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Codex: Tyranids is the faction book for Tyranids in Warhammer 40,000’s tenth edition. It brings together faction background and a substantial set of army rules, but the printed book is not the only source to use for current play: Games Workshop supplements it with updated faction packs, FAQs and errata, points and balance updates.
What is the 10th-edition Tyranid Codex?
Games Workshop released Codex: Tyranids as the first codex of Warhammer 40,000’s tenth edition in 2023. The codex replaced the faction’s free Index, introducing new detachments and new or updated datasheets. It is specific to tenth edition, rather than a rules book for an earlier edition. Games Workshop’s launch announcement explains the release and its place in the edition.
The launch preview described 47 Tyranid unit datasheets, six detachments, and new Crusade content. Games Workshop’s beginner guide describes codexes more broadly as faction books containing background and rules for more than 40 units; for the specific launch count, the 47-datasheet figure is the more precise description of this book’s contents. The original Tyranid codex preview gives the launch details.
What does the book contain?
- Faction background: setting and lore about the Tyranids.
- Unit rules: datasheets for the faction’s units, including the 47 datasheets cited in the 2023 launch preview.
- Army options: six detachments, each with its own abilities, Enhancements and Stratagems, as described at launch.
- Crusade material: campaign-oriented content for players using Crusade rules.
The codex is therefore useful as a printed faction reference and a way to explore the army’s background and rules structure. It is not a replacement for the Core Book: Games Workshop’s beginner guidance says the Core Book is also needed for full-size games. See Games Workshop’s beginner guide to codexes and getting started.
#1 Best Overall
- Hardcover
Are the printed rules still current?
Use the codex as the foundation, not as the sole authority for matched play. Games Workshop’s Tyranids faction packs supplement it with additional detachments and datasheets, FAQs and errata. The same official guidance directs players to the Munitorum Field Manual for points and the Balance Dataslate for broader balance changes. Games Workshop says those points and rules changes are updated live in the Warhammer 40,000 app. Open the official Warhammer 40,000 downloads hub for the latest Tyranids files.
At the time of the available official listings, the Tyranids faction pack was marked legal for matched play from 26 August 2026, and the downloads hub displayed an update date of 30 September 2026. These are changeable status dates, not permanent facts about the book; check the downloads hub before a game for a newer pack or revised document.
Rank #2
- Games Workshop - Warhammer 40,000 - CODEX: Space Marines (10th Edition - 2023)
- An essential tome for the Imperium's elite Space Marine Chapters
- 216 pages of extensive rules, inspiring artwork, and Adeptus Astartes lore
- Includes Crusade and Combat Patrol rules, a massive 93 datasheets, seven themed Detachments, and loads more
Games Workshop also publishes a standalone Codex: Tyranids FAQ and errata document. Because later faction packs may collect or supersede earlier updates, start from the current faction pack and files linked on the official hub rather than treating an older FAQ PDF as a complete current rules set.
Codex versus current digital rules
| Resource | Best for | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Printed Codex: Tyranids | Faction background, the book’s core rules presentation, and a physical reference. | Edition-specific print; later updates are published separately. |
| Official Tyranids faction pack and related downloads | Supplemental rules, datasheets, FAQs and errata for current play. | Use the latest files linked from Games Workshop’s downloads hub. |
| Munitorum Field Manual and Balance Dataslate | Points and broader balance changes, respectively. | Consult current official releases; Games Workshop says the app reflects live points and rules changes. |
The book and the update files serve different purposes. Owning the codex does not make it a complete source for current points or every later rules change.
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- A 120-page rules supplement for Warhammer 40,000
- The ultimate guide to collecting and playing Thousand Sons armies in the grim darkness of the far future
- Packed with background material, art, and photography to inspire you, plus rules for matched play
- Features Combat Patrol and narrative Crusade rules, 34 datasheets, five Detachments, and more
Do you need to buy the codex?
If you want the printed Tyranid faction book, its background and its organized presentation of the codex rules, this is the tenth-edition volume to look for. A retailer listing identifies the physical product as ISBN 9781804572313; price and stock depend on territory and seller, so confirm the edition and availability in the listing. Retailer product listing.
If your immediate need is to check a current matched-play rule or points value, use Games Workshop’s official downloads and app as well. The free Index was the faction’s initial tenth-edition rules resource, but Games Workshop said the codex replaced it; older Index rules or launch-era tactical summaries should not be assumed to describe current play.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 112-pages containing tabletop game rules, background lore, and beautiful art
- Includes Warlord Traits, Relics, in-depth crusade rules, 22 datasheets, plus a full sheet of ambush tokens
- Material: Plastic
Rank #4
- Games Workshop - Warhammer 40,000 - CODEX: Adeptus Custodes (2024 - 10th Edition)
- An elegant tome and guidebook for collecting and commanding the Adeptus Custodes
- 112 pages packed full of rules, awe-inspiring art, fascinating background material
- Includes Combat Patrol, Crusade rules, 18 datasheets, four Detachments, and more
