What units do you need multiple boxes of?

[d0ubletrouble]

Back story:
I am relatively new to this faction, I've been collecting, making, magnetizing, and painting tyranids for maybe 4 months. 

I like having a big huge hoard of monsters that all look cool and different, but I was originally compelled by the fact you can get big models for cheaper then other factions (i.e. the Tyrannofex is only $60 while space marine tanks range from $110-$60)
So I went on to collected almost one of every unit that I liked or thought looked cool. But that doesn't make a very good army, so after completing my first objective (which was to get a cool a varied army) I'd like to build a better army point wise.

Question:
Could someone tell me which units need to have multiple boxes pruchased to make up a good amount of models for that unit? Things like which unit is the most popular box to have "more" of and how many total boxes you'd need would be a great start. (for example I know that the Venomthrope box is hard to magnetize so you are probably better off just getting more boxes, but if you want a Neurothrope unit and a Zoanthrope unit then you would need at least 2 boxes. That Information would be really helpful to know.)

Thanks in advance!

[alx51]

You can easilY make 3 zoan and 3 neuro with one box, just bluestuff+miliput the body and thoracic part, very easy

[hivefleetkerrigan]

It depends upon the squad size you are looking for. For warriors, you'll want multiple boxes regardless of squad sizes (either many min squads or several big ones). Hormogaunts/termagants Will probably blneed multiple boxes as well.

For zoans/venoms, if you can get tails from elsewhere (gargoyle boxes, sculpting or 3d prints), kitbashing 3 zoans, a neurothrope, and 3 venomthropes is pretty easy. I wrote a thread about how I did that here:
thetyranidhive.proboards.com/thread/59579/venoms-zoans-combined-box

[yoritomo]

Currently zoanthropes are the only unit you need multiple boxes of. This is because you’ll want the neurenthrope which takes one of the three zoanthrope models to build and the minimum unit size is three models.

The other boxes you may want multiples of depend on how you play. You’ll need multiple boxes of your troop choice, so that will be tyranid warriors or some various gaunt. Warriors are the popular option right now, and for good reason they are extremely cost effective for what they do.

Other that those you don’t really need to double up on any other unit. Though that shouldn’t stop you from buying extra boxes of units you enjoy playing.

[piersonsmuppet]

You would need at least 2 Warrior boxes as well to make 3 Warriors and a Tyranid Prime. Zoans and Warriors are the only boxes that combine a unit and HQ without extra parts, so those two are the only mandatory.

[No One]

piersonsmuppet said:

You would need at least 2 Warrior boxes as well to make 3 Warriors and a Tyranid Prime. Zoans and Warriors are the only boxes that combine a unit and HQ without extra parts, so those two are the only mandatory.

I mean, only if you actually want a prime .


There's a couple of troops that can either be min or bigger (warriors)/multiple (gaunts/warriors) squads as yori said. Terms are the only exception I'd say: not because you can't take them as a min squad, but they're way worse than gargs/horms for 1 ppm less, so outside of a terv (where you do want a big squad, plus spawns) wouldn't bother.

Other than that, pyros/biovores and raveners all can be taken as single box min size, but are a bit 'why bother' at that point.

[Bohxim]

Also, who doesn't want a carnifex stampede? Since they only give u 2 per box, you'll want multiple boxes if u ever wanna field that hehe

[tylertt]

I've found if you keep an eye out for some used models you can snag up an older version of the Zoanthrope (3rd ed or 4th ed styles) and just use that as a Neuro for the unique factor. Save you from needing to buy two kits if you're not up for some greenstuff work.

For the Prime I'd just build a Warrior as the prime and use it when needed. TBH you don't see the Prime a ton and typically you'd want multiple units of Warriors or even a larger unit of 5 or more models. Two kits gives you a 6man option or a 5man option with one pulled out to be the prime.

[infornography]

My advice is to get a warrior kit to turn one into a prime and convert the other two into lictors/deathleaper using monstrous scything talons and venomthrope heads. Those bits are not rare and easy to get out of bits boxes or off of bits sellers on ebay if you don't already have spares kicking around. They generally fit the appearance quite well and you don't really need just 2 warriors most of the time. Usually you will want warriors in multiples of 3.