How to win New Codex Tyranids

by | Jan 24, 2014


How to exterminate your bugs

3 weeks have passed since the new Tyranids Codex has been published. I have read it, watched it in battle reports (online) and seen it in action against other armies. To tell the truth, I had heard before (and after) I read it, that it isn’t a good Codex. In my opinion, it isn’t the cream of the crop, but has good chances against any enemy, as long as the Tyranids player is ready to lose a part of his army in the process. For every Wolf Brother this isn’t a Tyranids Codex review but my opinion on how to win the bugs.

Whenever we play against Tyranids, we should expect a swarm and the new Codex does not change this.  Almost all the book got cheaper and we should expect to see more Gaunts coming our way, than we were used to. Also the Nids now have 3 Flying Monstrous Creatures and this is a bummer for our lack of AA. Now the Venomthrope gives Shrouded instead of just 5+ cover, which means 3+ cover in a forest and 2+ cover in a ruin or behind an Aegis. Synapse is a big issue for the Nids, as they tend to send the Flying Hive Tyrants in front; but one or two Zoanthropes can solve that problem. The Mawloc is an annoyance as it can clear an objective from enemy units. Last and least, the Tervigon can only remember its old glories, as now is a mere glimpse of its old power. The Gaunts it will spawn will not get any upgrades from it, and you need a 30-“man” squad to take one as a troop choice.
I have heard about 3 lists for the new Codex:

    1. Full Monstrous Creatures with 2 F Hive Tyrants, 3 Tervigons, 60 Termagants (starting with 60…), 3 Carnifex and some Venomthropes.
    2. Full infiltrate list with 80-100 Genestealers, some Lictors & Mawloc and the Deathleaper (yes, now it is an HQ!). 
    3. And the most balanced list (at least for me) 60 Hormagants, 2 F Hive Tyrants, 3 Carnifex, a Harpy, 2 Mawlocs, 2 Zoanthropes and 3 Venomthropes.


    For Space Wolves to retaliate against the Tyranids swarms, they have to pinpoint their attacks, finding the right targets and taking them out one by one. When against one of these lists and in fact against any Tyranids list, your target must be as follows:

      • Venomthrope
      • Synapse Creature 
      • Flying Hive Tyrant

      Of course, these targets’ priorities can inter-change depending on the game. Before I suggest the anti-nid/bug list I have to remind you that all Tyranids MC, except the Tyrannofex, have a 3+ for armour.






      +++ Anti-nid/bug List (1843pts) +++
      +++ 1850pt Codex: Space Wolves, Codex: Inquisition, Fortifications +++

      Selections:
      Codex: Space Wolves (Primary Detachment) Selections:

      + HQ +
          * Rune Priest
              Rune Axe, Warlord
              * Power Armour

      + Elites +
          * Wolf Guard Pack     
              * 6x Power Armour
                  2x Combi Flamer, 4x Combi Melta
              * Terminator Armour
                  Heavy Flamer, Power Sword
       * Drop Pod
                  Deathwind Missile Launcher

      + Troops +
          * 3xGrey Hunters Pack
              * 10x Grey Hunter
                 2xPlasma Gun

          * Grey Hunters Pack
              * 10x Grey Hunter
               2xFlamer

      + Fast Attack +
          * Land Speeder Squadron
              * 3xLand Speeder
                  Heavy Bolter, Typhoon Missile Launcher

      + Heavy Support +
          * 3xLong Fangs Pack
              * 5x Long Fang with Missile Launcher
                          * Squad Leader
                 
      Codex: Inquisition Selections:
      + HQ +
          * Ordo Xenos Inquisitor
                      Frag, Krak and Psyk-out Grenades, Power Armour,
                     Psyker, 3x Servo Skulls, The Tome Of Vethric

      Fortifications Selections:
          * Aegis Defense Line
              Gun emplacement with quad-gun


      This list has 21 ML and 4 Autocannon-Skyfire shots per turn, enough to take out many MC and little bugs. Also it has a suicide Wolf Guard squad ready to melta and flame some primary targets in the first turn. And an Inquisitor, instead of a second Rune Priest, to give Divination, 3 Servo Skulls (cannot infiltrate 12” of a Servo skull) and The Tome Of Vethric to give Monster Hunter to one Long Fang. I believe that the 4 10-men Grey hunters squads can keep objectives, and shoot FMC and force them to take grounding tests.

      [Wolf tip: always spread your units for fear of the Mawlocs and their blasts.]


      I believe the Nids have a good Codex, but once again they aren’t an enemy the Space Wolves need to fear. The anti-nid/bug list will do its job against smalls and large bugs. Remember there isn’t a better army than our Wolves.


      Now about my previous post The Return of the Thunderwolves? First, I was wrong as you can’t take a Raven Guard Chapter Master in a bike and give scout to a unit. Also there was a scuffle in the comments below about whether a TWC and a TWL can be joined by any other IC. Some say yes, some say no. I believe it’s a yes. Truth be said, this is something that should find its way in the FAQ. In the event that they can be joined, I found that an Inquisitor with Liber Heresius wargear gives scout. I would like to hear your feedback about Tyranids’ new Codex, the anti-nid/bug list and TWC with an Inquisitor in the same squad.



      Until next time remember Prospero and…


      VLKA FENRIKA