So what were the Tyranids like back in second edition? Do you remember? Because we do! Come check out the edition where they got their first army.
Well I don’t think Tyranids can talk, but if they did I imagine they would talk snake like?
Today I have for you the beginning of the Tyranid army evolution, their Second Edition Codex.
The book itself was written by Andy Chambers, with illustrations by Blanche, Mark Gibbons, etc.
This thing is chock full of great fluff, like how they got their name (by devouring the planet Tyran), Inquistor Kryptman discovering and tracking them as he attempts to find their weaknesses, and all the epic battles with the Ultramarines.
I really enjoyed the Genestealer cult infestation stories that saw brother turn on brother, as the hive fleet bears down on their planet. Humans are so dangerous to themselves.
Best of all was in inclusion of a whole army section that let you field Genestealer cults as a hybrid Imperial Guard army.
Pretty sweet, maybe we’ll see something like that again in the future, as it makes for great converting.
My hands down absolute favorite model from back then was the old Carnifex “Sceramer Killer” model. It was just a neat model that was full of character. There is no question that he is angry, and wants to feed.
Would you believe this guy shot a strength 10 Plasma Blast from his mouth?!! Yep, killer breath indeed.
Check out some sweet art, and photos from the book below. Have a great weekend guys, and remember to get your game on!
What’s your favorite tendril of Tyranid background? The insidious Genestealer cults, the heroic stories of holding out against the continued assault of thousands of Tyranids, or something else all together?
About the Author: Rob Baer
Rob Baer
Job Title: Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
Socials: Rob Baer on Facebook and @catdaddymbg on X
About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures.
Rob also co-founded and currently hosts the Long War Podcast, which has over 350 episodes and focuses on tabletop miniatures gaming, specializing in Warhammer 40k. and spent six years writing for Bell of Lost Souls.
Every year, along with his co-hosts, he helps host the Long War 40k Doubles Tournament at Adepticon and the Long War 40k Doubles at Las Vegas Open, which attracts over 350 players from around the world.
Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including multiple first-place finishes in Warhammer 40k Grand Tournaments over the years and even winning 1st place at the Adepticon 40k Team Tournament.
With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. As a member of GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association), he advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.
While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1980s, Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and models made of both pewter and resin.
