Tyranids are one of the most iconic factions in Warhammer 40k, a race of terrifying, ever-evolving alien creatures that swarm across the galaxy, consuming everything in their path. From the tabletop to the painting table, Tyranids offer players a unique opportunity to flex their creativity. Whether you're working on a Tyranid Hive Fleet for a large-scale army or just adding a few custom-painted miniatures to your collection, this faction’s endless adaptability makes it a painter’s dream.
Tyranid players often go beyond the classic schemes like Hive Fleet Leviathan’s bone-white and purple, Hive Fleet Kraken’s red and bone, or Hive Fleet Behemoth’s deep blue and red. The freedom to paint Tyranids has led to some unique creations, as players craft their own "head-canon" to justify their faction’s appearance. This freedom is part of what makes Tyranids such a fun faction to paint—their very nature allows for almost any color scheme to fit into the lore.
At PaintedFigs, we've had the privilege of bringing numerous Tyranid armies to life over the years, each with its own distinctive look. From officially recognized schemes to the custom creations, we’ve seen it all. In this article, we’ll walk you through some of our favorite Tyranid painting projects and share a few highlights from over the years.
Hive Fleet Leviathan: A Classic
This Tyranid commission had us painting an entire army of Hive Fleet Leviathan models, all in line with the official Games Workshop box. The client came to us with a clear request: they wanted their entire Tyranid force painted exactly as the models were presented in the Warhammer 40k Leviathan box set. This meant following the established scheme of bone-white armor plates and rich purple carapaces, which has become an iconic look for this terrifying faction.
While the Leviathan color scheme may be one of the more common and recognizable across the Warhammer community, it’s no less striking for its popularity. The contrast between the pale bone exoskeleton and the dark purple, almost black, carapace provides a vivid sense of danger and otherworldliness—perfect for an army designed to devour entire planets. The addition of sharp red accents on the claws and tendrils gives these models an extra edge, further cementing their menacing appearance on the battlefield.
The project involved painting every single miniature in the Leviathan box, from the smaller Termagants and Hormagaunts to the massive, imposing Tyranid Warriors and Carnifexes. Each model required careful attention to detail, particularly with the armor. The client made it clear they wanted the models to look as close to the box art as possible, so we took great care to replicate the exact hues and effects that make this scheme visually compelling.
As a team, we’ve painted many Tyranid armies over the years, but this project is our first time working with the then-newly released Tyranid sculpts from the Games Workshop Leviathan set. The new sculpts bring so much more detail and dynamism to the Tyranid models, and getting to work on them was a fun experience for us all. The Carnifex Screamer-Killer, with its hulking mass and brutal claws, felt even more imposing with the new design improvements.
While we were following an established paint scheme, it still felt like we were doing something new because of these updated sculpts. There’s always a bit of magic in working on fresh models. The extra detail allowed us to get creative with the shading and highlighting, making the Leviathan scheme come to life in a way that was both faithful to the source and full of depth.
It’s always a pleasure to bring a client’s vision to life. The result was a striking Leviathan army that stood out on the tabletop, and we were happy to know the client was pleased with the final product. It’s always rewarding when we can match expectations, especially when those expectations involve replicating a well-loved scheme like Leviathan.
We’ve had the opportunity to work on many Tyranid armies over the years, but this Hive Fleet Leviathan project remains one of our favorites. The combination of new sculpts and classic colors made it a joy to work on, and it’s always a pleasure to see these iconic models come to life, ready to swarm the battlefield in all their bone and purple glory.
Tyranids in the “Color of Madness”: A Darkest Dungeon-Inspired Scheme
This Tyranid commission involved a unique paint scheme inspired by the expansion The Color of Madness from the popular PC game Darkest Dungeon. This project was special for several reasons, not least because it departed from the more traditional Tyranid color schemes like Hive Fleet Leviathan or Kraken. The client wanted something distinct and haunting, a desaturated purple base with deep black shading and vibrant, glowing blue highlights in the recesses of the models. We were thrilled to take on this challenge, because the order was for Exhibition Quality, meaning the goal was to achieve a striking effect on the Tyranid figures.
