According to the data from Games Workshop, these are the best (top winning lists) and worst Warhammer 40k armies in the meta right now!
Updated December 17th, 2024, by Rob Baer with updated information on the current best and worst Warhammer 40k armies and which are currently overpowered in the meta right now.
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 points will change every quarter.
Major Faction Changes, Balance Dataslate, & Updates: Q4 Winter 2024
It’s no secret that standard-issue Space Marines (or “Codex Compliant” Marines) have been searching for a niche, especially as their cooler cousins—the Dark Angels, Blood Angels, and other divergent Chapters—hogged the limelight. This update gives vanilla Marines a hearty boost:
Codex Complaint Marines Rise
- Army Rule Revamp: Oath of Moment now grants +1 to wound against the selected target… if your army doesn’t include units from any divergent Chapter. This levels the playing field for generic Marines, making them hit harder and giving Ultramarines something to brag about beyond Roboute Guilliman.This change is a significant win for players wanting to stick to the core Codex: Space Marines experience. It encourages lists that embrace the vanilla approach while simultaneously giving Ultramarines—the poster boys of the Imperium—an actual battlefield identity beyond being “pretty decent all-rounders.” Expect more lists to fully lean into Codex-compliant units, making the most of this rule.
- Points Rebalancing: Guilliman himself sees a steep rise (+60 points), but he earns it with new flexibility. Other buffs to Intercessor squads, Sternguard Veterans, and Reivers make them more enticing for your lists. Heavy Intercessor squads going up in points might sting, but the boost to their weapon profiles ensures they’re worth the investment.Sternguard Veterans, with their new full re-rolls to wound against Oath targets, become the absolute bane of high-value enemies, capable of wiping major threats clean off the board. Meanwhile, Reivers—long considered a suboptimal choice—gain utility through tweaks that make their Fearsome Assault and Terror Troops abilities more impactful.
- Datasheet Tweaks: Heavy Intercessors now wield Damage 2 heavy bolt rifles, Infernus Squads force Battleshock rolls with incendiary terror, and Outriders’ Thunderous Impact ability gives their melee swings extra punch.
- Outriders: once dismissed as overcosted, these bikes now pack a melee wallop that pairs beautifully with aggressive pushes or flanking maneuvers. Combined with Thunderous Impact, they’re a serious threat to even durable units. The Heavy Intercessors’ weapon buffs shift their role into potent mid-board control, ensuring they can punch holes in heavy infantry or lighter vehicles with ease. And for the Infernus Squads? Their pyreblasters—ignoring cover and forcing morale checks—are just the thing to make camping enemies rethink their life choices.
Codex Marines are finally ready to step out of the shadows of their more specialized brethren and claim their own space on the tabletop.
Rules Balance Status: Buffed
The Q4 2024 update showers Codex-compliant Marines with both firepower and utility buffs. Ultramarines and their standard cousins can now hit harder, while datasheet tweaks ensure that previously overlooked units, like Reivers and Outriders, become viable options. Guilliman’s price increase reflects his expanded versatility, but overall, this is a great slate for fans of the Codex boys.
Adepta Sororitas: Miracle Dice Makeover
The Sisters of Battle face a more somber fate:
- Miracle Dice Nerfs: Reduced dice generation makes these sacred resources scarcer, and detachment abilities like Bringers of Flame take range reductions and cost hikes.
- Small Upside: The Penitent Host detachment gets more flexibility, offering hope amidst an otherwise tough set of changes.
This update feels like penance for a meta that’s long since left Sisters dominating.
Rules Balance Status: NERFED
Adepta Sororitas feel the weight of nerfs to Miracle Dice generation, limiting the resource that makes them unique. Though the Penitent Host gains some flexibility, the overall tone of these changes stifles the Sisters’ dominance, forcing players to rethink strategies.
Adeptus Custodes: Jetbike Redemption Arc
Adeptus Custodes rise with shining upgrades, especially to their Jetbikes. Their improved profiles and retooled weapons solidify their presence on the battlefield. Strategic mobility through Quicksilver Execution adds more tactical depth, making Custodes players one of the biggest winners of this update.
The golden boys bring their bikes out of storage with substantial improvements:
- Profile Boosts: Vertus Praetors and Shield Captains on Dawneagle Jetbikes enjoy Toughness 7, more wounds, and upgraded weapon profiles. Salvo Launchers and bolters now hit harder and apply re-rolls liberally.
- Strategic Mobility: Quicksilver Execution triggers on Normal Moves, expanding tactical options.
Rules Balance Status: Buffed
Verdict? Custodes players are grinning like the Emperor Himself just handed them a Custodes Jetbike starter pack.
Astra Militarum: Leontus and His Armored Brigade Get Nerfed
Imperial Guard players might want to sit down for this:
- Leontus Hit Hard: The faction’s golden boy can no longer order units like Ogryns, Bullgryns, or Super Heavies, curbing his utility.
- Points Changes: Tanks and Scion units see hikes, and Chimera spam suffers as transport costs rise.
