Ultimate Apocalypse, how to beat Tyranids?

[Malu]

I can never beat them, even on hard. I mostly use SM and IG, but while I can hold them at least untill tier 3 with the SM, with IG I get overwhelmed usually right when I get to tier 2. I usually win on hard, but I can't seem to beat the Nids. Hell, I even beat the Chaos Demons (which I heard are slightly unbalanced), but can't figure out the Nyds.

[Archaon The Never-Chosen]

a lot of things are unbalanced in UA but if you want i can make several videos of me beating nids on hard for you, heck harder if you want it

[Malu]

go on, I would watch them no problem, just remember to link them (IG or SM possibly :D)

[Malu]

but a little strategy guide would be cool as well (for example what are the best upgrades or what are their mechanics and units, theey are so many it's confusing)

[Uporcpine]

Here's some tips

Heroic units. If you level them they can soak up a ton of damage and just regenerate. Plus they share levels, and even if they die they keep them, so they are a super worthwhile investment.

Turrets. They can also level, and SM and IG have some of the best in the game. A leveled turret doesn't cost much, its very spammable, since in UA there's no build limit to them, but a number of them can just melt anything.

Of course these are not great for attacking, but I usually just go max tech and then steamroll them with titans.

As for units i find most infantry to be not really cost effective, they just break and die too easily since there are too many AOE damage units (IG are especially weak to this, SM are somewhat better). Vehicles with long range firepower are good, but they can also get shredded quickly late game.

Prioritize maxing out your economy, thats the only way to keep up with the AIs cheating. Its tempting to create a large army early, but they won't last long, and eat up a ton of resources.
I usually play on insane, and this is pretty much my strategy for every faction (I know its a little cheesy).

IG specific tips: Garrison conscripts in your buildings. Mars Pattern Vechiles auto repair everything around them, 1-2 around your front line is pretty nice. If you want some infantry play do some behind the lines raiding via airdrops.Turrets are amazing, mix in some artillery platforms and you can even attack the enemy base.
SM: Heroes are even more amazing, chapter master is god tier. Everything is expensive, so if you invest in something, make sure you can keep it alive. Send in a hero to tank, and fall back once he gets low. If you want to use infantry make sure to upgrade them.

[Malu]

The thing is, how can I max out my economy if I'm on 30% of the strategic points (at best) and the AI's got all the map? I simply can't out-macro them playing defensively. Usually they just steamroll my turrets with Hive Tyrants and other vehicle-like creatures before I can't get a single Leman Russ out.

[Uporcpine]

Originally posted by Malu:

The thing is, how can I max out my economy if I'm on 30% of the strategic points (at best) and the AI's got all the map? I simply can't out-macro them playing defensively. Usually they just steamroll my turrets with Hive Tyrants and other vehicle-like creatures before I can't get a single Leman Russ out.

Hmm it sounds like the early game is your issue then. Yes without grabbing at least half the points it will be tough, so it must be done early. The AI is not so agressive until it built up a strike force, and it will often just pull back after a quick skirmish. The thing is about playing above normal is, that you will always feel lagging behind, since the AI can do upgrades AND army buildup at the same time. So you have to think up ways to hold it back with very limited resources. If you stop doing upgrades you will fall behind in the arms race, even if you manage to push it back temporarily.
Also UA is very customizable. If you don't like the feeling of your battles right now just add Fortress Defences, or adjust resources rates, etc. UA is more about fun than balanced strategy gameplay anyway.