Arch Enemies in 40k

[Hive Bahamut]

So I was curious. Are there more rivalries in 40k than the obvious?

Mankind and Aeldari rival Chaos (some would point out Necrons but that was before they spawned a party god.)

Tyranids and Necrons seem like a much better rivalry as neither benefits nor gains anything from the other.

Orkz well.. Orkz is the only realistic answer. They actually ENJOY fighting so I imagine it is the Attrition of infighting that is their anathema.

Admech I would actually put humanity on their list as it is the Emperor that heeded any progress made so much was done in secret.

Genecult is most definitely humans, but unlike Chaos/Mortals GSC can use any stock and doesn't need humans, they just work better.


Any others? I want to say Slaanesh and Ynnead but that arc was most definitely put on backburner after backlash of killing off Slaanesh/Fantasy.

[dan3dim]

All super 5 Chao god are rivals each other....
Tyranids rivals are more likely are imperial because Nids wipe out most of planets that affect imperialism.
Necron rivals would be Elders because they had been in war 50 million years ago and only Elders know who is Necron true purpose.
GSC have no rivals but it need get host to survive so weakness to Demons or Necrons but not really rivals.
Tau rivals would be Ork, range vs melees.

[infornography]

Tyranids do not have or need any kind of rivalry. They will consume all. Imperium is the majority of all at this point, but Nids aren't picky. They happily devour craftworlds as easily as hive worlds.

Eldar have a serious hate on for Necrons and Slaanesh.

I kinda feel like Tau don't have any specific rivalries. They don't get along well with the Imperium's xenophobia, but they don't have a specific anti-Imperium agenda. They have a tough time with Orks because Orks are seemingly incapable of comprehending the concept of the greater good. But I don't feel like they have a specific vendetta against either.

Orks don't have a need for a specific rivalry either. They happily engage in waaagh against whoever is available and will provide a modicum of challenge.

Space Marines have the biggest beef with other Space Marines. Loyalists fight Chaos Space Marines. Dark Angels and Space Wolves aren't the best of pals. Etc.

Of course Deathwatch are anti-Xenos of nearly all varieties, though probably more Tyranids, Necron, and Orks than Eldar and Tau.

Grey Knights are anti-Chaos Daemons obviously.

As mentioned earlier the Chaos Gods bicker ammongst themselves with specific pairings (Khorne vs Slaanesh and Tzeentch vs Nurgle).

For the most part there aren't specific rivalries though. That is part of the setting. Everyone has ample reason to fight everyone. Short term truces can form here and there, but true alliances outside of the major faction, not so much.