See which Warhammer 40k Dreadnoughts earn a spot in our top 10 list with unmatched firepower, resilience, and lore appeal.
Updated September 17th, 2025, by Rob Baer with new information and links to relevant content.
Warhammer 40k Dreadnoughts are armored juggernauts that dominate battlefields for the Imperium, Chaos, or Orks.
Take a close look at any of the units we’re going to rank by jumping to any of the sections below, or just dig in from the beginning!
- Deff Dread (Ork Dreadnought)
- Aeldari Wraithlord (Eldar Dreadnought)
- Brutalis Dreadnought (Space Marines)
- Contemptor Pattern Dreadnought (Imperium)
- Bjorn the Fell-Handed (Space Wolves)
- Chaos Helbrute (Chaos Dreadnought)
- Venerable Dreadnought (Space Marines)
- Telemon Heavy Dreadnought (Adeptus Custodes)
- Redemptor Dreadnought (Primaris Space Marines)
- Leviathan Dreadnought (Space Marines)
Here’s our ranking of the strongest Warhammer 40k Dreadnoughts for firepower, durability, and tabletop impact.
The 10 Strongest Warhammer 40k Dreadnoughts
10. Ork Deff Dread 40k Dreadnought
- Overview: The Deff Dread embodies Ork ingenuity and recklessness, combining raw destructive power with an Ork’s joy for battle. Piloted by a “Big Mek” and built from scrap, it’s a fearsome (if somewhat clunky) war machine.
- Weapons: Often loaded with Big Shootas, Rokkits, and power claws, Deff Dreads are perfect for charging into enemy lines and wreaking havoc. Their weapons are optimized for causing chaos rather than precise strikes.
- Special Abilities: Though it lacks the finesse of Imperial or Aeldari walkers, the Deff Dread’s raw force and disregard for its own safety make it a brutal asset, especially effective in overwhelming foes with unrelenting attacks.
- High quality
- Ideal as a gift
- Ideal support for play and imagination
Last update on 2025-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
9. Aeldari Wraithlord
- Overview: The Aeldari Wraithlord is an elegant yet deadly construct, often called a “ghost warrior.” Unlike Imperial 40k Dreadnoughts, it is piloted by the soul of a deceased Aeldari warrior housed in a Spirit Stone.
- Weapons: The Wraithlord wields sophisticated and lethal weapons such as the Shuriken Cannon, Bright Lance, and Ghostglaive, allowing it to engage from a distance with precision or slice through foes in close combat.
- Special Abilities: Its semi-spiritual nature renders the Wraithlord immune to fear, and when paired with an Aeldari Spiritseer, it can perform fluid, tactical maneuvers with devastating results.
- Craftworlds Wraith lord
- This superb multi-part plastic kit makes a mighty Aeldari Wraith lord and includes a variety of lethal weapons and upgrades.
- This kit comes supplied unpainted and requires assembly
Last update on 2025-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
8. Brutalis Dreadnought 40k
- Overview: A newer Primaris Dreadnought, the Brutalis is designed specifically for close-combat destruction. This Dreadnought is all about raw, up-close power (and a few storm bolters as well).
- Weapons: Equipped with twin bolt rifles and either power fists or talons, the Brutalis can tear through enemy infantry and light vehicles. For heavier enemies, it can be armed with twin heavy bolters or twin multi-meltas on its chest.
- Special Abilities: The Brutalis Dreadnought inflicts mortal wounds upon charging, making it a devastating force against tough opponents. It’s perfect for taking the fight straight to the enemy, dominating the frontline with brutal efficiency.
- Warhammer 40,000 S/Marines Primaris Redemptor Dreadnought
- This multi-part plastic kit contains the components necessary to assemble a Primaris Redemptor Dreadnought.
- The Primaris Redemptor Dreadnought comes as 109 components, and is supplied with a Citadel 90mm Round base and a transfer sheet.
- Miniatures come supplied unpainted and require assembly.
Last update on 2025-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
7. Contemptor Pattern 40k Dreadnought
- Overview: A relic from the Horus Heresy, the Contemptor is a more agile and faster variant compared to other Dreadnoughts (but don’t worry, it still has heavy armour). Its legacy and technology make it highly revered within the Space Marine chapters.
- Weapons: Outfitted with options like the Kheres Assault Cannon and multi-meltas, the Contemptor is highly adaptable and a great attacking model. It can tackle both armored and infantry units, excelling in mid- to close-range engagements.
- Special Abilities: The Contemptor’s advanced design includes shielding technology that allows it to evade damage more effectively than other Dreadnoughts, giving it a unique balance of agility and firepower.
