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Hey guys, didn't see a thread for this topic (let me know if I'm wrong), but I wanted to discuss what people expect in the 3rd Leviathan Rising Dataslate since the second dataslate really got me excited about playing Nids again (Haven't played WH40k since 1998 and am interested in getting back into it with the great devourer)


My Prediction on the formations in the 3rd Dataslate is:

A version of Living Fortress (I'm thinking Two walking Tyrants, one possibly being Swarmy, 2 units of Hive Guard and 2 Units of Tyrant Guard, because GW loves your money) with the special rules giving a +1 to armor save and Shrouded special ability to all models in the formation and counter attack and preferred enemy to all units within synapse range


A version of Subterranean swarm, Led by a Trygon Prime and a mix of Trygons, Mawlocs and Raveners with the special rules being versions of the Coordinated attack and Tremor zone from the Apoc codex.

A Carnifex, Tyrranofex and warriors (for Synapse) Formation with possibly a similarity to Living artillery where the Warriors give the other models rerolls while in Synapse Range

A Zoanthrope Formation with A Special Rule giving a Warp Field 3+ or 4+ invul save to Units within Synapse. (I could See Venomthropes being added to this formation, even Possibly the Haruspex, but the latter I think is unlikely)

The 5th Formation I think would be Haruspex, Pyrovores in some feeder team (Possibly led by warriors, possibly including rippers)

What do you guys think? anyone with their own predictions?

Well it looks like I was right about two

The preview for the third dataslate does show a formation involving Tyrranofex and Warriors (Bioblast)

And the Subterranean Swarm formation

There's also a pic that shows a Hive Tyrant and some Hive Guard so it looks like I may also be right about a version of living fortress showing up as well *Crosses fingers*

If it is as good as the second one, I will be very happy.

I hope its even better, I hope its so good we have taudar and Imperial knights players tossing out their figures in hopelessness

All I really want is 3 Tyrannofexes outside the FOC. In a brood, ideally, so I can attach a prime.

If they got rerolls or some other special rule, like armourbane, I'd be even happier.

My guess is you'll get One Tyrannofex and three Carnifexes with a warriors unit per Bioblast Node

(Still, turn those Carnifexes into Dakkafexes and you may have more firepower than the Tau, lol)

The previous formations based on Apoc versions have been toned down to some degree (such as Endless Swarm coming back on 4+, rather than automatically).
I expect this to continue. For the Living Fortress I can't see the +1 armour and Shrouded carrying over, that would be pretty strong. FNP for the formation would be more realistic.
In a similar vein, the Subterranean Swarm only has one special rule now ("It Came from Below"). That's probably something to mess with hostile units via Pinning and perhaps bring all the models in together.

I doubt any formation with Rippers can be usable, GW just don't understand how to make them worthwhile. Haruspex could be decent with a movement boost, though.

Rippers are easy to make worthwhile.

1) Drop the point cost. Not neccessarily to half of what it is, but realize that 3 wounds on one T3 model is worse than having 3 models with 1 W each. 10 pts would be reasonable, 8 pts would be fantastic.

2) While they are in the troops section, don't make them count as a troops choice: Since they can't hold (or contest!) objectives, they're effectively non-entities. Take as many as you want, but they have no effect on FOC.

They don't have to be good in a fight, they're just a giant carpet of distractions, churning over the field. Keep 'em cheap and disposable and you have a winner.

My idea for the feeder organisms.

Assimilator Node
During the final stages of a Tyranid invasion, all but the most determined opposition has been crushed and devoured by the roving swarms. The most strongest and most resourceful prey is of particular interest to the Hive Mind, as it instinctively seeks to learn from its vanquished prey to kill ever more efficiently in the future. As Subterranean Swarms, Bioblast Nodes and Living Fortresses break open enemy strongholds, Assimilator Nodes rush forward to kill and consume valuable prey.

1 Tyranid Warrior Brood
1 Haruspex
1 Pyrovore Brood
3 Ripper Swarms

Formation Special Rules
Assimilate: After any of the Haruspex, Pyrovore or Ripper Swarm broods in this formation kill an enemy unit in close combat, the entire formation gains Preferred Enemy against all units from that Codex as long as they are within Synapse range of the formation's Tyranid Warrior brood.

Consume Flora and Fauna: Any Haruspex, Pyrovore or Ripper Swarm broods from this formation gain the It Will Not Die special rule until the start of your next turn provided they either end their Movement phase inside Area Terrain or inflict at least one casualty in close combat.