops the transports unit from disembarking. It also has a big downside as the embarked unit and vehicle cannot shoot the following phase. The unit can disembark and shoot or whatever the following turn, but losing a dark lance shot can really suck.
Flicker Field gives the vehicle a 5++ save. A pure invulnerable save is cool, but anyone who reads my stuff knows my stance on 5++ saves. A flatout move is a much better save chance than Flicker Fields and costs 0 points.
Night Shields reduce the shooting distance of guns by 6". Guns with a 6" or less range are unaffected. Can see barley any use in this. This is a transport/ delivery system. You'll eventually be with range and the 6" loss won't matter. It has a little more use on the Ravager, but just barley.
I only like Raiders, well because I have three of them (yes the old models). I don't put any points into them. I think they cost too much for what they are (look at ork trucks and see they are similar and better for almost 1/2 the cost). The Dark Lance is probably half the cost of the vehicle. If it came standard with a splinter cannon and was 40 points I would be a bigger supporter.
However, they are a necessity, but the upgrades aren't. If you are going to spend points go for the Grisly Trophies to keep guns from running/ being swept or the Splinter Racks (especially if you have a unit of Trueborn aboard with splinter cannons). I think nothing is better than seeing an upgraded Raider crashing and burning before it can get to where it needs to go. It will happen, if it hasn't to you wait it will.
So is the Raider worth it? I say yes and no. You also have the option of webway portals and their depenence on reserve rolls or all foot and dependce on fleet rolls and cover. So the Raider is not the only option, just the fastest.
Just know, they won't last the game (unless fate decrees it or your opponent has zero guns of strength 4+). It is just to fragile at armor 10 and open topped. I have yet had a game where all mine have survived or made it to their destination before being destroyed (and taking crew with them).
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