Tyranid Dimachaeron and Other FW Kits

Been a while since I posted but decided I'd share some of the new models coming down the pipe from FW

First up, and of most interest to me, is the new Tyranid Dimachaeron

Tau Tigershark AX-1-0

Deciding that we should have an Apocalypse battle before CA55EN goes traveling, we all agreed that we should each use at least one Super-Heavy each. Considering a Manta is way out of my price range, there was really only one choice for the Tau; a Tau Tigershark AX-1-0.

The model arrived in decent condition with only some mild warping to fix. It comes in less parts than I had expected, with only the weapons, engines, and cock pit needing assembly. The most awkward thing I foresee is removing all the resin gates but even that will just require a saw and files.

The game won't be taking place for a while yet, so I'll work out how to base it next week perhaps. The base provided is a GW Flying Base which is much too small to support the Tigershark. I'm thinking some clear plastic rod and a wooden base should suffice.

I'll post the finished model when its assembled, and give a review of how I found making it.

Tyranid Review: Final Thoughts and Army Lists

Now its time to bring it altogether. I've reviewed each section of the FOC, giving my thoughts on each unit and rating how useful they would be. As you'd expect, what units I feel are best in each section aren't always going to be the auto-includes in the lists we build. An example is Hive Guard. I felt Hive Guard were our best unit in the Elites slot, but I found myself taking them rarely in the lists I concocted. This is not because they were a terrible unit, but because they didn't synergise well with the lists. Zoanthropes were needed to provide extra Synapse and Venomthropes were needed to protect the rest of the army, which often left no more Elite slots open.

The Tau forces battle Hive Fleet Gorgon

While writing lists I found that Synapse was a consistent problem. With Hive Tyrants and Zoanthropes being the only reasonably costed Synapse Creatures, I found that you really needed to just suck it up and field some of the less cost effective options. As a result, I feel that I may have undersold the other Synapse units. Tervigons and Warriors are particularly useful as they are able to capture objectives. I found that I was taking a Hive Tyrant, Tervigon, 30 Termagants, and at least one Zoanthrope Brood in literally every list, which I have started using as a core to the army before adding other units. Similarly, I feel I undervalued Genestealers, Lictors, Harpies, and Hive Crones as they are not as dependent on synapse as the rest of the army. Hive Crones are invaluable for dealing with Flyers. Outside of Fortifications, we don' t have many other options, so two of them almost always found their way into the lists. However, if you want to use Fortifications then a Firestorm Redoubt placed slightly ahead of your deployment should be quite effective. Putting a brood of Zoanthropes inside will help protect them, while extending the Synapse bubble a few extra inches. The attached guns also don't need to be fired manually, which will allow us to use them even if we go back to our 5th edition FAQ limitations.

Tyranid Review: Heavy Support Tactica

This, the sixth installment of my Tyranid Review/Tactica articles, will cover the Heavy Support section. As before, this is as much to help me sort out my thoughts on each of the units in the new book as it is to help, so if you have any feedback or differing opinions feel free to leave a comment.

Carnifex Brood

A Hive Fleet Behemoth Carnifex thunders into an Ultramarine Rhino on Macragge

Often regarded as the Monstrous Creature, the Carnifex got a significant buff. It lost any significant use for Scything Talons, but dropped 40pts, gained an Initiative, and its Hammer of Wrath provides D3 hits. With a variety of options rivaling that of Tyranid Warriors it is an adaptable unit, able to be equipped for melee or range.

Tyranid Review: Fast Attack Tactica

Here is the fifth installment of my Tyranid Review/Tactica article series. I cover the section that hosts some of my favourite Tyranid units; the Fast Attack. This is as much to sort my own thoughts on the new book as to review, so if you have any further comments or differing opinions, feel free to add them in the comments.

Tyranid Shrike Brood

The late Parasite of Mortrex, a unique Shrike-esque mutant

Tyranid Review: Elites Tactica

Here is the fourth part of my Tyranid Review/Tactica articles. This is as much to sort my own thoughts on the new book as to review, so if you have any further comments or differing opinions, feel free to add them in the comments.

Hive Guard Brood

The centauroid Hive Guard stands its ground

Went up in points slightly and lost a point of BS. The loss of the BS4 hurts a bit, but the nerf was deserved to be honest. Still a great unit due to their powerful guns, they provide some much needed ranged anti-armour to the army. The default gun puts out two S8 shots that Ignore Cover and do not require Line of Sight. For 5 points this can be upgraded to a new weapon that fires a S5 AP5 Haywire blast. Unfortunately the range is only 18” compared to the Impaler Cannon’s 24” which can make quite a difference. I can’t think of many scenarios were I would rather have the Shockcannon, so I’d just stick with the Impaler Cannon. The S8 combined with the two special rules make it an incredibly versatile weapon; particularly against skimmers. For whatever reason, GW saw fit to give Hive Guard access to Toxin Sacs and Adrenal Glands (while Raveners still don’t). They’re cheap, but don’t bother. Hive Guard were not made for close combat.

Overall, a fine unit. Definitely one of the better Elites choices.

Tyranid Review: Troops Tactica

Here is the third part of my Tyranid Review/Tactica articles. This is as much to sort my own thoughts on the new book as to review, so if you have any further comments or differing opinions, feel free to add them in the comments.

Tyranid Warrior Brood

To the dismay of Tyranid players everywhere, these did not get changed much. Weighing in at 30pts base with some decent stats and options, the Tyranid Warrior seems perfectly fine. They can withstand a decent amount of small arms fire. But its 4+ Save, 3 wounds, and Toughness of 4 make it extremely vulnerable to Instant Death. They are the perfect target for Battlecannons, Demolisher Cannons, Manticores, etc. If an opponent uses their Krak Missiles against the Warriors it’s a blessing in disguise. Better he fires those at your Warriors than at your Monstrous Creatures. A Tyranid Prime can be added to boost the skills of your Warriors and provide a T5 body for tanking S8 and 9 hits, but I feel he is still too expensive. Not a great unit, but they see some use as relatively cheap Synapse providers.