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Hey all. A buddy of mine is getting into the game and loves the bugs. He asked me to throw a 2K example list together for him that would be effective and fun to play.

Anyway, here is what I came up with. Please give me some feedback as I am not a 'nid player so I may be a bit off.

(HQ) Hive Tyrant w/ TL devourer with brain leech, wings, psychic scream, catalyst, lash whip/bone sword - 235 pts

(HQ) Hive Tyrant w/ TL devourer with brain leech, wings, psychic scream, catalyst, lash whip/bone sword - 235 pts

(E) Zoanthrope Brood (2) w/ onslaught, warp blast - 100 pts

(E) Zoanthrope Brood (2) w/ onslaught, warp blast - 100 pts

(E) Venomthrope (2) - 90 pts

(T) Warrior Brood (5) w/ barbed strangler - 160 pts

(T) Hormagaunt Brood (30) - 150 pts

(T) Hormagaunt Brood (30) - 150 pts

(T) Termagaunt Brood (30) - 120 pts

(T) Termagaunt Brood (30) - 120 pts

(HS) Carnifex Brood (2) w/ (2) TL devourer with brain leech - 270 pts

(HS) Carnifex Brood (2) w/ (2) TL devourer with brain leech - 270 pts

2000 pts

I figure it would ideally be played with the Warriors hanging back with the termagaunts, holding rear objectives. The hormagaunts would be a large screen for the carnifexes, zoanthropes, and venomthropes as they all push forward. Flyrants can do whatever suits them. I feel like the list has good synapse coverage and can handle both mass infantry and heavy armor.

Thoughts?

 MisterPerkins wrote:
Hey all. A buddy of mine is getting into the game and loves the bugs. He asked me to throw a 2K example list together for him that would be effective and fun to play.

Anyway, here is what I came up with. Please give me some feedback as I am not a 'nid player so I may be a bit off.

(HQ) Hive Tyrant w/ TL devourer with brain leech, wings, psychic scream, catalyst, lash whip/bone sword - 235 pts

(HQ) Hive Tyrant w/ TL devourer with brain leech, wings, psychic scream, catalyst, lash whip/bone sword - 235 pts

(E) Zoanthrope Brood (2) w/ onslaught, warp blast - 100 pts

(E) Zoanthrope Brood (2) w/ onslaught, warp blast - 100 pts

(E) Venomthrope (2) - 90 pts

(T) Warrior Brood (5) w/ barbed strangler - 160 pts

(T) Hormagaunt Brood (30) - 150 pts

(T) Hormagaunt Brood (30) - 150 pts

(T) Termagaunt Brood (30) - 120 pts

(T) Termagaunt Brood (30) - 120 pts

(HS) Carnifex Brood (2) w/ (2) TL devourer with brain leech - 270 pts

(HS) Carnifex Brood (2) w/ (2) TL devourer with brain leech - 270 pts

2000 pts

I figure it would ideally be played with the Warriors hanging back with the termagaunts, holding rear objectives. The hormagaunts would be a large screen for the carnifexes, zoanthropes, and venomthropes as they all push forward. Flyrants can do whatever suits them. I feel like the list has good synapse coverage and can handle both mass infantry and heavy armor.

Thoughts?

Most folks will tell you that TL: Devs w/ Brain leeches is the way to go (Twice...) I can't really argue with them, it really is good. I personally go with Lash whip,Bone sword, Toxin, then toss in Brain leeches, and/or Thorax Hive. But that is "just me", and it costs more.

But either is a good build. Psycher stuff is random now, so you roll it up per battle, more or less.

Synapse is critical now, and I'd say you have too little. People will also say Hormies are "not good", and they kinda are..."not good" in the current version. I'd suggest dropping some of the broods down in size and adding in durable Synapse. At 2000 Two Winged Hive Tyrants is almost a "must take" , and a good idea all around. So that's good as is.

If you look around there are some Data slates for Tyranids that have some interesting Formations to look at down the road.

