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.

I’ve been typing with the idea of a Tyranid list after I finish my current project (an Ork Kill Team), and was hoping for some advice. My idea is basically going for lots of mid-sized bugs & monsters over a horde, ideally a mix but I wouldn’t mind leaning harder one way or the other. The only real restrictions are the kits that I’m willing to include. I’d definitely like to keep the model count down to a reasonable amount I think I could get painted in a year.

This is my first Tyranid List (probably ever, but definitely this edition) so any and all input would be much appreciated! I’m looking to create something semi competitive, I.e won’t get trounced if I take it to a non-tournament game at my FLGs or with friends.

Battalion Detachment

Hive Fleet: Custom
• Metabolic Regrowth
• Synaptic Augmentation

HQ

Tyranid Prime [5 PL, 81pts]: Deathspitter, Scything Talons, Warlord

Tyranid Prime [5 PL, 81pts]: Deathspitter, Scything Talons

Troops

Ripper Swarms [2 PL, 36pts]
3x Ripper Swarm: 3x Claws and Teeth

Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 78pts]
2 Deathspitters, 1 HVC, Scything Talons

Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 78pts]
2 Deathspitters, 1 HVC, Scything Talons

Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 78pts]
2 Deathspitters, 1 HVC, Scything Talons

Elites

Hive Guard [6 PL, 105pts]
3x Shockcannon

Hive Guard [6 PL, 105pts]
3x Shockcannon

Venomthropes [5 PL, 99pts]
3x Venomthropes

Heavy Support

Carnifexes [6 PL, 125pts]
Carnifex: Heavy Venom Cannon, Monstrous Scything Talons, Spore Cysts

Carnifexes [6 PL, 125pts]
Carnifex: Heavy Venom Cannon, Monstrous Scything Talons, Spore Cysts

Total: [53 PL, 6CP, 991pts]

Notes:
• Could sub the venomthropes for more Hive Guard
• I’d be happy to include up to 15 Gants/ Genestealers but ideally no more for the sake of my sanity painting them
• I considered working in a Neurothrope and some Zoanthropes, decided against as I’ve probably got enough heavy-hitters
• Did consider fewer, larger warrior squads but felt that didn’t make the most from Synaptic Augmentation?
• Would be happy to swap something out for another monstrous creature

Welcome to the hive mind! Now then onto the list. The hive fleet choices you've made, whilst seeming good, aren't all that effective. Regrowth isn't going to recover many wounds for you. Warriors are likely to die to concentrated shooting before you get to use it much and the fexes will keel over when you encounter any kind of anti tank weapon. For this list I would recommend possibly leviathan for the 6+++ or Kronos for the reroll 1s. Synaptic isn't bad but it's not too great either, a lot of your force will be hitting on 3s.

Speaking of that though, your fexes could use enhanced senses to push up their BS. Oh and you should definitely put Impaler cannons on your hive guard, ignoring line of sight is key!

Finally, unit size! Without altering the number of models you could easily make this a patrol detachment. This would allow you to combine your hive guard into one unit to make better use of the shoot twice strategem. Likewise put all your warriors into one squad and give them the enhanced resistance adaption to up their durability. This way you could also drop one of the primes and use those points to upgrade the hive guard and fexes.

Your list isn't bad but with a few tweaks it could definitely hold its own. Just watch out for eradicators!