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I was wondering if they were any good at all in 5th ed since they now cost so many points :(

They are ok if you run 3 of them. But that is too much points. I use 2 Dakkafexes(usually). Sometimes when I want to annoy my opponent, I use a couple Sniperfexes. I don't see them being worth it. You would be better off converting one into a tervigon.

Can you still use them as Distractionfexes?

If you want the short answer, no.

Here's the long answer.

In a standard game from 1,500-2,000 Carnifex aren't cost effective. Trygons are 40 points more than a naked Carnifex, and they come with the same Toughness and two more Wounds. Having three lower Strength doesn't matter as much because you still wound MEQ's on a 2+, aren't the lowest initiative in the game, and have two more Wounds!

However, a Carnifex can still be used to good strength. One set up I've seen myself and have done myself is adding Bio-Plasma to the Carnifex and Deep Striking it with a Mycetic Spore. It offers good distraction, is a Plasma Cannon, and if the foe doesn't murk him he will surely ruin his day. Others I've seen (but not tested) are having two sets of Devourers on each Carnifex, sporting a squad of three. If I'm not mistaken this is 36 (thirty six) Twin Linked Strength Six shots coming from the Squad! MEQ's will take about (about, not exact you mathematicians) eight casualties assuming you have average rolling. After than enjoy your close combat.

That's about all I know, I'm sure seasoned Tyranids veterans will chime in with more information.

They're useful for killing things like Land Raiders, but so are Zoanthropes with warp lance or whatever it's called. They can cause instant death on Nobz, characters, and so on, as they have higher strength than anything else in hand to hand. They're a bit too pricey for their own good, but the brood of 3 dakkafexes sounds terrifying.