The scheme itself was centered around creating a sense of eerie desolation. The desaturated purple gave the Tyranids a worn appearance, far removed from the more naturalistic schemes we often see in Tyranid armies. To enhance this, we used black shading to deepen the shadows across the model’s carapaces and exoskeletons, making the figures appear as if they were creeping out of some dark abyss. This heavy shading gave the Tyranids a sense of foreboding, fitting the dark, Lovecraftian atmosphere of The Color of Madness. The stark contrast between the muted purples and blacks provided a perfect foundation for the final element of the scheme: the glowing blue accents.
The glowing blue-green was perhaps the most distinctive feature of the entire project. The client requested that we incorporate bright, almost ethereal blues into the recesses of the models. This includes around the eyes, mouths, and bioweapon elements. This color was meant to evoke the unnatural, eldritch energy seen in Darkest Dungeon’s Color of Madness expansion, where strange crystalline structures and cosmic horrors dominate the aesthetic. To achieve this effect, we used a series of techniques, gradually building up the glowing blue in layers to give it a radiant quality. When viewed on the tabletop or in a display case, the models almost seem to pulse with energy, as if they were imbued with some alien power.
What made this project exciting was the level of precision required. From the smooth transitions between the desaturated purples and blacks to the blending of the glowing blue highlights, each step required attention to detail. This wasn’t just a tabletop-ready army; it was a collection designed to show the models as true pieces of art, meant to be displayed and admired up close. With steps we were able to achieve the look the client envisioned: figures that seem to glow from within.
This project also gave us the chance to explore the versatility of the Tyranid sculpts. The alien, organic nature of the Tyranid models is perfect for this more abstract and atmospheric color scheme. The flowing lines and textured surfaces of the figures provided the perfect canvas for the interplay between dark shadows and vibrant blue glows. The Tyranid Warriors, for example, with their long limbs and sharp features, looked menacing in this scheme, their dark forms lit up by the eerie blue glow in the crevices of their armor and weapons. The Carnifex, with its hulking form and massive claws, became an imposing figure, as if it had emerged from the heart of the Darkest Dungeon itself.
The result was a Tyranid army unlike any other we’ve painted. This scheme, inspired by The Color of Madness, perfectly captured the unnatural beauty that defines the Darkest Dungeon aesthetic. For us, it was a pleasure to bring such a creative vision to life. While most Tyranid armies we work on follow more traditional or established color patterns, this project reminded us of how flexible and imaginative the Warhammer 40k universe can be. The combination of desaturated purples, deep blacks, and glowing blue accents made these Tyranids a standout project, one that continues to draw attention whenever they’re showcased.
For anyone looking to push the limits of what Tyranid models can look like, this scheme offers endless possibilities. Whether you’re a fan of Games Workshop’s classic color schemes or want to explore something more atmospheric and abstract, Tyranids provide a perfect canvas for creativity—and we’re always excited to see where that creativity takes us.
Hive Fleet Kraken: A Balance of Quality and Precision
One of our more recent Tyranid projects involved the iconic Hive Fleet Kraken, known for its distinct red and bone color scheme. Hive Fleet Kraken has long been a fan-favorite among Tyranid players, with its striking combination of deep crimson and pale bone creating a visually impactful presence on the tabletop. When we were tasked with painting an entire Kraken army, the client requested a combination of Standard Quality for the majority of the force, with a special focus on the Screamer Killers, which were to be painted at Exhibition Quality. This blend of quality levels allowed us to prioritize both affordability and artistry, ensuring that the army looked fantastic while keeping key units eye-catching.
The Hive Fleet Kraken color scheme is one of the most recognizable across the Warhammer 40k universe, with its vibrant contrast between the red and bone armor plates. The rich, crimson red gives the Tyranid models a sense of aggression and bloodthirst, while the pale bone carapace adds an element of stark, organic realism. These colors combined create an almost predatory appearance, perfect for a fleet that is known for its relentless and fast attacks. The red tends to dominate the larger sections of the model, such as the limbs and back, while the bone color frames the edges and covers the underbelly, giving the models a nice balance of light and dark tones.
For the bulk of the army, we applied our Standard Quality painting approach. This involved focusing on achieving clean base coats, sharp contrasts, and effective highlights to bring out the key details of the models. Even at this quality level, we made sure to capture the essence of the Kraken color scheme, using careful shading to give depth to the red and bone armor. Standard Quality is a great option for those looking for a solid, tabletop-ready army without going into the higher price brackets, and we always make sure that even at this level, the models will turn heads at any Games Workshop event or local gaming table.
