Warhammer 40k - The Necrons, The Tau and The Tyranids

The Warhammer 40k universe is filled with interesting fantasy alien races which have contributed to making the game as popular as it is today. The battles waged against the Imperium of Man by its enemies continue and the galaxy continues to be at war.

Defending the humans from the alien races are the ever loyal Space Marines, the brave Imperial Guard, and the Inquisition. On the other side of the battlefield, the human race faces its most common enemies: the forces of Chaos, the Orks, and the Eldar.

However, as popular as these three races are amongst players who wage battle against the Imperium of Man, there are three other races which are often overlooked by those new to the Warhammer 40k hobby, and which offer more unique and impressive battle tactics. These are the alien races of the Necrons, the Tau, and the Tyranids.

The Necrons are mysterious robot-like creatures that have come back from their 60-million years of dormancy to haunt the galaxy once more. The Necrons were once frail creatures, who were searching for answers to increase their short life span.

Then, the C'tans came in and offered them the ability to enclose the Necron souls in metal bodies. However, as a result, the Necrons were forced to become the C'tans' slaves. In the Warhammer 40k tabletop game, the Necrons are forces that strike from the shadows. Their intentions are unknown but these forces are much feared in the 40k tabletop game because of their physical toughness, allowing them to withstand great damage as well as their impressive mysterious weapons and technology.

The Tau, on the other hand, are among the youngest races to engage in battle on the Warhammer 40k tabletop. Although still a young race, the Tau have made rapid advancements since their first appearance in the 40k universe. From warring clans to now a unified caste system, the Tau Empire has advanced immensely in science and technology as well. The Tau may be few in number, but their impressive unity and technology prove that they are tough to beat in battle. In the 40k tabletop battlefield, their vast firepower and mobility make them much stronger than their opponents in long-range battles.

The Tyranids are the most ferocious predators that roam the Warhammer 40k tabletop. All that is known about them is that they were specifically bio-engineered to kill. In fact, their name was derived by the Imperium from Tyran, the place these creatures first devoured. Each Tyranid is a living weapon; these creatures fight quick and bloody close-combat battles. The Tyranids move in hives and usually overpower their opponents because of their large number.

These three alien races are all fascinating in their own ways. The back story to these alien races is told across the Warhammer 40k rule books, magazines, and novels from Games Workshop. Although not always the most popular amongst new players, the Necrons, the Tau, and the Tyranids continue to add depth and unique character to one of the most unique and successful table top games in the last two decades.

If you are new to Warhammer 40k, your best bet for getting started is to pick up the Assault on Black Reach starter set. For more information about the Assault on Black Reach as well as to download a free Buyer's Guide, please visit http://www.tabletopgamer.com/40k/assault-on-black-reach