Tomb Kings Vs Lizardmen: Army List Strategy

Hey guys! Let's dive into the ancient world of Warhammer and explore some epic strategies for a Tomb Kings army facing off against the scaly Lizardmen. If you're like me, you love the thrill of commanding legions of undead warriors and skeletal constructs, but the Lizardmen, with their powerful dinosaurs and disciplined ranks, can be a tough nut to crack. So, let's break down how we can build a Tomb Kings list that not only stands a chance but dominates the battlefield. We’ll cover everything from hero choices and core units to specialized constructs and tactical maneuvers. Whether you’re a seasoned general or just starting your journey into the Tomb Kings, this is the guide you need to turn the tide of battle in your favor.

Understanding the Battlefield: Tomb Kings vs. Lizardmen

Before we even think about specific units, it’s crucial to understand what we’re up against. Lizardmen armies typically boast a mix of heavily armored infantry, devastating monstrous creatures (those dinosaurs!), and potent magic. Their strengths lie in their resilience, hitting power, and the ability to control the battlefield with strategic deployments and powerful spells. Key threats include Saurus Warriors, who can form a tough frontline, and the mighty Carnosaur, which can tear through just about anything in your ranks. Skink skirmishers can also be a nuisance, harassing your flanks and disrupting your formations.

On the flip side, Tomb Kings bring their own unique set of advantages. Our armies are built around the concept of attrition and reanimation. We can take a beating and keep coming back, thanks to the Undead special rule and our ability to raise slain warriors. Our constructs, like the Ushabti and Tomb Scorpions, provide significant hitting power, and our ranged units, such as Skeleton Archers, can whittle down enemy ranks from a distance. The key to victory lies in leveraging these strengths while mitigating the Lizardmen's advantages. We need to focus on wearing them down, exploiting their weaknesses, and controlling the pace of the battle. A well-coordinated Tomb Kings army can outlast and outmaneuver the Lizardmen, turning their brute strength against them.

Core Units: The Backbone of Your Undead Legion

Our core units are the bread and butter of the Tomb Kings army, providing the staying power and tactical flexibility we need to secure victory. Skeleton Warriors are your basic infantry, forming the bulk of your lines. They might not be the toughest or the strongest, but they’re cheap, numerous, and can be brought back from the dead. Use them to hold ground, screen your more valuable units, and tie up enemy threats. Think of them as the anvil on which you’ll hammer the Lizardmen. A large block of Skeleton Warriors, supported by a Tomb King or a Liche Priest, can be surprisingly resilient.

Skeleton Archers are your primary ranged option, and they’re surprisingly effective. While they might not pack the punch of a dedicated ranged unit, their numbers and the ability to shoot from relative safety make them a valuable asset. Use them to soften up enemy units before they reach your lines, target vulnerable flanks, or pick off key targets like Skink skirmishers. Positioning is key with Archers; find a good vantage point and let the arrows fly.

Tomb Guard are your elite infantry, heavily armored and highly skilled warriors. They’re more expensive than Skeleton Warriors, but they bring significantly more hitting power and resilience. Use them to spearhead your attacks, hold critical objectives, or protect your valuable characters. A unit of Tomb Guard, backed by a Tomb King, can go toe-to-toe with even the toughest Lizardmen units. Consider giving them halberds to maximize their effectiveness against heavily armored opponents like Saurus Warriors.

Hero Choices: Guiding Your Undead Host

Our heroes are the linchpins of the Tomb Kings army, providing leadership, magical support, and combat prowess. Tomb Kings themselves are powerful combat characters, capable of leading your troops and taking on enemy heroes. They provide a crucial leadership bubble, ensuring your units remain steadfast in the face of adversity. Equip them with appropriate wargear to tailor them to your strategy – a great weapon for damage, a shield for survivability, or a combination of both. Consider the Chariot mount for extra speed and impact on the charge.

Liche Priests are our wizards, wielding the Lore of Nehekhara, which focuses on raising the dead and weakening the living. They’re essential for keeping your army fighting at full strength, bringing back slain warriors and constructs. Key spells include Restore for healing and reanimation, and Curse of the Years for weakening enemy units. Positioning is crucial for Liche Priests; keep them safe behind your lines, but within range to cast their spells effectively. Consider taking multiple Liche Priests to maximize your magical output.

Tomb Princes are versatile heroes, filling a role between Tomb Kings and Liche Priests. They can fight, lead troops, and provide some magical support. They're a solid choice if you need a flexible hero who can adapt to different situations. Consider giving them a magic item or a special weapon to enhance their combat capabilities. A Tomb Prince on a Chariot can be a fast and hard-hitting threat.

