Code One - Nokken Light Infantry

Nokken in Code One

For PanOceania commanders the Nokken, Special Recon and Interveintion Team, are our elite Light Infantry option in Code One. They have a lot in common with many Skirmisher units however, and it's useful to compare them with those options when considering how best to use them on the table.

They bring an interesting range of options to the table, with the three profiles fitting into quite different tabletop roles and largely needing separate consideration.

In terms of their stat line we see a very typical PanOceanian array through their Mov, CC, BS and PH, but a higher than average WIP is particularly useful for the Hacker and Boarding Shotgun profiles, while their improved Arm and BTS both aid survivability. The key features which really define the unit, however, are found in their Special Skills, where Mimetism -6 and Forward Deployment +8" push them into a clearly aggressive role.

With a vision modifier and advanced deployment it's easy to quickly compare them to Skirmishers, but it's important to realise that the Nokken is not a strong choice in that role. Their lack of a marker state makes them vulnerable, especially in the first turn, and a lack of mobility skills can mean that you have to be more conservative with their deployment, especially if your opponent goes first.

Spitfire

The first profile for us to consider is the Nokken with Spitfire. This, obviously enough, costs SWC and that might be a factor to count against it. On the other hand it is a forward deploying heavy weapon with a significant visual modifier. If you have played with the Bulleteer in Infinity and want a similar experience in Code One then this is probably the best option for that style of aggressive striker. 

This kind of offensive piece can be very effective in a Code One environment, and I would highly recommend considering it as a supplement to a HMG armed trooper. The Spitfire has range bands which suit an aggressive advance and this choice will allow you to cut through any opening you make, just watch out for mines!

Hacking Device

The second Nokken is a more defensive tool, and toolbox style unit. With both a Combi Rifle and a Light Shotgun you have a lot of options for engaging enemy units in close. By adding a Hacking Device into the mix you can force opponents to make terrible decisions in ARO, and take advantage of whatever choice they make. For example, if they Dodge you can Hack them unopposed, if they Reset you can drop a double template on them and if they shoot back you've got the Combi and burst advantage to make their day suck just as much.

Although this Nokken is just as vulnerable in your reactive turn to direct fire, the presence of the Hacking Device allows it to contribute to your defense while you keep it hidden well enough to be a problem for your opponent to dig out. Overall, while moderately expensive, this unit is worth considering for your Code One lists.

Boarding Shotgun / MSV 1

Our third Nokken is something of an odd duck. If you are familiar with the wider PanOceanian range then you may be struck by similarities to other units with these kinds of equipment and skill combinations. With a Boarding Shotgun and MSV 1 what we have here is a dedicated hunter-killer unit, intended to be used to sweep the midfield and take out enemy Skirmishers. The key flaw in this concept is that, being equipped with close range weaponry, the unit has to advance into Mine range to do its job well, not great for a unit which is particularly vulnerable to Deployable Weapons.

On the other hand, getting in to dig out enemy units which have taken up covered positions in the midfield is an important role, and this loadout excels in it. When the time comes to clear the Skirmisher Hackers threatening your advancing Heavy Infantry this is exactly the unit you'll want to reach for.

Overall

The Nokken, as an elite light infantry unit which shares characteristics with skirmishers, certainly brings something to the table in Code One.

They offer a very aggressive option which allows for a first turn alpha strike approach, as well as an interesting mix of weapon options to suit the needs of your particular list.

While they may sometimes get squeezed out by competition with other options, the Nokken are well worth considering when you are building a Code One force.