The Third Tyrannic War is the ongoing Tyranid invasion of the Imperium, led by Hive Fleet Leviathan from 997.M41 onwards. It’s the largest and most destructive of the Tyrannic Wars, and it’s still shaping the 41st millennium.
What is the third tyrannic war?
The Third Tyrannic War is the third major conflict between the Imperium and the Tyranids, a race of bio-engineered aliens that devour entire worlds. It began in 997.M41 when Hive Fleet Leviathan, the largest Tyranid fleet yet encountered, invaded the galaxy from below the galactic plane. Unlike previous fleets, Leviathan struck at multiple sectors simultaneously, catching the Imperium off guard.
The war is still ongoing, with Leviathan’s tendrils spreading across the Eastern Fringe and beyond. It’s one of the highest-priority conflicts for the Imperium, and its outcome could determine the survival of countless worlds.
Key battles and campaigns
The Third Tyrannic War has seen several central engagements. The Battle of Tarsis Ultra was an early victory for the Imperium, where the Ultramarines and Imperial Guard managed to defeat a Leviathan tendril. The Cryptus Campaign was a desperate defence that ultimately failed, leading to the Devastation of Baal, where the Blood Angels and their successors made a last stand against Leviathan.
- Battle of Tarsis Ultra: Imperial forces repel a Leviathan splinter fleet.
- Cryptus Campaign: A costly defeat that paved the way for Leviathan’s assault on Baal.
- Devastation of Baal: The Blood Angels’ homeworld is nearly overrun, but the Great Rift’s opening and the arrival of Roboute Guilliman turn the tide.
Why the third tyrannic war matters
This war matters because it’s the first time the Tyranids have threatened the Imperium on a galactic scale. Leviathan’s invasion forced the Imperium to divert massive resources to the Eastern Fringe, weakening other war zones. It also set the stage for the Fourth Tyrannic War, which began in the Era Indomitus when Leviathan invaded the Western Reaches of Segmentum Pacificus.
The war’s outcome is still uncertain, and its effects ripple through the lore, from the devastation of Baal to the ongoing Tyranid threat in the Era Indomitus.
Connections to other lore
The Third Tyrannic War is part of the larger Tyrannic Wars, which started with Hive Fleet Behemoth in 745.M41 and continued with Hive Fleet Kraken in 990.M41. It also ties into the Era Indomitus, as the Great Rift’s opening and the return of Roboute Guilliman have changed the Imperium’s response to the Tyranids. The war has seen the introduction of new heroes and the resurrection of old ones, like the Sanguinor during the Devastation of Baal.
Key facts
- The Third Tyrannic War began in 997.M41 and is fought against Hive Fleet Leviathan.
- Key battles include Tarsis Ultra, the Cryptus Campaign, and the Devastation of Baal.
- It’s the third of the Tyrannic Wars, following Behemoth and Kraken.
- The war led to the Devastation of Baal and set the stage for the Fourth Tyrannic War.
FAQ
When did the Third Tyrannic War start?
It began in 997.M41 with the arrival of Hive Fleet Leviathan.
Who fought in the Third Tyrannic War?
The Imperium, primarily the Ultramarines, Blood Angels, and Imperial Guard, fought against Hive Fleet Leviathan.
Is the Third Tyrannic War still ongoing?
Yes, it’s considered ongoing, though the Fourth Tyrannic War has since begun in the Era Indomitus.