Enemy auras: Synapse and Waaagh

Some enemies strengthen the surrounding horde instead of merely adding their own damage. Tyranid Synapse grants Berserk to nearby lesser bioforms; Bell of Doom protects nearby Skaven with Warded. Identifying the source can change which enemy is worth attacking first.

Tyranid Synapse

Critical bioforms such as Hive Tyrants emit Synapse. Nearby Termagants and Hormagaunts become Berserk, increasing their movement and damage. Destroying the Synapse creature temporarily stuns nearby lesser bioforms.

That makes the source a higher-value target than another isolated small enemy when the aura is sustaining the group. The temporary stun does not mean every enemy on the entire stage permanently stops attacking. Keep moving around the remaining threats.

Ork Waaagh

A red screen warning announces a Waaagh. During it, Orks spawn in greater numbers and become frenzied. More enemies arriving at once is part of the faction event, not necessarily evidence that another passive was accidentally equipped.

Keep an exit from the current concentration of enemies before committing to a narrow route. If a run also has Corruption or Grim Darkness active, those are additional pressure sources to inspect. Mission modifiers separates them from the Ork trait.

Pounces and charges

Von Ryan’s Leapers can jump across other enemies to reach the player. Bloodcrushers use telegraphed charges. Ordinary enemy bodies between you and the attacker do not guarantee safety from either pattern.

Respond to the named attack’s movement rather than assuming all enemies walk directly through the same gap. A charging line and an expanding surrounding horde leave different escape routes.

Three Skaven threats

Enemy or effect	Threat	Decision
Ratling Gunner	Fires while crossing the screen, creating damaging lanes	Track its firing path before crossing
Bell of Doom	Grants nearby Skaven Warded	Look for the protection source
Acolyte Globadier	Toxic globes create poison clouds	Leave the cloud’s area

These interactions explain why a small enemy can suddenly feel more durable or why damage continues while standing in a zone. They do not establish an exact resistance percentage or a universal time-to-kill.

Burning is another speed change

Your fire weapon can also make enemies faster through Burning, while Poisoned and Oiled slow them. Check the status guide before attributing every sudden rush to Synapse or Waaagh.

Hotfix 2.1.6 adjusts Meganobz and Plague Marine boss variants and fixes lingering poison from Mork’s Mighty Mushroom. It does not remove the faction systems above. The release guide identifies the actual announced changes.