Despite some surviving builds, the Guard’s days of overwhelming dominance seem numbered.
Rules Balance Status: Nerfed
Astra Militarum take a hit as key tools like Lord Solar Leontus lose utility, and points increases target staple units. While not entirely gutted, Guard players will find themselves recalibrating and losing some of their former meta power.
Orks: Waaagh! Just Got Waaagh!-ier
Good news for Orks (and bad news for everyone else):
- Waaagh! Buffs: Calling a Waaagh! now lasts until your next Command Phase, letting Boyz stay angry for longer and hit harder.
- Da Big Hunt Upgrades: Character targeting and Prey bonuses make this detachment a viable pick.
Finally, Orks are back to stompin’ and bashin’ with purpose.
Rules Balance Status: Buffed
Orks charge forward with significant improvements. Changes to the Waaagh! rule grant longer-lasting and impactful effects, while Da Big Hunt upgrades add versatility to their aggressive playstyle. Orks are back to smashing with confidence.
Necrons: From Hypercrypt to Starshatter
While the Hypercrypt Legion sees nerfs to its resurrection abilities, Necrons’ new Starshatter Arsenal detachment opens up terrifying options:
- Buffs to Destroyer Cults: Annihilation Legion detachment now adds AP to their ranged attacks when targeting the nearest enemy unit.
- Points Adjustments: Warriors and Immortals drop slightly, while C’tan and commonly used support units take minor hikes.
Necron overlords have plenty of shiny toys to reanimate their strategies.
Rules Balance Status: Mixed Outcome (Buffed and Nerfed)
Necrons face a dual fate: Hypercrypt sees reduced resurrection powers, but the Starshatter detachment offers compelling new firepower options. Points tweaks leave them in a stronger position overall, especially for non-Hypercrypt builds.
Tyranids: The Hive Mind’s Evolution
Tyranids see meaningful changes in Assimilation Swarm builds:
- Regeneration Enhancements: Harvesters now regenerate lost models or wounds every turn, boosting durability.
- Points Adjustments: Norns and Trygons drop in cost, while overall swarm flexibility increases.
Swarm players rejoice—there’s a lot to chew on.
Rules Balance Status: Buffed
Tyranids’ regeneration-focused Assimilation Swarm benefits immensely from durability improvements, while strategic points adjustments give players greater list-building flexibility. This is a big step forward for Tyranid swarms.
Genestealer Cults (the Best Warhammer 40k Army by Far Right Now)
- Cult Ambush Rework: Now uses a pool of points instead of dice rolls, giving the faction reliable respawn options but capping their maximum potential.
- Tunnel Crawlers Nerf: Deep strike range is now 6″ instead of 3″.
- Xenocreed Enhancement: Deeds That Speak to the Masses now adds +2 Resurgence Points.
Rules Balance Status: Mixed Outcome (Buffed and Nerfed)
At the time of the Balance Dataslate, the GSC was clearly Warhammer 40k’s most OP army. Now, the Genestealer Cults have gained reliability with the new Cult Ambush mechanics but have lost some of the dramatic highs of the older rules. Competitive builds may still thrive, but overall, power feels more measured.
T’au
T’au face significant challenges with the removal of 3” deep strikes, hampering the Retaliation Cadre’s effectiveness. This update leaves their alpha-strike capacity diminished.
- Retaliation Cadre Impact: The 3″ deep strike mechanic is removed, limiting the effectiveness of their Bonded Heroes rule.
- Tiger Shark Tax: An additional 50 points added to their most iconic unit.
Rules Balance Status: Nerfed
This change really hits the Battlesuits and will force players into other options.
Chaos Space Marines
Chaos Space Marines receive targeted buffs, with Annihilators gaining much-needed anti-vehicle efficiency.
- Predator Buffs: Annihilators now re-roll damage against Monsters and Vehicles, finally giving your gunline something to crow about.
- AP Stratagem Nerf: Armour of Contempt-style Stratagems now only last for one activation, balancing the meta.
Rules Balance Status: Buffed
While some Stratagem nerfs level the field, overall, these changes push the faction into a stronger tactical position.
Chaos Knights
Chaos Knights benefit from cheaper War Dogs and more accessible Doom and Darkness effects.
- Improved Army Rules: Doom and Darkness effects kick in earlier, amplifying battleshock potential.
- Cheaper War Dogs: Cost reductions make small, aggressive Knight builds even nastier.
Rules Balance Status: Buffed
These tweaks bring more utility to their smaller units, enhancing flexibility without major downsides.
Chaos Daemons
Across the warp-touched spectrum, subtle tweaks keep things spicy.
- Lamprey Bite Upgrade: Screamers gain anti-vehicle and anti-monster buffs, letting them rip into tanks and monsters with glee.
Rules Balance Status: Buffed
Chaos Daemons see incremental but meaningful upgrades, with Screamers getting stronger anti-vehicle abilities. The changes may not revolutionize the faction but certainly bolster their options.
