DANI JULIVERT'S TAKE ON THE NEW TYRANIDS

Dani Julivert GW Spain Web Guy

Since I started collecting Tyranids, I've had two main armies. The first one wasn't all that good in combat, but since it was basically a themed army list, it served its purpose – namely, being displayed. The second one was more oriented towards actual gaming.

Both of these armies served me well over the years – though I ended up changing my gaming army as I started favouring shooting-'Nids over close-combat 'Nids. Regardless, all that changed with the new Codex: Tyranids. When I laid my hands on the new codex, I just couldn't wait to see what had changed. After a quick read-through, I couldn't believe how much I liked it. I also realised that I just needed to start a new army to take advantage of all the updated stuff. The problem is, I just couldn't decide on one.

I couldn't resist the cool new Carnifexes, especially after understanding how versatile they are. I had to make an army with Carnifexes at the core of the force, so I filled up on Carnifexes in the Elite and Heavy Support roles (see the table below). That's a big job for one Tyranid species, but the Carnifexes are big anyway!

Ripper Swarm

The three Screamer-Killer Carnifexes are obviously there to get into close combat and rip their way through the enemy. I realise that they'll have to survive heavy enemy fire to get there, but I think at least one of them will make it, and he can more than make up for the other two that faltered. Also, all the firepower they attract means less directed at other parts of this army. The Shovel-Tusker Carnifex is there to handle enemy tanks and other big creatures but will probably advance a little behind the Screamer-Killers to take advantage of any cover they can provide. For the big guns, the Hive Tyrant and the Venomspitter Carnifex will fit the bill – especially the Carnifex, since its two venom cannons count as twin-linked. Meanwhile, the Thornback Carnifex will try to take care of any remaining infantry units while the Ripper Swarms just scuttle forward filling up the required Troops slots.

WHAT TOMORROW WILL BRING

Ravener

Now, I realise this army list is rather unbalanced, and I assume it won't fare well on the battlefield. However, just as I did 3 years ago, I'm starting with a themed army, and then I'll build the "real" one.

I'm not too sure yet what the exact line-up will be, but I'm sure where I'm headed. First off, I just have to take advantage of the new Deep Strike rules for Raveners. Thus, I think two Ravener broods each with three members are in order, one brood ready for close-combat and the other armed with devourers.

I also want to take advantage of the new way Spore Mines act, moving in clusters and exploding all at the same time. You can now buy some of them on their own, so I will save some space for three Biovores and a couple of three-Spore Mine clusters to begin with. I think it's important to buy all three Biovores this time around, since the mine clusters they fire have as many Spore Mines as there are Biovores in the brood, and I want to optimise the cluster explosions.

Also, the new Genestealers now have Fleet of Claw, which in my opinion is a much-needed improvement. They can now move as quickly as your Gaunts, which means their chances to get into close combat are greatly improved. With a little bit of planning ahead and some good use of terrain, Genestealers can start to feed the Hive Mind as soon as Turn 2.

Obviously, all of these selections need to be backed up with either Winged Warriors, Gargoyles, and/or a winged Hive Tyrant. I still need to get a good feeling for the Broodlord before I decide on how to put him to use, so I haven't made up my mind as to whether I'll be using him or not.

The mighty Carnifex dominates the skyline, surrounded by the smaller bio-constructs of the Great Devourer.

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