Tyranids: Hives of Destruction

Considered the most alien of all races in the Warhammer 40000 universe, Tyranids are often treated as more of a force of destruction, rather than an adversary.

They are a race of genetically-engineered aliens bent on consuming everything in their path. Think of them as intergalactic locusts, swarming from planet to planet, draining every bit of natural resources.

Tyranids are so-named by the Imperium because they were first encountered in the sector near the planet Tyran. However, it is not known what the race refer to itself as for the race does not use any comprehensible language.

They do communicate with the Hive Fleet leader and can thus be roughly coordinated when conducting an invasion of the Galaxy. It has also been said that the Hive Mind controlling the fleet more effectively coordinates forces than a dozen generals. However, when the fleet leader goes down, chaos rules the horde.

Despite not having the advanced technology used by other races in the Warhammer universe, Tyranids are quite formidable in that they can rapidly overwhelm any opposition with sheer numbers.

A typical invasion generally starts with the ships releasing mycetic spores of various sizes. Microscopic spores are used to break down resistance by preparing the planet’s life for digestion and poison the food sources of the planets inhabitants. Meanwhile, large mycetic spores act as drop ships, releasing waves of the advance army and further weaken resistance before the bio-ships actually enter low orbit.

Anything organic is consumed by the Swarms as they take over the planet. Once the swarm gets its fill, the organic material is regurgitated into pools of acid known as Digestion Pools. The acid breaks down any biomass into liquid, which is then transported to the ships via capillary towers. The invasion forces, having no way to return to the ships, also jump into the pools to be digested.

Although some people have attempted to classify the aliens into different species, it is not actually known if Tyranids possess what could be called an organized taxonomy.

They all come from the same genetic stock and therefore look the same. When you see an alien with six limbs and armor-like carapace, you had better run; it’s a Tyranid.