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So, getting back to 40k after a big gap
dusting off the nids and the ig

I discovered i have a shadowsword/stormlord box still unopened in the closet
now i am trying to decide what way to build the thing

I DO already have a stock normal baneblade (built and painted)

Originally i had intended to use it as a stormlord in apocalypse games (actually at the time apocalypse was the ONLY way I could use the thing)
was gonna run a mix of guard an IG and stick 40 genestealers in it for funsies

But the game has changed drastically and since i CAN run the baneblades in normal games if i so chose, i am trying to get an idea of which build is more versatile and useful in 8th

So any advice would be appreciated

The preferred option nowadays is the shadowsword. It kills tanks in one go, and isnt terrible against infantry either. Its basically the go-to option if you want to kill anything bigger than a Taurox.

The Hellhammer is also decent, though Im not sure if you can build it with your kit... besides, youve already got a baneblade.

Outside of that, the transport versions can be useful if youve got a specific plan for them. Banehammer or Stormlord are probably the best options there, depending on whether you want a heavy LR with extra tactical utility and transport, or just want a huge transport.

dont see alot of reasons to go for a transport ...but i am VERY new to 8th edition. i got out at the beginning of 5th.

shadowsword does look (at a glance) to be better, but i wasnt sure there was something that i was missing

Magnets. Magnets are your friend.

Well, the Stormlord in particular makes for a very decent mobile firebase. Pack it with as many HWT as you can fit and fire away without having to worry too much about the usual stuff killing them. Or get a squad of bullgryn close to the enemy lines without having to worry about them losing models before they get to hit something. Or outflank an entire platoons worth of infantry if youre running tallarn.

Basically, loads of options. Keep in mind the transport variants are the only way to get transported infantry that can still shoot these days, chimeras dont have hatches anymore.