Ratmen Clans Expert Army Book Review And List Building For One Page Rules

If you're seeking an army that overwhelms opponents with sheer numbers, cunning tactics, and a touch of skaven-like mayhem, the One Page Rules (OPR) Ratmen Clans army might be your perfect choice. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the Ratmen Clans army book for OPR, offering an expert review and insightful list-building strategies to help you dominate the tabletop. We'll explore the army's strengths, weaknesses, unique units, and effective tactics, equipping you with the knowledge to command your hordes to victory. Ratmen Clans offer a thrilling gameplay experience for those who enjoy strategic maneuvering, combined arms tactics, and the satisfaction of watching a seemingly endless tide of ratmen engulf the enemy.

The Ratmen Clans army in One Page Rules is a fascinating and strategically rich faction, drawing inspiration from the classic skaven archetype. Their gameplay revolves around fielding vast numbers of units, overwhelming opponents with a tide of bodies while utilizing a mix of specialized units to exploit weaknesses and control the battlefield. This army excels at swarming tactics, utilizing cheap and numerous infantry to tie up enemy units, while more elite and specialized units deliver the killing blow. Their army list offers a wide range of unit types, from basic infantry and monstrous creatures to war machines and spellcasters, allowing for diverse and adaptable army compositions. However, the true strength of the Ratmen Clans lies in their ability to capitalize on their numbers and utilize synergistic unit combinations. They can effectively control the flow of battle by screening their powerful units with hordes of infantry, creating opportunities for devastating flanking maneuvers, or overwhelming key enemy positions with a relentless assault. Mastering the Ratmen Clans requires a keen understanding of unit roles, careful positioning, and the ability to adapt to your opponent's strategies. A well-led Ratmen Clan army can be a formidable force on the tabletop, capable of weathering heavy firepower and delivering a decisive counter-attack.

The Ratmen Clans army book is well-structured and easy to navigate, providing a clear overview of the army's rules, units, and special abilities. The book begins with a detailed description of the Ratmen Clans lore, painting a picture of a subterranean society driven by ambition, treachery, and a relentless hunger for power. This lore section helps to immerse players in the faction's background and provides context for their gameplay style and unit choices. The rules section is comprehensive, covering all the essential mechanics for playing the army, including unit stats, special rules, and weapon profiles. The clear and concise explanations make it easy for both new and experienced players to grasp the core concepts of the army. One of the key strengths of the army book is its presentation of unit options. Each unit entry includes a detailed description of its role on the battlefield, its strengths and weaknesses, and effective tactics for utilizing it in your army. This information is invaluable for list building, allowing players to carefully craft armies that are tailored to their play style and the challenges they expect to face. The special rules section is particularly important, as it outlines the unique abilities that define the Ratmen Clans army. These rules, such as "Swarming Hordes" and "Fearsome," capture the essence of the ratmen playstyle, emphasizing their reliance on numbers, aggression, and psychological warfare.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Understanding the core strengths and weaknesses of the Ratmen Clans is crucial for successful list building and gameplay. The army's primary strength lies in its overwhelming numbers. Swarming Hordes allows you to field a vast number of infantry units, providing a significant advantage in board control and attrition warfare. This ability to flood the battlefield with bodies can overwhelm opponents, tying up their units and creating opportunities for flanking maneuvers or focused attacks. The sheer number of attacks generated by a large ratmen horde can also be surprisingly effective, especially against lightly armored targets. Another key strength is the army's diverse unit roster. From basic clanrats and giant rats to elite stormvermin and powerful war machines, the Ratmen Clans offer a wide range of options for tailoring your army to specific scenarios and opponents. This flexibility allows you to create balanced armies that can handle a variety of threats or specialize in certain areas, such as close combat, shooting, or psychological warfare. In addition to their numbers and unit diversity, the Ratmen Clans also excel at psychological warfare. The Fearsome special rule, which causes enemy units to take morale checks when charged by ratmen, can disrupt enemy formations and force them to make difficult decisions. This psychological pressure, combined with the sheer number of ratmen on the battlefield, can break the enemy's will to fight and lead to a decisive victory. However, the Ratmen Clans also have their weaknesses. Their basic infantry units are relatively fragile, and their low morale can make them susceptible to routing under heavy fire or after suffering significant casualties. This fragility means that ratmen armies often require careful planning and tactical maneuvering to avoid being bogged down in prolonged engagements. Another weakness is their reliance on synergy. While individual ratmen units may not be particularly strong, they become much more effective when used in combination. This requires a good understanding of unit roles and the ability to coordinate attacks and defenses. The lack of heavy armor and high-quality weapons in the basic ratmen units also means that they can struggle against heavily armored opponents or armies with superior firepower. To overcome these weaknesses, ratmen players must leverage their strengths, utilizing their numbers and psychological warfare to their advantage, while carefully protecting their fragile units and maximizing their synergistic potential. This requires a proactive and aggressive playstyle, focusing on dictating the terms of engagement and disrupting the enemy's plans.

