Starting xenos: before anyone evolves, a queen should be selected and evolve to drone. This prevents queenless hives. Jelly is generally a top priority, with all xenos donating plasma until they get jelly and then go gather monkies.
Ideal hive composition:
(Obviously, this is highly dependent on what people are competent with, but this represents an ideal in my opinion)
11 xeno hive:
1 queen
1 boiler
1 crusher
4 spitters
2 runners
2 drones
21 xeno hive:
1 Queen
1 boiler
1 crusher
1 ravager
1 praetorian
4 spitters
1 hivelord
1 carrier
2 hunters
3 runners
3 sentinels
2 drones
Some xeno fundamental aspects:
1) The hive gets stronger over time, the difference between a young and ancient runner is massive.
2) It requires more effort to infect than to kill
3) The more hosts the hive is guarding the less xenos are available to attack or defend
4) A hive in an area vulnerable to orbital barrage risks destruction of the hive and destruction of any larva, hosts, eggs, and xenos inside
What this means strategically is that xenos want to use overwhelming force (to capture) early unless they are forced to defend. As they get stronger they can capture larger and larger groups of xenos. If they're forced to defend, especially against larger forces, it may be better to kill instead of infect.
Since even runners become powerful after upgrading, the constant deaths of young runners represents an enormous waste of hive resources, and they should probably be instructed to remain in the hive until reaching mature.
Small skirmishes with a few xenos against larger groups of marines are likely to lead to xeno deaths or at the very least an inability to capture. Larger assaults with the purpose of mass capture or if the larva supply is sufficient, mass killing, is more efficient.
Skilled runners and hunters can pick off rambo marines and scout for weak points, but even a small squad assuming skill is equal will kill.
What do other xeno players have to add/contest?
This is an excellent strategy, and also ties into a common mistake: fighting in open spaces outside of the hive. If marines are attacking, fight in areas most advantageous to xenos, even if that means giving ground. Long 2 tile width tunnels allow boilers and crushers to counter attack efficiently.Sargeantmuffinman wrote:Fall back if a major marine squad is attacking the hive and lure them into an ambush.
From either behind the assault or from the sides.