Today take a look at some basics of how to play and get started with Warhammer 40k Tyranids.
The Tyranids are an extragalactic alien race. Their sole purpose is the consumption of all forms of genetic and biological material in order to evolve and reproduce. The Tyranids are seen as one of the gravest threats to the entire Galaxy. They seek only to consume all organic life and cannot be reasoned with or deterred in this quest. As one of the oldest factions in Warhammer 40,000, the Tyranids have an impressively large unit roster.
So below we will offer some tips on how to play Tyranids and how to get started with the army.
Who Are The Tyranids?
The exact origin of the Tyranids themselves is unclear, save the fact that they are not of the galazy and have only recently arrived here after traveling countless millennia in the intergalactic void. The Imperium’s first official contact with the race was in 741.M41, when the Hive Fleet later known as Behemoth invaded the Eastern Fringe and annihilated planet Tyran. However, reexamination of Imperial records has led to speculation that the Tyranids have been invading, or at least probing, the Galaxy for much longer.
The Tyranid forces are constantly changing and evolving at an unnatural speed. It is unlikely that all types of Tyranids have been seen by the Imperium, and still less likely that they will ever all be seen. However a few key traits are identical to nearly all Tyranids, such as tough chitinous armor, a hexapedal anatomy, and multiple redundant organs which make them incredibly difficult to kill.
Why Play Tyranids
The Tyranids are a unique faction of Xenos, usually built around their large number of monstrous creatures. Their Codex is full of options for every phase of the game. Do you like big gribblies surrounded by hordes? Specialized upgrades that let you evolve your army to taste? Do you want to consume all before you? Tyranids might just be your faction.
Strengths of the Tyranids Army
- Customization! A large number of rules allow you to really define the role a unit will have.
- Synapse. The large units willful control of their smaller subjects is represented in a number of ways.
- Monsters. I mentioned it before, but it is worth mentioning again, Tyranids have a huge number of monster options.
Weakness of the Tyranids Army
- Balance. Finding the right mix of monsters and other things in a list can be tricky.
- Finesse. This army excels when all the parts work together.
Signature Rules
The army has a number of special rules, the key ones to remember are:
- Synaptic Imperative – A powerful suite of rules available to fully Tyranid armies. Each rule is accessed by including a different unit in your army
- Synapse – Makes units automatically pass Morale Tests.
- Hive Fleet Adaptions/ Hyper Adaptations – highly customizable rules ingrained into their sub-faction rules.
Tyranids Sub-factions
The army has a great number of sub-factions, called Hive Fleets to choose from. Almost every unit in your army must belong to one. Which one you select will determine what stratagems, relics, and warlord traits you have access to. To play these to the fullest you will need Codex: Tyranids.
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Key Tyranids Units To Know
The army has a sizable unit roster and knowing what units to take can be tricky. Here are some suggestions to get you off on the right track.
1. Hive Tyrant
The prototypical and classic leader of a Tyranid army since time immemorial. Big, buff monsters that are good at shooting, combat, and psychic power. There isn’t much a Hive Tyrant cannot do.
2. Tyranid Warriors
The mid-tier Synapse bosses. Warriors can be great middle management keeping the little guys in line.
3. Termagants
The little guys and “horde” of the army. While they aren’t good, but there are a LOT of them!
4. Carnifex
Big, living battering rams. These guys have the damage potential to rip through an Imperial Knight.
5. Deathleaper
The sneaky Lictor special character. Carefully read his Datasheet… he’s quite good.
Sample Starter Warhammer 40k Tyranids Army
Army: Tyranids
Hive Fleet: Behemoth
Patrol Detachment
HQ: Hive Tyrant. One Model. They are equipped with: monstrous bonesword; 2 monstrous scything talons; lash whip.- 160 pts
Troop: Termagants. Ten Models. Each model is equipped with: fleshborer.- 70 pts
Troop: Termagants. Ten Models. Each model is equipped with: fleshborer.- 70 pts
Heavy Support: Carnifex. Two Models. They are equipped with: 4 Carnifex scything talons. – 200
Total: 500 pts.
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