Hey Dobbie,
i started playing the Death Korps a couple months ago as well and got a good dozen games against various opponents under my belt.
While playing with the EpicUK list though, I can tell you some of my experiences so far:
- Keep your HQ/Infantry companies on their bare minimum.
While they are the meat of your army, they are taking up a lot of points with their mandatory Gorgons already. Also second E&C's comment that most upgrades are not effective enough compared to other things in the list.
- Gorgons are wicked!
- Have something to counter your opponents artillery!
Your troops can't afford to take even one template while not in cover! With no armour save there is no tomorrow for them. It seems obvious but can't be stressed out enough
Have artillery yourself or 1-2 formations of Thunderbolts. (I am playing Thunderbolts atm, will try some Earthshakers in the future)
- Death Korps is a FIREFIGHT assault army!
Again I am sorry if I am stating the obvious but the temptation to swarm your opponent with your bazillion stands is huge (at least it was for me, hehe) but you won't gain any advantage from base to base combat. Keep your distance, prevent your opponent from throwing extra CC dice and it will also help you with their relative slow movement compared to other assault armies.
Moreover, try to place your Gorgons in front of your dudes to soak up countercharges and wounds - they can take a hell of a beating! Avoid blocking your line of sight though.
- Go for 4+/5+ (area of terrain) cover as quick as possible!
You won't believe how tuff 20 stands in 4+ ruins/buildings cover are!
More and more I experienced that a DKoK infantry formation in 4+ cover is a great anvil for most of your opponents stuff. I tried to have them "camp" in cover next to a objective while your second (or third) formation plays hammer and is free to react to your opponents moves. Worked out pretty good for me so far
List wise I would go along with what has been sad already.
- Split your Warhounds in two formations. The extra activation will come in handy!
- Give a second AA formation a try, having them covering a table half each.
- Try Earthshakers or Deathstrikes instead of Bombards/Quad Launchers.
- Alternatively, see if you could free up some points for Thunderbolts
Unfortunately, can't comment on the Death Rider Company... would be interested to hear how they are performing!
Same for a formation of Macharius tanks!