The Wyvern is the Astra Militarum’s dedicated infantry-suppression artillery tank. It trades the Hydra’s anti-air guns for twin-linked Stormshard mortars, and it’s built to shred enemy foot soldiers from a safe distance.
What the wyvern is
Based on the Hydra chassis, the Wyvern swaps the Hydra’s autocannons for a pair of twin-linked Stormshard mortars. These fire airbursting shrapnel shells that tear through infantry formations.
It shares the Hydra’s auto-targeting system, making it unusually accurate for artillery. That accuracy lets it drop shells right on top of a target, even fast-moving ones like jetbikes.
- Role: close-range anti-infantry bombardment
- Weapons: twin-linked Stormshard mortars, hull heavy bolter
- Gear: searchlight, smoke launchers
- Based on: Hydra chassis
Why it matters on the battlefield
The Wyvern fills a niche the Basilisk doesn’t: it’s for close-range suppression rather than long-range siege. It’s especially deadly in urban combat, where it can rain shrapnel down on enemy infantry without exposing itself.
It’s also used for area denial. A Wyvern can force defenders out of cover or kill them where they stand, which makes it a nightmare for hordes and static gun lines alike.
Machine spirit and known examples
Wyverns are notorious for a malicious machine spirit. Crews report the tank actively seeking out the tightest-packed or most vulnerable enemy groups, as if it enjoys the carnage.
One known Wyvern is named Rain of Absolution. The name fits the tank’s reputation for delivering sudden, devastating showers of shrapnel.
Connections to wider 40k lore
The Wyvern is part of the Astra Militarum’s artillery pool, alongside the Basilisk, Griffon, and Manticore. It shares its hull and targeting tech with the Hydra, showing how the Imperium reuses proven chassis for different roles.
Don’t confuse it with the Warhammer Fantasy Wyvern, a four-limbed dragon-kin used as a mount by Orc Warbosses. In 40k, the name refers only to the Imperial Guard tank.
| Vehicle | Primary role | Main weapon |
|---|---|---|
| Wyvern | Anti-infantry suppression | Stormshard mortars |
| Hydra | Anti-aircraft | Autocannons |
| Basilisk | Long-range siege | Earthshaker cannon |
Key facts
- The Wyvern is an Astra Militarum artillery tank based on the Hydra chassis.
- It replaces the Hydra’s autocannons with twin-linked Stormshard mortars.
- Its auto-targeting system makes it highly accurate for artillery.
- It excels at close-range anti-infantry and area denial.
- Its machine spirit is said to have a malicious streak.
- One known Wyvern is named Rain of Absolution.
FAQ
What is the Wyvern in Warhammer 40k?
It’s an Astra Militarum artillery tank built on the Hydra chassis. It mounts twin-linked Stormshard mortars for shredding infantry with airburst shrapnel.
How is the Wyvern different from the Basilisk?
The Basilisk is a long-range siege gun. The Wyvern is a close-range suppression tank, designed to saturate infantry with shrapnel rather than crack fortifications.
Is the 40k Wyvern the same as the Fantasy Wyvern?
No. In Warhammer 40k, the Wyvern is an Imperial Guard tank. In Warhammer Fantasy, it’s a dragon-like monster used as a mount by Orcs and Goblins.