Tyranids
Drifting through the void come star-eclipsing shoals of immense creatures whose cephalopodic forms bristle with spines and feeder tendrils. Each of these living vessels is host to thousands upon thousands of dormant warrior-forms, ready to wake from their slumber when the hive fleet locates its next meal.
Welcome to the rules section of Codex: Tyranids. Whether forging your own tales of glory and infamy with narrative play or pitting yourself against your opponents in nail-biting matched play contests, this page present all the rules you will need to bring your Tyranids collection to life on the tabletop.Books
| Book | Kind | Edition | Version | Last update |
 Tyranids | ||||
| Tyranids | Codex | 10 | October 2023 | |
 Munitorum Field Manual | ||||
| Munitorum Field Manual | Expansion | 10 | 1.7 | March 2024 |
 Legends Field Manual | ||||
| Legends Field Manual | Expansion | 10 | 1.3 | March 2024 |
| Legends: Tyranids | ||||
| Legends: Tyranids | Datasheet | 10 | July 2023 | |
 Imperial Armour: Tyranids | ||||
| Imperial Armour: Tyranids | Datasheet | 10 | June 2023 | |
FAQ
Codex: Tyranids
| Q: | When using the Reclaim Biomass Stratagem, can the Stratagem effect be used on the unit that was just destroyed? |
| A: | No. |
Introduction
If you select to use a Detachment, a Detachment rule listed here will apply either to your whole army or to particular units within it.
When mustering your army, your chosen Detachment enables you to upgrade CHARACTERS using the Enhancements listed here, as described in the Core Rules (see the Select Units step). If you are playing a Crusade battle, you can instead use the Renowned Heroes Requisition to give your CHARACTERS Enhancements, as described in the main Crusade rules.
Your chosen Detachment gives you access to the Stratagems listed here in addition to the Core Stratagems listed in the Core Rules. During the battle, you can spend Command points (CP) to use these Stratagems.
Army Rules
Synapse
Some Tyranids serve as synaptic conduits or nodal relays through which a portion of the Hive Mind’s iron will flows, overriding the natural instincts of the swarm to direct the teeming warrior-beasts to function as a single, gestalt organism on the battlefield.
If your Army Faction is TYRANIDS, while a TYRANIDS unit from your army is within 6" of one or more friendly SYNAPSE models, that TYRANIDS unit is said to be within Synapse Range of that model and of your army. Each time a TYRANIDS unit from your army takes a Battle-shock test, if it is within Synapse Range of your army, take that test on 3D6 instead of 2D6.Shadow in the Warp
Tyranids flood the battlefield with the psychic signature of the hive fleet - an icy, alien dread that gnaws at the minds of their prey and smothers even the most stalwart courage. When faced with such unfathomable horror, many are driven insane or suffer catastrophic neural damage.
If your Army Faction is TYRANIDS, once per battle, in either player’s Command phase, if one or more units from your army with this ability are on the battlefield, you can unleash the Shadow in the Warp. When you do, each enemy unit on the battlefield must take a Battle-shock test.Invasion Fleet
Hyper-adaptations
Every warrior organism in the Tyranid race is fashioned by the ineffable alien will of the Hive Mind. Their flesh and chitin is endlessly mutable, honed into whatever form will prove most lethal to the prey.
At the start of the first battle round, select one of the following Hyper-adaptations to be active for TYRANIDS units from your army until the end of the battle:Swarming Instincts Each time a TYRANIDS model with this Hyper-adaptation makes an attack that targets an INFANTRY or SWARM unit, that attack has the [SUSTAINED HITS 1] ability. |
Hyper-aggression Each time a TYRANIDS model with this Hyper-adaptation makes an attack that targets a MONSTER or VEHICLE unit, that attack has the [LETHAL HITS] ability. |
Hive Predators Each time a TYRANIDS model with this Hyper-adaptation makes an attack that targets a CHARACTER unit, on a Critical Hit, that attack has the [PRECISION] ability. |
Enhancements
This leader-beast possesses highly sophisticated neural pathways, allowing it to identify priority strategic assets and adapt the disposition of its warriors to seize them before the foe even recognise their value. TYRANIDS model only. After both players have deployed their armies, select up to three TYRANIDS units from your army and redeploy them. When doing so, you can set those units up in Strategic Reserves if you wish, regardless of how many units are already in Strategic Reserves. |
This creature was created for one purpose: to completely eradicate the defenders of the target prey world. TYRANIDS model only. Once per turn, you can re-roll one Hit roll, one Wound roll, one Damage roll, one Advance roll, one Charge roll or one saving throw made for the bearer. |
With a neuro-cortex that pulsates with the irresistible power of the Hive Mind, this leader acts as a blazing synaptic beacon to the lesser creatures of the swarm, the better to direct their actions and react to the ever-changing state of battle. TYRANIDS model only. While a friendly TYRANIDS unit is within 9" of the bearer, that unit is within Synapse Range of your army. |
The same weapon rarely works against this leader-beast twice, as its alien physiology adapts at an astonishing rate to counter the attacks of the foe. TYRANIDS model only. The bearer has the Feel No Pain 5+ ability. At the start of any turn, if the bearer has fewer than its starting number of wounds remaining, until the end of the battle, it has the Feel No Pain 4+ ability instead. |
Stratagems
TARGET: One TYRANIDS unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, models in your unit have the Feel No Pain 6+ ability. If your unit is within Synapse Range of your army, models in your unit have the Feel No Pain 5+ ability instead.
TARGET: Up to two TYRANIDS units from your army that are within Synapse Range of your army and are eligible to fight, or one other TYRANIDS unit from your army that is eligible to fight.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a model in any of those selected units makes an attack, an unmodified Hit roll of 5+ scores a Critical Hit.
TARGET: One TYRANIDS unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit is destroyed, if that model has not fought this phase, roll one D6: on a 4+, do not remove it from play. The destroyed model can fight after the attacking model’s unit has finished making its attacks, and is then removed from play.
TARGET: That TYRANIDS unit.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time your unit Consolidates, models in it can move an additional 3" as long as your unit can end that move within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units. If your unit is within Synapse Range of your army and not within Engagement Range of any enemy units, instead of making that Consolidation move, it can make a Normal move of up to 6".
TARGET: Up to two TYRANIDS units from your army that are within Synapse Range of your army, or one other TYRANIDS unit from your army.
EFFECT: Select one Hyper-adaptation. Until the start of your next Command phase, that Hyper-adaptation is active for those selected units in addition to any other that may be active for your army.
RESTRICTIONS: You cannot select the same Hyper-adaptation you selected at the start of the first battle round.
TARGET: Up to two ENDLESS MULTITUDE units from your army that are within Synapse Range of your army, or one other ENDLESS MULTITUDE unit from your army.
EFFECT: You can return up to D3+3 destroyed models to each of the selected units.
Crusher Stampede
Enraged Behemoths
In their efforts to lay the monstrous beasts of a Crusher Stampede low, the prey only succeed in further enraging the rampaging monsters. The surviving beasts are driven to fight with greater fury the more of their number that fall.
Each time a TYRANIDS MONSTER model from your army makes an attack, add 1 to the Hit roll if that model’s unit is below its Starting Strength, and add 1 to the Wound roll as well if that model’s unit is Below Half-strength.Enhancements
The crushing menace of the Hive Mind rolls off this monstrous creature in waves, causing it to loom even larger in the minds of its quailing prey and lending it absolute dominance of the battlefield. TYRANIDS MONSTER model only. Add 3 to the bearer’s Objective Control characteristic. |
Contained deep within this organism’s body is a pulsating sac filled with a cocktail of adrenostimulant fluids linked to a ring of vascular-pneumatic sphincters, allowing them one last-ditch strike. TYRANIDS MONSTER model only. If the bearer is destroyed by a melee attack, if it has not fought this phase, roll one D6: on a 3+, do not remove it from play. It can fight after the attacking model’s unit has finished making its attacks, and is then removed from play. |
A contraganglion knot in this creature’s cranium channels and amplifies the smothering power of the Shadow in the Warp to nullify its prey’s psychic abilities. TYRANIDS MONSTER model only. Once per battle, when a Psychic Attack is allocated to the bearer, it can use this ability. If it does, until the end of the phase, the bearer has the Feel No Pain 5+ ability against Psychic Attacks. |
With its basic logic centres and instinctive drivers augmented, this warrior organism is capable of singling out and hunting down valuable prey without direct synaptic oversight. TYRANIDS MONSTER model only. Each time the bearer makes a melee attack that targets a MONSTER or VEHICLE unit, add 1 to the Wound roll. |
Stratagems
TARGET: That TYRANIDS MONSTER model. You can use this Stratagem on that model even though it was just destroyed.
