Sure the Imperium and Chaos have Primarch models, but these are the equivalents that the Xenos factions really need in 40k.
Primarchs can effectively hold their own against just about anything for a while. We’ve seen Morty eat through Knights and Guilliman melt elite armies up close. But could the Xenos factions like Eldar, Drukhari, and Tau ever get a Primarch equivalent?
TL;DR- it’s quite possible.
These Are the Primarchs Xenos Factions Need in 40k
Before we dive into the Xenos aspect of things, we should talk about what a Primarch model really is. From Magnus, Morty, and Guilliman, they’re a medium to big sized unit that offers something unique to the table. For example, Magnus is unparalleled in psychic potential while Guilliman is a pretty standard-issue reroll machine that’s hard to take down. Morty is just a wrecking ball in the flesh.
In terms of “fairness” for the tabletop, it may not be out of the realm of possibility to see Xenos factions get a Primarch-equivalent model. They wouldn’t have the <Primarch> keyword but they could be just as much of a one-man army.
Ghazghkull, Abaddon & The Silent King Are Perfect Examples
The Black Legion’s Primarch got CTRL, ALT, Deleted in 30k, and Orks never had a Primarch. But the main characters for each faction have been scaled WAY up and are bonkers in damage output and overall army use. For example, Abaddon is a melee blender that can give Guilliman a run for his money (and easily kill a Knight) while Ghazghkull still remains a melee powerhouse but is also very tricky to kill.
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The Silent King’s rules aren’t out yet but by the way things are looking, he’ll be the Necron Primarch-equivalent.
While we’re on the topic of dead Primarchs, Sanguinius also got #REKT. Blood Angels should never technically have a Primarch model, but that doesn’t mean we can’t see an absolute beatstick Primaris Dante in the future that essentially fills that void.
The Eldar also has the Yncarne but he’s a brand new character birthed into the lore. He’s a little squishy but super mobile and has some solid damage output. We’re not sure if GW sees him as covering the Aeldari’s “Primarch/one-man army/bad mamajama” or not but we can’t leave him out.
Some Good Xenos Candidates For Primarch-Equivalent Units
Starting with Dark Eldar, Vect is the top candidate. He even used to have a model back in the day. Plus, it looks like Dark Eldar are getting updated again with some previews showcasing what looks to be Lelith Hesperax. That means Vect could also potentially be lurking in the shadows somewhere.
Tau are in a weird spot for this but definitely something GW could easily pull off. They would probably give the Tau a named character Battlesuit with some crazy experimental weaponry.
It’s also totally possible to see Commander Farsight get some love right after Commander Shadowsun stole the thunder in Psychic Awakening’s The Greater Good.
There’s also the Avatar of Khaine that you never see. His lore is sick and GW could do a lot for the Craftworlds in that aspect but right now he’s just a statue boi that is a little on the slow and squishy side. (He’s probably better compared to a Necron C’tan than anything).
The Swarmlord, WHEW. He’s powerful but the Tyranids can do better. They need something like a new Hive Queen for their big baddie. They also need a complete rework. Seriously GW.
These have just been a few ideas of what we could see in the future for 40k! It seems like GW is making solid strides at giving each faction that one super killy character.
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About the Author: Wesley Floyd
Wesley Floyd
Job Title: Staff Writer
Joined: 2018
Socials:@RealmbrushPainting
Bio: Imperial fanboy, tabletop fanatic, and the self-proclaimed King of Sprues. Wes has been in the Warhammer hobby since 2015 and joined the Spikey Bits writing team in 2018. 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 reach out or get your models painted (to a mostly okayish standard), message him on Instagram.
