Hive Fleet Kronos flips the Tyranid playbook, bringing devastating ranged attacks, learn how to build, paint, and master this unique hive fleet!
Updated by Rob Baer on March 17th, 2025, with the latest information, how to paint, and links.
Tyranids are usually all about getting up close and personal—ripping, tearing, and devouring everything in their path. Hive Fleet Kronos? Different story. This is the Tyranid fleet that decided sometimes it’s better to shoot first and eat later. If the idea of ranged-focused Tyranids sounds like heresy, don’t worry—it works, and it works well.
Kronos flips the script by bringing serious firepower to the battlefield. Their units punish psykers, control firing lanes, and keep opponents guessing. If you’ve ever wanted to run Tyranids without relying on pure melee, Kronos is the way to go. The right mix of units, positioning, and target priority can make this fleet an absolute nightmare for opponents who think they’re safe behind a wall of bullets.
This guide covers everything you need to know—what makes Kronos tick, which units give the best results, and how to paint them to look just as terrifying as they play. Whether you’re looking to shut down melee-heavy armies or turn your Tyranids into a long-range powerhouse, Kronos has the tools to make it happen. Get ready to rewrite how Tyranids dominate the tabletop.
The Tyranids: Space Horror Done Right
Ah, the Tyranids—every Warhammer 40K player’s favorite galaxy-consuming nightmare. These guys don’t just invade planets; they strip them down to the last molecule, slurping up biomass like a monstrous intergalactic vacuum cleaner. If you’ve ever wanted to field an army that embodies relentless aggression and biological adaptability, Tyranids are the way to go.
But not all Tyranids are the same. Some prefer to swarm the enemy with waves of chittering bodies, while others hit like a truck in melee. And then there’s Hive Fleet Kronos—Tyranids who, for once, decided that staying back and blasting things was a perfectly valid strategy.
Hive Fleet Kronos: The Shooters of the Swarm
Tyranids have always been known for closing the gap quickly, sinking their claws into anything foolish enough to stand in their way. Hive Fleet Kronos? Different story. This hive fleet figured out that sometimes it’s more efficient to remove targets from a distance before wading in for the kill. If the idea of Tyranids with good shooting feels a bit odd, don’t worry—you’re not alone. But trust me, Kronos brings a serious ranged threat to the table.
Their fleet-wide ability, Shadow in the Warp, is already terrifying for psykers, but Kronos adds an extra layer of disruption. Enemies trying to get cheeky are in for a rough time, as Kronos punishes those who rely too much on the Warp. That’s right—this hive fleet actively shuts down the mind-melting wizardry of your opponent.
What Makes Hive Fleet Kronos Stand Out?
Biomass Manipulation: More Than Just Devouring Everything
Every Tyranid faction is about consuming biomass, but Kronos plays a little differently. Instead of rushing forward mindlessly, they focus on controlling the battlefield by pinning enemies down with ranged attacks before moving in for the kill. This makes them excellent at countering armies that like to sit back and shoot—since they can return fire in kind.
They also make life miserable for enemies, as they can force battleshock tests right before they charge forward to destroy their enemies. It’s not just about denying abilities; it’s about making the enemy feel boxed in, limiting their options while you steadily tighten the noose.
Strength in Numbers: Because More is Always Better
Kronos units work best when played with synergy in mind. A lone Exocrine is good; an Exocrine backed by a Malanthrope for protection and a squad of Hive Guard for additional fire support is way better. Tyranids aren’t just about brute force—they win by coordinating their biological horrors into a well-oiled murder machine.
This means that if you’re running Kronos, you need to think about battlefield control. Don’t just spam big monsters—think about how your units can cover each other’s weaknesses. Kronos rewards smart positioning, with shooting units punishing enemies who get too comfortable.
Core Units and Synergy
Key Tyranid Units in a Kronos Army
So, what’s actually good in a Kronos list? If you want to make the most of this fleet’s strengths, consider including the following:
- Exocrines – Absolute monsters at long-range shooting. Their plasma cannons hit like a freight train, and they don’t need to move to stay effective.
- Hive Guard – The backbone of any strong Tyranid shooting list. Kronos turns these guys into long-range death machines, perfect for picking off enemy threats.
- Tyrannofex – Another great ranged powerhouse, especially when equipped with the Rupture Cannon.
- Neurothropes & Zoanthropes – These guys help control the psychic phase, denying enemy casters while supporting your own forces.
- Malanthrope/Venomthropes – Because keeping your big guys alive longer makes your shooting even scarier.
Unit Compositions for Victory
If you’re trying to build a Kronos army that performs well, balance is key. You’ll want a mix of the following:
- Big guns (Exocrines, Tyrannofexes, Hive Guard) to control firing lanes.
- Support units (Neurothropes, Venomthropes) to keep your shooters alive.
- Fast attack elements (Raveners, Gargoyles) to harass and tie up enemy units.
By combining these elements, you create an army that doesn’t just hit hard—it makes the opponent struggle to respond effectively.
How to Paint Hive Fleet Kronos
So, you’ve got your army list, but how do you make it look menacing on the tabletop? Kronos has a distinct color scheme that sets it apart from other Tyranid forces.
Colors to Use:
- Carapace: Black with red accents (highlighting helps make this pop).
- Skin: Pale bone or off-white for a contrast-heavy look.
- Bio-weapons: Glowing red or orange tones to make them stand out.
For a quick and effective method, start with a bone-colored basecoat, wash it with a sepia shade for depth, then drybrush lighter tones to highlight the texture. Black carapace with red edge highlights completes the look. If you’re feeling ambitious, add some glowing effects to the eyes and weapon symbiotes for extra menace.
FAQs
Does Hive Fleet Kronos’ Bonus Apply on Turn 1?
Yes, it does! This means you can immediately start shutting down psychic powers and punishing enemy casters from the very first battle round. Against armies that rely on psychic abilities, this can be a real headache for your opponent.
Final Thoughts
Hive Fleet Kronos is an excellent choice for players who love Tyranids but want a playstyle that leans into strategic battlefield control rather than pure aggression. Their ability to counter psychic-heavy armies and dominate at range makes them a unique force in the Tyranid arsenal.
So if you’re tired of seeing your swarm cut down before it gets into melee, give Kronos a shot. With the right mix of units and a bit of clever positioning, you’ll turn your enemies into biomass before they even realize what hit them.
See How to Play Tyranids Here!
What do you think about the lore and playstyle of Hive Fleet Kronos?