EFFECT: Do not roll one D6 to determine whether mortal wounds are inflicted by your model’s Deadly Demise ability. Instead, mortal wounds are automatically inflicted.
TARGET: One TYRANIDS MONSTER unit from your army that has not been selected to fight this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit makes an attack, you can re-roll the Hit roll.
TARGET: One TYRANIDS MONSTER unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.
EFFECT: That enemy unit must take a Battle-shock test and, until the end of the phase, each time a model in that enemy unit makes an attack that targets your unit, subtract 1 from the Hit roll. If that Battle-shock test was failed, subtract 1 from the Wound roll as well.
TARGET: One TYRANIDS MONSTER unit from your army that has not been selected to move this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, models in your unit can move through enemy models as if they were friendly models, and until the end of the phase any Desperate Escape tests those models must take are automatically passed.
TARGET: One TYRANIDS MONSTER unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, ranged weapons equipped by models in your unit have the [IGNORES COVER] ability, and until the end of the phase each time a model in your unit makes an attack, you can ignore any or all modifiers to that model’s Ballistic Skill characteristic and any or all modifiers to the Hit roll.
TARGET: That TYRANIDS MONSTER model.
EFFECT: Select one enemy unit within Engagement Range of your model and roll six D6: for each 4+, that enemy unit suffers 1 mortal wound.
Unending Swarm
Insurmountable Odds
When Hormagaunts, Termagants and other such expendable warrior organisms attack en masse they make up for their comparative fragility with sheer numbers. Coupled with the speed and ferocity of their onslaught - which only seems to increase as the prey try to gun the creatures down or drive them back - the gathered broods soon overrun even the most determined defenders.
Each time an enemy unit is selected to shoot, after that unit has finished making its attacks, if one or more models from one or more ENDLESS MULTITUDE units from your army were destroyed as a result of those attacks, each such unit can make a Surge move. To do so, roll one D6: that unit can be moved a distance in inches up to the result, but that unit must end that move as close as possible to the closest enemy unit (excluding AIRCRAFT). When doing so, those models can be moved within Engagement Range of enemy units. A unit cannot make a Surge move while it is Battle-shocked.Enhancements
An overriding need to sink their fangs into the flesh of their prey drives these creatures toward the foe. TYRANIDS model only. Add 2" to the Move characteristic of models in the bearer’s unit. |
These warrior organisms possess limited chameleonic properties that conceal their advance. The benefits of such deceptions decrease as they approach their prey, but can be enough to bring them safely into range to strike. TYRANIDS model only. At the start of the first battle round, select up to three friendly ENDLESS MULTITUDE units within 9" of the bearer. Until the end of the battle round, each time a ranged attack targets one of those units, models in that unit have the Benefit of Cover against that attack. |
A simple but potent biomorphic enhancement of these warrior organisms sees some amongst their number boast diamond-sharp talon tips. Lashing suddenly from amidst the mass of thrashing weapon limbs these plunge through armour to pierce organs and rupture delicate systems. TYRANIDS model only. Each time a model in the bearer’s unit makes an attack, on a Critical Wound, improve the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 1. |
Biostimulants course through the bodies of these warrior organisms, combining with goading synaptic impulses to lend them an unholy turn of speed. TYRANIDS model only. Each time the bearer’s unit Piles In or Consolidates, models in this unit can move an additional 3". |
Stratagems
TARGET: That ENDLESS MULTITUDE unit.
EFFECT: When making that Surge move, you can re-roll the D6 to determine how far your unit moves, and your unit can end that move as close as possible to the closest objective marker (instead of as close as possible to the closest enemy unit]. All other rules for making Surge moves still apply.
TARGET: One ENDLESS MULTITUDE unit from your army that was just destroyed. You can use this Stratagem on that unit even though it was just destroyed.
EFFECT: Add a new unit to your army identical to your destroyed unit, in Strategic Reserves, at its Starting Strength.
RESTRICTIONS: Any destroyed CHARACTER units that were attached to your unit are not returned.
TARGET: One ENDLESS MULTITUDE unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time an attack targets your unit, subtract 1 from the Hit roll.
TARGET: One ENDLESS MULTITUDE unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot or fight this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, weapons equipped by models in your unit have the [SUSTAINED HITS 1] ability, and If your unit contains 15 or more models, each time a model in your unit makes an attack, an unmodified Hit roll of 5+ scores a Critical Hit.
TARGET: One ENDLESS MULTITUDE unit from your army.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time your unit Advances, do not make an Advance roll. Instead, until the end of the phase, add 6" to the Move characteristic of models in your unit.
TARGET: One ENDLESS MULTITUDE unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, your unit is treated as containing fewer than five models for the purpose of the [BLAST] ability.
Assimilation Swarm
Feed the Swarm
Even as the beasts of the Assimilation Swarm stalk across the battlefield they make use of the abundant biomass yielded up by the prey worlds slow demise. Warrior organisms heal even the most grievous wounds in moments, or stagger upright and return to the fight after they seemed slain. A strain of revolting vitality flows through the Tyranid broods as though leeched direct from their dismayed victims.
In your Command phase, each HARVESTER unit from your army that is within range of an objective marker you control can Regenerate one friendly TYRANIDS unit that is within 6" of it. A unit can only be regenerated once per phase. Each time a unit regenerates, do one of the following:- One model in that unit regains up to D3 lost wounds.
- One destroyed INFANTRY model (excluding CHARACTERS) is returned to that unit with its full wounds remaining. If that unit is an ENDLESS MULTITUDE unit, up to 3 destroyed models are returned instead.
Enhancements
This nightmarish creature seems virtually unkillable, its every hurt healing in moments as it guzzles down the hunks of bubbling biomatter that were once foes. TYRANIDS model only (excluding MONSTERS models). The bearer’s unit can be regenerated up to twice per phase, instead of once. |
The swarm’s warrior organisms fight with instinctive and single-minded ferocity to protect the all-devouring organisms in their midst. TYRANIDS model only. While the bearer is within 6" of one or more friendly HARVESTER units, you can target the bearer’s unit with the Heroic Intervention Stratagem for 0CP. In addition, while the bearer is within 6" of one or more friendly HARVESTER units, models in the bearer’s unit have the Fights First ability. |
Parasitised biomass and revivifying fluids flow through the Assimilation Swarm like lifeblood. TYRANIDS model only. While a friendly HARVESTER model is within 12" of the bearer, when using the Feed the Swarm ability, that HARVESTER model can Regenerate one friendly TYRANIDS unit that is within 9" of it, instead of one within 6". |
These warrior organisms boast additional fanged maws, jabbing probosci and haemophagic membranes that consume the fluids of their prey. TYRANIDS model only. Add 1 to the Strength characteristic of melee weapons equipped by models in the bearer’s unit. The first time the bearer’s unit destroys an enemy unit in the Fight phase while the bearer is within 6" of one or more friendly HARVESTER units, until the end of the battle, add 1 to the Attacks characteristic of melee weapons equipped by models in the bearer’s unit. |
Stratagems
TARGET: One HARVESTER unit from your army that was just destroyed. You can use this Stratagem on that unit even though it was just destroyed.
EFFECT: Until the end of the battle, each time a friendly TYRANIDS model makes an attack that targets the enemy unit that just destroyed your HARVESTER unit, add 1 to the Wound roll.
