Tyranids vs Meta: Countering the Net Lists
So I've been playing Tyranids for about 16 years and I've seen them go from being a terrifying force of destruction to a minor infestation in that time. The current meta-game is pretty sad, everyone knows it, hopefully Necrons will mix things up, but we wont know for sure for a while. So with the sad state of affairs in the current tournament scene, I've decided that I will try and write a Tyranid list who's only job is to at least make one Leafblower, Grey Knight or Space Wolf complain about the Tyranid player who cost them first place. I don't expect to do well in a tournament, I only hope to take someone else down with me. I think that the key to messing with some of the top lists is to focus on killing transport vehicles, especially against Space Wolves and Imperial Guard. When fighting against GK though, you need to be able to dish out serious close combat damage without taking any in return, and you also need to be able to handle Psyflemen Dreads. With the help of our local Dark Eldar player, I think I've come up with a list that may at the very least, be a headache for a couple players. Here it goes:
Tyranid Prime: Lash-whip, Bonesword, Scything Talons, Toxin Sacs, Regeneration: 115 Tyranid Prime: Lash-whip, Bonesword, Scything Talons, Toxin Sacs: 105
2 Hive Guard: 100 2 Hive Guard: 100
8 Tyranid Warriors: Lash-whip, Bonesword, Scything Talons, Toxin Sacs: 400 8 Tyranid Warriors: Lash-whip, Bonesword, Scything Talons, Toxin Sacs: 400 10 Termagants: 50 Tervigon: Cluster Spines, Adrenal Glands, Toxin Sacs, Catalyst: 195
20 Gargoyles: 120
Tyrannofex: Rupture Cannon, Cluster Spines: 265
Total: 1850
The general strategy is to move the whole army together in kind of a large blob, using the Gargoyles as a screen. The Gargoyles will give cover to the Tyranid Warriors, and combined the two should easily block LOS to the Tervigon to give it cover as well. Against armies like DE who can dish out a lot of small arms fire, Catalyst on the Gargoyles should keep them alive long enough to deliver the Tyranid Warriors, if not, that's what spawning Termagants is for. I'm still vulnerable to S8 auto-killing the warriors, like from Long Fangs, but having a source of mobile cover will help, plus I can throw a hit on the Prime without concern. In combat, there isn't much that can stop the Warriors, even Paladins will probably get wrecked. When facing a unit in cover, throw in some sacrificial gaunts or gargoyles and hope you last long enough to deny them their cover bonus the following turn.
I'm looking forward to giving this list a try!