- Tabletop game
- Easy to use
- Premium quality
Last update on 2025-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. Bjorn the Fell-Handed Space Wolves Dreadnought
- Overview: The oldest Dreadnought in existence, Bjorn fought alongside the legendary Primarch Leman Russ during the Horus Heresy. He is a revered icon of the Space Wolves, wielding both might and ancient wisdom.
- Weapons: Armed with his unique Lightning Claw, Bjorn is exceptional in close-quarters combat. He is also outfitted with heavy weapons for ranged attacks, making him versatile on the battlefield.
- Special Abilities: Bjorn’s greatest strength is his experience and wisdom, which provide a tactical advantage to any unit he leads. His sanity and presence on the battlefield boost the morale of surrounding troops, making him a strategic asset beyond his combat prowess.
- Space Wolves Venerable Dreadnought / Bjorn the Fell-Hand / Murderfang
Last update on 2025-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Chaos 40k Helbrute Dreadnought
- Overview: The Helbrute is a warped version of a Dreadnought, twisted and enhanced by the dark powers of Chaos. Unlike its loyalist counterparts, it often operates under a berserk rage, lashing out at friend and foe alike.
- Weapons: Armed with corrupted lascannons, autocannons, and Power Scourges, the Helbrute channels its fury into a brutal assault, with the added unpredictability of warp mutations.
- Special Abilities: A Helbrute’s connection to the warp often grants it insane levels of resilience, as well as a wild, unhinged strength that can overwhelm even heavily armored foes. It’s both feared and pitied, its existence a punishment for the fallen Chaos Marine within.
Last update on 2025-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Venerable Space Marine Dreadnought 40k
- Overview: The Venerable Dreadnought is a more ceremonial model, piloted by some of the most honored Space Marines who have a legacy of valor. Their sarcophagi contain heroes who continue to serve long after suffering mortal wounds.
- Weapons: Typically armed with an Assault Cannon and Heavy Flamer, this Dreadnought can hold its own in any firefight. Its armaments are reliable and deadly across various combat scenarios.
- Special Abilities: Thanks to its pilot’s age and wisdom, this Venerable 40k Dreadnought often serves as a strategic advisor. It also possesses enhanced armor plating, giving it an edge in durability, which, coupled with the respect it commands, makes it highly valuable.
3. Telemon Heavy Dreadnought 40k
- Overview: The Telemon Heavy Dreadnought is one of the most advanced and rare Dreadnoughts, fielded exclusively by the Adeptus Custodes. Built with cutting-edge technology, it rivals or surpasses many other Dreadnoughts in power and durability.
- Weapons: Outfitted with the Arachnus Storm Cannon and Iliastus Accelerator Culverin, the Telemon brings immense firepower to bear, with unmatched precision and armor-piercing capabilities.
- Special Abilities: The Telemon is incredibly durable and possesses technological advancements beyond the standard Dreadnought, making it exceptionally resistant to damage. Its status as a Custodes warrior also enhances its combat efficiency, often turning the tide of critical battles.
2. Redemptor Dreadnought 40k
- Overview: The Redemptor 40k Dreadnought is a powerhouse in the Space Marine arsenal, bringing both close-range brutality and long-range firepower to the table. It represents the pinnacle of Dreadnought advancement for the Primaris Space Marines.
- Weapons: Its loadout includes the Macro Plasma Incinerator, Heavy Onslaught Gatling Cannon, and Fragstorm Grenade Launchers, allowing it to obliterate enemies from afar or in close combat.
- Special Abilities: The Redemptor is especially tough, capable of ignoring a portion of the damage it takes. This makes it one of the most resilient Dreadnoughts, able to withstand heavy bombardment and still fight on effectively.
- Warhammer 40,000 S/Marines Primaris Redemptor Dreadnought
- This multi-part plastic kit contains the components necessary to assemble a Primaris Redemptor Dreadnought.
- The Primaris Redemptor Dreadnought comes as 109 components, and is supplied with a Citadel 90mm Round base and a transfer sheet.
- Miniatures come supplied unpainted and require assembly.
Last update on 2025-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Leviathan 40k Dreadnought
- Overview: The Leviathan is often considered the most powerful Dreadnought 40k has to offer, combining unmatched armor with devastating firepower.
- Weapons: Armed with siege claws, heavy flamers, and ranged weaponry like storm cannons, the Leviathan excels at cracking through the toughest defenses and overpowering both infantry and armored units.
- Special Abilities: With near-impenetrable armor and an arsenal capable of both melee and ranged destruction, the Leviathan Dreadnought is unrivaled in its power and survivability. Its presence on the battlefield often forces enemies to redirect all available firepower, as failing to neutralize it can spell doom for opposing forces.
40k Dreadnought FAQs
How Large is a 40k Dreadnought?