TARGET: One HARVESTER unit from your army that is within 6" of that destroyed unit.
EFFECT: Regenerate one friendly TYRANIDS unit within 6" of your HARVESTER unit (See Feed the Swarm).
TARGET: One HARVESTER unit from your army that is within range of an objective marker you control.
EFFECT: That objective marker remains under your control, even if you have no models within range of it, until your opponent controls it at the start or end of any turn.
TARGET: One HARVESTER unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, models in your unit have the Feel No Pain 5+ ability. If your unit is within range of an objective marker you control, until the end of the phase models in your unit have the Feel No Pain 4+ ability instead.
TARGET: One TYRANIDS unit from your army that has not been selected to fight this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, melee weapons equipped by models in your unit have the [LETHAL HITS] ability. If your unit is a HARVESTER unit, each time a model in that unit makes a melee attack, a successful unmodified Hit roll of 5+ scores a Critical Hit as well.
TARGET: One TYRANIDS unit from your army that just destroyed an enemy unit.
EFFECT: Your unit immediately Regenerates (See Feed the Swarm). When doing so, if your unit is a HARVESTER unit and you choose for one model to regain up to D3 lost wounds, that model regains up to 3 lost wounds instead.
Vanguard Onslaught
Questing Tendrils
In the early stages of an invasion, the Hive Mind harries and unbalances its foes with lightning-fast flanking attacks, before encircling them for the final, bloody slaughter.
TYRANIDS units with this ability are eligible to charge in a turn in which they Fell Back. VANGUARD INVADER units with this ability are eligible to charge in a turn in which they Advanced.Vanguard Prime
During the earliest stages of a Tyranid invasion, the rare bioform Imperial observers have named Deathleaper has been seen fulfilling a leadership and coordination role amongst the swarms. Employing pheromone trails and goading imperatives, the creature provides guidance to other warrior organisms that is the localised equivalent of synaptic control.
DEATHLEAPER loses the Hunter Organism rule and can be your WARLORD.Enhancements
This warrior organism has identified installations and routes of communication and supply vital to the prey. As the Tyranid invasion commences so the beast orchestrates ambushes and terror raids against these priority targets, ensuring that those enemy reinforcements who do reach the battlefield do so in bloodied disarray. TYRANIDS model only. While the bearer is on the battlefield, each time your opponent sets up a Reserves unit on the battlefield, roll one D6: on a 2+, that unit must take a Battle-shock test. |
Subdermal crystals in this organisms carapace capture and redirect light, helping to conceal it. VANGUARD INVADER model only. The bearer has the Stealth ability and each time a ranged attack targets the bearer’s unit, models in that unit have the Benefit of Cover against that attack. |
This hunter seeks vital priority prey that has been pheromonally marked for swift slaughter. VANGUARD INVADER model only. At the start of the battle, select one enemy unit. Each time the bearer makes an attack that targets that enemy unit, add 1 to the Hit roll and add 1 to the Wound roll. |
While no true synapse beast, this bioform has been grafted with a limited synaptic symbiote, the influence of which increases its host’s ability to formulate and enforce large-scale predatory strategies. TYRANIDS model only. After both players have deployed their armies and determined who has the first turn, you can select up to three VANGUARD INVADER units from your army and redeploy all of those units. When doing so, any of those units can be placed into Strategic Reserves, regardless of how many units are already in Strategic Reserves. |
Stratagems
TARGET: One VANGUARD INVADER unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot or fight this phase, and one enemy unit.
EFFECT: That enemy unit must take a Battle-shock test. Until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit makes an attack that targets that enemy unit, add 1 to the Hit roll. If the Battle-shock test was failed, add 1 to the Wound roll as well.
TARGET: One VANGUARD INVADER INFANTRY unit from your army that has not been selected to fight this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, melee weapons equipped by models in your unit have the [PRECISION] ability.
TARGET: One TYRANIDS unit from your army that is in Reserves, or up to two VANGUARD INVADER units from your army that are in Reserves.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, for the purposes of setting up those selected units on the battlefield, treat the current battle round number as being one higher than it actually is.
TARGET: Up to two VANGUARD INVADER units from your army that are within 9" of that enemy unit, or one other TYRANIDS INFANTRY unit from your army that is within 9" of that enemy unit.
EFFECT: Those selected units can each make a Normal move of up to 6".
RESTRICTIONS: You cannot target units that are within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units.
TARGET: One VANGUARD INVADER unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, your unit can only be selected as the target of a ranged attack if the attacking model is within 12" or, if your unit has the Lone Operative ability, if the attacking model is within 6". Your opponent can select new targets for the attacking unit’s attacks.
TARGET: Up to two VANGUARD INVADER units from your army, or one TYRANIDS INFANTRY unit from your army.
EFFECT: Remove the targeted units from the battlefield and place them into Strategic Reserves.
RESTRICTIONS: The targeted units must be more than 3" away from all enemy units.
Synaptic Nexus
Synaptic Imperatives
The leader-beasts of these swarms act as conduits to the will of the Hive Mind. Irresistible imperatives lash out from them like whips that drive lesser bioforms to hurl themselves at the prey, to fight on through fatal wounds or to attack with redoubled savagery.
At the start of the battle round, you can select one of the Synaptic Imperatives shown below. Until the end of the battle round, that Synaptic Imperative is active for your army and while a TYRANIDS unit from your army is within Synapse Range of your army, it will benefit from it. Each Synaptic Imperative can only be selected once per battle.- Synaptic Augmentation: While this unit is within Synapse Range of your army, models in this unit have a 5+ invulnerable save.
- Surging Vitality: While this unit is within Synapse Range of your army, add 1 to Advance and Charge rolls made for this unit.
- Goaded to Slaughter: While this unit is within Synapse Range of your army, each time a model in this unit makes a melee attack, add 1 to the Hit roll.
Enhancements
The Hive Mind channels lethal energy through its synaptic bioforms. TYRANIDS PSYKER model only. Improve the Strength and Armour Penetration characteristics of psychic weapons equipped by the bearer by 1. |
A maelstrom of psychostatic disruption boils about this bioform. It degrades artificial and biological cognition alike, causing teleport signals to fluctuate, geopositioning cogitators to spew contradictory data, and onrushing enemy warriors to reel in confusion. TYRANIDS SYNAPSE model only. Enemy units that arrive on the battlefield from Reserves cannot be set up within 12" of the bearer. In addition, once per battle, during the first or second battle round, when your opponent declares that a unit will arrive on the battlefield from Strategic Reserves, the bearer can use this Enhancement. If it does, roll one D6: on a 4+, that enemy unit cannot arrive on the battlefield this turn. |
The Hive Mind’s synaptic network is so strong that even the mangled remains of mortally wounded beasts can be compelled to fight on. TYRANIDS SYNAPSE model only. Each time an attack is allocated to the bearer, subtract 1 from the Damage characteristic of that attack. |
This grotesque biomorphic symbiote buries itself in its hosts thorax and emits a droning psychic note. The longer prey are exposed to the sound, the worse their atavistic terror response becomes... TYRANIDS SYNAPSE model only. While an enemy unit is within 9" of the bearer, worsen that units Leadership characteristic by 1. |
Stratagems
TARGET: One SYNAPSE unit from your army within 12" of that enemy unit.
EFFECT: Roll six D6: for each 3+, that enemy unit suffers 1 mortal wound.
TARGET: One SYNAPSE unit from your army.
EFFECT: Until the end of the turn, while a friendly TYRANIDS unit is within 9" of the selected unit, that unit is within Synapse Range of your army.
TARGET: One SYNAPSE unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot or fight this phase, and one enemy unit within 24" of and visible to the SYNAPSE unit.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a friendly TYRANIDS model makes an attack that targets that enemy unit, if the attacking model’s unit is within 6" of your SYNAPSE unit, re-roll a Hit roll of 1 and re-roll a Wound roll of 1.
