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Necromunda: Malstrain Alpha Is Coming To Hunt Everyone

3 Minute Read
Jun 24 2024
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The Malstrain Genestealers are surviving in Hive Secundus on Necromunda. And the Malstrain Alpha is making sure things stay that way.

Things are getting even more creepy and strange on the planet of Necromunda. Now that Hive Secundus is “opening” the Malstrain Genestealers are finally being revealed. The generations of Genestealers have survived in these conditions and have been building up their numbers. It was only a matter of time until they arrived back at the top of the food chain with the dreaded new Malstrain Alpha.

via Warhammer Community

Deep in the ruins of Hive Secundus the horror of the Malstrain grew for years, and while the creatures that call this hellish abyss home are not your regular Genestealers, they are no less terrifying – just look at the Malstrain Coalescence. At the apex of this chain of abominations is the Malstrain Alpha, the purest embodiment of this twisted brood.”

Malstrain Alpha Genestealer

According to GW, few have ever encountered a Malstrain Alpha and lived to tell the tale. At the same time rumors (or perhaps theories) that they existed were spread by explorers of the Underhells. Either way, for the Spyres that stalk the remains of Hive Secundus for sport a Malstrain Alpha would be a most impressive trophy.

Speaking of theories it’s believed that these Alphas are direct descendents of the original Patriarch. Personally, I think that’s at least partly true. If you know your Genestealer life cycles then you know eventually a “Purestrain” Genestealer is born from a hybrid generation. The Tech-priest Biologis Hermiatus might have been mucking about with the biology of whatever Genestealer specimens he brought back. However, I think some aspects might have survived his meddling.

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Life, uh…finds a way.

Regardless of how the Alpha came to be the fact that we’re getting a miniature for one is plenty exciting. We’ve also got a sneak peek at the rules for this monster as well.

The Madness of Malstrain isn’t just a brutal defensive option, it can literally drive other fighters INSANE. That’s not good if you want to charge them. Maybe stick to laying down loads of coverfire to take these baddies out.

 

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My next big question about the Malstrain Genestealers is where’s the Primarch? As mentioned by GW, “the Malstrain Alpha is second only to the elusive Patriarch itself as the ultimate prize within the Underhells.” Kind of makes me wonder if we’ll see a Patriarch and how malformed that creature will be. Also, is anyone else concerned about what would happen if just ONE Genestealer got out and started the cycle in Hive Primus? There’s loads of biomass to hunt there…

 

Let us know in the comments what you think of the Malstrain Genestealers. Personally, I’m feeling like Necromunda is one of the most interesting planets in the entire Imperium. I’m also a little shocked that the “higher ups” haven’t come down to check things out. Necromunda is a recruitment planet for a particular Space Marine chapter afterall…

 

If there’s a Malstrain Alpha then there has to be a Patriarch, right?

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Author: Adam Harrison
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