Construct Might: Unleashing the Stone Guardians

Tomb Kings armies wouldn’t be complete without their constructs – animated statues and war machines that bring significant hitting power to the battlefield. Ushabti are powerful, versatile constructs that can be equipped with great weapons or bows. Great weapon Ushabti are excellent melee fighters, capable of tearing through enemy infantry and even challenging monstrous creatures. Ushabti with bows provide ranged support, adding another layer to your army’s firepower. A unit of Ushabti can be a game-changer, providing the punch your army needs to break through enemy lines.

Tomb Scorpions are fast, monstrous creatures that can burrow underground and ambush enemy units. They're excellent for flanking maneuvers, harassing enemy rear lines, and taking out key targets like war machines or wizards. Use their Burrow ability to surprise your opponent and disrupt their plans. A well-timed Tomb Scorpion ambush can throw a wrench in even the most carefully laid Lizardmen strategies.

War Sphynxes are massive, winged constructs that excel in both melee and ranged combat. They're tough, hit hard, and can fly, giving them excellent mobility. Use them to smash enemy formations, hunt down enemy characters, or provide fire support from the skies. A War Sphynx is a significant threat that your opponent will have to deal with, drawing fire away from your other units.

Tactical Maneuvers: Outsmarting the Scaly Hordes

Having a strong army list is only half the battle; you also need to know how to use it effectively. Against Lizardmen, tactical flexibility and smart maneuvering are key. Attrition Warfare is your friend. The Tomb Kings excel at wearing down the enemy over time, thanks to their ability to reanimate lost units. Focus on trading blows efficiently, using your cheap Skeleton Warriors to absorb the brunt of the Lizardmen’s attacks while your more valuable units deal the damage. Don’t be afraid to lose units; you can always bring them back.

Flanking Maneuvers can be devastating against Lizardmen formations, which often rely on a strong central line. Use your fast units, like Tomb Scorpions and Chariots, to outflank the enemy and attack their flanks or rear. This can disrupt their battle lines, create openings for your main force, and target vulnerable units like Skink skirmishers or support elements. A well-timed flank attack can turn the tide of battle.

Magic Dominance is crucial. The Lore of Nehekhara is powerful, but you need to use it effectively. Focus on keeping your units alive with Restore, weakening enemy units with Curse of the Years, and disrupting their plans with spells like Tomb King’s Curse. Position your Liche Priests carefully to maximize their casting range and protect them from enemy threats. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-placed spell.

Sample Army List: A Foundation for Victory

Let’s put it all together with a sample army list that you can use as a starting point. Remember, this is just a suggestion, and you can customize it to fit your playstyle and the specific challenges of your local meta.

Sample 2000 Point Tomb Kings Army List:

• Tomb King (General) - 250 points
  • Great Weapon, Shield, Chariot
• Liche Priest - 150 points
  • Level 2 Wizard, Lore of Nehekhara
• Liche Priest - 150 points
  • Level 2 Wizard, Lore of Nehekhara
• 40 Skeleton Warriors - 200 points
  • Full Command
• 20 Skeleton Archers - 120 points
• 20 Tomb Guard - 300 points
  • Halberds, Full Command
• 3 Ushabti with Great Weapons - 210 points
• 3 Tomb Scorpions - 195 points
• War Sphinx - 425 points

This list provides a good mix of infantry, ranged support, monstrous creatures, and magic. The Tomb King on a Chariot provides a mobile threat and leadership, the Liche Priests provide crucial magical support, the Skeleton Warriors and Tomb Guard form a solid core, the Skeleton Archers provide ranged fire, the Ushabti and Tomb Scorpions add hitting power, and the War Sphinx is a devastating centerpiece. Feel free to adjust the unit sizes and equipment to fit your preferences, but this list should give you a strong foundation for facing off against the Lizardmen.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Sands of Time

Facing Lizardmen with Tomb Kings can be a challenging but rewarding experience. The key is to understand your army’s strengths, exploit the Lizardmen's weaknesses, and play to your tactical advantages. By focusing on attrition warfare, flanking maneuvers, and magic dominance, you can turn the tide of battle in your favor. Remember, the Tomb Kings are resilient and relentless, and with the right strategy, you can lead your undead legions to victory. So, go forth, command your legions, and may the sands of time be ever in your favor! Good luck, and happy gaming!