TARGET: One SYNAPSE unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time an attack targets your unit, worsen the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 1.
TARGET: One TYRANIDS unit from your army that is within Synapse Range of your army.
EFFECT: Select one Synaptic Imperative, even if you have already selected that imperative this battle. Until the start of your next Command phase, that Synaptic Imperative is active for your unit instead of any other Synaptic Imperative that is active for your army.
TARGET: One TYRANIDS unit from your army that is within Synapse Range of your army and made a Fall Back move this phase.
EFFECT: Your unit is eligible to shoot and declare a charge this turn.
Crusade Rules
In this section you’ll find additional rules for playing Crusade battles that are bespoke to TYRANIDS units. You can find out more about Crusade armies in the main Crusade rules.
As the hive fleets tighten their stranglehold on the galaxy, more and more worlds succumb to their unending hunger. The rules presented on the following pages allow you to devour one world after another, strengthening your force as your foes fall.
AGENDAS
TYRANIDS armies can attempt to achieve unique Agendas in addition to those found in other publications. These represent the faction’s unique goals and their particular methods of waging war.
REQUISITIONS
TYRANIDS armies have access to a number of bespoke Requisitions in addition to those found in other publications.
As they gain experience and prowess, TYRANIDS units in your Crusade force can be given one of the Battle Traits in this section instead of one presented elsewhere.
Themed to the unique nature of the TYRANIDS, these Battle Scars represent long-lasting effects units from your Crusade force may come to carry.
CRUSADE RELICS
In addition to the Crusade Relics presented in other Crusade publications, TYRANIDS CHARACTER models can claim one of the Crusade Relics found here.
CRUSADE BADGES
Here you will find three Crusade Badges representing goals you can set yourself when campaigning with your Crusade force. Once one is achieved, you could set yourself a new goal, or take the opportunity to start a new Crusade force.
Devouring Worlds
Generating a World
When generating a world to devour, your Crusade forces Biomass and Battles Played points begin at 0. To generate a world to devour, roll one D6 and consult the table below.World TypeD6
Next, consult the relevant table below to generate the Biomass and Battles Played points needed for each stage of that world’s destruction. Generate the number of points needed for the Invasion stage first, then generate the number of points needed for the Predation stage by adding the value in the table to what you generated for the Invasion stage for that world type. Finally, generate the points needed for the Consumption stage in the same manner, but add the value in the table to that of the Predation stage instead of the Invasion stage. Note that Biomass points accrued during a previous stage of a world’s destruction still count towards the targets for the current stage.
Completing a Devouring Stage
To complete a stage and move on to the next, your Crusade force needs to have acquired at least as many Biomass and Battles Played points for that stage as were generated for it above. Keep a Battles Played tally during each stage; these tallies do not carry over into the next stage but simply act as a minimum requirement for advancement.- Each time you win a battle, your Crusade force gains 1 Biomass point.
- Each time you lose a battle, your Crusade force loses 1 Biomass point (to a minimum of 0).
Additional ways of earning Biomass points can be found in the Agendas section. Once you have reached a particular stage of devouring, you gain access to new Requisitions that you can purchase once per world.
Invasion
In the first stages of a Tyranid invasion, swift and adaptable broods of bioforms assess and then rapidly counteract the defences of the prey. Some organisms may already have infiltrated the target world, and only now burst from their hiding places to wreak bloody havoc. Others pour down from spore-blighted skies and flow into battle, the myriad heralds of yet greater horrors still to come.
BATTLE EXPERIENCE
Units from your Crusade army with any of the following keywords gain an additional 1XP from the Battle Experience rule if they are wholly within your opponent’s deployment zone at the end of the battle:
- ENDLESS MULTITUDE
- VANGUARD INVADER
- WARLORD
Predation
So thoroughly infested with Tyranid swarms has the prey world become, that broods prowl almost all environs and surge from every tangled thicket and blasted ruin to attack. Even defenders who consider themselves safe within formidable fortifications can be suddenly and violently disabused of that notion amidst a rush of chitinous bodies and stabbing talons from an unexpected quarter.
BATTLE EXPERIENCE
Units from your Crusade army with any of the following keywords gain an additional 1XP from the Battle Experience rule if they control an objective marker in No Man’s Land at the end of the battle:
- BIOVORES
- EXOCRINE
- HARUSPEX
- HIVE GUARD
- HIVE TYRANT
- PYROVORES
- TYRANNOFEX
- TYRANT GUARD
- WARLORD
Consumption
As the Tyranid ecosystem takes hold, strange living structures sprout forth that are vital to the final consumption of the world. Those Tyranid organisms charged with protecting these grotesque bio-structures now become exceptionally aggressive even as vile eater-beasts devour every scrap of available biomass and ferry it back to the waiting assimilation structures.
BATTLE EXPERIENCE
Units from your Crusade army with any of the following keywords gain an additional 1XP from the Battle Experience rule if they were not destroyed at the end of the battle:
- BIOVORES
- EXOCRINE
- HARUSPEX
- HIVE GUARD
- HIVE TYRANT
- PYROVORES
- TYRANNOFEX
- TYRANT GUARD
- WARLORD
Biogenesis
Each time your Crusade force completes the Consumption stage of its attack on a world, you can spend any of the Biomass points you have acquired on the upgrades shown below, before generating a new world to devour.Raw biomass is diverted to the creation of even more warrior organisms and hive ships to bear them through the void.
A great enough stock of biomass has been secured that a portion can be poured into fashioning strange and terrible graft organisms for the swarms’ mightiest leader-beasts.
The Hive Mind exploits the neurally cached experiences of its warrior organisms to hone their predatory instincts.
A focused allocation of biomass offers a brood the chance to rapidly and significantly adapt at the Hive Mind’s urging.
With so much accumulated biomass, the hive fleet can adapt whatever aspect of its nature the Hive Mind bids it to.
Agendas
If your Crusade army includes any TYRANIDS units, you can select Agendas from those presented here.In order to overwhelm the prey, devour the biomass of the dead and seed the world with toxic spores; the swarm must cover all.
The Hive Mind has marked those prey organisms whose swift destruction it wishes prioritised. The hunt begins.
|
In preparation for the complete assimilation of biomass on this prey world, it is necessary to seed Tyranid structures on the battlefield, from sporecaster organisms to digestion pools.
|
Every last prey organism that stands against the swarm must be overrun - butchered - and their biomass consumed so that fresh waves of bioforms may be spawned.
Requisitions
If your Crusade army includes any TYRANIDS units, you can spend Requisition points (RP) on any of the following Requisitions.The Hive Mind can break down the biomass of its warrior organisms, reabsorbing them and restructuring their bodies and neural pathways at a molecular level before spawning them anew.
The gestalt consciousness of the Great Devourer is omnipresent throughout the hive fleets, always urging its mindless, ravenous swarms on toward whatever strategic goals will see them best feed, grow and spread.
As the needs of the swarm change, so the Hive Mind is able to break down the physical form of its synaptic node-beasts while preserving their neuro-ganglia and the cached sense-impressions therein. This neural mass is then encased in a new and more suitable physical form.
Every warrior organism is fashioned by the ineffable alien will of the Hive Mind. Their flesh and chitin is endlessly mutable, honed into whatever form will prove most lethal to its prey.
Rudimentary Instincts
MUCOLID SPORES and SPORE MINES units never gain XP, and so can never gain Battle Honours. However, they are also assumed to pass any Out of Action tests they are required to take (no dice is rolled) and so never accrue Battle Scars. You can mark the XP section of their Crusade card as ‘N/A’ to remind you.TYRANIDS UNITSD6
Excluding SYNAPSE unitsThese warrior organisms are possessed of a ravenous hunger, their eagerness to tear and rend flesh lending their blows additional, frenzied strength.
The sensory acuity of this brood has been heightened such that no prey can hide from them.
- Each time a model in this unit makes a melee attack, you can ignore any or all Hit roll and Weapon Skill modifiers for that attack.
- Each time a model in this unit makes a ranged attack, that attack has the [IGNORES COVER] ability.
