Get the full 40k rules breakdown for Imperial Fists and see why their new codex Space Marines detachment and Lysander are putting the “D” in defense now.
Updated September 4th, 2025, by Rob Baer with the latest Warhammer 40k Imperial Fists rules.
Ready to crack some skulls and hold the line? The Imperial Fists are back in the spotlight, and they’ve brought Darnath Lysander (luckily, he’s staying at 100 points) to anchor their shiny new detachment.
Wrath of Dorn is all about stoic durability, brutal counterpunches, and making your opponent regret ever stepping onto your objective markers.
Here’s our look at the latest 40k Space Marines codex rules detachment for the Imperial Fists in Warhammer 40k, breaking down what’s new, what works, and how it could impact your games.
Stone-Cold Wrath of Dorn
At the heart of the detachment is Wrath of Dorn, which turns every Oath of Moment target into a very bad day for your opponent. All Imperial Fists gain re-rolls of 1s to wound against that chosen unit, giving even humble bolters a touch of stubborn precision.
Lysander takes this further; his unit gets full wound re-rolls against the target. Imagine a Terminator brick swinging hammers with almost guaranteed damage output. That’s not just scary; that’s game-shaping.
The only restriction is that you’re locked into Imperial Fists only, but honestly, that’s the point. This detachment doubles down on their lore: unbreakable defenders who grind the enemy into rubble.
Don’t forget, these rules go hand in hand with the main Space Marine codex, so make sure to check out those right here!
Enhancements That Scream “Dorn Approves”
- Champion of the Feast – More melee attacks for the bearer, plus a once-per-battle bonus that juiced up the whole squad. Great on Bladeguard or terminators leading a counter-charge.
- Disciple of Rhetoricus – Extra OC for Terminators, with a once-per-battle OC aura.
- Indomitable Champion – Terminator refuses to die, with a 2+ chance to stand back up on three wounds. It’s like Dorn himself refusing to let go.
- Malodraxian Standard – -1 to wound against high-strength attacks. Stick this on an Ancient and laugh while Knights bounce off your wall of ceramite.
Every one of these is playable, and they all reinforce the Imperial Fists’ identity: grindy, hard to shift, and able to punch back.
Stratagems: Bolters, Bravery, and Brick Walls
This detachment has some of the nastiest stratagems for elite infantry we’ve seen yet:
- Armour of Contempt – Enemy AP gets worse by 1 against your chosen unit. A defensive staple.
- Fury of the First – Terminators and Veterans get +1 to hit, and if they’ve taken losses, +1 to wound too. The angrier they get, the harder they hit.
- Obdurate Vengeance – Fight on death for your elite squads. Every hammer that swings back feels like Dorn’s own fist.
- Wrathful Conquerors – Hold objectives even after moving away. Perfect for teleport shenanigans.
- Disciplined Extermination – Ignores Cover and +1 AP on ranged weapons. Bolter drill at its finest.
- Dropship Extraction – Terminators can bail into reserves at the end of the enemy Fight phase. Tactical redeploys keep your anvils in play.
The toolbox is deep here. Whether you’re pushing mid-board, bullying objectives, or soaking fire, these strats give you flexibility without diluting the Fists’ theme of defiant attrition.
Darnath Lysander: The Big Guy Himself
Lysander is the ultimate Imperial Fists hero; tough, unyielding, and deadly up close.
- Statline: T5, 7 wounds, 2+/4++ save, with a once-per-battle 2++ invuln. Good luck chewing through that.
- Fist of Dorn: 5 attacks, WS2+, S10, AP-3, D3 with Devastating Wounds. Perfect for deleting elite infantry and denting tanks.
- Icon of Obstinacy: His squad is -1 to wound against higher Strength attacks, turning Terminators into nightmare anvils.
- Rampart: That once-per-battle 2++ is the kind of clutch button that saves a game.
He can lead Terminators or Assault Terminators, and with his buffs, those squads go from “durable” to “you’ll never shift me.” Lysander isn’t just a beatstick; he’s the cornerstone that makes this detachment shine.
Rampart Force Torreus: The Combat Patrol
If smaller battles are more your speed, the Combat Patrol: Imperial Fists is led by Captain Torreus, and it’s just as stalwart.
The patrol itself leans hard into bolter discipline with Company Heroes, Terminators, and Intercessors. Stratagems like Transhuman Might and Siege Masters bulk up your defenses.
Get the new combat patrol rules here.
Final Thoughts from Us: New 40k Imperial Fists Rules
Wrath of Dorn and Lysander bring Imperial Fists into the spotlight with rules that are flavorful, competitive, and just plain mean. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate the image of unmovable yellow-armored warriors holding the line against impossible odds, this detachment nails it.
Lysander makes Terminator bricks nearly unkillable, while your stratagems and enhancements give you the tools to dominate objectives and crush whatever dares to come close.
Download the New Detachment Rules Here
Do you like the new Imperial Fists Detachment? What about the new Vulkan He’stan rules?
