Advice on first ever list

[itisjonny]

Hi, I recently got into 40K, and have been feeling a little overwhelmed with all the nuances of building my own army list. Most online resources don’t really help because of how new the codex is, so it’s hard to find resources. I’ve made my own list so far, but I have no idea if it’s good or not.

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Tyranids) [24 PL, 500pts] ++

Hive Fleet: Leviathan

+ HQ +

Hive Tyrant [9 PL, 190pts]: Adrenal Glands, Heavy Venom Cannon, Lash Whip and Monstrous Bonesword, Power: Catalyst, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Onslaught, Power: Smite, Relic: Shardgullet, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Perfectly Adapted

+ Troops +

Hormagaunts [4 PL, 80pts]
. 10x Hormagaunt: 10x Hormagaunt Talons

Hormagaunts [4 PL, 80pts]
. 10x Hormagaunt: 10x Hormagaunt Talons

+ Elites +

Zoanthropes [7 PL, 150pts]: Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Psychic Scream, Power: Smite, 3x Zoanthrope

++ Total: [24 PL, 500pts] ++


If you could give advice or tips, anything would be super helpful, as I currently have about zero knowledge on this so far. Lastly, I don’t know if the core rulebook makes any difference, but I haven’t read it yet so I don’t really know any of that either.
Thanks in advance.

[yoritomo]

Your army is fine, go out and play it.

You should have a rule book. You’re going to need it if you want to know the rules and how to play 40K. As a beginner it isn’t as big of a deal. Your opponent has one and he is teaching you the rules. At some point you should pick up a rule book, it is part of the game.

[dkng]

Hello and welcome.

Take a look at army lists forum on this page.

The basics are roughly as follows:
- You need synapse. All the most powerful tricks up our sleeves come with it and can only be executed within its range. Best (for now atleast) way to get and spread it is to include Warriors.
- You need board presence - either ObSec monsters or units of Horms, Warriors, Gargs. This game is about objectives and actions so try to be faster or more numerous than your opponent. Either option is quite easy for Nids but comes at a price.
- You need damage. CC part is straightforward - Flyrants, Raveners, Carnifexes, Trygons and Lictors all pack a formidable punch and are fast. Warriors are also no slouches but are way slower to get there. The ranged part is where the choice has to be made - you can go the zzzap way or the dakka way. The former is Maleceptor, Zoans and Neuro combo - pump mortal wounds in mid-range like there is no tomorrow. The latter stays on Tyrranofexes, Exocrines and HVC Carnifexes shooting from a respectable distance.
- You need staying power - last but not least. The big bugs are tough and have good saves. The little ones are fast and easy to hide or get into cover. Venomthropes are a blessing to basically every list, no matter the composition. The Zoans Synaptic Imperative is one of the best ways to keep your fellows alive under heavy fire.
Bear in mind we are due to get a balance patch sooner than later so things might shake up a bit.

[bigpig]

Are the "Basic" 40k rules still available online this edition from the website. I remember them doing a while back

[yoritomo]

Yes, the basic rules are still online for free.

You can also get the full rules on the Warhammer App. I don’t use the app myself (I prefer to use books) but there is a free trial period so you can try before you buy.