Alpha Strike Nid list

[fritzthedwarf]

I saw this list (slightly modified by me) on the Tyranid Hive and I'm seriously considering try it since I have most of the models.

Hive Tyrant - 2 x TL Devourers, Wings, Hive Commander
Tyranid prime - Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords, Adrenal

3 x Hive Guard
2 x Zoanthropes

15 Termagants w/devourers, Spore Pod w/TL Deathspitter
15 Termagants w/devourers, Spore Pod w/TL Deathspitter
15 Termagants w/devourers, Spore Pod w/TL Deathspitter
3 Warriors w/Deathspitters and Scything Talons, Spore Pod w/TL Deathspitter
3 Warriors w/Deathspitters and Scything Talons

Carnifex w/2 x TL Devourers, Spore Pod w/TL Deathspitter
Carnifex w/2 x TL Devourers, Spore Pod w/TL Deathspitter

2000pts

The Prime goes with the walking warriors and outflanks (have to check whether joining the squad gives the Prime outflank - don't have my book handy). The previous list didn't have zoeys and had a bunch of gargs - I guess to try to avoid being tabled before the reserve stuff can arrive (so i might change them back if I figure the stuff starting cannot survive).

So the idea is for the stuff on the board to hide, use LOS blocking terrain and best cover saves possible to try to survive, try to move forward (if safe enough to do so). Warlord trait rolled on strat to try to get anything that helps (reroll reserves or night fight first turn, etc). Biomancy for the Tyrant, possibly main rulebook psyker powers for the zoeys if their warp lance is not really needed.
Turn 2 potential of tons of firepower
135 x S4 shots
36 x TL shots
36 x S6 tentacles shots if scatter okay
18 x TL S5 shots
21 x S5 shots
6 x S8 shots
2 x S10 (warp lance if kept) shots

Thoughts? Does it seem viable?

[harryf]

if you can.. try to max out the termagants to 20...
warriors in a pod isnt as threatening as mass devogants, so if you can... drop some warrior and make a bigger group
the rest looks good

[fritzthedwarf]

Warriors cannot shoot as much and cost more but bring Synapse and Shadows in the Warp. Synapse is important so that the termagants shoot what I want them to shoot and not run off because of a leadership check from losing 25% to shooting. Same with the carnifexes - to shoot/charge what I want - fearless so wont run away. Also, 3 is the minimum size unit for warriors, because as you said, I want more of the other stuff.

[danydaigle24]

Im not a fan of Zoanthrope. Also you might be at risk 1st turn with not much on the table and if everything is kill you are auto-tabled

[Jack Shrapnel]

only half of your units that are optionally reserve (ie: not in a pod) can be in reserve

so if the prime and warriors are in reserve, that leaves you with flyrant, zoans and hive guard on the table only... the flyrant has the option of deep striking....

so you're risking the fact that if the opponent can kill 2 zoans, 3 hive guard and a flyrant (if he starts on the table) you are auto-tabled...

seems risky... but when stuff does come in on your second turn, it would certainly have the potential to really wreck stuff...

were you thinking of running this tomorrow? If so I guess you better start making spores!!!

[Jack Shrapnel]

hmmm if the zoans take biomancy though and get iron arm, they might be rather difficult to actually kill.... likewise with the flyrant...

but if you don't roll up those powers, or worse yet, go second... things could get dicey!

[harryf]

also... zoans probably should also be podded?
my 2 cents

[fritzthedwarf]

No I'm not using this tomorrow. I'm just pondering whether to try this since I have most of the models and only have to buy a couple of things. I agree the it is risky as a strong, long range shooty army might make it a gamble. Zoeys are hit and miss with me. Even though I do pod them in many lists, in this one that would just reduce the starting units even further making it more risky.

I might adjust the list a bit. Maybe run the prime and his group of warriors on the table turn 1, then i can switch the zoeys out since I'll have synapse for the hive guard and something else starting that can weather a few str8+ long-range weapons. Or with a few adjustments could have the zoeys pod in as well - provides extra needed synapse forward, shadow in the warp and warp lance could be useful vs land raiders or other nasty vehicles (and if vehicles aren't a big issue could have the zoeys roll on the biomancy table).