Newbie - Genestealer army?

1190 Views 20 Replies 15 Participants Last post by Rikimaru, Mar 15, 2006

Ikterus

Discussion Starter · Feb 8, 2006

I usually play SM but I have some Genestealers laying around waiting to get used.

The thing is that I love Genestealers, always have. I do not however liek the rest of the tyranid range (apart from trhe Carnifexi off-course, especially the old screamer-killer) I know that there are no approved rules for Genestealer-cults. But I am wondering if I in some other way can field an army consisting entirely or almost entirely of stealers?

The Broodlord would be the HQ and maybe I'd use one or two Lictor and 'Fexes

Does anyone have any tips?

1 - 20 of 21 Posts

Gorbass

· #2 · Feb 8, 2006

With a Broodlord as your HQ and 6 squads of Genestealers as troops, the all stealer army is indeed possible.
I've seen a good few all stealer lists use both Raveners and Lictors, but how about converting some Genestealers with wings, and using them as Winged Warriors?

You're not the first one to have this idea, check out this list for inspiration

http://www.librarium-online.com/forums/t56633-1850-theme-army-genestealers.html

I'm not entirely sure how he wants to represent the Hybrids, but you could use the old models (if you can get them) or convert your own from gaunt and IG parts.
There are suggestions for including both zoanthropes and a carnifex too.

Marvus

· #3 · Feb 8, 2006

Yes you can make an army entirely of stealers by juts using the standard codex. When i use stealers i find that Extended carapace is a must. Apart from that biomorph i don't think any more are necessary. Scuttlers could be very handy if used properly, but that's a luxury, as numbers is what you need.

Although stealers are great for taking out tanks, the struggle against skimmers as they can out move them. Because of this you'll need some shooty that can handle fast vehicles. Fex's are perfect for this. The VC and BS combo works well, although doesn't have many shots. ON the other hand a dakka fex (2X TL devourers) can pump out lots of shots but are at lesser strengths and lack some range.

TO start off however just stick with the BL and retinue and a couple (2-3) of squads of stealers. Build from that. Happy hunting.

See less See more

bebe

· #4 · Feb 8, 2006

I'm going to be the one to say that nothing is necessary. Yes, extended carapace helps a lot against bolter fire. Myself lately, I've been using stealers with no upgrades at all and relying on numbers and cover to get me into combat. The problem you will have is using a pure stealer list. I have found that carnis, lictors, ravs and zoans will certainly help lists using stea;ers only as troops. When firld just stealers your opponent has clear cut tactics and advantages. Hr just moves away and shoots at the closest squad. If he has ACsand template weapons in his list he will rip you apart using e.c on the stealers or not. Any army can use a bit of balance.
Now some lists are broken and can go with certain themes well, eg., Lysdander Bomb min maxing on two scout squads and all termies, but most armies cannot get away with that. They are not built to be that cheesy ( apologies to the imp fist guys out there ).

See less See more

Ikterus

Discussion Starter · #5 · Feb 8, 2006

Ok! Cool. So it can be done!

So, how do I do it? An army without any shooting might be fun in an Universal soldier kind of way, but I fear that it will fast turn rather boring to play especially if all only can go by foot.

I know that the Brood Lord w retinue can infiltrate, can any other Stealers do that to? I sthere any way to make them move faster up the field? Are there ways to make them deep strike?

Would it work to use an army entierly of Stealers plus some Lictors and around two Fexes for fire support?

I'm sorry but I dont have the codex yet so feel free to ignore any questions that you fell are stupid.

Ostsol

· #6 · Feb 8, 2006

Ikterus said:
So, how do I do it? An army without any shooting might be fun in an Universal soldier kind of way, but I fear that it will fast turn rather boring to play especially if all only can go by foot.

Well, yeah, by foot is really the only way for Genestealers to get anywhere. Forgeworld has released a "Broodnest" that allows Genestealers to enter from a point infiltrated onto the field, but being from Forgeworld it's not exactly official rules.

I know that the Brood Lord w retinue can infiltrate, can any other Stealers do that to? I sthere any way to make them move faster up the field? Are there ways to make them deep strike?

