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So i was thinking on the way home about a local GT coming up in February and what i was gonna bring to it. I was thinking my normal 1850 list wasnt up to par so i'd throw some stuff around and see if i could make it better. While putting the list together it occured to me i was spending 130 Points on just the tyrant guards and how they were basically chunks of meat meant to die...and that just seemed like a lot when i can take a third Tyrgon if i throw the points around. I feel like if i have enough bigger things then the swarmlord on the table maybe that will be enough protection...plus a trygon is gonna pull a hell of a lot more weight.

I've played tyranids for a while now and in my expeirence, yes you do. The only reason you might not need them is if a. You are usingthe swarmlord (he's tough enough anyway) or b. You are playing a small game (less than 1000 points). Usually 1or 2 guard will do the trick against anything but focused anti armor.

I am using the swarmlord actually.

Honestly, I think the Swarmlord could do with a couple Tyrant Guard actually, they make the unit much more survivable when you can allocate wounds to them.

Maybe i dont need him to survive that much? My Tervigons and trygons dont need guards why does he? He only has one less wound. Plus ive been running him with guard i find he becomes more of a target.

I wouldn't say the swarmlord is tougher than a tyrant. He has an extra wound, but loses the options of a 2+ save and regeneration.

The tyrant guards ability to grant cover saves definitely makes them worthwhile.

EDIT: The fact that he is the swarmlord makes him more of a target than your tervigons and trygons. People are going to gun down the big scary special character as fast as they can, whether it has guards or not.

Take one so your dude can get cover. Only 1, not 2, not zero.

Just use swarm lord as a traget don't put any gaurds on him and march him down the battle field.

Follow this rule when determining how/if to use Tyrants.

"No gaurds or no wings no tyrant."

Always bring 1 guard with any wingless Tyrant you have.

Tyrant guards are infantry models and get cover saves super easily. Tyants are monsters and do not find cover easily without guards.

all models in a unit gain cover saves if 50% of the unit is in cover. this means with 1 guard in cover attached to a tyrant, it will easily gain cover saves. IMO spending 60pts on a Tyrant guard is s waaaaay better deal than spending 40 pts on 2+ armor save.

If running a Swarmlord or Footrant( Tyrant on Foot), then yes. Get 2. 2 gives you 4 more T6, 3+ saves to take them on "+ save makes this better.. If running a Flyrant, then no, because a Tyrant guard costs the same as Zoanthropes or Wings, and slow him down.

If it is cover saves you are looking for, then pop a Zoany in front of the Tyrant. they arer big enough to supply cover saves, and are tough enough with a 3++ to survive things thrown at them. They may be synapse creatures and high priority AT targets, but if half the firerpower is going on them, then that half ISN'T going on the Tyrant, or the rest of the army. believe me, there is nothing more frustting for an opponent to pump a few dozen bright lances and Krak Missiles nito that 1 model protecting the Tyrant, than for all of them to be saved.

I can see making use of a pair of tyrant guard at maybe 2k but for my 1850 i think my list will be more competitive without them. My choice is between swarmlord with guards and 2 Tyrgons, or Swarmlord and 3 trygons. If he needs to get shot for my trygons to have another turn to move, then so be it. Theyre gonna see combat before him pretty much every game because they fleet anyway. I appreciate all the feedback Dakka.

Feeder_of_life wrote:I can see making use of a pair of tyrant guard at maybe 2k but for my 1850 i think my list will be more competitive without them.

The Swarmlord, or any Tyrant for that matter, is MUCH more competitive with a cover save. Otherwise it is 4 heavy weapon hits away from being 260ish points of crispy.