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Hi All,

Apologies if this isn't the normal format or necessarily the place for this, but I'm thinking of picking up the Tyranid Swarm (http://www.games-workshop.com/en-GB/Tyranid-Swarm) and the Wrath of the Hive Mind (http://www.games-workshop.com/en-GB/Wrath-of-the-Hive-Mind) box sets as a spine for a new Tyranid force.

I am a collector nowadays more than anything so I would like to have one/enough of each unit at some point, but was hoping for some pointers in terms of what to add to the force to make it relatively competitive, i.e. I won't get trounced every time but it's nowhere near tournament level? Due to the nature it will be somewhat swarm based, but I need to ensure Synapse coverage and survivability.

The contents of the two boxes would provide:

1 Hive Tyrant/Swarmlord
1 Tervigon/Tyrannofex
3 Tyranid Warriors
1 Carnifex
60 Termagants
40 Hormagaunts
10 Gargoyles
7 Ripper Swarms

I really love the look of the new Zoanthropes, and always loved the Mawloc/Trygon - any legs in Genestealers/Broodlords and Lictors/Deathleaper? If the rumoured Shield of Baal boxset contents are correct this would add Spawn of Cryptus (Character Broodlord), 8 Genestrealers, 3 Tyranid Warriors, and a Carnifex, making it thus:

1 Hive Tyrant/Swarmlord
1 Tervigon/Tyrannofex
6 Tyranid Warriors
2 Carnifex
8 Genestealers
60 Termagants
40 Hormagaunts
10 Gargoyles
7 Ripper Swarms

I'm assuming a Dakka Flyrant, and Tervigon to spawn more Termagants are the best choice for those two, but what about weapon options for the others, the Warriors, Carnifex and Termagants?

In terms of what needs adding to this 'core' I'm assuming some Venomthropes for cover saves, potentially another Carnifex to make a brood of three, an Exocrine for some ranged support?

Any help or advice would be much appreciated, the weather here in London is looking to be atrocious in the coming weeks and I need a project!

I would say a second Flyrant is critical. Also, you may want another Tervigon(so 2x30 gaunts and 2 Tervigons for troops). That would give you ObSec horde as well as mobility from the Flyrants and Gargoyles

 WallaceMerrett wrote:
Hi All,

Apologies if this isn't the normal format or necessarily the place for this, but I'm thinking of picking up the Tyranid Swarm (http://www.games-workshop.com/en-GB/Tyranid-Swarm) and the Wrath of the Hive Mind (http://www.games-workshop.com/en-GB/Wrath-of-the-Hive-Mind) box sets as a spine for a new Tyranid force.

I am a collector nowadays more than anything so I would like to have one/enough of each unit at some point, but was hoping for some pointers in terms of what to add to the force to make it relatively competitive, i.e. I won't get trounced every time but it's nowhere near tournament level? Due to the nature it will be somewhat swarm based, but I need to ensure Synapse coverage and survivability.

The contents of the two boxes would provide:

1 Hive Tyrant/Swarmlord
1 Tervigon/Tyrannofex
3 Tyranid Warriors
1 Carnifex
60 Termagants
40 Hormagaunts
10 Gargoyles
7 Ripper Swarms

I really love the look of the new Zoanthropes, and always loved the Mawloc/Trygon - any legs in Genestealers/Broodlords and Lictors/Deathleaper? If the rumoured Shield of Baal boxset contents are correct this would add Spawn of Cryptus (Character Broodlord), 8 Genestrealers, 3 Tyranid Warriors, and a Carnifex, making it thus:

1 Hive Tyrant/Swarmlord
1 Tervigon/Tyrannofex
6 Tyranid Warriors
2 Carnifex
8 Genestealers
60 Termagants
40 Hormagaunts
10 Gargoyles
7 Ripper Swarms

I'm assuming a Dakka Flyrant, and Tervigon to spawn more Termagants are the best choice for those two, but what about weapon options for the others, the Warriors, Carnifex and Termagants?

In terms of what needs adding to this 'core' I'm assuming some Venomthropes for cover saves, potentially another Carnifex to make a brood of three, an Exocrine for some ranged support?

Any help or advice would be much appreciated, the weather here in London is looking to be atrocious in the coming weeks and I need a project!

Tyranids in general benefit from taking minimal upgrades, and buying extra figures instead, so I like to run Warriors as bare bones, plus a Cannon. I prefer the Strangle Cannon. I have also added Deathspitters to Warrior Broods to good effect, it's a low cost upgrade, and gives good value. expl. Warrior Brood, x3, Deathspitters x2, Strangle Cannon...110 points.

For the Carnifex, the current "gold standard" is TL Devourers with Brian Leeches, x2. If you're "handy" I strongly suggest magnets. I use Spinefists for Termagants, just for the look, and having Devourer equipped Termagants if often a very nice upgrade, I mix 1/3 "Devilgants" to 2/3 Spinegaunts myself. If you run a Tervigon, you'll want enough plain vanilla Termigants to cover spawning...

If you like the mawloc, it's definitely a solid option. His terror from the deep can cause a lot of disruption in the enemy's backfield. the Tryon is generally considered to be worse than the mawloc, but if you like the big worm, then you can definitely still use him.

For the carnifexen, an alternative to the dual devourer build is to keep the dual scything talons and give them adrenal glands. Keeps them cheap but still can pack a punch.

Two things with nids. First, they do best when kept cheap. Points are best spent on bodies, not toys. Second, they have a couple different build options, but you need to have a role for every unit you buy in mind when making a list. Few nid units are good enough to simply just blindly take. Most units need to be bought together and used in unison to remain effective.