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Warhammer 40K: Tyranid Adaptive Physiologies Adds Another Level Of Nasty To The ‘Nids

3 Minute Read
Apr 6 2022
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You didn’t think the Hive Mind was done with the Tyranid upgrades in the new codex, did you? Check out these new Adaptive Physiologies.

The Tyranid Codex is right around the corner and you can feel the buzz of excitement emanating from the swarm. We’ve already gotten quite a few looks at rules previews and today we’re getting yet another one. This time, it’s a look at the Adaptive Physiologies of the Hive Mind!

via Warhammer Community

“Taking a single Tyranid monstrosity at face value is like judging an iceberg by its tip. Beneath all that sinew and chitin lies the gene-woven work of the Norn Queens, and they’re always eager to field test fresh mutations. The new codex includes eight such upgrades (with associated points costs) for you to apply to MONSTER models of your choice – excluding CHARACTERS, or TITANIC beasts like the Hierophant.”

Tyranid Adaptive Physiologies

On the one hand, these Adaptive Physiologies are going to cost points. But the payoff is going to be worth it! So what the heck are these upgrades? Well, it’s yet another way to customize your Tyranid Monsters for the job you need them to do. We’re getting a look at 3 of the 8 options and they are pretty spicy. I can’t wait to see the other 5!

Whipcoil Reflexes punishes units for attempting to retreat. On a 2+ you deal out D3 mortal wounds. That might not seem like a lot but it’s pretty consistent and can help mop-up a squad on the run! If nothing else it might make an opponent think twice about trying to leave Engagement Range of a Tyranid Monster.

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Have you ever wanted your Big Bugs to have Synapse when they didn’t? Because now there’s an adaptation for that! GW recommends this one on a Toxicrene and…yeah, that seems like a good idea. But there are lots of options in the Tyranid Codex for this one. I think it’s going to be a pretty popular choice.

The final Adaptation we’re getting a look at is Hardened Biology. It’s adding a new twist on armor saves:

Okay, I’ve got to applaud GW on this one mechanic. We’ve seen them reduce the damage of attacks by 1. And we’ve seen them do similar things like this as well. But Hardened Biology kind of flips the AP values on its head. If you’re damage is only 1, then the creature gets to add 1 to the save roll. It’s a reduction of the AP, without reducing ALL the AP of weapons. Kind of a cool rules tweak to play with from a design perspective.

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The Tyranid Codex is coming soon and the Hive Mind has been busy with upgrading and adapting to the Grimdark Universe!

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Author: Adam Harrison
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