Genestealers have fleet of foot and can take an ability to give them Scout. That's pretty much as fast as they get. Note that the Broodlord does not have fleet of foot, though. . .

Would it work to use an army entierly of Stealers plus some Lictors and around two Fexes for fire support?

Lictors might be good, since they can usually appear where they need to be relatively quickly. Fire Support from Carnifexes is never a bad idea. Even in a Genestealer-themed army it's always good to have something to quickly deal with vehicles.

gunslinger2005

· #7 · Feb 9, 2006

You could also field a tyrant with wings, VC and devourers... would be good against the skimmers and such and don't forget that MC's get to roll 2d6 for armour pen.

Marvus

· #8 · Feb 9, 2006

gunslinger2005 said:
don't forget that MC's get to roll 2d6 for armour pen.

Isn't that only for combat? Excue me if i'm wrong but by the sound of it you're saying it works for shooting also.

Ostsol

· #9 · Feb 9, 2006

Marvus said:
Isn't that only for combat? Excue me if i'm wrong but by the sound of it you're saying it works for shooting also.

No, it's only for close combat.

numberofthebeastxxx

· #10 · Feb 9, 2006

Gorbass said:
http://www.librarium-online.com/forums/t56633-1850-theme-army-genestealers.html

I'm not entirely sure how he wants to represent the Hybrids, but you could use the old models (if you can get them) or convert your own from gaunt and IG parts.
There are suggestions for including both zoanthropes and a carnifex too.

Hey! That's my list! Well you could just ask. Converting hybrids isnt too hard. Just get some plastic guardsmen, some genestealer bits, and a bunch of puty to smooth out the edges and your great. Or you could check this out:

CLICK ME

This should give you everything you need to create genestealer hybrids, including bits, old models, and boxed sets.

There you go. Problem solved. 8)

beastman

· #11 · Feb 9, 2006

dude there is a magus in that hybrid collection genestealer psycer shweet

on a more about the idea i personnally wouldn't suggest just the genes as troops maybe on large terma gaunt squad and 2 carnies a zoanthrope and a fex raveners there you have short unsweet and to the point

Zerling

· #12 · Feb 9, 2006 (Edited)

Can I suggest

Broodlord :- EC, Tox, FH - 83 points
retinue 5 stealers:- EC, FH - 105 points

2 Lictors :- 160 points

6 stealers :- EC, scuttle, FH - 144 points
6 stealers :- EC, scuttle - 138 points
6 stealers :- EC, scuttle - 138 points
6 stealers :- EC - 120 points
7 stealers :- 112 points

39 models 1000 points.

The large number of broods gives you more chances at a good fleet roll. It is also easier to maneuver smaller broods around terrain. The downside is that your units will fail morale easier. They will fall back towards the nearest synapse creature, which could be a mixed blessing. You will also have problems with skimmers. You could add a VC fex or tyrant, but this would break the army theme.

See less See more

Shadowfax

· #13 · Mar 14, 2006 (Edited)

This is my 1850 point army. Fast and to the point. Been debating to swap the Zanthrops and Biovore for a Carnifex but this army has seemed to work well for me. not very shooty or typical nid army but who cares. It takes me one to two turnes till the blood starts flowing.

HQ

Brood Lord 93 pts
Rending Claws, Scything Talons, Extended Carapace, flesh hooks, Toxin Sacs