This brood possess heightened tactical instincts that allow them to hunt efficiently even without direct synaptic oversight.
These warrior organisms are well protected by their pseudo-sentient carapaces and partial regenerative capabilities. It takes a great concentration of fire to do them any real harm.
Moving with lithe rapidity, these warrior organisms close the distance to their prey and begin their killing frenzy.
The bioforms of this brood have been imbued with tensile strength and whipcord sinews that allow them to spring upon their prey, lending their pouncing onslaught additional impact to maximise carnage.
SYNAPSE UNITSD6
These leader-beasts emanate the unfathomable will of the Hive Mind, an alien consciousness so vast it drives prey creatures mad.
Such is this creature's psionic power that enemy sorceries unravel in its presence.
So potent is the psionic presence of this leader-beast that it is able to act as a nodal amplifier to imperatives unleashed by other nearby synaptic organisms.
The damaged flesh and chitin of this formidable warrior organism regrows at an astounding rate.
This brood boasts thickened and extended chitinous carapaces.
So potent is this bioform's synaptic presence that it acts as a focusing lens for the psychic might of the Hive Mind.
TYRANIDS UNITSD6
Excluding SYNAPSE unitsLingering neural trauma has left this brood with a damaged connection to the synaptic network.
Severed entirely from synapse control, this brood is forced to fall back upon its own hardwired instincts in battle.
Overdeveloped prey-response instincts drown out the higher functions of this brood, causing them to obsessively focus on the nearest prey to the exclusion of more strategically important targets.
So overcome with biochemical adrenaline and predatory aggression is this brood, that its warrior organisms seek constantly to hurl themselves upon the nearest possible prey and tear them to pieces.
SYNAPSE UNITSD6
Due to neurosynaptic feedback or cranial damage, this bioform struggles to mesh fully with the Hive Mind.
Physical and neural damage has eroded the strength of this organism’s synaptic signal, leaving it unable to fully impose its will upon the swarm.
Although able to still provide the warrior organisms around it with basic synaptic imperatives, this beast is no longer able to control their behaviour.
This organism’s psychic presence is all but non-existent, its ability to deepen the Shadow in the Warp stolen away from it.
Crusade Relics
When a TYRANIDS CHARACTER model gains a Crusade Relic, you can select one of the Crusade Relics presented here.Artificer Relics
This rare cranial biomodification allows its monstrous host to psionically drain the life from its prey, feeding off their animus and using it as fuel to both regrow and augment its own form.
PSYKER model only. Each time an enemy unit loses a wound as the result of a Psychic Attack made by the bearer:- The bearer regains 1 lost wound.
- Until the start of your next Command phase, add 1 to the Strength of the bearers melee weapons.
This foul net of neuro-membranes infests the cranial cavities of its host and amplifies their offensive psycho-synaptic aptitude.
Model with one or more Psychic weapons only. Each time the bearer makes an attack with a Psychic weapon, you can re-roll the Hit roll and you can re-roll the Wound roll.Antiquity Relics
This bio-artefact can penetrate the thickest armour in order to implant dozens of Ripper parasites within a host. In seconds, the ghastly creatures grow to full size, devouring the host from the inside out and bursting forth in a shower of gore.
- Melee weapons equipped by the bearer gain the [DEVASTATING WOUNDS] ability.
- Each time the bearer fights, if one or more enemy models (excluding VEHICLE models) are destroyed when resolving those attacks, after that fight is resolved you can select one friendly RIPPER SWARMS unit within 12" of the bearer. If you do, add one Ripper Swarm model to that unit. If any of those destroyed enemy models had the MONSTER keyword, add D3 Ripper Swarm models to that RIPPER SWARMS unit instead.
At the hilt of each of these enormous, curving blades is a shell of diamond-hard chitin. This houses the brain of the weapon-symbiote. With a mental command, the wielder can generate a surge of psychic energy through this organism that incinerates the sabres’ unfortunate victims from the inside out.
MONSTER model only. Select one of the bearer’s melee weapons. That weapon gains the following ability:Slayer Sabres: Each time the bearer fights, after that fight is resolved, select one enemy unit hit by one or more attacks made with this weapon this phase, then roll one D6: on a 2+, that unit suffers D3 mortal wounds, or D6+1 mortal wounds instead if that unit has the PSYKER keyword.
Legendary Relics
First named by Inquisitor Kryptman, the Norn Crown is a unique parasitic organism that burrows needle-like cerebral bores directly into the brain of its host, forming a neuro-synaptic link that acts as a hyper-conduit for the Hive Mind. Through this abhorrent union, the Hive Mind’s indomitable will can pour forth to augment and control the hordes of lesser Tyranids that scuttle in the leader-beast’s wake.
- While the bearer is on the battlefield, once per battle, you can use the Shadow in the Warp ability one additional time.
- While the bearer is on the battlefield, increase the range of friendly SYNAPSE units’ Synapse ability to 9".
Crusade Badges
Vanguard Tendril
Stretching out across the dark void, your swarms spread the soul-crushing Shadow in the Warp to sow dismay amongst the foe. With every successful act of predation, every prey bastion broken open and its defenders devoured, every massed clash won by means both insidious and monstrous, the power of your tendril grows. You have amassed much biomass and driven vanguard organisms like talons into the yielding flesh of yet more bounteous hunting grounds. Now is the time to push forward at the Hive Minds urging and let the true feast begin.
- You have successfully devoured one world.
- You have won at least two battles.
Monstrous Tendril
One after another the prey worlds fall to the rapacious hunger of your swarms. Whether teeming wildernesses of ferocious flora and fauna, populous megalopolis worlds covered in mountainous cities, or indomitable fortress worlds clad in plasteel and ferrocrete from pole to pole, none can resist your hunger. With each fresh victory your bioforms harvest more and varied quantities of biomass, opening up new options for adaptation and increasingly efficient consumption of the prey. Yet more worlds still lie before you. All must fall. All must be devoured.
- You have successfully devoured three different types of world.
- You have won at least six battles.
All-consuming Tendril
Immense swarms flood entire star systems at your urging. An unending torrent of biomass pours back into your tendril, fortifying it further with every world devoured. You are the will of the Hive Mind made manifest. You are the death of worlds, and you are unstoppable!
- You have successfully devoured five worlds, including at least one of each type.
- You have won at least ten battles.
- A CHARACTER from your Crusade force has reached the Legendary rank.
- A CHARACTER from your Crusade force possesses The Norn Crown Crusade Relic.
The HARVESTER keyword is used in the following Tyranids datasheets:
The INFANTRY keyword is used in the following Tyranids datasheets:
The CHARACTER keyword is used in the following Tyranids datasheets:
The ENDLESS MULTITUDE keyword is used in the following Tyranids datasheets:
Even as the beasts of the Assimilation Swarm stalk across the battlefield they make use of the abundant biomass yielded up by the prey worlds slow demise. Warrior organisms heal even the most grievous wounds in moments, or stagger upright and return to the fight after they seemed slain. A strain of revolting vitality flows through the Tyranid broods as though leeched direct from their dismayed victims.
In your Command phase, each HARVESTER unit from your army that is within range of an objective marker you control can Regenerate one friendly unit that is within 6" of it. A unit can only be regenerated once per phase. Each time a unit regenerates, do one of the following:- One model in that unit regains up to D3 lost wounds.
- One destroyed INFANTRY model (excluding CHARACTERS) is returned to that unit with its full wounds remaining. If that unit is an ENDLESS MULTITUDE unit, up to 3 destroyed models are returned instead.
TARGET: One HARVESTER unit from your army that is within 6" of that destroyed unit.
EFFECT: Regenerate one friendly unit within 6" of your HARVESTER unit (See Feed the Swarm).
There are several categories of Battle Honours that can be bestowed upon a unit, such as Battle Traits, Weapon Modifications and Crusade Relics. Other categories of Battle Honour may be found in other publications. Each time a unit gains a Battle Honour, you can select from any category.
