If you're building a T'au Empire army for Warhammer 40,000, the Pathfinder Team is one of the most versatile and essential units you can add. These stealthy scouts provide forward deployment, markerlight support, and can even take specialized weapons like rail rifles. But before you make a purchase, it's crucial to know exactly what's in the box, how to assemble the models, and how to paint them to match your army's scheme.
In this buying guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about the T'au Pathfinder Team. We'll cover the contents of the kit, assembly tips, painting advice using Citadel Contrast paints, and how to integrate them into your T'au army. By the end, you'll be confident in making a purchase that enhances your collection and your battlefield performance.
What's in the T'au Pathfinder Team Box?
The T'au Pathfinder Team box contains 10 plastic miniatures, allowing you to build a full squad of Pathfinders. The kit includes options for a Shas'ui (the squad leader), a Shas'la (standard Pathfinders), and a variety of heavy weapons. You can equip your Pathfinders with pulse carbines, rail rifles, or ion guns, giving you tactical flexibility. The box also includes a variety of head options, shoulder pads, and accessories like drones and a pulse accelerator drone.
For those new to the T'au army, the Pathfinder Team is a great value because it offers multiple build options. Whether you want a dedicated markerlight support unit or a more aggressive squad with rail rifles, this kit covers it. The sprues are well-organized and the plastic is high quality, making assembly straightforward even for beginners.
- 10 multi-part plastic miniatures
- Options for rail rifles, ion guns, or pulse carbines
- Includes a pulse accelerator drone and other accessories
- Compatible with T'au Empire detachments and kill teams
How to Build Your Pathfinder Team
When assembling your Pathfinders, start by cleaning the parts with a hobby knife or a tool like the Mr. Bend Scraper (1.5mm) GT125. This scraper is perfect for removing mold lines and flash without damaging the fine details. After cleaning, dry-fit the parts before applying plastic glue to ensure a seamless fit. Pay attention to the direction of the arms and weapons to avoid misalignment.
Mr. Bend Scraper (1.5mm) GT125
A common mistake is to glue the arms in a way that makes the model look unnatural. Take your time to pose each Pathfinder individually, giving them a dynamic look. If you plan to use the rail rifles, consider magnetizing the weapons so you can switch between loadouts. This is especially useful if you play different game modes like Kill Team, where loadouts matter. The box even includes a transfer sheet with decals for different T'au septs, so you can customize your squad.
- Use a mold line scraper for clean parts
- Dry-fit before gluing to ensure proper alignment
- Magnetize heavy weapons for versatility
- Apply decals for a personalized look
Painting Your Pathfinders with Contrast Paints
Painting T'au models can be time-consuming, but using Citadel Contrast paints speeds up the process significantly. For a classic T'au sept scheme, start with a base coat of Wraithbone or Grey Seer. Then apply a Contrast paint like Nighthaunt Gloom for the armor panels to achieve a deep, shaded blue. For the cloth parts, use a lighter Contrast paint like Pylar Glacier to create a subtle gradient.
The Citadel Contrast: Nighthaunt Gloom 18ml is an excellent choice for the darker recesses of the armor, while the Citadel Contrast: Pylar Glacier 18ml works well for the lighter panels. These paints flow nicely into the details, giving you a shaded look without the need for multiple layers. Finish with a drybrush of a lighter blue to highlight the edges, and you'll have a tabletop-ready squad in no time.
- Prime with a light base color for vibrant Contrast results
- Use Nighthaunt Gloom for deep shadows
- Apply Pylar Glacier for subtle highlights
- Seal with a matte varnish for durability
Integrating Pathfinders into Your T'au Army
Pathfinders are a key part of any T'au army because they provide markerlights, which allow your other units to hit more accurately. They are also one of the few T'au units that can perform forward deployment, letting you set up on the midfield early. In the current edition, they are especially effective when paired with a Commander or a Fireblade to maximize their shooting potential.
If you're starting a T'au army, consider picking up a Combat Patrol box to get a solid core. The Combat Patrol: T'au Empire includes a mix of units, and adding a Pathfinder Team to it gives you a well-rounded force. For Kill Team players, the Pathfinders are a highly competitive team, and the box provides all the options you need to build a specialized kill team.
- Pathfinders provide essential markerlight support
- They can forward deploy for early board presence
- Pair with a Commander for maximum efficiency
- Great for both 40k and Kill Team
The T'au Pathfinder Team is a fantastic addition to any T'au army, offering tactical flexibility and a fun building experience. Whether you're a new player or a veteran, this kit is a worthwhile investment. Check out our store for the T'au Pathfinder Team and other T'au models to start building your force today!
