Tyranid "Heavy Weapons" and their usage

The Heavy Venom Cannon

A recent development in the Tyranids armory is the HEAVY Venom Cannon. rules changes and all that has brought about the need for a Heavy version.

36" Range S9 AP4 Assault 1, Blast *-1 to VDT against non-open topped vehicles

So, A nice high strength weapon that can and will kill quite a few things.

We can mount it on

Hive Tyrants
Carnifex
Harpies in a TL version

So, what is our best option?

Without a doubt it is the harpy, You get it Twin Linked (never underestimate that re-rolled scatter dice)
On a "Fast" platform for 170 Points. And it's platform is T5 and W4.

A tyrant costs 195 for just this upgrade and nothing else, and it's not twin linked.
If you want it on the fast platform, you're paying out the nose for it at 255 points

A carnifex rings in at 185 points for a non-twin linked version it's on a Durable platform at T6 W6, but again, slow and more expensive.

To me, it's a no brainer way to get some nice high Strength weaponry without paying through the nose too much for it.

The Stranglethorn Cannon

Another recent development in the Tyranids armory is the Stranglethorn Cannon. rules changes and all that has brought about the need for a Heavy version of the barbed strangler..

36" Range S6 AP5 Assault 1, Large Blast Pinning

So, A decent strength weapon that can pin and can wound more with it's single shot

We can mount it on


Hive Tyrants
Carnifex
Harpies in a TL version


Seeing a pattern?

Again the harpy is your best choice. both points wise at 160 and effectiveness for the above reasons.

People just don't seem to get how good the harpy really can be.

Honestly, it will take more wounds.
At a point of T lower than other MC's in the army, you're going to take DOUBLE the wounds from small arms fire. BUT, with a twin linked wepon with an effective range of ... 48" WHY are you in small arms fire range?

You have a 12" movement and 36" range to shoot from out of their range. USE IT.

Another reason I love the harpy.

Would I take a HVC on a Hive Tyrant? perhaps, but to be honest the Bone Sword/Lash Whip/ Scything Tallons combo is your best bet. Just get him into CC and watch stuff die quickly.