According to the data from Games Workshop, these are the best (top winning lists) and worst Warhammer 40k armies in the metawatch right now!
Updated on March 14th, 2025, by Rob Baer with updated information on the current best and worst Warhammer 40k armies, which are currently overpowered in the meta right now, and the latest Balance Dataslate changes.
GW’s been keeping a close eye on the meta lately, trying to keep every Warhammer 40k army at that sweet 50% win rate with their Balance Dataslates, Rules Commentary, and FAQs. According to the folks over at Warhammer Community, here’s the scoop on the best and worst 40k armies in the meta (along with the most OP army).
Also, big news – GW is now updating the 40k Balance Dataslate every other quarter, but the points will still be changing every quarter.
40k Metawatch & Best Armies:
Welcome to the whirlwind world of Warhammer 40k, where factions clash, strategies unfold, and the meta is as unpredictable as a Chaos Spawn on a good day! With Games Workshop keeping a close eye on the battlefield, we’ve sifted through the latest numbers to uncover the top contenders and the not-so-glorious underdogs.
We’ll look at win rates, event wins, and the occasional crisis of faith as we break down the best and worst armies, reshaping the 40k landscape. So whether you’re gearing up for a tournament or just trying to figure out what to paint next, this is the scoop you don’t want to miss!
Which Warhammer Armies Are Currently Overpowered: Tier List
Chaos Daemons, Aeldari, and Chaos Space Marines are sitting comfortably at the top of the Warhammer 40k food chain, and it doesn’t look like they’re going anywhere soon. They’re dominating tournaments with consistent wins, and if you’re not prepping for them, you’re probably prepping to lose.
Space Marines are hanging out in the S tier too—not necessarily because they’re the strongest, but because they’re everywhere. With so many people playing them, they rack up event wins just by sheer numbers and have an uncanny knack for 4-0 starts.
In the A tier, Dark Angels (pulled off an event win and tons of 4-0 starts), Custodes, Thousand Sons, and Orks are putting up solid performances, but they’re just a touch shy of top-tier dominance. They’ve got power, but they’re not quite terrorizing the meta like the big boys above. Leagues of Votann might be slipping lately, but they’re still showing up on top tables enough to earn a respectable B-tier spot. Then, Knights of both flavors have done quite well lately, but we’ll see if they stay at the top for long.
Now, if you’re rocking Adeptus Mechanicus, Drukhari, or Adepta Sororitas (but after the big changes, probably not for long), you’re in C-tier territory. Sure, they can steal a win or two, but you’ll need to play out of your mind to go the distance. Bringing up the rear in D tier, we’ve got GSC, Imperial Agents, and some of the Space Marine chapters lacking who can’t seem to catch a break this edition.
40k Armies, Faction Win Rates: (March 14th, 2025)
The Warhammer 40k meta has been a rollercoaster lately, and with the latest balance changes rolling in, things are about to shake up—hopefully for the better. Chaos Daemons are still sitting pretty at the top with a 58% win rate, but there’s an interesting wrinkle.
They’re racking up wins at a steady clip, yet when it comes to sealing the deal at major tournaments, they’re struggling to land that final blow. Plus with Daemons moving to a purely index army with no codex on the way in 10th edition, everything is about to change again…
Aeldari, though? Different story. With their new codex in hand, they’ve managed to snag two tournament victories, making them one of the biggest threats in the current game. Chaos Knights and Imperial Knights are also putting in work, proving that big stompy robots still hold their ground. And let’s not forget Chaos Space Marines—these spiky warriors have clawed their way back over the 50% win rate and even grabbed three tournament wins, more than any other faction in this stretch. Clearly, some serious list refinement is happening in that camp.
Meanwhile, on the other end of the spectrum, Adepta Sororitas aren’t having a great time, though their low play rate skews the data a bit. That said, the most recent balance pass gave them a serious boost, which could mean we’re about to see them storm back up the rankings.
The same can’t be said for Black Templars, Drukhari, and Adeptus Mechanicus, all of whom are lagging below that 45% win rate target. With minimal changes to help them out, they might be stuck at the bottom for a while. The big question now? Which armies will adapt quickest and rise to the challenge in the post-dataslate landscape?
Best Warhammer 40k Armies & Faction Win Rates: (February 19th, 2025 Metawatch)
Stat Check shared their latest Warhammer 40k tier list with win rates for the best armies, from those that need buffs to those that are currently overpowered.
