It’s easy enough to blame our shortcomings in games on things like bad dice, bad matchups or “faction win rates.” The reality is many players lose because they do not understand the big-picture plays of 40K; they do not know what macro strategy is or how to execute it. Understanding and executing your macro strategy in competitive 40K is fundamental to improving your game. Let’s get into it.
What is Macro Strategy in Competitive 40K?
Macro strategy can be defined simply as your army’s big-picture gameplan. It is the overall approach to how you will win the game.
It starts by having a good understanding of what your army wants to do. A lot of players get caught up in “the list” without understanding the “why” or the “how” of the list. It is common for players to use the strongest datasheets available to them. The difference between mediocre/bad players and good players comes in how they create a plan and execute. Taking into account their army’s strengths and weaknesses and adapting that based on the matchup.
For example, if you play World Eaters then your macro strategy is aggressive play and applying pressure quickly to the enemy.
The main army I play is Blood Angels. Specifically the Liberator Assault Group detachment. The army is fast, hits very hard in combat but lacks a lot in durability. My macro strategy for this army is to use speed to move and stage and execute a crippling “go turn.”
It doesn’t simply start and end with what your army ”wants” to do though. It’s developing a gameplan to execute from the start and being able to adapt and shift against particular opposing armies or missions.
My gameplan with my Blood Angels at its fundamental level is to control my home objective and natural expansion, threaten my opponent’s expansion and move block and/or trade efficiently in the mid-board.
What is Micro Strategy?
If macro strategy is the big picture overarching plan of execution, micro strategy can be defined as the smaller turn by turn decisions you make to execute your overall gameplan.
Micro strategy in 40K involves careful planning in movement to open up firing or charging lanes, sequencing of your abilities and targets, and managing your resources.
Examples may be:
- Positioning charges to prevent heroic intervention
- Moving to leave the last model you expect to remove as a casualty on an objective marker
- Zoning the board to prevent deep strikes from rapid ingress or on the enemy turn
- Sequencing your shooting attacks to maximize damage
- Identifying what targets must be removed and prioritizing them
Micro strategy in summary are all the smaller decisions that allow you to execute your macro strategy in competitive 40K successfully.
Practical Steps to Execute your Macro Strategy with Micro Strategy
Before each game identify your army’s macro strategy. Be able to shift and adapt depending on opponent and have a plan to do so. Analyze your opponent’s army and the mission and plan accordingly.
For example if you play Supply Drop and your natural expansion is the first objective that will disappear on T4, you will have to adjust your macro strategy to account for being able to hold the last remaining objective on Turn 5.
During the game, plan your turns keeping your macro strategy in mind. Identify and prioritize targets, make movements factoring in retaliation from the opponent, sequence your abilities and shooting/fighting to maximize your expected outcome. Leverage your resources. What do you need your CP for this turn? Plan your actions accordingly.
After the game review your macro strategy and identify where things went right or wrong. Be objective and critical of the smaller decisions in your micro strategy in competitive 40K that either led to victory or defeat.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to develop a macro strategy for your army is key to succeeding in 40K. What does your army want to do to maximize results? Do you need to adapt your plan based on opponent or mission? Be cognizant of the smaller micro strategy decision points that can lead to victory or defeat.
If you’re new to the game or want to improve quickly, then don’t forget to grab my FREE eBook: Forging Your Path to Victory: A Beginner’s Guide to Competitive 40K. A great starting point for those looking to jump into Competitive 40K. Subscribe and get your free copy!
Want more personalized help with understanding macro and micro strategy for your army and how to implement them? Check out my coaching options. I’d love to help you level up your game!
See you on the tabletop.