If you’ve ever wondered how tall are dreadnoughts in 40k, let’s just say they’re not exactly sneaking through doorways anytime soon. These armored giants range from around 3 to 5 meters tall (that’s roughly two Space Marines stacked shoulder-to-shoulder), depending on the model.
Some, like the towering Leviathan, can tip the scales over 6 meters, making them the MVPs of battlefield intimidation.
Imagine one of these Warhammer 40k Dreadnoughts stomping its way across the tabletop—hulking, weapon-laden, and impossible to miss. From the compact brutality of the Brutalis to the colossal and imposing Telemon Heavy Dreadnought, their size isn’t just for show; it’s a statement.
Every meter of their height is packed with enough firepower and resilience to turn even the boldest foes into a cautionary tale.
Is Being a Dreadnought Fun in Warhammer 40k?
Image Credit and Tutorial: The Ward Save
Let’s be real—fun probably isn’t the first word that comes to mind when you’re entombed in a walking metal coffin for eternity. Being a Warhammer 40k Dreadnought isn’t exactly a vacation. It’s more like a never-ending shift as the universe’s most overqualified frontline worker.
On the plus side, you’re practically indestructible, get to wield weapons bigger than most tanks, and your levels of 40k dreadnought cred is through the roof. On the downside? Well, you’re a bit… stuck.
Most Dreadnought 40k pilots are warriors who were so good at their job they couldn’t stop even after they were mortally wounded. The Imperium’s solution? Slap them into a massive armored war machine and tell them to get back to work.
Art by Pen User on DV
In short, being a Dreadnought is a mixed bag. It’s the ultimate comeback gig for the galaxy’s toughest, but the work-life balance? Let’s just say it’s nonexistent. You can see what the inside of a Dreadnought looks like in this article here.
What Weapons can a 40k Dreadnought Survive?
When it comes to dreadnought in 40k, these armored beasts are like the ultimate tanks with attitude, shrugging off most things short of a catastrophic explosion. Built from materials tougher than your local Space Marine captain’s ego (we’re talking ceramite and adamantium), a Warhammer 40k Dreadnought isn’t just hard to scratch—it’s downright infuriating to destroy.
So, what can they handle? Plenty. Levels of Dreadnoughts in 40k differ, but most can survive hits from lascannons, plasma blasts, and even melta weapons, which are usually the go-to for melting stuff. Even those Chaos-warped Helbrutes can hold their own against some gnarly damage.
A Dreadnought’s thick armor plating, combined with the occasional invulnerable save, ensures that taking one down isn’t just hard—it’s a downright chore.
However, concentrated anti-armor firepower, psychic smashes, or just a ridiculously determined Ork with a power klaw can eventually wear them down. But don’t hold your breath—it’ll take a lot more than your average pew-pew to bring these bad boys to their knees (assuming they even have knees, depending on the model).
In short, Dreadnoughts are a nightmare to deal with, no matter what faction you’re facing, making them a cornerstone of resilience in any Warhammer 40k army.
Final Thoughts From Us: Warhammer 40k Dreadnoughts
Whether you’re a 40k newcomer here from the big Cavill news or the Space Marine 2 game, or a veteran player with tales of these walking war machines in action, we think it’s safe to say that Dreadnoughts have an undeniable pull.
They are so much more than armored war machines; they’re the echoes of legendary warriors, the reluctant soldiers who didn’t know when to quit (or couldn’t, even if they wanted to).
They’re not only among the most formidable units in Warhammer 40k but also some of the most visually imposing. They bring a bit of everything: lore, firepower, and a good dose of tragedy.
After all, the real magic of Warhammer 40k isn’t just in the firepower but in the tales these war machines carry with them.
A Look Inside a Warhammer 40k Dreadnought
Where to Get Your 40k Dreadnought
Snag your new Dreadnought model from our handpicked list of retailers, and give us a high-five in support! Every qualifying purchase helps Spikey Bits keep the lights on and the fun going. Every qualifying purchase helps Spikey Bits keep the lights on and the fun going.
Quick Order Links To Get 15% Off or More:
- Mid Atlantic US: Fabricators Forge | Bazooka Games | or | The Rogue Traders |
- Central US: Wargame Portal | Collector Store | Dicehead Games | Noble Knight Games | or | Warpfire Minis |
- West Coast US: Frontline Gaming | Gamers Guild AZ | or | Squad Marks |
- UK: Element Games (UK) | Merlin’s Minis | or | Wayland Games |
- Canada: Fenris Workshop | Tista Minis | Abyss Game Store | or | Kingdom Titans |
- Worldwide: Amazon | eBay | or | Games Workshop’s Store |
Which Warhammer 40k Dreadnought do you think is the strongest? Share your favorite 40k Dreadnought in the comments.