Unique Units and Abilities

The Ratmen Clans army boasts a plethora of unique units and abilities that define its distinctive playstyle. Among the most iconic units are the Clanrats, the basic infantry of the army. While individually weak, Clanrats are incredibly cheap, allowing you to field them in massive numbers. Their primary role is to swarm the enemy, tie up valuable units, and create opportunities for more powerful units to strike. Giant Rats are another common sight in Ratmen Clans armies. These monstrous vermin are fast and ferocious, making them ideal for flanking maneuvers and disrupting enemy lines. They can also be used to screen more vulnerable units or to harass enemy artillery and support units. The Stormvermin represent the elite infantry of the Ratmen Clans. These heavily armed and armored warriors are much tougher and more skilled in combat than Clanrats, making them valuable assets for holding key objectives or engaging in prolonged fights. Stormvermin often serve as the core of a Ratmen Clans battleline, providing the staying power that the army needs to weather heavy attacks. For ranged firepower, the Ratmen Clans can field Warpfire Thrower teams. These devastating weapons unleash a torrent of warpfire, a magical energy that melts flesh and armor alike. Warpfire Throwers are particularly effective against heavily armored units and can quickly turn the tide of battle in a close-quarters engagement. The Ratmen Clans also have access to a variety of monstrous units, such as Rat Ogres and Hell Pit Abominations. These hulking beasts are incredibly strong and resilient, capable of tearing through enemy formations with ease. They are often used as shock troops, leading the charge into the enemy lines and causing havoc. One of the most unique abilities of the Ratmen Clans is Swarming Hordes. This special rule allows you to field a significantly larger number of units than most other armies, providing a massive advantage in board control and attrition warfare. Another key ability is Fearsome, which forces enemy units to take morale checks when charged by ratmen. This psychological pressure can disrupt enemy formations and make them more vulnerable to attack. The Ratmen Clans also have access to a variety of spells and magical abilities, which can be used to buff their own units, debuff the enemy, or unleash devastating magical attacks. These magical abilities add another layer of complexity to the army and can be crucial for victory in certain matchups. Mastering these unique units and abilities is essential for playing the Ratmen Clans effectively. By understanding their strengths and weaknesses, you can build armies that are tailored to your play style and the challenges you expect to face.

Tactics and Strategies

Effective tactics and strategies are essential for commanding the Ratmen Clans to victory on the tabletop. Due to their reliance on numbers, one of the core strategies for Ratmen Clans is the Swarming Maneuver. This involves using large units of Clanrats and Giant Rats to overwhelm the enemy, tying up their units and creating opportunities for more powerful units to strike. The swarming maneuver is particularly effective against armies that rely on elite units or formations, as it can disrupt their plans and force them to fight on multiple fronts. Another crucial tactic is the Feigned Retreat. This involves using a smaller unit of ratmen to bait the enemy into an unfavorable position, then retreating and allowing the main force to counter-attack. The feigned retreat can be used to draw enemy units away from key objectives or to create flanking opportunities. Utilizing the terrain effectively is also vital for Ratmen Clans armies. They excel in close-quarters combat and can use terrain features such as buildings and forests to their advantage. By maneuvering through terrain, ratmen units can avoid enemy fire and engage in close combat where they are most effective. Another key strategy is to exploit the enemy's weaknesses. Ratmen Clans armies have a variety of units that are effective against different types of targets. By identifying the enemy's vulnerabilities, you can tailor your attacks to maximize their effectiveness. For example, Warpfire Throwers are particularly effective against heavily armored units, while monstrous units like Rat Ogres and Hell Pit Abominations can tear through enemy infantry formations. Psychological warfare is another important aspect of Ratmen Clans tactics. The Fearsome special rule can be used to disrupt enemy formations and force them to make difficult decisions. By applying psychological pressure, you can break the enemy's will to fight and create opportunities for a decisive victory. However, it's important to avoid overextending your units. Ratmen infantry is relatively fragile, and they can be easily wiped out if they are caught in the open or exposed to heavy fire. Therefore, careful positioning and tactical maneuvering are essential for keeping your units alive and ensuring their effectiveness. Finally, flexibility is key. Ratmen Clans armies are highly adaptable, and they can be tailored to a variety of play styles and scenarios. By being able to adjust your tactics and strategies on the fly, you can overcome any challenge and emerge victorious.

