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Okay, so I'm making one of every unit for my tyranid army (or in some cases 5 or 6), but I'm wondering, in Dakkas' expert opinion, what the best way to field shrikes is? I'm not sure what their tactics are, other than being screened by gargoyles and maintaining synapse, and possibly screening a harpy. Is that really all they're good for? I was also wondering what bio-weapons people give them. I was thinking scythes and devourers because it's cheap and looks good, but I'm really not sure...

Thanks in advance,
Ktulhut.

I use 6 in a brood with scytals and rending claws advancing behind a gargoyle screen. Generally I'll either go light vehicle hunting with them, or run them straight in as shock troops with a winged HT and another garg screen.

They're ok as a rapid assault unit but they're very fragile with a 5+ save. I never use them really, the points would be better spent on some more efficient units such as regular Warriors.

Valk, I made it fairly clear that I'm not worried about weather or not they're worth it, because I'm going to use them anyway. The entire point of my bug army is to include at least one of every unit. I was just wondering how people on here had used them.

But I guess almost no one does.

Ktulhut wrote:Valk, I made it fairly clear that I'm not worried about weather or not they're worth it, because I'm going to use them anyway. The entire point of my bug army is to include at least one of every unit. I was just wondering how people on here had used them.

If you really made it fairly clear you wouldn't be complaining about my contribution.

Ktulhut wrote:But I guess almost no one does.

No-one's going to feel sorry just because you said something like that.

Okay, dude.

Ktulhut wrote:

Okay, dude.

Sorry if I misinterpreted you.

We probably both got each other wrong. Let's leave it there.

As you originally said, they can fill a shock-assault role. Assuming I just want them to make my list complete, and not use them as a competitive unit, do you have an opinion on what weapons-config would be, shall we say, "less bad"?

Maybe if you give them Deathspitters they could fill a hit-and-run rold, being able to DS and let loose with S5 Ap5 Assault 3 (I believe) firepower. The tactic would probably be best against IG, Tau, etc, as their armour is mostly 4+ or worse, so most 'nid weapons will simply go right through it.

Bonesword&Lashwhips = a must for assaulting, in my experience, one warriors or shrikes.

Dropping opponents init to 1 and hitting with power weapons that can cause ID is too useful.
Sything talons are a cheap enough option that can be helpful, but if not I rather like deathspitters.

Hmm, lashwhip and bonesword + deathspitter does sound like a sexy combo, but I'd be hesitant to field a unit of 55pt models with t4 and a 5+ save...

Ktulhut wrote:but I'd be hesitant to field a unit of 55pt models with t4 and a 5+ save...

Thus everyone's reticence to use them.

Gotcha. I'm not as down on the 35pt version with no upgrades... I guess I'll just have to try out various proxies and see how the less powerful version works out against the more expensive one.