If he's just getting into it maybe try for a 1500 point list as a starter?

Most folks will tell you that TL: Devs w/ Brain leeches is the way to go (Twice...) I can't really argue with them, it really is good. I personally go with Lash whip,Bone sword, Toxin, then toss in Brain leeches, and/or Thorax Hive. But that is "just me", and it costs more.

But either is a good build. Psycher stuff is random now, so you roll it up per battle, more or less.

Synapse is critical now, and I'd say you have too little. People will also say Hormies are "not good", and they kinda are..."not good" in the current version. I'd suggest dropping some of the broods down in size and adding in durable Synapse. At 2000 Two Winged Hive Tyrants is almost a "must take" , and a good idea all around. So that's good as is.

If you look around there are some Data slates for Tyranids that have some interesting Formations to look at down the road.

If he's just getting into it maybe try for a 1500 point list as a starter?

Ah yes, of course they are. I wrote those down orginally based on ideal abilities.

6 synapse creatures and a synapse unit aren't enough? I figured the Flyrants would be solid, and the Zoans all have a 3++. What would you recommend? With only 2 HQ slots and both full, I'm limited to more warriors/shrikes, a troop tervigon, and the trygon prime.

I did like the hormagaunts being in there, as they move quick and are cheap. They were meant to be totally expendable but the enemy can't ignore them as they can still do a decent amount of damage if they make it into the lines. I maxed out the units so they would absorb a lot of fire/distract from more valuable units. Plus some might be able to benefit from the 5++ given by the Venoms...which should increase their staying power a bit.

 MisterPerkins wrote:

Most folks will tell you that TL: Devs w/ Brain leeches is the way to go (Twice...) I can't really argue with them, it really is good. I personally go with Lash whip,Bone sword, Toxin, then toss in Brain leeches, and/or Thorax Hive. But that is "just me", and it costs more.

But either is a good build. Psycher stuff is random now, so you roll it up per battle, more or less.

Synapse is critical now, and I'd say you have too little. People will also say Hormies are "not good", and they kinda are..."not good" in the current version. I'd suggest dropping some of the broods down in size and adding in durable Synapse. At 2000 Two Winged Hive Tyrants is almost a "must take" , and a good idea all around. So that's good as is.

If you look around there are some Data slates for Tyranids that have some interesting Formations to look at down the road.

If he's just getting into it maybe try for a 1500 point list as a starter?

Ah yes, of course they are. I wrote those down orginally based on ideal abilities.

6 synapse creatures and a synapse unit aren't enough? I figured the Flyrants would be solid, and the Zoans all have a 3++. What would you recommend? With only 2 HQ slots and both full, I'm limited to more warriors/shrikes, a troop tervigon, and the trygon prime.

I did like the hormagaunts being in there, as they move quick and are cheap. They were meant to be totally expendable but the enemy can't ignore them as they can still do a decent amount of damage if they make it into the lines. I maxed out the units so they would absorb a lot of fire/distract from more valuable units. Plus some might be able to benefit from the 5++ given by the Venoms...which should increase their staying power a bit.

I only count 5

I'd look at a second cheap Warrior Brood, to get to 6....as the points go up Synapse hunting becomes a major counter tactic, and at high points everybody has several options to use. Hive Tyrants are awesome, and Synapse. But they attract fire like nobody's business And it is sooo temping to zoom them into a high danger circumstance. (or just plain out of range to provide any...)