Building a competitive and effective Ratmen Clans army list requires careful consideration of unit roles, synergies, and battlefield objectives. The army's strength lies in its versatility, allowing you to build lists that excel in different areas, such as close combat, ranged firepower, or psychological warfare. However, the key to success is creating a list that is balanced and can adapt to various situations. A common approach to list building for Ratmen Clans is to focus on the Swarming Hordes strategy. This involves fielding a large number of Clanrats and Giant Rats, supported by more elite units such as Stormvermin and monstrous creatures. The horde acts as a screen, protecting the more valuable units and tying up the enemy in close combat. This allows the elite units to maneuver and strike at key targets, while the sheer number of attacks generated by the horde can be surprisingly effective against lightly armored opponents. Another popular strategy is to build a list that focuses on ranged firepower. Warpfire Throwers and other ranged units can inflict devastating damage on enemy formations, particularly against heavily armored targets. This type of list often includes a core of Clanrats to act as a screen, but the emphasis is on dealing damage at range before the enemy can engage in close combat. Psychological warfare is another important aspect of Ratmen Clans list building. Units with the Fearsome special rule can disrupt enemy formations and make them more vulnerable to attack. Lists that focus on psychological warfare often include a mix of units with Fearsome, such as Giant Rats and monstrous creatures, along with support units that can exploit the resulting chaos. When building your list, it's important to consider the battlefield objectives. Some scenarios require you to hold key objectives, while others require you to eliminate enemy units. Your list should be tailored to the specific objectives of the scenario. For example, a list that focuses on holding objectives might include a large number of Clanrats to screen and control territory, while a list that focuses on eliminating enemy units might include more ranged firepower and monstrous creatures. Another important consideration is your opponent's army. Different armies have different strengths and weaknesses, and your list should be designed to exploit your opponent's vulnerabilities. For example, against an army with a lot of heavily armored units, you might include more Warpfire Throwers. Against an army with a lot of fragile units, you might focus on swarming tactics. Finally, it's important to test your list and refine it based on your experiences. No list is perfect, and you'll learn a lot by playing games and identifying areas for improvement. By experimenting with different units and strategies, you can develop a list that is both effective and fun to play.

Sample Army Lists

To illustrate the principles of Ratmen Clans list building, let's examine a few sample army lists that highlight different play styles and strategies. These lists are designed for a standard game of One Page Rules and can be adapted to different point levels and scenarios. The first sample list is built around the Swarming Hordes strategy. This list focuses on fielding a large number of Clanrats and Giant Rats to overwhelm the enemy with sheer numbers.

Sample List 1: Swarming Hordes

• 1 Warlord with War Club and Light Armor
• 3 Units of 20 Clanrats with Spears
• 2 Units of 10 Giant Rats
• 1 Unit of 5 Stormvermin with Halberds
• 1 Warpfire Thrower Team

This list is designed to swarm the enemy with a tide of ratmen, tying up their units and creating opportunities for the Stormvermin and Warpfire Thrower to strike. The Warlord provides leadership and support, while the Clanrats act as a screen and the Giant Rats provide flanking attacks. The Stormvermin are the elite infantry of the list, providing a solid core for the battleline, and the Warpfire Thrower offers ranged firepower against heavily armored targets. The second sample list focuses on Ranged Firepower. This list utilizes Warpfire Throwers and other ranged units to inflict heavy casualties on the enemy before they can engage in close combat.

Sample List 2: Ranged Firepower

• 1 Warlock Engineer with Warp Staff
• 2 Units of 10 Clanrats with Spears
• 2 Warpfire Thrower Teams
• 1 Plagueclaw Catapult
• 1 Unit of 5 Rat Ogres

This list is designed to deal damage at range, weakening the enemy before they can close in. The Warlock Engineer provides magical support and enhances the effectiveness of the ranged units. The Clanrats act as a screen, protecting the more valuable ranged units. The Warpfire Thrower Teams are the main damage dealers, and the Plagueclaw Catapult provides additional artillery support. The Rat Ogres serve as a mobile reserve, able to exploit any gaps in the enemy line. The third sample list focuses on Psychological Warfare. This list utilizes units with the Fearsome special rule to disrupt enemy formations and force them to make difficult decisions.

