The old, bulky metal Tyranid Warriors had only Boneswords and claws for weaponry. The slimmer, multipart plastic Tyranid Warriors of old had the option of Boneswords or deathspitters. When the first Codex: Tyranids came out and Tyranid Warriors were given access to stuff like barbed stranglers, lash whips, and devourers. Thus, new multi-part metal models were sculpted (shown last).

Most folks got their first taste of Genestealers through Space Hulk (of which we all have fond memories). In fact, Space Hulk came with so many plastic Genestealers that players often decided to collect Tyranids just 'cause they had so many of the critters already. In addition to the classic plastic sprues, metal Purestrain Genestealers with plastic arms were produced to offer a bit of variation within broods.