hi guys, just wanted some opinions on what works best against tyranids.
i'm playing a 2000pt clense battle with my friend at work, he's so cocky, he's beat me 5 to 2 in our last campaign. it's 2 to 2 in the latest. just want to wipe the smile off his face.
going with Dire Avengers for sure.
farseer with guide and doom.
was thinking about some hawks as well but thier weapons are a bit weak i think.
prob take scorpions as well.
T.I.A.
Aheon
I have never personally played against the Tyranids myself, though I can imagine they'd be a pain in the behind for Eldar. However I am confident I can suggest a few useful units for you that would help deal with your bug problem.
Warp Spiders are the answer the answer to all low armoured forces, and are the natural predators of nasty insects. Their high strength massed fire power will spell doom for many insects, their low armour saves unable to save them from the volume of wounds the Warp Spiders can dish out. The Warp Spiders are also very fast, meaning that they can move forward to intersept a fast moving bug unit before it reaches your lines. I advise taking the Exarch with an additional Death Spinner for more S6 goodness, and power blades. If you get close enough you can fire, do some damage, and then assault to finish of the insects. That said remember that the Warp Spiders are not a combat unit, so don't charge them in against Genestealers unless it is a fight in your favour. But they are good at finishing up the weaker squads in cc with lightning fast attacks. If you're faced with those more cc veered units however the Warp Spiders can move in, fire, and then get out in the assault phase if need be. Plus, they're quite tough with a 3+ save.
Hawks are also a good idea. Yeah their guns are a little weak, and ultimately I would choose Warp Spiders if it came down to a choice, but if you deep strike them, that extra pie plate you can put on the battle field could do a lot of damage. Plus they're fast, and have longer ranged guns, and can jump into the air again if need be and drop some more pie plates.
Dire Avengers is a good idea, they'll be able to slice apart a lot of bugs with their Avenger Catapults for sure, especially if Doom and Guide are cast. Blade Storm is probably a must, though be careful not to use it to rashly and then be defenceless the next turn.
I would also advise a squad of Rangers or Pathfinders, just to snipe at those larger instects. You'd be amazed just how much damage they can do to monsterous creatures with their long rifles, especially if Doom is cast for them.
Scorpions are a good idea. They'll be able to deal out a lot of damage, and I advise the chain sabres or biting blade over the Scorpions claw in this case.
With your Farseer, Guide and Doom are good options. Also consider Mind War or Eldritch Storm however. Mind War will definately help in removing the larger threats like the Carnifexes, Hive Tyrants and Brood Lords without the need to commit weapons fire to them. Eldritch Storm on the other hand will cause havoc amongst the smaller hords that are rushing forward, and if you cast Doom on the same squad you are bound to turn up some casualties as well. It will slow them down, and hurt them.
And of course, you cannot go with out my favourite tank: the Fire Prism! This little baby will burn more bugs than your entire army put together, and am I correct in what I've heard that bugs had some difficulty dealing with tanks? This baby is going to help you out big time, take it, and enjoy watching those bugs fry! Whats more it even poses a good threat to the larger instects.
Finally I could tell you that War Walkers, Vypers, and a team of Vibro Cannons would probably help with more long ranged support. Take scatter lasers on them if you're concerned about the swarms, or Star Cannons or Bright Lances if you're concerned about the larger monsters, or Missile Launchers if you want to be prepared for both! It's up to you, but I think any of those choices would come in handy. Just remember to keep these vehicles back from the enemy.
Cheers, Cal