Tyranids
Extra-galactic swarms bound by a hive mind, devouring every world in their path.
The Tyranids are a mysterious alien race from outside the galaxy. They move from planet to planet consuming all life, and are linked by a psychic hive mind; an individual Tyranid separated from it turns feral. All their technology is biological, so their ships and weapons are purpose-bred living creatures.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- outside the galaxy
- Bond
- psychic hive mind
- Technology
- entirely biological
- Design influences
- H. R. Giger; Alien's Xenomorphs (genestealers)
Lore & Background
A sub-species called genestealers infects humans, who are psychically enslaved and father human-genestealer hybrids. These hybrids form secret genestealer cults inside human society and, when a Tyranid fleet approaches, rise up to weaken the planet's defences before it is consumed. Since the 8th edition of the game, Genestealer Cults can be fielded as an army of their own.
Reader's Guide
On the tabletop Tyranids prefer melee. Their infantry are numerous, fast and fragile, and powerful leader beasts project a synaptic network that keeps the swarm fighting despite losses.
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