Chaos Daemons are running rampant, and unless you’re packing some serious firepower (or a lot of prayers), you’re in for a rough ride. With a staggering 62% win rate and a chunk of the player base starting tournaments with a perfect 4-0 record, they’re not just strong—they’re dominating.
And it’s not just a fluke; these numbers come from a solid 3% of all players. That’s a serious presence on the tabletop.
Right behind them, Adeptus Custodes and Orks aren’t exactly slacking. Sitting at 58% and 57% win rates, these factions are keeping pace with the meta juggernauts. Custodes even racked up two event wins, proving that their golden boys aren’t just for show. They were also one of the most-played armies across all events, meaning a lot of players are putting their faith in the Emperor’s finest.
On the flip side, some factions are struggling to keep their heads above water. Sisters of Battle, World Eaters, and Adeptus Mechanicus are all struggling below the 45% mark. Chaos Knights and Drukhari are also in the danger zone, with win rates that make you question if they left their best units back in the warp. And then there’s the Black Templars, sitting at a painful 33%—but with only three players running them, it’s hard to say if they’re truly that bad or if those three just had an off day.
Right now, the meta is top-heavy, and if you’re not rolling with one of the big hitters, you might need to start thinking about a new game plan.
Latest Points Changes, Balance Dataslate Updates
Alright, let’s break down the latest confirmations from GW about which armies are the best in Warhammer 40k. They’ve dropped some big updates shaking up the best and most overpowered Warhammer 40k armies, and there’s a little something for everyone—or at least enough to keep us all arguing over meta-shifts.
There was a massive Dataslate with changes for Daemons, Sisters, and most armies. Plus points updates for almost every army! This shakeup should really change how the meta is going.
The latest dataslate is a game of give and take—some factions are getting the nudge they need to stay relevant, while others are being reined in before they spiral out of control. Adeptus Custodes, who were living the high life, have been knocked down a peg with points increases on their best units. They’ll still be strong, but list-building just got a bit trickier.
Meanwhile, Adepta Sororitas got a Miracle Dice boost and point reductions, which should keep them in the game and maybe let them start breaking back into the top table. Expect Sisters players to get a little more mileage out of their faith-based plays!
Leagues of Votann just got a serious early-game buff with their new Judgement Token rules, meaning they can start punishing key targets right away. Expect to see more Votann lists pushing the tempo, which could shake up the early turns of many matchups.
Chaos Daemons, on the other hand, got their wings clipped. The Legion of Excess detachment is less punishing for opponents now, which means no more free re-rolls to Hit and Wound unless they’re in Shadow of Chaos. It’s a hit, but not one that will send them into the abyss.
Astra Militarum and Orks both got important rule clarifications—Guard players will have to work harder for their Bridgehead Strike Detachment benefits, while Orks can’t launch Bomb Squigs blindly anymore. These changes tone down the more abusable aspects of these factions while keeping them playable.
For Aeldari, Asurmen’s tweak to Devastating Wounds means one of their best units is slightly less terrifying. That being said, Aeldari were already strong, so this is more of a gentle nerf rather than a major hit.
Overall, the meta still favors elite, durable armies, but we might see more variety as players adapt to these shifts. Custodes are still great, but they’re no longer a no-brainer pick. Votann’s early game is stronger, which might make them a surprise contender.
Major Faction Changes & Updates: Q1 Winter 2025
Imperial Factions
The Q1 2025 balance update has hit the Imperium factions hard and fast, with points changes across the board and a few key rule tweaks that have left some of the best Warhammer armies cheering while others scramble to adjust.
Adepta Sororitas: Faith and Fortune Adjusted
The Adepta Sororitas have been struggling, and Games Workshop is throwing them a lifeline. The Miracle Dice mechanic has been tweaked once again (reverted to pre-NERF which lasted all of a couple of months), bringing back the rule that grants a dice each time a unit is destroyed. This should help balance out their reliance on faith-based abilities. A few point drops here and there make the faction a bit more forgiving to play, though they’ll still need smart positioning and tactical patience.
What this means: Expect Sisters players to have more control over key moments in the game, and with a few point drops, they might be dominating. Miracle Dice are powerful, but they still need to be spent wisely.
