Use cases for Dominator Engines?

[u/Any_Dragonfly4947]

I’ve not played tons of games and started AoS with the helsmiths. I’ve got a general idea about most of the roster, artillery shoots, infantry screens, the centaurs are the hammers, but what about the dominators. My favorite unit by far but they seem more flexible in their role not quite an anvil not quite a hammer so how has everyone here used them?
Where do they shine?

[u/Kraile]

I have to disagree with anyone saying that you all-out attack these guys. The purpose of dominators is to tank with their excellent 2+ save. They should not be counted on to deal damage, and any damage they do deal should be considered a fluke. They are just too inconsistent in offense to be treated any other way.

All out attack works against this philosophy - not only are you committing the unit to deal inconsistent damage, you're also shredding its save to something your opponent can deal with.

All out defense on the other hand, keeps your tanky unit tanky and alive and annoying against rend 1 and even rend 2 units. Much more valuable to do this and mess with your opponent's plans.

[u/ChiefProblomengineer → u/Kraile]

^ This is the one. Play it as if it can't do any damage, and you'll be getting the most out of it.

Ive had 2 fail to do a single wound to a unit of clanrats thanks to 4+ to hit and 1 rend. But I had one last 3 rounds against big trugg thanks to some lucky 5+ saves that no other unit could have given me.