Warhammer Kill Team

Unboxing and Review: Warhammer 40k Kill Team: Hivestorm Box

If you’ve been keeping up with the latest Warhammer 40k releases, you’re likely aware of the new Kill Team: Hivestorm box. As part of the Kill Team series, this box offers a thrilling dive into the tactical skirmishes set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Whether you're a long-time fan of the franchise or new to the Kill Team game, Hivestorm presents an exciting opportunity to jump into the action.

In this post, we’ll break down what’s included in the Kill Team: Hivestorm box, how it plays, and why it's a must-have for collectors and tabletop enthusiasts alike.

What’s Inside the Kill Team: Hivestorm Box?

The Hivestorm box is part of the growing range of Kill Team products from Games Workshop, and this particular edition brings a distinctive setting and style to the table. Here’s a look at what you’ll find inside the box:

• Two New Kill Teams:

  • The Astra Militarum (also known as the Imperial Guard): A seasoned and gritty faction, the Astra Militarum are the backbone of the Imperium, using sheer numbers and heavy firepower to crush enemies. In Hivestorm, you'll get access to a new squad of elite soldiers trained to fight in the underbelly of a dying hive world.
  • The Tyranids: Known for their insectoid, hive-minded nature, the Tyranids are a terrifying swarm of alien creatures bent on devouring everything in their path. The new Tyranid team included in Hivestorm focuses on highly aggressive creatures with fast, overwhelming tactics that complement their large numbers.

• Terrain Pieces: The Hivestorm box also includes new plastic terrain pieces that help create a rugged, industrial environment, perfect for the claustrophobic, maze-like hive worlds of Warhammer 40k. These include ruins, walkways, and containers, which add to the atmosphere of battle and create new tactical challenges.

• Kill Team Rules and Mission Pack: A rulebook that provides all the essential details you’ll need to play a game of Kill Team, tailored specifically for the two factions in the box. It comes with a variety of missions designed to fit the gritty nature of the Hivestorm setting, with challenges that take place in a deteriorating, dangerous urban environment.

• Dice and Tokens: Custom dice and tokens to help track your progress throughout the game. These are essential for the Kill Team experience, as they help manage actions and outcomes in the heat of battle.

Factions Breakdown

Astra Militarum: The Brave Defenders of the Imperium

The Astra Militarum Kill Team in Hivestorm is composed of tough, battle-hardened soldiers equipped for urban warfare. While they may not have the genetic modifications or monstrous strength of other 40k factions, their sheer firepower, tactical flexibility, and numbers make them formidable.

The models in this box feature new, dynamic poses, showcasing the grit and determination of the Astra Militarum soldiers. They come with an impressive array of weaponry, from plasma guns to flamers, allowing players to customize their squads according to their preferred playstyle.

The real strength of the Astra Militarum lies in their teamwork and adaptability. This Kill Team is ideal for players who enjoy a more strategic, measured approach to gameplay, as their soldiers are incredibly effective when used in concert.

Tyranids: Swarm and Devour

On the opposite side, the Tyranids offer a much more visceral, aggressive style of play. The Tyranids are a deadly and unpredictable force, designed to overwhelm and consume anything in their path. Their Kill Team is made up of a variety of monstrous, highly dangerous creatures, from smaller Hormagaunts to the heavier, more terrifying Termagants and Genestealers.

The Tyranids are all about overwhelming your opponent with swarming masses and close combat prowess. Their speed and ability to adapt make them dangerous adversaries, and they’ll be perfect for players who prefer an aggressive, rush-the-enemy style of gameplay. If you enjoy throwing your opponents off balance with fast, devastating attacks, the Tyranid team in Hivestorm will be a thrill to play.

Gameplay Highlights

Tactical Skirmishes

One of the biggest draws of Kill Team is its focus on small-scale, tactical combat. Unlike Warhammer 40k’s grand-scale battles, Kill Team takes a more intimate approach, where each move can make a big difference.

In Hivestorm, players will experience tight, close-quarters engagements, with the terrain providing both opportunities and challenges. The verticality of the terrain plays a big part in the strategic depth, as higher ground can offer advantages for shooting or controlling objectives.

Each Kill Team has its own unique abilities, weapons, and playstyles, which means no two battles will be the same. The small unit sizes mean that each model is important, making every decision feel critical.

Mission Variety

The mission pack included with Hivestorm ensures that no two games will feel exactly alike. Whether you’re fighting to control a strategic position, eliminate your opponent’s Kill Team, or secure key objectives, the variety of missions offers plenty of replayability.

Additionally, the narrative-driven approach in the missions is fantastic for adding a personal touch to each battle. If you’re a fan of storytelling on the tabletop, you’ll appreciate how each game contributes to a larger tale of war and survival.

Painting and Customization

Like most Warhammer products, one of the best aspects of Kill Team: Hivestorm is the potential for painting and customizing your models. The Astra Militarum soldiers are ripe for detailing, from their fatigues to the various pieces of gear they carry. On the other hand, the Tyranids’ insectoid forms offer a range of exciting color schemes for those looking to experiment with different paint techniques.

The models in the box are compatible with Games Workshop’s full range of paint products, so whether you're a beginner or an experienced hobbyist, you’ll be able to bring your vision to life.

Why You Should Pick Up the Hivestorm Box

The Kill Team: Hivestorm box offers something for everyone, whether you’re a competitive gamer, a hobbyist, or just a fan of the Warhammer 40k universe. The inclusion of two well-balanced and exciting Kill Teams, paired with immersive terrain and varied missions, ensures that you’ll have plenty of fun with this box.

Not only does it provide all the tools needed for engaging, fast-paced games, but it also offers a chance to add unique models to your collection. If you’ve been looking for a way to get into the Kill Team game, or if you’re a seasoned player looking to expand your forces, the Hivestorm box is an excellent choice.

Final Verdict: Hivestorm is a must-have for Warhammer fans who love skirmish-based gameplay. The combination of rich lore, detailed models, and strategic depth makes this box a worthy addition to your collection. It’s an exciting, immersive entry in the Kill Team line, and whether you’re an experienced tactician or just starting out, Hivestorm provides hours of enjoyment on the tabletop.