Best Warhammer 40k Armies & Faction Win Rates: (December 11th, 2024 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. Lately, the Warhammer 40k meta is shifting like a Necron on a sugar rush, and the Genestealer Cult is stealing the spotlight—or at least the last slice of pizza at your game night.
At the top of the Warhammer 40k tier list Metawatch (and the Best Warhammer 40k armies for the second time in a row) are the Genestealer Cults (GSC), boasting a massive 62% win rate. This jump from 60% shows just how dominant they’ve been lately. Alarmingly, 14% of players using this faction started tournaments with a flawless 4-0 record.
This performance has drawn attention, and many are hopeful that upcoming changes will rein them in. We talk about it more in a recent Meta Monday army list breakdown article on the GSC.
Second place goes to Astra Militarum with a 54% win rate. While consistent, they’ve been hit hard with nerfs, and it remains to be seen if players can adjust their strategies to keep them competitive. Close behind are the Leagues of Votann, Chaos Daemons, and Death Guard, all sitting at a respectable 53%. These armies aren’t dominating but are solid options.
Interestingly, most armies—15 in total—are sitting comfortably within a balanced 48% to 51% win rate range. This suggests a relatively level playing field. Adepta Sororitas, for example, are at exactly 50%, though upcoming NERFS could shake things up more than some players expected. It also feels a bit harsh when they are right in the middle, but they have been above the 50% win rate for some time.
At the lower end, Dark Angels and standard Space Marines struggle at 46%. Despite their popularity, only 5% of Space Marine players manage to go 4-0 in tournaments. Meanwhile, Grey Knights currently hold the lowest win rate at 44%, the only faction below Games Workshop’s target floor of 45%.
The balance dataslate will undoubtedly shift things, but for now, GSC reign supreme, while factions like Space Marines and Grey Knights hope the love in the Dataslate will help them rise. Stay tuned—these changes will likely keep the meta fresh!
Best Warhammer 40k Armies & Faction Win Rates: (November 19th, 2024)
Stat Check shared the latest Warhammer 40k tier list win rates for the best armies, from those that need buffs to those that are currently overpowered. Lately, the Warhammer 40k meta is shifting like a Necron on a sugar rush, and the Genestealer Cult is stealing the spotlight—or at least the last slice of pizza at your game night.
The Warhammer 40k battlefield is a chaotic landscape where tactics, luck, and raw power collide. Right now, Genestealer Cults are stealing the spotlight (and plenty of victories) with an astonishing 60% win rate. That’s not just good—it’s downright oppressive.
With three major event wins and a staggering 16% of players crushing tournaments with a 4-0 start, the Cults are setting a new bar for dominance, rivaling even the Aeldari from early 10th Edition. Hive Mind, indeed. We talk about it more in a recent Meta Monday army list breakdown article on the GSC.
Meanwhile, the Leagues of Votann are finally shaking off their rocky start of 10th Edition. Their current 55% win rate proves they’ve found their footing, thanks in part to the impact of the Hernkyn Yaegirs. Not quite as flashy as the Genestealer Cults, but with two major wins under their belts, the leagues are undeniably on the rise.
The rest of the top five armies remain a chaotic mix. Chaos Daemons and Astra Militarum are solid contenders, clocking in at 54% and 52% win rates, respectively. Even Chaos Space Marines and Blood Angels are holding steady at 52%, likely benefiting from buffs. However, not everyone is thriving—Drukhari, once a powerhouse (at least for a couple of months), has slipped below 50% after recent adjustments.
Now for the rough news. Space Marine factions, including Dark Angels, Black Templars, and Grey Knights, are stuck in the 45%-47% range. It’s a tough time for the poster boys of the Imperium. And at the bottom, Imperial Agents are struggling with just a 43% win rate—a rough spot, even for this niche faction.
The balance isn’t terrible overall, with most factions hovering between 45%-55%. But the Genestealer Cults’ dominance means that their Warhammer armies are currently overpowered. It’s a challenging meta, but hey, the grimdark future was never meant to be completely fair.
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 Tier List, Currently Overpowered Armies, and the Meta
And there you have it, folks! The battlefield is buzzing with change, and every commander, from the WAAAGH!-shouting Ork 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 meta right now, the current Warhammer 40k meta tier lists, and which Warhammer 40k armies are currently overpowered?
About the Author: Travis Pasch
Travis Pasch
Job Title: Head Writer & Editor
Socials: @paschbass
About Travis Pasch: Travis has been a Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the 1990s, playing the game since Third Edition. Through extensive traveling, he’s seen a lot of the miniatures hobby from across the world, giving him a unique perspective on the latest gaming topics and trends.
Travis’s brother even owns a commission painting studio, where he’s picked up a lot of good advice and techniques for painting Warhammer and tabletop miniatures over the years, as well. Travis joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the lead writer since 2020.
Currently, he’s working on converting all his 40k Adeptus Mechanicus models and becoming a true tech enjoyer, complete with both sad and happy robot noises!