The real showstoppers in this order, however, were the Screamer Killers, which the client requested to be done in Exhibition Quality. These massive creatures are a staple of any Tyranid army, known for their monstrous size and ferocity. Painting these at Exhibition Quality gave us the opportunity to push the level of detail. We took extra care with the bone-colored carapace, adding multiple layers of highlights to create a smooth, natural gradient that emphasized the depth and texture of the model. The red sections were enhanced with edge highlighting, making them appear more dynamic and alive, as if the creatures were ready to burst into action at any moment.
The Exhibition Quality work on the Screamer Killers extended beyond just the typical armor and limbs. We focused on the faces and bioweapons, ensuring that every small detail, from the rows of teeth to the ridges on the exoskeleton, was crisp and clean. The glowing eyes were painted to give an impression of unnatural, alien intelligence, with a sharp, piercing look that draws attention. When combined with the stark contrast of the red and bone, the overall effect was a powerful presence on the battlefield.
While we were able to give the rest of the army a strong, cohesive look through the Standard Quality painting, the Screamer Killers took center stage. Their larger size and increased detail made them the focal point of the army, and the Exhibition Quality finish ensured that they would stand out, even among the horde of other Tyranid creatures. The combination of quality levels in this project allowed us to deliver an army that not only looked great as a whole but also had key elements that shone, bringing balance to both affordability and visual impact.
Painting a Hive Fleet Kraken force is always a challenge, given the iconic nature of the scheme and the wide range of miniatures involved. From the smaller Hormagaunts to the massive Carnifexes and Screamer Killers, every model plays a part in bringing the vision of this ravenous Tyranid fleet to life. This particular project was no different, allowing us to explore the versatility of the Kraken color scheme and highlight what can be achieved with a mix of Standard and Exhibition Quality painting.
Custom Tyranids: Blue, Red, and Bone in Showcase Quality
Painting Tyranids comes with the limitless freedom to explore custom color schemes. We had the opportunity to work on a unique Tyranid army with a bold combination of a blue carapace, red highlights, and a stark bone-colored body. This custom scheme was something the client had envisioned from the start, wanting a departure from the traditional Warhammer 40k Hive Fleets like Leviathan or Kraken. They were looking for something striking and personal. This order was commissioned at Showcase Quality, which allowed us to bring out the full potential of this daring color palette.
The first thing that stands out with this scheme is the blue carapace. Blue is not a typical choice for Tyranid armies, which tend to lean toward darker, more naturalistic tones, but this particular shade of deep blue gave the army an almost regal appearance. To keep the blue from being too overwhelming, we incorporated red highlights along the ridges and edges of the carapace, adding a sense of energy and movement to the models. This combination of blue and red created a dynamic effect, contrasting the coolness of the blue with the warmth of the red. The red highlights were placed with precision, emphasizing the Tyranid creatures' natural contours and making the armored plates appear even more intricate.
For the body, the client opted for a bright bone color. Bone is a challenging color to work with, but when done right, it can make a model look sharp and striking. In this case, the bone colored body served as the perfect counterpoint to the darker carapace, creating a high level of contrast that made each model stand out. The smoothness of the bone color required careful layering and blending to ensure there were no harsh transitions, keeping the look crisp and polished. The shading was done in subtle greys, giving the models depth without detracting from the clean, bright look the client wanted. The bone color also gave the army nice contrast, enhancing the overall otherworldly feel of the Tyranid models.
The Showcase Quality level of this project allowed us to add a layer of finesse and detail that elevated the models beyond standard tabletop quality. With Showcase Quality, every inch of the model receives special attention, from the smooth transitions in the shading to the precise placement of highlights. The red accents on the carapace were blended, and we added subtle edge highlighting to make the details pop. The blue sections were treated with the same level of care, ensuring that the carapace looked dynamic and alive under different lighting conditions.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of this project was working with the Tyranid sculpts themselves, which are rich in texture and organic shapes. The client’s color choices helped to bring out the intricate details on the larger creatures like the Tyranid Warriors and Hive Tyrants. The flowing, segmented armor plates of the carapace allowed for beautiful blends between the blue and red, while the large, smooth surfaces of the body let the bone color shine through as a central feature. This combination of colors gave the models a sense of fluidity and motion, as if they were in the process of evolution—perfect for the adaptable, ever-changing Tyranid species.