- Once a unit gains enough XP it will gain a rank.
- Only CHARACTER units can gain the Heroic or Legendary ranks.
- Each time a unit gains a rank, it can gain a Battle Honour.
- There are several categories of Battle Honours, which include:
- Battle Traits: New skills and abilities.
- Weapon Modifications: Upgrade an item of wargear.
- Crusade Relic: Gain a rare and powerful artefact.
- Each time a unit gains a Battle Honour, increase its Crusade points total by 1 (or by 2 if TITANIC).
The greatest warriors, most cunning tacticians and seers lead their armies to war possessed of hard-won skills and powerful artefacts that mark them out as legendary commanders.
You can select one Enhancement that unit has access to (if using this Requisition when that unit gains a rank, this is instead of it gaining a Battle Honour). When doing so, that unit has access to any Enhancements described within any Detachment rules that it could use, even though you have not yet started to muster your army and so have not selected any Detachment rules yet.
If the selected Enhancement replaces a weapon that is a Crusade Relic or a weapon upgraded by Weapon Modifications, that Crusade Relic or Weapon Modifications are lost. Recalculate the unit’s points value as a result of gaining this Enhancement and update its Crusade card. You cannot make any changes that would cause you to exceed your Supply Limit.
This Requisition costs 1RP plus 1 additional RP for each other Enhancement that your Order of Battle contains (to a maximum of 3RP).
The SYNAPSE keyword is used in the following Tyranids datasheets:
While a unit is Battle-shocked:
- The Objective Control characteristic of all of its models is 0.
- If it Falls Back, you must take a Desperate Escape test for every model in that unit.
- Its controlling player cannot use Stratagems to affect that unit.
Once you have taken Battle-shock tests for all of your units that require them, your Command phase ends and you progress to your Movement phase.
- Take a Battle-shock test for each unit from your army on the battlefield that is Below Half-strength.
- Roll 2D6: if the result is greater than or equal to the unit’s Leadership, the test is passed. Otherwise, the unit is Battle-shocked until the start of your next Command phase.
- Battle-shocked units have an OC of 0 and their controlling player cannot use Stratagems to affect them.
- Battle-shocked units must take Desperate Escape tests if they Fall Back.
Some weapons strike in a flurry of blows, tearing the foe apart with relentless ferocity.
Weapons with [SUSTAINED HITS X] in their profile are known as Sustained Hits weapons. Each time an attack is made with such a weapon, if a Critical Hit is rolled, that attack scores a number of additional hits on the target as denoted by ‘x’.- [SUSTAINED HITS X]: Each Critical Hit scores ‘x’ additional hits on the target.
Some weapons can inflict fatal injuries on any foe, no matter their resilience.
Weapons with [LETHAL HITS] in their profile are known as Lethal Hits weapons. Each time an attack is made with such a weapon, a Critical Hit automatically wounds the target.An unmodified Hit roll of 6 is called a Critical Hit and is always successful. An unmodified Hit roll of 1 always fails. A Hit roll can never be modified by more than -1 or +1.
- Hit Roll (Ranged Attack): A hit is scored if the D6 result equals or exceeds that attack’s BS.
- Hit Roll (Melee Attack): A hit is scored if the D6 result equals or exceeds that attack’s WS.
- Critical Hit: Unmodified Hit roll of 6. Always successful.
- An unmodified Hit roll of 1 always fails.
- A Hit roll can never be modified by more than -1 or +1.
Precision attacks can pick high-value targets out in a crowd, whether through the unerring aim of a sniper or the pinpoint accuracy of a blade-master’s strike.
Weapons with [PRECISION] in their profile are known as Precision weapons. Each time an attack made with such a weapon successfully wounds an Attached unit (see Leader ability), if a CHARACTER model in that unit is visible to the attacking model, the attacking model’s player can choose to have that attack allocated to that CHARACTER model instead of following the normal attack sequence.- When targeting an Attached unit, the attacking model’s player can have the attack allocated to a CHARACTER model in that unit visible to the bearer.
| ||||||||||||||
If the result of the Wound roll is greater than or equal to the required number shown in the table above, then that Wound roll is successful and scores one wound against the target unit. Otherwise, the attack fails and the attack sequence ends.
An unmodified Wound roll of 6 is called a Critical Wound and is always successful. An unmodified Wound roll of 1 always fails. A Wound roll can never be modified by more than -1 or +1.
- Critical Wound: Unmodified Wound roll of 6. Always successful.
- An unmodified Wound roll of 1 always fails.
- A Wound roll can never be modified by more than -1 or +1.
- Advance Move: Models move up to M+D6".
- Cannot move within Engagement Range of any enemy models.
- Units that Advance cannot shoot or charge this turn.
You then make a Charge roll for the charging unit by rolling 2D6. The result is the maximum number of inches each model in that unit can be moved if a Charge move is possible. For a Charge move to be possible, the Charge roll must be sufficient to enable the charging unit to end that move:
- Within Engagement Range of every unit that you selected as a target of the charge.
- Without moving within Engagement Range of any enemy units that were not a target of the charge.
- In Unit Coherency.
- Charge Roll: 2D6".
- Targets of a charge must be within 12" but do not need to be visible.
- If the distance rolled is insufficient to move within Engagement Range of all targets while maintaining Unit Coherency, the charge fails.
- Cannot move within Engagement Range of any unit that was not a target of the charge.
- If the charge is successful, each model makes a Charge move less than or equal to the Charge roll, and must move into base-to-base contact with an enemy model if possible.
If the result is greater than or equal to the Save characteristic of the model the attack was allocated to, then that saving throw is successful and the attack sequence ends. Otherwise, that saving throw fails and that model suffers damage.
An unmodified saving throw of 1 always fails. A saving throw can never be improved by more than +1.
- Saving Throw: Roll one D6 and modify by the attack’s AP. If the result is less than the Save of the model being rolled for, the saving throw is failed and that model suffers damage. Otherwise, that attack is saved.
- An unmodified saving throw of 1 always fails.
- A saving throw can never be improved by more than +1.
Some Tyranids serve as synaptic conduits or nodal relays through which a portion of the Hive Mind’s iron will flows, overriding the natural instincts of the swarm to direct the teeming warrior-beasts to function as a single, gestalt organism on the battlefield.
If your Army Faction is , while a unit from your army is within 6" of one or more friendly SYNAPSE models, that unit is said to be within Synapse Range of that model and of your army. Each time a unit from your army takes a Battle-shock test, if it is within Synapse Range of your army, take that test on 3D6 instead of 2D6.Some attacks are so powerful that no armour or force field can withstand their fury.
Some attacks inflict mortal wounds. Each mortal wound inflicts one point of damage on the target unit, and they are always applied one at a time. Do not make a Wound roll or saving throw (including invulnerable saving throws) against a mortal wound – just allocate it as you would any other attack and inflict damage to a model in the target unit as described below.Unlike damage inflicted by normal attacks, excess damage from mortal wounds is not lost if the damage can be allocated to another model. Instead, keep allocating damage to another model in the target unit until either all the damage has been allocated or the target unit is destroyed.
If, when a unit is selected to shoot or fight, one or more of its attacks can inflict mortal wounds on the target, resolve any normal damage inflicted by the attacking unit’s attacks on that target before inflicting any mortal wounds on that target. If an attack inflicts mortal wounds in addition to any normal damage, but the normal damage is subsequently saved, the target unit still suffers those mortal wounds, as described above.
- Each mortal wound inflicted on a unit causes one model in that unit to lose one wound.
- No saving throws can be made against mortal wounds.
- Mortal wounds inflicted by attacks always apply after any normal damage, even if that damage was saved.
Some warriors refuse to be laid low, even by what should be fatal wounds.
Some models have ‘Feel No Pain x+’ listed in their abilities. Each time a model with this ability suffers damage and so would lose a wound (including wounds lost due to mortal wounds), roll one D6: if the result is greater than or equal to the number denoted by ‘x’, that wound is ignored and is not lost. If a model has more than one Feel No Pain ability, you can only use one of those abilities each time that model suffers damage and so would lose a wound.- Feel No Pain x+: Each time this model would lose a wound, roll one D6: if the result equals or exceeds ‘x’, that wound is not lost.
