Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

So I'm just getting the barebones of my army together and am beginning to consider how I will be matching up with the players I will be competing with frequently. I am new to the game and have just purchased the Hive Tyrant and the swarm box but am looking to build a force capable of competing against Necrons, IG, and space marines. My opponents both have fairly complete armies with most of their particular low range options available. Which type of tactics should I be looking to employ here, and whats a solid competitive force for 750-1000 pts?

The swarm box is an excellent purchase. With it and the tyrant, you could run something like this:
Tyrant
- LW/BS, HVC, TS, Electroshock grubs

2 broods of 20 terms

2 broods of 20 horms

10 gargoyles
- TS

Carnifex
- 2 TL-devs w/ BL, TS

This list puts you at 825 points. That leaves enough points for a couple of options. You need more synapse for sure, either through warriors or zoanthropes. Venomthropes would also be helpful and would provide shrouded to your swarm. Perhaps some tyrant guard to ensure that your tyrant survives.
Nids allow you to expand in a lot of different options. Its really up to you where you go.

Not much to add...I usually suggest Swarm Box, Hive tyrant, box of Warriors....

I would build out (if you can swing it, magetize ) Winged Dakka'rant (Tyrant, Winged, TL: Brain Leeches x2) 230 (My first Box went to Winged Assassin: Wings, Lash whip/ Bone sword, Toxin sacks 230 )

Warrior Brood: x3, x2 Deathspitters (or just go "vanilla") , Cannon 110, or 100 if "vanilla"

Termigants Brood; x20 80 (I prefer Spinegaunts, but that is "just me")
Termigants: x20 80
Hormigaunts x15 75
Hormigaunts x15 75

Gargoyles: x10 60
Dakkafex 150 (Tl Brain Leeches) (again, magnets are a good idea)

thats around 860(?) so you can trim to 750, or expand to 1000 with ease...(I would look at Zoenthropes, and Venothropes, Zoey x2, Veno x1 is +145, drop one Hormie, 1000 ) (Drop 9 more Hormies, x2 Veno, a much stronger list...) (I would drop one Brood, and add the left overs to the remaining one)

Good luck! And welcome to the Hive!