Adeptus Custodes: The Emperor’s Chosen Get a Reality Check
If you’ve been facing down Custodes lists and thinking, “These guys are a bit much,” you’re not alone. The Blade Champion and Custodian Wardens are getting a points increase, which should make elite-heavy lists a little trickier to build. On top of that, the Venerable Contemptor Dreadnought and Telemon Dreadnought are also seeing cost hikes, thanks to their strong showing in the Solar Spearhead Detachment.
On the flip side, some less-used units like Aleya and Shield Captains are getting slight discounts. This should open up a few more list-building options while keeping Custodes from feeling oppressive.
What this means: Custodes armies will still hit hard, but running the same power picks over and over will be more difficult. Players might start experimenting with different unit combos to stay competitive.
Astra Militarum: Remote Mines and Scion Tactics Adjusted
The Astra Militarum has had a strong showing lately, and this update reins in some of their most effective tools. The Combat Engineers’ Remote Mine now deals D3 Mortal Wounds instead of a flat value, bringing it in line with the Kasrkin Melta Mine. The Bridgehead Strike Detachment also gets a points increase on boosted units, and the Fire Zone Purge rule now adds +1 to Hit instead of +1 to Wound. This change reflects the new Tempestus Scions Storm Trooper ability, which grants re-rolls to wound instead. On top of that, the Firing Hot Stratagem now costs more CP, which makes sense—it was getting out of hand.
What this means: Guard players will need to think twice before spamming mines, and the Bridgehead Strike Detachment won’t be quite as overwhelming. It’s still strong, just not an automatic win condition.
Xenos Faction Changes
The Q1 2025 balance update for Warhammer 40k has brought significant changes to the Xenos factions, which are the best Warhammer armies, with points adjustments and a few major updates that will force players to rethink their strategies.
Aeldari: Asurmen’s Power Dialed Back
Games Workshop dropped a new Aeldari 10th Edition codex FAQ in the last round of changes, shaking things up with new attachment rules and point adjustments that might just make you rethink your army list. But that’s not all; if you liked the Forge World options, it’s time to say goodbye, as most have slipped into Legends territory.
Then, in March, the Aeldari still have plenty of tools to cause headaches, but Asurmen’s Hand of Asuryan ability has been adjusted. Its Anti-Infantry effect now triggers on a 5+, reducing the number of Devastating Wounds flying around. This is a subtle but impactful nerf, keeping Asurmen from deleting entire squads without breaking a sweat.
What this means: Aeldari players will need to work a little harder to get the same results, but they’re still a force to be reckoned with.
Orks: Keeping Da Boyz in Line
Orks are all about organized chaos, but some mechanics were a little too generous. The Lissen ‘Ere rule now forces a Leadership test when units get their tactical orders, making it riskier to rely on multiple stacking buffs.
Meanwhile, Tankbustas now have to see their target before launching Bomb Squigs, and they can only unleash one at a time. No more sending in invisible, exploding critters from across the battlefield. Lastly, they also grabbed a brand new detachment, which is all about giving your Orks more Dakka!
What this means: Orks still bring the fun, but they won’t be pulling off as many unintended combos. Expect a bit more planning when setting up their biggest plays.
Leagues of Votann: Judgement Day Comes a Little Sooner
If you thought the Leagues of Votann weren’t judging you hard enough, think again. The Army Rule now lets players slap two Judgement Tokens on enemy units before the game even starts. This should help Votann armies get rolling a bit faster, making their grudge-fueled firepower more consistent right out of the gate. This also means the new Hearthband detachment will get much stronger, as with a Kahl on the board, you can have three units judged turn one.
To balance things out, the Oathband Detachment starts with fewer pre-marked enemy units (but the same number in total), which keeps things from spiraling out of control too quickly.
What this means: Votann armies won’t have to wait as long to start punishing key targets. Target priority just became even more important.
Chaos Faction Changes
The Q1 2025 balance update has only touched one faction on the Chaos side of things, and the Chaos Daemons are receiving all kinds of changes…
Chaos Daemons: Excess No Longer Comes Free
The Legion of Excess was starting to live up to its name a little too much. The Seductive Gambit rule has been toned down—units no longer get full re-rolls to Hit and Wound outside of Shadow of Chaos. They’ll still be nasty in the right circumstances, but this stops them from steamrolling opponents without effort.