If a unit can end its Consolidation within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units, then each time one of its models makes a Consolidation move, it must end that move closer to the closest enemy model. If it can also end that move in base-to-base contact with one or more enemy models while still satisfying all of the conditions above, it must do so. The controlling player chooses the order in which to move their models.
- Consolidation Move: Up to 3".
- Every model that moves must end closer to the closest enemy model, and in base-to-base contact with an enemy model if possible. The unit must end in Unit Coherency and within Engagement Range of at least one enemy unit if possible.
- If the above is not possible, each model can move towards the closest objective marker, but this must result in the unit being within range of it and in Unit Coherency.
- If the above is also not possible, no models can Consolidate.
Models cannot be set up or end a Normal, Advance or Fall Back move within Engagement Range of any enemy models. If for any reason a model cannot meet this condition, that model is destroyed.
- Engagement Range: Within 1" horizontally and 5" vertically.
- Models cannot be set up or end a Normal, Advance or Fall Back move within Engagement Range of any enemy models.
- Normal Move: Models move up to M".
- Cannot move within Engagement Range of any enemy models.
Every warrior organism in the Tyranid race is fashioned by the ineffable alien will of the Hive Mind. Their flesh and chitin is endlessly mutable, honed into whatever form will prove most lethal to the prey.
At the start of the first battle round, select one of the following Hyper-adaptations to be active for units from your army until the end of the battle:Swarming Instincts Each time a model with this Hyper-adaptation makes an attack that targets an INFANTRY or SWARM unit, that attack has the [SUSTAINED HITS 1] ability. |
Hyper-aggression Each time a model with this Hyper-adaptation makes an attack that targets a MONSTER or VEHICLE unit, that attack has the [LETHAL HITS] ability. |
Hive Predators Each time a model with this Hyper-adaptation makes an attack that targets a CHARACTER unit, on a Critical Hit, that attack has the [PRECISION] ability. |
- If a unit has a Starting Strength of 1, then it is said to be Below Half-strength while its remaining number of wounds is less than half of its Wounds characteristic.
- For any other unit, while the number of models in that unit is less than half of its Starting Strength, that unit is said to be Below Half-strength.
When a unit disembarks from a TRANSPORT model, set it up on the battlefield so that it is wholly within 3" of that TRANSPORT model and not within Engagement Range of any enemy models. If, for any reason, a disembarking model cannot be set up, that model’s unit cannot disembark.
Units that disembark from a TRANSPORT model that either Remained Stationary this phase or has not yet made a Normal, Advance or Fall Back move this phase can then act normally (make a Normal move, Advance, shoot, declare a charge, fight, etc.) in the remainder of the turn. Such a disembarking unit cannot choose to Remain Stationary.
Units that disembark from a TRANSPORT model that made a Normal move this phase count as having made a Normal move themselves; they cannot move further during this phase. Such a unit also cannot declare a charge in the same turn, but can otherwise act normally in the remainder of the turn.
Units cannot disembark from a TRANSPORT model that either Advanced or Fell Back this turn.
- Units that start your Movement phase embarked within a TRANSPORT can disembark this phase, provided their TRANSPORT has not Advanced or Fallen Back.
- If a unit disembarks before its TRANSPORT moves, it can act normally.
- If a unit disembarks after its TRANSPORT moves, it cannot move or charge this turn, but can otherwise act normally.
- Disembarking units must be set up wholly within 3" of their TRANSPORT and not within Engagement Range of any enemy models (or the unit cannot disembark).
- Units that disembark this turn cannot Remain Stationary.
From detonating ammo stores to corrosive innards or frenzied death throes, some targets are deadly even in defeat.
Some models have ‘Deadly Demise x’ listed in their abilities. When such a model is destroyed, roll one D6 before removing it from play (if such a model is a TRANSPORT, roll before any embarked models disembark). On a 6, each unit within 6" of that model suffers a number of mortal wounds denoted by ‘x’ (if this is a random number, roll separately for each unit within 6").- Deadly Demise x: When this model is destroyed, roll one D6. On a 6, each unit within 6" suffers ‘x’ mortal wounds.
When a model that can FLY starts or ends a move on a terrain feature, instead of measuring the path it has moved across the battlefield, you instead measure its path ‘through the air’, as shown in the diagram below.
- FLY models can move over enemy models when they make a Normal, Advance or Fall Back move.
- FLY models that start or end a move on a terrain feature measure distance moved through the air when they make a Normal, Advance or Fall Back move.
A unit cannot shoot or declare a charge in the same turn that it Fell Back.
Desperate Escape Tests
Unlike when making other types of move, models can move over enemy models when making a Fall Back move as if those enemy models were not there, but you must take a Desperate Escape test for each model that will do so (excluding models that are TITANIC or can FLY) before any models in that unit are moved. In addition, if a unit is Battle-shocked when it is selected to Fall Back, you must take a Desperate Escape test for every model in that unit before any are moved.
- Fall Back Move: Models move up to M".
- Units that Fall Back cannot shoot or declare a charge in the same turn.
- Models can move over enemy models when Falling Back, but you must take Desperate Escape tests for them before they do so (excluding models that are TITANIC or can FLY).
- If a Battle-shocked unit is selected to Fall Back, take a Desperate Escape test for every model in that unit.
- Desperate Escape Test: Roll one D6. On a 1-2, one model from that unit is destroyed.
Some weapons are designed to root enemy formations out of entrenched positions.
Weapons with [IGNORES COVER] in their profile are known as Ignores Cover weapons. Each time an attack is made with such a weapon, the target cannot have the Benefit of Cover against that attack.Shattered ruins and twisted wreckage afford much-needed shelter from enemy salvoes. Even heavily armoured warriors unfazed by small arms fire are thankful for such cover when foes bring their biggest guns to bear.
Models can sometimes gain a measure of protection from terrain features. The rules below detail the conditions under which a terrain feature confers the Benefit of Cover on a model.Each time a ranged attack is allocated to a model that has the Benefit of Cover, add 1 to the saving throw made for that attack (excluding invulnerable saving throws). Models with a Save characteristic of 3+ or better cannot have the Benefit of Cover against attacks with an Armour Penetration characteristic of 0. Multiple instances of the Benefit of Cover are not cumulative – a model cannot benefit from this rule more than once at any one time.
- Benefit of Cover: Add 1 to armour saving throws against ranged attacks.
- Does not apply to models with a Save of 3+ or better against attacks with an AP of 0.
- Multiple instances are not cumulative.
Each time a model makes a Pile-in move, it must end that move closer to the closest enemy model. If it can also end that move in base-to-base contact with one or more enemy models while still satisfying all of the conditions above, it must do so. The controlling player chooses the order in which to move their models.
- Pile-in Move: Up to 3".
- Every model that moves must end closer to the closest enemy model, and in base-to-base contact with an enemy model if possible. The unit must end in Unit Coherency and within Engagement Range of at least one enemy unit (or no models can Pile In).
When setting objective markers up on the battlefield, place them so they are centred on the point specified by the mission. When measuring distances to and from objective markers, measure to and from the closest part of them. Models can move over objective markers as if they were not there, but they cannot end a move on top of an objective marker.
At the start of the battle, each objective marker on the battlefield is said to be contested, and so is not controlled by either player. To control an objective marker, a player will first need to move models within range of it. A model is within range of an objective marker if it is within 3" horizontally and 5" vertically of that objective marker.
Every model has an Objective Control (OC) characteristic listed on its datasheet. To determine a player’s Level of Control over an objective marker, add together the OC characteristics of all the models from that player’s army that are within range of that objective marker. A player will control an objective marker at the end of any phase or turn if their Level of Control over it is greater than their opponent’s. If both players have the same Level of Control over an objective marker, that objective marker is contested.
