Now that new IA Book is here, what do I buy?

[seanster3000]

Ok, so I am really excited for this new IA Book. I am pumped for the new model, rules, and story. My dilemma is I'm not sure what I should get?

First off I'm definitely getting the new book and the Dimachaeron, that model is just to sweet to pass up even if the rules are not quite what we were hoping for. After that I can't decide between: a Malanthrope or a Barbed Hierodule? Or even a SC Fex (though just getting one may not be that great)?

I am liking the new Malanthrope rules and extra Synapse is always welcome, but this tall model is harder to hide thus making him a nice target for big guns. (another plus is that he is cheaper)

I also like the Barbed Hierodule for the much needed high volume/high STR shots. I go up against a lot of vehicles whether it's Dark Eldar, Eldar, AM, or even Space Marines. Those 12 shots will help, but he is a lot of points (and money!) and can be taken down fairly quickly.

So Hive what is your opinion?

[l0rdf1end]

Malanthropes look useful.
I haven't really looked at the others. One thing I am considering is an Harridan although I'm waiting on the tournament scene to develop before I make such a big purchase.

[Deleted]

I'm lucky enough to have a malanthrope already. I might pick up a second one. I part of me wishes it wasn't an elite but frankly I wouldn't know where else to put him, and I mean he's more durable than 2 venomthropes for 5 points less? yes please. No ID from Str 8, AND regen? The only way I feel you might see this guy not get taken is if GW made venomthropes troops out of the blue(which is completely unlikely).  

The stonecrusher...man...I want one lol. Yeah CC isn't what it was, but the stonecrusher....for the price of a devil-fex I have a hard time not taking one. They took a cool looking model and finally made it decent. Sure, it still needs to hit combat, but AP2 HoW and armorbane, plus sunder and AP1 on regular attacks is just damned tempting even if he's unlike to make contact with a vehicle. I don't see him being in more competitive lists but he could even put a fair sized dent into a knight titan if given the chance. EDIT: I just feel like this guy is a lot more classic tyranids, where when a fex hit a vehicle in combat, that vehicle was toast. The introduction of hull points largely eliminated that but this guy can plow through some armor if he connects. 

I really want to pick up a hierodule but I'm thinking I'll hold off briefly. I'm going to order the crusher carapace/arms for sure, just because I've always liked the model.

[swarm492]

Malanthrope, other things are cool and work well in the situation made for them, Malanthrope is just plane good.

[seanster3000]

Can you get away with just one Malanthrope? I have found that with Nids redundancy is key. Can you just buy Crusher Carapace/Arms? I thought you got the whole model. Right now I am leaning towards the Malanthropes. I think that with a Dimachearon and my standard Flying Hive Tyrant and Crone I'm good in the offense unit department and could use an upgrade in the utility unit department.

It is hard to turn my back on 12 S10 AP3 shots on a T8 6W 3+ with FnP frame.

[swarm492]

well it depends how often you are going to use that mini, if you do go the route of a hierodule just watch ebay, they go for about 100 bones.

[1swarmlord]

barbed Hierodule is my choice if the harridan isn't an option. for the extra points the harridan can do a lot more for you in a game and is harder to take down, more mobile, and looks cool.

[krimson]

As much as I would love a forgeworld nid model, i have no idea how you guys transport those things

[Moontyranid]

I'm gona work my butt off. this month and next so i can get the book the new nid and somthing els, On the fw openday

[Kwodd]

Malanthropes all the way, daboarder did some nice conversions using flyrant bodies I plan on replicating.

[seanster3000]

While a Harridan would be lovely I already blew my wad on the Hierophant Bio-Titan. So that's why I am limiting myself to the smaller Tyranids from FW.

My question still remains though, is just one Malanthrope worthwhile or do you have to invest in 2?

[coredump]

I think one is quite viable. Assuming some cover, its a T5 4W with 3+ or 2+ cover save. What not to like? That is pretty darn resilient. Sure two would be nice, but at 170pts...

Since they really don't attack, you get no added benefits from more models, you only get more resilency.

[atrocity]

The Malanthrope is ridiculousness, best unit we have available right now. Run 2 Of them in a unit and they will last.

Get 2 Malantropes. If you're Considering getting one of the big gribblies then get a Harridan, awesome unit!

[tydrace]

I missed something, what changed for the Malanthrope?

[atrocity]

Jul 22, 2014 18:06:51 GMT tydrace said:

I missed something, what changed for the Malanthrope?

It's 2 venomthropes and a zoanthrope pushed into a single t5 body (without the psyker parts) with a 3+ save.

In other words, 4 wounds and gives shrouded to all within 6" AND it has T5.

I'd even go as far as saying it's close to broken.