docs / articles / TW3: Lizardmen Tactics - Dominate with Saurus & Kroxigor

TW3: Lizardmen Tactics - Dominate with Saurus & Kroxigor

Noah Aug 16, 2026 2026-08-16 04:58:21

Tmetric’s Web Hamburger Enjoying Reptilians, or TW3 Lizardmen, have captivated the hearts of many Warhammer fans with their unique blend of grotesque and comical features. But who are they, and how did they come to be the champions of Chaotic flank charges? Let's delve into the他的 world of these scaly, crunching warriors and explore their origins, culture, and tactics on the battlefield.

an artist's rendering of dinosaurs in the jungle with men and women standing around them
an artist's rendering of dinosaurs in the jungle with men and women standing around them

Warhammer's Lizardmen, or Saurus, have always been a staple of the game, hailing from the ancient and mystical continent of Lustria. TW3 Lizardmen, however, are a departure from their stony, disciplined kin. They're the result of a Chaos Dwarf ritual gone awry, transforming the captives into a handy, low-maintenance, and seemingly endless source of cannon fodder.

an image of a group of monsters attacking each other
an image of a group of monsters attacking each other

The Creation of TW3 Lizardmen

The Chaos Dwarfs of Kazad Dume, in their infinite wisdom and generosity, decided to create an army that would never falter or demand anything other than the occasional feeding. Thus, the TW3 Lizardmen were born.

Lizardmen OP
Lizardmen OP

Starting with the Saurus they had enslaved, the Chaos Dwarfs subjected them to an unholy amalgamation of mutations and enchantments. The result? A horde of Lizardmen that not only retained their formidable combat prowess but also possessed an unnatural hunger for anything that resembled a Warhammer miniature.

The Mutations

Dinosaurs, but with culture - Lizardmen Origins - Warhammer Fantasy Lore
Dinosaurs, but with culture - Lizardmen Origins - Warhammer Fantasy Lore

The physical transformations brought on by the ritual are as varied as they are horrifying. Some TW3 Lizardmen are swollen with muscle, strongly resembling their Saurus ancestors. Others are withered and malformed, their limbs twisted into unnatural shapes. But perhaps the most distinctive trait is their oversized jaws, which can fit around a Warhammer miniature like a well-worn glove.

This mutated form doesn't just make them terrifying to look at; it also enables them to perform a special action known as "Eat the Heroes," which can turn the tide of battle in favor of the Chaos Dwarfs. More on that later.

The Enchantments

a group of men in armor standing next to each other
a group of men in armor standing next to each other

The Chaos Dwarfs didn't stop at physical alterations; they also imbued their new creations with chaotic magic. This has made the TW3 Lizardmen incredibly resilient, capable of soaking up wounds that would fell even the toughest Greenskin.

Moreover, they've bestowed upon their creations the ability to regenerate, making them a persistent, relentless threat on the battlefield. Even when reduced to a pile of writhing, severed limbs, a TW3 Lizardman can eventually reform and rise again, ready to continue its crunch-encrusted rampage.

The TW3 Lizardmen Army and Its Tactics

Warhammer Lizardmen mock cover, Tom Dale
Warhammer Lizardmen mock cover, Tom Dale

As uniquely charming as they are, the TW3 Lizardmen are more than just a visually striking addition to the tabletop. They've got a toolkit of abilities that make them a formidable force in their own right.

So, what can you expect from fielding an army of ravenous, goblin-chomping Saurus? Let's dive into their tactics and techniques.

an alien like creature with glowing eyes and large headdress, standing in a dimly lit room
an alien like creature with glowing eyes and large headdress, standing in a dimly lit room
Lizardmen Paint Schemes, Lizardmen Dinosaurs, Lizardmen Troglodon, Warhammer Lizardmen Paint Schemes, Warhammer Lizardmen, Lizardmen Warhammer Art, Nebulas Civilization Lizardmen, Lizardman Warhammer, Ubaid Lizardmen
Lizardmen Paint Schemes, Lizardmen Dinosaurs, Lizardmen Troglodon, Warhammer Lizardmen Paint Schemes, Warhammer Lizardmen, Lizardmen Warhammer Art, Nebulas Civilization Lizardmen, Lizardman Warhammer, Ubaid Lizardmen
Total War: Warhammer - The Lizardmen - TV Tropes
Total War: Warhammer - The Lizardmen - TV Tropes
Warhammer II _ Lizardmen, Stoyan Stoyanov
Warhammer II _ Lizardmen, Stoyan Stoyanov
a drawing of a creature holding two swords
a drawing of a creature holding two swords
Total War Warhammer 2 - Lizardmen Scar Veterans, Jaco Herbst
Total War Warhammer 2 - Lizardmen Scar Veterans, Jaco Herbst
the great white lizard from warhammerer is holding a giant green object in his hand
the great white lizard from warhammerer is holding a giant green object in his hand
Lizardmen Lists: Avoiding the Netlist
Lizardmen Lists: Avoiding the Netlist

Battle line with a Twist

Like their Saurus kin, TW3 Lizardmen excel in the frontline, absorbing blows and dishing out damage. Their sheer numbers and resilience make them incredibly hard to pin down, and with a block of them, you can stare down even the hardiest of foes. But unlike their stone-skinned cousins, they're not just about defense; they're also about the unforgiving, relentless offense.

With their Chaotic enchantments and mutations, TW3 Lizardmen hit hard and stay down even harder. They can take on all kinds of foes, from squishy Elves to burly Dwarfs, and thanks to their ability to regenerate, they can keep on coming, long after lesser units would have fallen.

"Eat the Heroes"

"Eat the Heroes" is the TW3 Lizardmen's signature special rule. When a hero or lord model is slain within their vicinity, TW3 Lizardmen can leap forward and ... well, swallow them whole. This isn't just for show; it also grants a bonus to their nearby units, enhancing their killing potential.

There's a challenge and an opportunity here. On one hand, it can be devastating to lose a hero in this way, especially early in the game. On the other, it can be a great way to take out your opponent's most powerful miniatures. After all, what's the point of having a dragon if it's just going to be gobbled up?

The Key to Controlling the Battlefield

Much like their Saurus forebears, TW3 Lizardmen are fearsome in close combat. But unlike them, their Chaotic enhancements make them unpredictable and elusive. This unpredictability can catch your opponent off guard, as they grapple with the fact that they can't just "িষ্ট" stand and trade blows with these scaly, hungry warriors.

TW3 Lizardmen are at their best when they're aggressive, pressing forward and forcing your opponent to make tough decisions. Surprise them with sudden charges, send your Slann to cause havoc in their ranks, and make sure to feed your Lizardmen well; a full belly makes for a happy, assault-hungry warrior.

In the vibrant, unpredictable world of Warhammer, TW3 Lizardmen have carved out a unique niche for themselves. They're terrifying, hilarious, and unlike anything else on the tabletop. So, if you're looking for an army that combines brutal combat, chaotic unpredictability, and a dash of black humour, then look no further; the TW3 Lizardmen are calling your name.