Hey everyone, Chaplain Sam back with more Tyranid goodness. The topic this time is fast attack, which has some interesting options for the Bugs. Fast attack isn't the strongest section of the FOC, but it offers some tools that other areas and units lack. It also happens to have some great looking models. Like I mentioned in an earlier post, I'm going to include Forge World units in these reviews. That means one of the most contentious Tyranid units, the Dimachaeron, is up for review!
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| http://bloodofkittens.com/wargaminghub/2014/08/11/give-me-a-hug/ |
Good
- Gargoyles - Gargoyles are a very useful unit because of how fast and cheap they are. My favorite use for them is as a tar pit for Wraithknights. Every list I make I try to make sure I have a unit that can deal with certain threats, like how do I deal with an Imperial Knight? What is my answer to hordes or terminators? Gargoyles are one of my favorite answer to Wraithknights. Tyranids have a ton of strength 6 fire power, but limited options that are effective against a T8 Wraithknight. Sometimes it's better to just tar pit an enemy unit rather than kill it. Gargoyles are easily the best tar pit unit Nidz have access to because of how fast they are. They provide a decent solution to units that can be troublesome for the rest of the Tyranid codex. That is what makes them valuable. They are at their best as part of a Skyblight formation, where they gain objective secured and the ability to regenerate units on a 4+ roll. Gargs' aren't the flashiest or offensive unit, but they are a very useful and tactical tool.
Average
- Hive Crone - Crones' offensive output really took a hit in 7th edition because of the changes to vector strike and losing the ability to land and charge the same turn. On the other hand they gained durability because of how much harder it is to ground flying monstrous creatures in 7th edition. They are still a pretty good anti air tool because their haywire missiles are twin-linked against flyers and vector strike is D3 hits against aerial units. I think Hive Crones are still a decent unit, their role has changed though. They do best in a list with a heavy helping of FMCs.
- Harpy - Unlike Crones, Harpies actually got better in 7th edition. They are just as durable and the S9 blast from the heavy venom cannon is more appealing now that vehicles are the flavor of the month. They're also a bit cheaper! Unfortunately there still isn't a lot of punch behind them. In my most competitive lists I don't include Hive Crones or Harpies unless they are a part of a Skyblight formation and I am running a FMC spam list.
- Dimachaeron - The Dima is definitely the most heavily contested Tyranid unit. It looks awesome and it absolute destroys enemy units in close combat, so I can see why people want it to be good. Unfortunately, it's still just a slow melee monster (aka not good in 7th edition). I don't think walking a Dima across the board trying to get into assault is a winning strategy. Having said that, they are an excellent tool to deal with drop pod marines, infiltrators or anything else trying to get close. Why would anyone want to move towards that thing! I don't care how good or bad these monsters are, every Tyranid player should have one according to the Rule of Cool.
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| http://zergwing.deviantart.com/art/Tyranid-Hive-Crone-Artwork-436698571 |
Poor
- Shrikes - The winged-brothers of Warriors! They are essentially the same as Warriors, except that they trade in Objective Secured and 4+ armor for wings and 5+ armor. Being fast is great, but unfortunately losing Objective Secured is a huge. Shrikes just don't offer enough to be useful. Their ranged firepower is limited and they get expensive fast if you kit them out for close combat. Plus everyone loves to insta-kill Shrikes and Warriors. However, there are very few sources of fast synapse in the Tyranid codex. If you keep your backfield clear they can be useful by providing synapse and scoring even without Objective Secured.
- Raveners - Raveners don't really offer anything substantially different than the Shrikes. The beast rules and initiative 5 are nice, but I don't think it makes up for not being a synapse creature. Generally I'll take Shrikes over Raveners.
- Sky Slasher Swarm Brood - Rippers with wings, cool! Except, the only reason to bring rippers is for deep striking Objective Secured units. Without Objective Secured there isn't any reason to bring Sky Slasher Swarms.
- Spore Mine Cluster - I've never actually seen someone bring Spore Mines as a fast attack unit (including the Internet). They really aren't very useful and they're surprisingly overpriced too. If you want Spore Mines just take Biovores or Harpies.
Chaplain Sam's Choice - Gargoyles. This one was a bit obvious because it was the only unit in the good category. They really are pretty useful, even with limited firepower. They are excellent if they are included as part of a Skyblight formation. I'm curious to hear peoples' thoughts on Tyranid fast attack options because I think you could make an argument for many of them to be in a better category. I hope you enjoyed the review and as usual please share your thoughts in the comments!
What is your top Tyranid fast attack unit? What are your thoughts on the Dimachaeron? Let me know in the comments!