Carnifex build *need advice*

[Mortis]

I've built a fairly high point cost Tyranid Carnifex. It's specs are here:


Adrenal Glands *+1 I*
Adrenal Glands *+1 WS*
Enhanced Senses *+1 BS*
Reinforced Chitin *+1 W*
Scythe Tail *+D3 attacks at half strength*
Toxin Sacs *+1 S*
Scything Talons *+1 A*
Venom Cannon *S10 AP4*
Extended Carapace *+1 Sv*

WS 4
BS 3
S 10
T 6
W 5
I 2
A 3
Ld 10
Sv 2+

Points: 202

He's very costly but I have figured out ways to field him in a 500 pt. army.

From 36" away he can fire the venom cannon 3 times at tanks and armored units. He can then close in with the scything talons and get +D3 attacks at half strength with the scythe tail. He's basically a Tank Killer. And I've taken my older edition Carnifex and made him a Screamer Killer for infantry.

I would like some feedback on this build and whether it's a good, solid tank killer or if it needs improvements.

[Katzu]

If this is a tank killer you don't need either Adrenal Sac buff. Initiative means nothing and neither does the WS. Also, Extended Carapace won't save you from Las and Meltas, which most vehicles you'll be sending this guy after will have.

[skeletontom]

I agree with Matt. I would also point out that the Tyranids' biggest advantage lies in their speed and numbers and their ability to overwhelm the enemy, rather than their big "power" units (like the Carnifex).

When are we going to get to see your new 'Nid army in action?

[Katzu]

Honestly I'd make my Tyrant my tank killer and surround her with Tyrant Guard to soak the Melta/Plasma/Las. At that point that Fex would be a very big threat and it'd keep the heat off my Tyrant.

[Mortis]

I gave him the Extended Carapace in case he's going to be assaulted or wishes to assault. The initiative is there in case I run into a power fist/klaw. And his scythe tail does D3 hits at strength 5. He's a tank-killer AND an infantry annihilator. And with 5 wounds, those tanks will be hard-pressed to move and fire and that just cuts their lascannons down. He's a Tank Killer but he's also a good CC figure.


Tom: I've started to play them. Ask Muzzy about it. He's the only one that has fought my 'nids.

Also, my Hive Tyrant is a big time Tank Killer as well. Rending Claws and Barbed Strangler. If he gets close to a tank it will be hell for the enemy. I also can deep-strike a Lictor to rip up tanks with his Rending Claws.

My TK Carnifex is just a little addition that can also fight in CC with infantry.

[Katzu]

With the Tyranid army, you build each genotype to fulfill one battlefield role, with the exception of your Warrior Broods, who can multi-task a little bit. Versatility is not a trait you can have if you want to be an effective Tyranid player.

Your 'fex is either a tank killer or an infantry smasher. It becomes to expensive to make him both when a unit of Hormagaunts (the stabbies) can fill the anti-infantry battlefield function much more efficiently and cheaper.