TROOPS

8 Genestealers 192 pts
Rending Claws, Extended Carapace, Flesh Hooks, Scuttlers

8 Genestealers 192 pts
Rending Claws, Extended Carapace, Flesh Hooks, Scuttlers

8 Genestealers 192 pts
Rending Claws, Extended Carapace, Flesh Hooks, Scuttlers

8 Genestealers 192 pts
Rending Claws, Extended Carapace, Flesh Hooks, Scuttlers

8 Genestealers 192 pts
Rending Claws, Extended Carapace, Flesh Hooks, Scuttlers

8 Genestealers 192 pts
Rending Claws, Extended Carapace, Flesh Hooks, Scuttlers

8 Genestealers 192 pts
Rending Claws, Extended Carapace, Flesh Hooks, Scuttlers

8 Genestealers 192 pts
Rending Claws, Extended Carapace, Flesh Hooks, Scuttlers

HEAVY SUPPORT
3 Zoanthrops 165 pts
Toxic Miasma, Warp Field, Warp Blast

1 Biovore 55 pts
Bio Acid

See less See more

Laplace

· #14 · Mar 14, 2006

Ostsol said:
Well, yeah, by foot is really the only way for Genestealers to get anywhere. Forgeworld has released a "Broodnest" that allows Genestealers to enter from a point infiltrated onto the field, but being from Forgeworld it's not exactly official rules.

Not really. Forgeworld rules ARE official, just optional, meaning you need your players permission before you can use any of the stuff. Broodnest rules are "trial", meaning they can change until they show up in a book.

Ostsol

· #15 · Mar 14, 2006

Shadowfax said:
This is my 1850 point army. Fast and to the point. Been debating to swap the Zanthrops and Biovore for a Carnifex but this army has seemed to work well for me. not very shooty or typical nid army but who cares. It takes me one to two turnes till the blood starts flowing.

HQ

Brood Lord 93 pts
Rending Claws, Scything Talons, Extended Carapace, flesh hooks, Toxin Sacs

TROOPS

8 Genestealers 192 pts
Rending Claws, Extended Carapace, Flesh Hooks, Scuttlers

8 Genestealers 192 pts
Rending Claws, Extended Carapace, Flesh Hooks, Scuttlers

8 Genestealers 192 pts
Rending Claws, Extended Carapace, Flesh Hooks, Scuttlers

8 Genestealers 192 pts
Rending Claws, Extended Carapace, Flesh Hooks, Scuttlers

8 Genestealers 192 pts
Rending Claws, Extended Carapace, Flesh Hooks, Scuttlers

8 Genestealers 192 pts
Rending Claws, Extended Carapace, Flesh Hooks, Scuttlers

8 Genestealers 192 pts
Rending Claws, Extended Carapace, Flesh Hooks, Scuttlers

8 Genestealers 192 pts
Rending Claws, Extended Carapace, Flesh Hooks, Scuttlers

HEAVY SUPPORT
3 Zoanthrops 165 pts
Toxic Miasma, Warp Field, Warp Blast

1 Biovore 55 pts
Bio Acid

You have eight troop choices in there, which is illegal. Also, the Broodlord must have a retinue. As such, you can move one Genestealer brood into the Broodlord's retinue and divide one more brood's models amongst the others.

Shadowfax

· #16 · Mar 15, 2006 (Edited)

GERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!
That is the first time of anyone noticed that including myself. I wonder if this would have changed the outcome of the battles. Surprised no mention of this after so many battles. Well... simple enough to change the numbers around a bit. Hmmm after looking at this I like the list better. I got a bunus Genestealer out of it. Hah!!! Die! Die! Die! Kill! Kill! Kill! Quack!!

HQ

Brood Lord 83 pts
Rending Claws, Scything Talons, Extended Carapace, flesh hooks,
5 Genestealers 105 pts
Rending Claws, Extended Carapace, Flesh Hooks

TROOPS
10 Genestealers 240 pts
Rending Claws, Extended Carapace, Flesh Hooks, Scuttlers

10 Genestealers 240 pts
Rending Claws, Extended Carapace, Flesh Hooks, Scuttlers

10 Genestealers 240 pts
Rending Claws, Extended Carapace, Flesh Hooks, Scuttlers

10 Genestealers 240 pts
Rending Claws, Extended Carapace, Flesh Hooks, Scuttlers

10 Genestealers 240 pts
Rending Claws, Extended Carapace, Flesh Hooks, Scuttlers

10 Genestealers 240 pts
Rending Claws, Extended Carapace, Flesh Hooks, Scuttlers

HEAVY SUPPORT
3 Zoanthrops 165 pts
Toxic Miasma, Warp Field, Warp Blast

1 Biovore 55 pts
Bio Acid

See less See more

slamfu

· #17 · Mar 15, 2006 (Edited)