So heavy AA? Lose the Winged Synapse, sav 3++? Volume of fire....Dang! It happens so fast! but 5 is a decent amount, but it might not be enough

 MisterPerkins wrote:

(HQ) Hive Tyrant w/ TL devourer with brain leech, wings, psychic scream, catalyst, lash whip/bone sword - 235 pts
(HQ) Hive Tyrant w/ TL devourer with brain leech, wings, psychic scream, catalyst, lash whip/bone sword - 235 pts

(E) Zoanthrope Brood (2) w/ onslaught, warp blast - 100 pts
(E) Zoanthrope Brood (2) w/ onslaught, warp blast - 100 pts
(E) Venomthrope (2) - 90 pts

(T) Warrior Brood (5) w/ barbed strangler - 160 pts
(T) Hormagaunt Brood (30) - 150 pts
(T) Hormagaunt Brood (30) - 150 pts
(T) Termagaunt Brood (30) - 120 pts
(T) Termagaunt Brood (30) - 120 pts

(HS) Carnifex Brood (2) w/ (2) TL devourer with brain leech - 270 pts
(HS) Carnifex Brood (2) w/ (2) TL devourer with brain leech - 270 pts

2000 pts

This is a pretty solid list, though I would recommend a couple of changes.
1) switch the lash whip/bone sword for TL devs with brain leeches. The reason is that your flyrants will be spending most of the game (hopefully) in the air. The cc upgrades are not going to help them in their main role. Take the 12 S6 shots instead for the same price.
2) Use a second FoC chart. It doesn't cost you anything, and you already have all the minimums filled. What this will allow you to do is to split all your elites from 3 squads of 2 to 6 squads of 1. The reason you should do this is because it will give you more coverage across your army. Take 3 zoanthropes and 3 venoms, then spread them out in your deployment. That way your synapse and cover are better dispersed.
Otherwise, I like this list. I also use horm broods to soak up shots and give intervening model saves. I think this list will work out well for your friend.

I think you would benefit from a bastion to stick the venomthropes in so they can't be picked on. You could even get away with only one. Also it allows you to start the flyrants behind it in case you don't get first turn.

At 2k your opponent will target your venomthropes and they will die first turn due to the weight of shooting and the importance they have in your list.

I think that multi carnifex shooty lists work better with termagants rather than hormogaunts. The hormogaunts are all about getting in their face turn 2 and you need multi-threats for this. Fexes won't keep up and army can be dealt with piecemeal. A comms relay on the bastion with mawlocs or crones/harpies has much better snyergy - I'd also go hive commander on at least one flyrant to outflank one brood of hormogaunts - you may struggle to get them to move effectively otherwise due to the massive footprint of 120 models 2" apart. The fexes are much better in a claim the middle of the board and grind the enemy down lists so termagants and tervigon as troops.

If you split the Hormies and Termies into x20 broods you can put them in an "Endless Swarm" formation, you'll need two more troops to make it work though...

Thanks for all the input guys. Retooling the list at the moment.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Alright, here is the updated list. Went with the double FOC

(HQ) Hive Tyrant w/ TL devourer with brain leech, wings, maw-claws - 225 pts

(HQ) Hive Tyrant w/ TL devourer with brain leech, wings - 215 pts

(E) Zoanthrope Brood (1) - 50 pts

(E) Zoanthrope Brood (1) - 50 pts

(E) Zoanthrope Brood (1) - 50 pts

(E) Zoanthrope Brood (1) - 50 pts

(E) Venomthrope (1) - 45 pts

(T) Warrior Brood (6) w/ barbed strangler - 190 pts

(T) Warrior Brood (6) w/ barbed strangler - 190 pts

(T) Termagaunt Brood (20) - 80 pts

(T) Termagaunt Brood (20) - 80 pts

(T) Termagaunt Brood (20) - 80 pts

(T) Termagaunt Brood (20) - 80 pts

(HS) Carnifex Brood (2) w/ (2) TL devourer with brain leech - 270 pts

(HS) Carnifex Brood (2) w/ (2) TL devourer with brain leech - 270 pts

(Fort) Imperial Bastion - 75 pts

2000 pts

 MisterPerkins wrote:
Thanks for all the input guys. Retooling the list at the moment.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Alright, here is the updated list. Went with the double FOC