- A model is within range of an objective marker if within 3" horizontally and 5" vertically.
- Level of Control: Add together the OC characteristics of all of a player’s models within range of the objective marker.
- An objective marker is controlled by the player with the highest Level of Control over it (in a tie, it is contested).
- Models cannot end a move on top of an objective marker.
The Starting Strength of an Attached unit is equal to the combined Starting Strengths of all of its units (i.e. the number of models in the Leader unit added to the number of models in the Bodyguard unit). If either the Leader unit or the Bodyguard unit in an Attached unit is destroyed, the Starting Strength of the remaining unit is changed to be equal to its original Starting Strength.
For the purposes of rules that are triggered when a unit is destroyed, such rules are still triggered when one of the individual units that made up an Attached unit is destroyed (the Leader or the Bodyguard unit).
High-explosives can fell several warriors in a single blast, but firing them where your comrades will get caught in the ensuing detonation is simply unwise.
Weapons with [BLAST] in their profile are known as Blast weapons, and they make a random number of attacks. Each time you determine how many attacks are made with a Blast weapon, add 1 to the result for every five models that were in the target unit when you selected it as the target (rounding down). Blast weapons can never be used to make attacks against a unit that is within Engagement Range of one or more units from the attacking model’s army (including its own unit).- Add 1 to the Attacks characteristic for every five models in the target unit (rounding down).
- Can never be used against a target that is within Engagement Range of any units from the attacking model’s army (including its own).
The MONSTER keyword is used in the following Tyranids datasheets:
Many warriors thunder headlong into combat, using the impetus of their charge to bring swift death to their foes.
Each time a unit makes a Charge move, until the end of the turn, that unit has the Fights First ability.TARGET: One unit from your army that is within 6" of that enemy unit and would be eligible to declare a charge against that enemy unit if it were your Charge phase.
EFFECT: Your unit now declares a charge that targets only that enemy unit, and you resolve that charge as if it were your Charge phase.
RESTRICTIONS: You can only select a VEHICLE unit from your army if it is a WALKER. Note that even if this charge is successful, your unit does not receive any Charge bonus this turn.
Some warriors attack with blinding speed, landing their blows before their foes can react.
Units with this ability that are eligible to fight do so in the Fights First step, provided every model in the unit has this ability.The VANGUARD INVADER keyword is used in the following Tyranids datasheets:
Some warriors are masters of disguise and concealment.
If every model in a unit has this ability, then each time a ranged attack is made against it, subtract 1 from that attack’s Hit roll.The VANGUARD INVADER and INFANTRY keywords are used in the following Tyranids datasheets:
Mighty heroes fight at the forefront of battle.
Some CHARACTER units have ‘Leader’ listed on their datasheets. Such CHARACTER units are known as Leaders, and the units they can lead – known as their Bodyguard units – are listed on their datasheet.During the Declare Battle Formations step, for each Leader in your army, if your army also includes one or more of that Leader’s Bodyguard units, you can select one of those Bodyguard units. That Leader will then attach to that Bodyguard unit for the duration of the battle and is said to be leading that unit. Each Bodyguard unit can only have one Leader attached to it.
While a Bodyguard unit contains a Leader, it is known as an Attached unit and, with the exception of rules that are triggered when units are destroyed (pg 12), it is treated as a single unit for all rules purposes. Each time an attack targets an Attached unit, until the attacking unit has resolved all of its attacks, you must use the Toughness characteristic of the Bodyguard models in that unit, even if a Leader in that unit has a different Toughness characteristic. Each time an attack sucessfully wounds an Attached unit, that attack cannot be allocated to a CHARACTER model in that unit, even if that CHARACTER model has lost one or more wounds or has already had attacks allocated to it this phase. As soon as the last Bodyguard model in an Attached unit has been destroyed, any attacks made against that unit that have yet to be allocated can then be allocated to CHARACTER models in that unit.
- Before the battle, CHARACTER units with the Leader ability can be attached to one of their Bodyguard units to form an Attached unit.
- Attached units can only contain one Leader.
- Attacks cannot be allocated to CHARACTER models in Attached units.
Assassins and other covert agents are difficult to track and pinpoint in the swirling maelstrom of battle.
Unless part of an Attached unit (see Leader), this unit can only be selected as the target of a ranged attack if the attacking model is within 12".Whether shielded by force fields, enveloped in mystical energies or simply possessed of preternatural senses and lightning-fast reflexes, some warriors are protected by more than mere physical armour.
Some models have an invulnerable save listed on their datasheet. Each time an attack is allocated to a model with an invulnerable save, the controlling player must choose to use either that model’s Save characteristic or its invulnerable save, but not both. If a model has more than one invulnerable save, it can only use one of them – choose which it will use.Unlike armour saving throws (which use a model’s Save characteristic), invulnerable saving throws are never modified by an attack’s Armour Penetration characteristic, but otherwise follow the normal rules for saving throws.
- Invulnerable Save: Never modified by an attack’s AP.
- The controlling player can choose to use either a model’s invulnerable save or its Save characteristic.
The leader-beasts of these swarms act as conduits to the will of the Hive Mind. Irresistible imperatives lash out from them like whips that drive lesser bioforms to hurl themselves at the prey, to fight on through fatal wounds or to attack with redoubled savagery.
At the start of the battle round, you can select one of the Synaptic Imperatives shown below. Until the end of the battle round, that Synaptic Imperative is active for your army and while a unit from your army is within Synapse Range of your army, it will benefit from it. Each Synaptic Imperative can only be selected once per battle.- Synaptic Augmentation: While this unit is within Synapse Range of your army, models in this unit have a 5+ invulnerable save.
- Surging Vitality: While this unit is within Synapse Range of your army, add 1 to Advance and Charge rolls made for this unit.
- Goaded to Slaughter: While this unit is within Synapse Range of your army, each time a model in this unit makes a melee attack, add 1 to the Hit roll.
The and CHARACTER keywords are used in the following Tyranids datasheets:
The HIVE TYRANT keyword is used in the following Tyranids datasheets:
Many armies employ reconnaissance units who can sit concealed, waiting for the right moment to strike.
During deployment, if every model in a unit has this ability, then when you set it up, it can be set up anywhere on the battlefield that is more than 9" horizontally away from the enemy deployment zone and all enemy models.Information uncovered by your forces has revealed the growing importance of this war zone and the increasing threat posed by enemies. In response, high command has acceded to your urgent request for reinforcements.
Tyranids flood the battlefield with the psychic signature of the hive fleet - an icy, alien dread that gnaws at the minds of their prey and smothers even the most stalwart courage. When faced with such unfathomable horror, many are driven insane or suffer catastrophic neural damage.
If your Army Faction is , once per battle, in either player’s Command phase, if one or more units from your army with this ability are on the battlefield, you can unleash the Shadow in the Warp. When you do, each enemy unit on the battlefield must take a Battle-shock test.The PSYKER keyword is used in the following Tyranids datasheets:
Some weapons can inflict strikes of such power that they make a mockery of armour
Weapons with [DEVASTATING WOUNDS] in their profile are known as Devastating Wounds weapons. Each time an attack is made with such a weapon, if that attack scores a Critical Wound, no saving throw of any kind can be made against that attack (including invulnerable saving throws). Such attacks are only allocated to models after all other attacks made by the attacking unit have been allocated and resolved.- Saving throws cannot be made against Critical Wounds scored by this weapon (including invulnerable saving throws).
First named by Inquisitor Kryptman, the Norn Crown is a unique parasitic organism that burrows needle-like cerebral bores directly into the brain of its host, forming a neuro-synaptic link that acts as a hyper-conduit for the Hive Mind. Through this abhorrent union, the Hive Mind’s indomitable will can pour forth to augment and control the hordes of lesser Tyranids that scuttle in the leader-beast’s wake.
- While the bearer is on the battlefield, once per battle, you can use the Shadow in the Warp ability one additional time.
- While the bearer is on the battlefield, increase the range of friendly SYNAPSE units’ Synapse ability to 9".