I play SM mostly, and I just had a fight against a friend who fielded an all genestealer 1500pt army with a Broodlord squad. Now, he could have done a few things different, and I got a lucky on target initial salvo with my Whirlwind, but it was a total one sided slaughter in favor of my Imperial Fists. Basically against any kind of a shooty squad, its likely enough firepower gets put down to trim your forces. An LST or two with some kind of Hvy bolters or pie plate weapon can really do a number in short order. I actually didn't use LST's as a sop since he told me what he was fielding and I thought they would make it too one side. The Terminators I replaced them with were just as devastating. Granted, you have a 4+ save to his 5+ on his forces, so that obviously would have made a big impact, but I still think it would have come to a similar fate.

Not saying it can't go well with what you have, but I'd really suggest a few squads of throw away gaunts to soak up some of that incoming fire and shield your GS squads on the way in. We did a city map which I thought would help him but actually ended up helping me as it funneled him nicely into fire lanes I had covered. Again, that was specific to our game only, but those things happen on maps alot. Good luck with it though, Tyranids are a worthy opponent.

See less See more

tarzen

· #18 · Mar 15, 2006

Or you can run the following:

broodlord with feeder tendrils, adrenal glands, flesh hooks
11 genestealers with scything talons, flesh hooks

12 Genestealers with scuttlers, scything talons, flesh hooks

12 Genestealers with scuttlers, scything talons, flesh hooks

12 Genestealers with scuttlers, scything talons, flesh hooks

12 Genestealers with scything talons

12 Genestealers with scything talons

12 Genestealers
----------------------------------------
All genestealer list, at 1850 pts (1847), perfect for a tournie.

The scuttlers allow you to get your first squads in cc, and the others get there and won't need flesh hooks or scuttlers since the units will be tied up in cc.

See less See more

Addoran

· #19 · Mar 15, 2006 (Edited)

I had the same idea a while ago, I penned an all 'stealer list. Lemme see if I can find it.

Found it. Here she is and she isn't very subtle.

HQ

Broodlord - Toxin Sacs 80pts
11 Genestealers - Extended Carapace 220pts

Troops

12 Genestealers - Extended Carapace 240pts

12 Genestealers - Extended Carapace 240pts

12 Genestealers - Extended Carapace 240pts

12 Genestealers - Extended Carapace 240pts

12 Genestealers - Extended Carapace 240pts

1500pts

Basically 71 EC genestealers and a Broodlord. I think you can figure out the tactics of this list for yourself. To take it up to 1850 points is only another Genestealer squad and some choice upgrades.

See less See more

Shadowfax

· #20 · Mar 15, 2006

Slamfu, the Whirlwind is without a doubt the bane to most swarms. And although the extended carapace would do little good against that ordnance it makes a huge differance with most other weapons. Scuttlers and extended carapace is a must for any Genestealer brood. You are looking at a Scout with a 6 + D6 + 6 move and 4 + saves. Ask your friend to give my list a try I would like to know how it works for him. A few questions.

#1 Did he have scuttlers?

#2 Did he infiltrate his Broodlord (If misssion permitted)

#3 Did he bunch up his Genestealers knowing Whirlwinds were on the table?

#4 Did he have any fire platform i.e. Zoanthrop or Biovore

#5 Were the dice gods not smiling upon him?

Tarzen, good list but better to have Extended Carapce than Scything Talons. The 5 + save is paper to most weapons and most Genestealers will not make it into combat. The Broodlord would have little use for Feeder Tendrils as Genestealers have a weapons skill of 6 and hit most things on a 3+. Don't forget that you will need a fire platform to take care of vehicles. Skimmers are big problem with CC armies. For some reason those buggers just don't sit still for me to punch them. LOL

Addoran, another good list but you could get chewed up crossing that 24+ inches accross the table trying to get your dinner. Scuttlers are the key to Genestealers success. A weapons platform is also a must in this list also to pop vehicles skimmers in paticular.

See less See more

1 - 20 of 21 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.