Sample List 3: Psychological Warfare

• 1 Warlord with War Club and Light Armor
• 2 Units of 10 Clanrats with Spears
• 2 Units of 10 Giant Rats
• 1 Hell Pit Abomination
• 1 Unit of 5 Stormvermin with Halberds

This list is designed to apply psychological pressure to the enemy, disrupting their plans and making them more vulnerable to attack. The Warlord provides leadership, and the Clanrats act as a screen. The Giant Rats and Hell Pit Abomination both have the Fearsome special rule, making them ideal for disrupting enemy formations. The Stormvermin provide a solid core for the battleline, and their Halberds are effective against heavily armored targets. These sample lists are just a starting point. There are many other ways to build a Ratmen Clans army, and the best list for you will depend on your play style, your opponent's army, and the specific scenario. By experimenting with different units and strategies, you can discover the combinations that work best for you and lead your Ratmen Clans to victory.

The Ratmen Clans army in One Page Rules offers a unique and rewarding gameplay experience. Their reliance on numbers, combined with their diverse unit roster and unique abilities, makes them a challenging but ultimately satisfying army to command. By understanding their strengths and weaknesses, and by utilizing effective tactics and strategies, you can lead your Ratmen Clans to victory on the tabletop. Mastering the Ratmen Clans requires a deep understanding of the army's core mechanics, the ability to build balanced and adaptable lists, and a willingness to experiment with different tactics and strategies. The journey to becoming a skilled Ratmen Clans commander is a rewarding one, filled with challenges, triumphs, and the satisfaction of watching your hordes overwhelm the enemy. Whether you prefer swarming tactics, ranged firepower, or psychological warfare, the Ratmen Clans offer a play style that will suit your preferences. So, gather your hordes, sharpen your claws, and prepare to unleash the ratmen upon the unsuspecting world of One Page Rules.

What are the key strengths of the Ratmen Clans army?

The key strength of the Ratmen Clans army lies in its overwhelming numbers. The Swarming Hordes special rule allows you to field a vast number of units, providing a significant advantage in board control and attrition warfare. The army also boasts a diverse unit roster, ranging from cheap Clanrats to elite Stormvermin and powerful monstrous creatures. This flexibility allows you to tailor your army to specific scenarios and opponents. Additionally, the Ratmen Clans excel at psychological warfare, utilizing the Fearsome special rule to disrupt enemy formations and force them to make difficult decisions.

What are the weaknesses of the Ratmen Clans army?

Despite their strengths, the Ratmen Clans army has some notable weaknesses. Their basic infantry units are relatively fragile and have low morale, making them susceptible to routing under heavy fire or after suffering significant casualties. The army also relies heavily on synergy, meaning that individual units may not be particularly strong on their own but become much more effective when used in combination. Additionally, the lack of heavy armor and high-quality weapons in the basic ratmen units can make them struggle against heavily armored opponents or armies with superior firepower.

What are some effective tactics for playing Ratmen Clans?

Some effective tactics for playing the Ratmen Clans include the Swarming Maneuver, which involves overwhelming the enemy with large units of Clanrats and Giant Rats. The Feigned Retreat can be used to bait the enemy into unfavorable positions, and utilizing terrain effectively can help ratmen units avoid enemy fire and engage in close combat where they are most effective. Psychological warfare, using the Fearsome special rule, can also disrupt enemy formations. It's important to avoid overextending units, as ratmen infantry is relatively fragile. Flexibility is key, and adapting tactics and strategies to the specific scenario and opponent is crucial.

How do I build a competitive Ratmen Clans army list?

Building a competitive Ratmen Clans army list requires careful consideration of unit roles, synergies, and battlefield objectives. A common approach is to focus on the Swarming Hordes strategy, fielding a large number of Clanrats and Giant Rats supported by more elite units. Another strategy is to focus on ranged firepower, utilizing Warpfire Throwers and other ranged units to inflict heavy casualties. Psychological warfare, using units with the Fearsome special rule, is another viable approach. When building your list, consider the battlefield objectives and your opponent's army. It's important to test your list and refine it based on your experiences.