(HQ) Hive Tyrant w/ TL devourer with brain leech, wings, maw-claws - 225 pts

(HQ) Hive Tyrant w/ TL devourer with brain leech, wings - 215 pts

(E) Zoanthrope Brood (1) - 50 pts

(E) Zoanthrope Brood (1) - 50 pts

(E) Zoanthrope Brood (1) - 50 pts

(E) Zoanthrope Brood (1) - 50 pts

(E) Venomthrope (1) - 45 pts

(T) Warrior Brood (6) w/ barbed strangler - 190 pts

(T) Warrior Brood (6) w/ barbed strangler - 190 pts

(T) Termagaunt Brood (20) - 80 pts

(T) Termagaunt Brood (20) - 80 pts

(T) Termagaunt Brood (20) - 80 pts

(T) Termagaunt Brood (20) - 80 pts

(HS) Carnifex Brood (2) w/ (2) TL devourer with brain leech - 270 pts

(HS) Carnifex Brood (2) w/ (2) TL devourer with brain leech - 270 pts

(Fort) Imperial Bastion - 75 pts

2000 pts

It looks like you forgot to Double up on the TL: Brain Leeches?

(HQ) Hive Tyrant w/ (2) Sets of TL BLW - 230 pts

(HQ) Hive Tyrant w/ (2) Sets of TL BLW - 230 pts

(E) Zoanthrope Brood (2) w/ onslaught, warp blast - 100 pts

(E) Zoanthrope Brood (2) w/ onslaught, warp blast - 100 pts

(E) Venomthrope (2) - 90 pts

(T) Tervigon - 195 pts

(T) Hormagaunt Brood (30) w/ Adrenal Glands - 180 pts

(T) Hormagaunt Brood (30) - 150 pts

(T) Termagaunt Brood (30) w/ 1 Devourer (spare points) - 124 pts

(HS) Carnifex Brood (2) w/ (2) Sets of TL BLW each - 300 pts

(HS) Carnifex Brood (2) w/ (2) Sets of TL BLW each - 300 pts

1999






(HQ) Hive Tyrant w/ (2) Sets of TL BLW - 230 pts

(HQ) Hive Tyrant w/ (2) Sets of TL BLW - 230 pts

(E) Zoanthrope Brood (2) w/ onslaught, warp blast - 100 pts

(E) Zoanthrope Brood (2) w/ onslaught, warp blast - 100 pts

(E) Venomthrope - 45 pts

(E) Venomthrope - 45 pts

(E) Venomthrope - 45 pts

(T) Tervigon - 195 pts

(T) Hormagaunt Brood (29) - 145 pts

(T) Hormagaunt Brood (29) - 145 pts

(T) Termagaunt Brood (30) - 120 pts

(HS) Carnifex Brood (2) w/ (2) Sets of TL BLW each - 300 pts

(HS) Carnifex Brood (2) w/ (2) Sets of TL BLW each - 300 pts


2000

List one contains super fast and aggresive Hormies while list 2 takes advantage of double FOC and fixes your Venomthrope saturation. 3 different targets will be annoying for the enemy. This list will benefit more from a Terviggon spewing things out in the backfield and sending everything else forward. An alternative to list 2 is swap a Venomthrope for a NornCrown on the Tervigon.

I think you will have a lot of problem with Eldar and Tau. Especially with all mech eldar whith 5 or more serpents, and you have nothing against wrathknight

wonderhuzze wrote:
I think you will have a lot of problem with Eldar and Tau. Especially with all mech eldar whith 5 or more serpents, and you have nothing against wrathknight

True, maybe he should shrink the Hormagaunt broods down, and add Toxin back in. A tar pit that Kills! The huge amount of Brain Leeches should be a big help. And don't forget the Zoeys, they can trash any Mech dumb enough to get in range. ( so try to only play dumb foes? )

All in all, I like Zaaks list number 2 more, with the change to the Hormagaunt Broods.... vs Tau this list really needs a way to get back field, and/or down field. Mawlocs come to mind.... And Hive Commander...