With the new wound increases, what’s going to be better, Cataphractii Terminators or Bladeguard Veterans in Warhammer 40k now?
We’ve recently seen a new 40k rules datasheet for Terminators making them worth fielding once again. Overall they got a massive wargear boost like power fists becoming flat two damage as well as going up to three wounds per model.
Applying what may be found in the coming Space Marine codex, we have to do a little bit of unit comparison. If Terminators are getting buffed, what’s the appeal to Bladeguard Vets?
Cataphractii Terminators or Bladeguard Vets: Which Is Better?
Looking at the Bladeguard Veterans first, we’ll be using the points given to us from the Indomitus Box Set. Right now they stand at 35 pts each and come with a storm shield and master-crafted power sword. It’s also important to note that a storm shield doesn’t give a 3++ invuln to Primaris. Instead, it gives +1 armor Save and a 4++ invuln. In terms of the Bladeguard Veterans, they’re S4 T4 3W 3A (4 on the sergeant) 2+/4++.
In total, that’s 10 attacks and 9 wounds spread across three models with a 2+/4++ for 105 pts. Not bad.
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Now Onto Terminators
New Datasheet showing updated wargear and 3 wound- Terminators.
Now let’s look at the Cataphractii Terminators. Remember, we’re going to be using the new datasheet showing upgraded stats and we’re assuming these changes will come to all Terminator-profiled units. The minimum squad you can take is 5 models. For argument’s sake, let’s give everyone a bolter and power fist (because that flat two-damage is too spicy not to pass up).
For Cataphractii Terminators, they have special armor where they can sacrifice an inch of movement for +1 to their invuln save. Sure, these guys only move 4″ but come with a free deepstrike mechanic so you can drop in and charge in the same turn. They also come with that 2+/4++ that Bladeguard Vets have and are even getting bumped to the same amount wounds. Being that there are more models in the squad, however, you can soak up more damage.
Laying it all out, you get 11 2-damage attacks at S8 15 wounds and a 2+/4++ for 195 pts.
Cataphractii Terminators Or Bladeguard Vets: Which Is Better?
Comparing the two, sure, the Bladeguard Vets are cheaper, and you get +2″ of movement but you lose out on 6 wounds, 1 extra attack, the fact that all the Terminators attacks are at S8, and a free deepstrike mechanic. When you consider that, it might be worth paying the extra 90 pts to throw some Cataphractii in deepstrike and keep on rolling.
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While things are certainly still up for debate given the fact that we don’t officially have those new Terminator stats yet, what do you think about the two units? Do they both offer something unique to the table or does one straight up outclass the other?
Let us know in the comments of our Facebook Hobby Group, and make sure you enter the latest monthly giveaway for FREE today! You can also support us on Patreon and get ad-free access to the site, plus a ton of minis that helps support some of the best creators out there!
About the Author: Wesley Floyd
Wesley Floyd
Job Title: Staff Writer
Joined: 2018
Socials: @RealmbrushPainting
About Wesley Floyd: Wes has been in the Warhammer hobby since 2015 and joined the Spikey Bits writing team in 2018. He is known for his satirist takes on trending topics and imaginative yet amazingly affordable hobby solutions to painting Warhammer miniatures.
Imperial fanboy, tabletop fanatic, and the self-proclaimed King of Sprues. He knows for a fact that Mephiston red is the best-tasting paint and is the commission painting equivalent of a Wendy’s 4 for $4. If you like what he writes and want to contact him or have your tabletop minatures painted (to a mostly okayish standard), message him on Instagram.
