Warhammer 40K: Tyranids Norn Emissary Vs Assimilator
Games Workshop shows off the stats for the two Norn options. Emissary vs Assimilator: Which one will you choose?
There’s a new Big Bug coming for the Tyranids with the Norn option coming to pre-order this weekend. The box has two options to choose from when you’re building it. One is a psychic powerhouse while the other is a targeted assassin. If you’ve been fretting on which option to choose then it’s time to look at the stats to help you pick the one that works for you.
Norn Vs Norn – Statlines
Statline-wise, these two creatures are virtually identical. The main difference here is that the Emissary has a 4+ invulnerable save. That alone might be enough to tip the scales. With the toughness and armor save of these two creatures being as good as they are the most effective weapon against the Norns will be hard hitting weapons with high AP. That means the Emissary wins this step for the fact that it’s got something to protect itself against those same attacks.
Ranged Attack Comparison
Next up we get a look at the Ranged Attacks for both creatures. Up first we have the Emissary:
Clocking in with a few different attack options you’ve got some versatility there. Each shot also has a range of 18″ as well. Now, all these shots are psychic so there’s good and bad with that to think about. If the target has some psychic defense they won’t be quite as effective. That said, overall the Emissary has some well rounded attacks and can choose what it needs based on the target making it fill many roles in your army at range.
For the Assimilator it’s got a shorter range of 12″ with it’s Harpoon shots and these are slightly more deadly than the Nuerolance attack with D6+1 damage. But they aren’t melta. Conversely, you DO get a bonus to your charge roll vs the target you just shot. Considering what’s kind of where this creature wants to be that’s a legit bonus to have.
So who wins the ranged battle? We have to give this round to the Emissary because of the extra range and versatility in their shots. The Emissary can just threaten more things in the ranged department at a longer range plain and simple.
At Least They Both Have This
Both Norn creatures come with their own Singular Purpose which allows it to either do better against a particular unit or it allows it to hold an objective really well. Additionally, both are synapse creatures which isn’t a huge surprise. What is a bit of a surprise is neither is a character which means you won’t have a Norn as your Warlord. That’s a bit of a bummer but I guess Hive Tyrants are completely replaced at least!
What About Melee (And Points)?
The only thing we don’t really have from GW is the melee comparisons or the points for either option. This does leave a pretty big question mark for who takes the Norn Crown here. If you were wanting to build the Assimilator let’s hope it literally comes out swinging in the Melee department. But even if it’s ahead for Melee I’d expect it to at least clock in cheaper in points based purely on the Invulnerable save. That’s kind of a big point in favor of the Emissary.
One final thing to consider is that these creatures aren’t in a vacuum here. Each one can support your army in different ways. The rest of your list will play heavily in how impactful the Norn ends up being and how it can boost the rest of your army’s effectiveness. If you really need some psychic-juice the Emissary is the way to go. If you really want something to melee it up then (we’re going to assume) the Assimilator is the right call. Or just take one of each and call it a day.
Which Norn option are you looking to add to your list?
