The entire Tyranid swarm is connected and controlled through the Hive Mind using Synapse. Synapse is a major piece of lore for the Tyranids and is adapted to their tabletop rules, along with the mechanics of Space Marine 2.

Not every unit in the Tyranid army connects to the Hive Mind directly, with certain units acting as a beacon that connects the smallest of creatures to the overall Hive Mind. Should a Tyranid lose connection to the Hive Mind, they will become nearly useless if not just dying on the spot. Here's how to use Synapse to your advantage in Space Marine 2.

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How Does Synpase Work In Space Marine 2

In Space Marine 2, smaller gaunts that lose connection to the Hive Mind and lose Synapse usually die on the spot with their heads exploding. This also results in the green particle effect that you'll see as these gaunts die. Not every gaunt is connected to Synapse, and only those who fight in large swarms use the rules for Synapse. Gaunts found in very small groups running through hallways are connected to Synapse and are aggressive, but don't follow the connection rules as usual. Some other large Tyranids can operate without a close connection to Synapse, meaning breaking it will usually only damage the nearby gaunts.

In large groups, the Tyrnaid Warriors usually act as the Synaptic link to the Hive Mind for the gaunts surrounding them. If multiple Tyranid Warriors are close together, those left alive will pick up the slack and keep the remaining Tyranids alive as long as they are close enough. The key to defeating large swarms of enemies is by focusing on the Synaptic units and taking them down.

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How To Break Synapse In Space Marine 2

Only a few Tyranids in Space Marine 2 have Synapse and should be targeted any time you see them:

The most common enemy with Synapse to target are Tyranid Warriors, the larger ones standing on two feet roughly the same size as a Space Marine. To break Synapse for nearby gaunts, simply target and take out all the nearby Tyranids that have Synapse. This can be done at a range or in melee, with ranged kills offering the most noticeable benefits. Get in close and duel a Tyranid Warrior, as your chainsword swings will also help keep the smaller gaunts off of you.

Any gaunts that survive the fight will die around their synaptic link, and any left alive will be left crawling around and able to be executed for an easy kill. While it is not a necessity to focus on breaking Synapse, it will make any fight easier, especially on harder difficulties.

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Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Tag Page Cover Art
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II
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9 /10
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Released
September 9, 2024
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
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ESRB
M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence
Developer(s)
Saber Interactive
Publisher(s)
Focus Entertainment
Engine
Swarm Engine
Multiplayer
Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer
Franchise
Warhammer 40K
Number of Players
1-6
Genre(s)
Third-Person Shooter, Hack and Slash