Hive Tyrant or Swarmlord

[Manics]

Hi fellow nondescript, drone entities,

I've just purchased a Hive Tyrant model and was wondering what the general concensus was on builds?

I intend to run her as a footslogger, so though I appreciate that a Flyrant has alot of applications I have no intention of running one in my current lists - the group I play with have a gentleman's agreement that we're not using flyers at present, due to the fact that we're still getting our heads around the rules (we're relative noobs), but will get one eventually.

I was thinking that I would either go full CC with my build (LW/BS + Scytals), as I would probably be using psych abilities in the shooting phase anyway or should I just go with the Swarmlord for its uberness (god, I love the model).

However, coming from a SM background, I find it hard to ignore the 2+ save from AS or the ability to tailor the build (and, therefore, the cost), so don't want to totally ignore the Tyrant.

Also, seeing as shooting is king in 6th (not that I have any experience of 5th, I downloaded this opinion off the internet), I'm wondering if I am going the wrong direction having no dakka on my Tyrant.

As an aside, I usually play against either Eldar or Space Wolves, so not sure if the Swarmlord's psychic strengths will be fully utilised with all the psychic shutdown.

All thoughts and opinions on this matter will be consumed - brain nomnomnom.

Thanks

[baconslice]

Swarm lord gets my vote, he's cc plus give him biomancy, can do 2 powers a turn. Point him at what needs to die and let go.

[jhussey]

If you're not gonna do a Flyrant right now and you're facing SM, I vote Swarm Lord.

[carados]

Magrant.

If you want close combat and psychic powers then you really want to use Swarmlord. The thing is, Swarmlord is rather expensive and has buffs for your army. If you go down that route then you ideally would want units that he can support, or that get a lot from his support. If you go down the route of a standard Tyrant then you can pick units that are a bit more independent if you so desire.

[DarkGuard]

Magnets, simple and easy. The only thing that'd be tricky is switching between flying and walking.

But if you're going for walking just do magnets. I did, and while I haven't magnetized any options besides the Swarmlord options, it's handy for transport, and I have the option along the line.

However, if you go for walking, especially with Swarmlord, you're going to need to grab some Tyrant Guard as well at some point.

[thegauntswarm]

I just bought the swarmlord model with 2 tyrant guard and I'm instantly seeing the benefits. Just keep it out of the main direction of fire (biggest challenge you will face with this model) and it will munch it's way through pretty much everything. Just paroxysm everything you're about to assault and you should be fine. As for upgrading tyrant guard, boneswords ARE a vialbe option but an expensive one. I don't give my guard anything as they will most likely die before they can use them. If you do want to give them something, you can never go wrong with lash whips as they affect all enemy models in base contact even the ones the swarmlord is fighting allowing him to get the first blows. And those should the first and last blows the enemy sees (unless you're playin against other swarms). Go Swarmy!

[andersschm]

Flyrant!

Couldn't you run the flyrant and just play him as jump infantry until your group are happy to move onto the flying rules?

[Space is pretty big]

Hivelord of course.

[Squire]

Yea magnetising a footrant is a good idea. You could later get hold of some carnifex devourer arms and make him a dakka tyrant on foot- only ten points more than a dakkafex.

[ranmafan]

Hive Tyrant is more useful for its AOE buffs (Old Adversary) and Armored Shell/Wings upgrades, plus you can make it dakka.

If you don't intend to give your Tyrant Wings/Dakka or AS/Old Adv, then stick to the Swarmlord.

Of course I magnetized mine, so I can play around with configs.

[infornography]

The two builds I would recommend are

Swarmlord

or

Armored tyrant with hive commander, twin linked devourers, and Lashwhip/bone sword. Consider also getting Old Adversary and if you have the points kicking around after you put together your list, slap on toxin sacs.

Though modeling wise, I definitely recommend going the magnets route.

[fleetofclaw]

If you're even remotely thinking of a CC tyrant then go swarmlord, give him only one tyrant guard, and a tyranid prime if you want a second buddy. That way your opponent is wounding against the majority toughness of your Iron Armed swarmlord.

Otherwise I love a walking tyrant with armor shell, two TL devourers, and Old Adversary and stick him near dakkafex and devilgaunts.

Then the split second your group is ready for fliers, it's all dakkaflyrant all the time

PS... Magnets

Sent from my Nexus S 4G using proboards

[alamomelt]

I want to support the magnet route. This model has so many options that it's worth the time to magnetize. Mine is done such that it can be a Flyrant, Walkrant, or Swarmlord. There are magnetizing tutorials on the web, I think miniwargaming has one for the Carnifex that is easily adapted to the 'rant.

A Swarmlord and one Guard are nearly 350 points, which might be too much for one unit if you're playing smaller games. At least, I think it is.

[dragonlheart]

Last game I got Gate of Infinity, Iron Arm, and Endurance with him. Turn two with all my reserves coming in I warp him into the center of his army with 3 Tyrant guard and turtle the whole game, it was beautiful.

Again, magnets as everyone has said, I made the mistake of not doing it the first time and removing glued arms is a pain.

[lordbob]

Jan 6, 2013 5:54:31 GMT alamomelt said:

I want to support the magnet route. This model has so many options that it's worth the time to magnetize. Mine is done such that it can be a Flyrant, Walkrant, or Swarmlord. There are magnetizing tutorials on the web, I think miniwargaming has one for the Carnifex that is easily adapted to the 'rant.

A Swarmlord and one Guard are nearly 350 points, which might be too much for one unit if you're playing smaller games. At least, I think it is.

Well the swarmlord with tyrant guard and prime is one heck of a nut to crack, its about 450 points, you can still put a tervigon, gants and hive guard in there, all for 1000 points. That swarmlord squad is tough enough to stand the shooting in an 1850 points games, so 1000 you've got the force multiplication and the toughness.

It is a lot of points invested in a squad, no doubt about that, but it is very well invested