The Thieves of Pain Stratagem also got a small but meaningful tweak: now the unit absorbing the damage has to be visible to the attacker. No more sneaky shenanigans where wounds magically disappear into hidden units. Lastly, the Overwhelming Excess Stratagem loses its Battle-shock effect, but now it gives -1 to Hit in both the Shooting and Fight phases. This makes it a bit more reliable, even if it’s lost a bit of its psychological warfare potential.
What this means: Chaos Daemons still bring the pain, but they have to work a little harder for it. Expect more careful positioning and timing from Daemon players who want to keep their buffs rolling.
Space Marine Rules Changes
The Oath of Moment ability is now explicitly tied to Codex: Space Marines detachments, stopping certain subfactions from bending the rules. Uriel Ventris now only grants Deep Strike to Phobos, Gravis, and Tacticus units, keeping him from enabling unexpected teleportation tricks. And for those sneaky Phobos Lieutenants? Their Strategic Dispersal Rule now prevents them from charging after moving, which was letting them pull off some ridiculous mobility plays.
What this means: Space Marines are still flexible, but some of their most surprising tricks are off the table. Expect a more predictable (but still powerful) game plan. A lot of this is based on the recent January changes, here’s a quick rundown of what changed then.
10th Edition Munitorium Field Manual Updates
Both these points updates and the Balance Dataslate will shake up the best and worst Warhammer 40k Armies in the meta and lists, but that’s generally a good thing. Let’s start with the Munitorum Field Manual 40k points change updates winners and losers and then get into the specifics of how the Warhammer 40k tier list is changing.
Buffed Factions (Best Warhammer 40k Armies):
- Adeptus Mechanicus: Those Kastelan Robots and Datasmiths are rolling in discounts.
- Black Templars: Cheaper Repulsors and Executioners for the holy hammer time.
- Blood Angels: Sanguinary Guard and Death Company with better prices for more blood-spilling.
- Chaos and Imperial Knights: Affordable War Dogs mean more barking on the battlefield.
- Chaos Space Marines: Bikes are zooming in for less.
- Necrons: Warriors, Ghost Arks, and Ophydian Destroyers are resurrecting those budget vibes.
- Leagues of Votann: Thunderkyn and Iron-masters are dropping those gold nuggets.
- Tyranids: Norn and Trygon are hungry for action at a discount buffet.
NERF-ed Factions (Warhammer 40k Armies Which are Currently Overpowered):
- Astra Militarum: Infantry squads, characters, and tanks got a little heavier, but some units like Death Korps and Ogryns are feeling fresh.
- Adepta Sororitas: Castigator and Exorcist turned into luxury items.
- Adeptus Custodes: Dawneagle Jetbikes got fancy price tags, but received buffs in the Dataslate.
- Drukhari: Scourges and Grotesques are making you pay for the pain.
- Tau Empire: Tiger Shark’s new price tag hits like its railgun.
- Space Wolves: Scouts and Wulfen getting fancier to deploy.
- Space Marines: Intercessors, Scouts, and Guilliman got a price hike—ouch! However, this should all be a buff in the long run with the Dataslate changes.
Final Thoughts on The Best & Worst Warhammer 40k Armies
And there you have it, folks! The winds of change are blowing on the tables, and every commander, from the WAAAGH!-shouting Orks to the Thousand Sons’ tactical masterminds, will have to sharpen their strategies to be the most OP army in Warhammer 40k now.
While some factions are licking their wounds from heavy nerfs (which Warhammer 40k armies were overpowered), others are priming their war engines for a comeback (and might finally make the good side of a Warhammer 40k tier list).
Check out the latest resources for the current best armies in the Warhammer 40k meta, along with the recent updates from Games Workshop for all the juicy details on which armies are currently overpowered (or the most OP) and which need help.
- Weekly Warhammer 40k Tournament Coverage & Top Tier Army Lists
- Latest Balance Dataslate
- 40k Points Update & Changes
- Upcoming Warhammer Tournaments & Events
- Latest Warhammer 40k Rumors
- New Release Roadmap For Warhammer 40k
- Warhammer 40k 10th Edition Balance Dataslate Updates
- Warhammer 40k Codex Release Date Guide
- 40k Base Sizes Resource Guide
- How to Paint Miniatures: Warhammer & Other Tabletop Games
Warhammer 40k Factions Explained: A Complete Guide to Every Army
What do you think about the best and worst lists in the metawatch right now, the current Warhammer 40k meta tier lists, and which Warhammer 40k armies are currently overpowered?