In terms of overall composition, the contrast between the dark, vibrant carapace and the stark bone colored body created a dramatic visual effect on the tabletop. The client was thrilled and we were proud! This project was a great reminder of how much flexibility Tyranid models offer in terms of color schemes. While Games Workshop has provided us with some fantastic official paint schemes, there’s something rewarding about working on a custom commission. Whether it’s Hive Fleets painted to match the box art or unique creations, Tyranids always offer a chance to explore new artistic possibilities. For us, it was a pleasure to push the boundaries of what’s possible with Tyranid painting, and we look forward to seeing more custom projects like this in the future.
Jungle Tyranids: Navin’s Weird Army of Classic, 3D Printed, and Proxy Miniatures Done to Exhibition Quality
The most unique Tyranid project we’ve done was Navin Weeraratne’s own Tyranid army. (No pressure at all when writing about the boss’s minis…)
Navin wanted a theme that captured the essence of the jungle, a scheme that would make his Tyranids feel as though they had evolved in an alien rainforest. The entire army was painted at Exhibition Quality.
The color scheme revolved around vibrant, deep greens to give the Tyranids a natural camouflage look, as though they were native to a lush jungle world. The armor plates were painted in a rich, dark green, with lighter highlights that created a smooth transition across the carapaces. This range of greens, from forest hues to brighter, almost fluorescent accents, gave the army an organic feel. The models looked like they could be lurking in the underbrush, adapted to blend in with their surroundings.
One of the key elements of the project was the shading and blending, which allowed us to give the green carapaces a sense of depth and texture. We also used muted browns and warm earth tones to offset this, especially in the basing.
What made this project stand out was the attention to detail afforded by the Exhibition Quality finish. Every element of the model received special care, from the smooth transitions between colors to the fine highlights that accentuated the Tyranids' sharp features. The larger creatures, such as the Classic Carnifex and Forgeworld Winged Hive Tyrant (without the wings), were fun to work on, as their broad surfaces allowed for more intricate shading and texture. Their bio-weapons, meanwhile, were painted with a slick, organic sheen, making them look as if they were dripping with venomous, living matter.
A unique feature of this army was the basing. To complement the jungle theme, we used real tea leaves to simulate fallen leaves and ground cover. This natural material gave the bases an earthy, textured feel that worked perfectly with the green and brown tones of the models. The tea leaves added an extra layer of immersion, making the Tyranids look as though they were advancing through the dense foliage of an alien jungle. Basing is often an underrated aspect of miniature painting, but for this project, it was essential in tying the whole army together (Navin is also nuts about basing). The use of tea leaves gave the models a sense of being part of their environment, enhancing the jungle aesthetic we were aiming for.
This job was a fun reminder of the creative freedom Tyranid models offer. Warhammer 40k is rich in established lore, but Tyranids allow painters to explore endless color and thematic possibilities. This jungle scheme was a perfect example of how a few custom details can turn these fearsome creatures into something unique.
Whether it’s recreating classic Hive Fleet color schemes or crafting something new like this jungle army, painting Tyranids is always a rewarding experience. The natural, organic feel of these models makes them a great canvas for creativity, and this project was no exception.
Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of Tyranid armies, each with its own unique character and style. From classic schemes like Hive Fleet Leviathan and Hive Fleet Kraken to custom, imaginative creations like the Color of Madness-inspired Tyranids and Navin Weeraratne’s jungle-themed army, the sheer versatility of Tyranid models continues to inspire us as painters. Each project allows for new challenges and creative opportunities, whether it’s replicating the exact look of Games Workshop box art or crafting something original.
What makes Tyranid painting so special is the flexibility these alien creatures provide. Their ever-evolving nature, both in the lore and on the painting desk, means that no two armies need to look alike. Whether you prefer to follow established color schemes or invent your own, Tyranids offer a blank canvas where imagination can run wild. We’ve enjoyed every moment of bringing these alien creatures to life, whether through Standard, Showcase, or Exhibition Quality painting. Each commission has its own story, and we’ve been fortunate to help our clients bring their visions to reality.
As we continue to paint Tyranid armies and explore new ways to push the boundaries of creativity, we’re reminded that, in the Warhammer 40k universe, there’s more to discover. No matter the scheme, no matter the fleet, Tyranids remain a fascinating and rewarding faction to work with. We can’t wait to see what future projects bring and what new Tyranid schemes will emerge from the imaginations of hobbyists and painters alike.