Upgrade the Deathwatch with new Index updates for Kill Teams, enhanced rules, and expanded tactics to dominate Warhammer 40K with strategy.
The festive season is here, and while most of us are unwrapping gifts or dodging another family debate, the Deathwatch are out there unwrapping xenos from their mortal coils (and joining the Grotmas Calander). It’s a time for coming together, and no one embodies that better than this motley crew of Space Marines—plucked from Chapters across the galaxy and united in their shared hobby of making alien threats regret their life choices.
The latest Deathwatch Index is the perfect excuse to grab your dice and start plotting some glorious purges. Let’s talk about what’s new, what’s improved, and what makes these xeno-slayers so downright cool.
The Deathwatch Index: A Galactic Gift for the Festive Season
The holidays are upon us, and there’s nothing quite like the joy of Space Marines from countless Chapters setting aside their rivalries to obliterate xenos together. The Deathwatch, the Imperium’s elite alien-hunting warriors, are here to remind us that nothing says “season’s greetings” quite like purging heretics with specialized bolter rounds and tactical brilliance.
For both casual fans of the 41st Millennium and those who’ve sworn the Long Vigil, the new Deathwatch Warhammer 40k index rules are a must-read. They combine updated rules, revamped Kill Teams, and rich Warhammer lore to provide a strategic feast. Let’s breakdown the new updates and why this Index makes Deathwatch one of the most versatile forces in Warhammer 40k. You can download the full rules here.
The Black Spear Task Force Returns
The Deathwatch’s iconic Black Spear Task Force is back, bringing updates for the current edition. This flexible Detachment leans into adaptability, allowing Deathwatch players to outmaneuver opponents with rules tailored for different enemies. With the Mission Tactics Detachment ability, players can switch gears seamlessly, whether facing endless waves of Tyranids, towering war machines, or pinpoint threats.
Strategically, this Detachment packs some old favorites alongside fresh updates. The Site-to-Site Teleportation Stratagem, a standout, gives Deathwatch units the ability to reposition dynamically across the battlefield. This mobility, coupled with the expanded use of specialist ammunition, makes the Deathwatch a tactical nightmare for opponents.
Kill Team Rules: Revamped and Ready for Battle
The heart of the Deathwatch’s unique style lies in their Kill Teams, specialized squads that bring a variety of armor and weaponry into a single unit. These teams have received significant updates in this Index, reflecting the new units and rules introduced in the Codex: Space Marines.
Fortis Kill Teams focus on Tacticus armor, allowing for a mix of deadly firepower and close-combat versatility. Their new rule offers a handy bonus: +1 to hit when targeting weakened units and +1 to wound against critically damaged foes. These squads now have access to new toys like pyreblasters and superfrag rocket launchers, turning them into all-purpose problem-solvers.
Indomitor Kill Teams highlight the heavier Gravis-armored units, combining the resilience of Heavy Intercessors with the firepower of Eradicators and Aggressors. These squads excel at smashing vehicles and monsters with their boosted weapon strength and melta shots that pack a punch strong enough to make even the toughest foes flinch.
Spectrus Kill Teams bring Phobos units to the forefront, focusing on battlefield control and enemy disruption. While not as flashy as their counterparts, their ability to reposition after an opponent’s turn makes them a headache for foes trying to pin them down.
Talonstrike Kill Teams are the newcomers, uniting Jump Pack-equipped Assault Intercessors and Inceptors. Their unique ability to improve weapon AP on deployment adds a sharp edge to their already devastating attacks. When paired with clever Stratagems, these squads can shred high-priority targets in style.
Special Ammunition & Even More Options
One of the standout changes in the new Deathwatch Warhammer 40k index rules is the accessibility of specialist ammunition across all Kill Teams. Gone are the days when these ammo types were limited to bolter weapons. Now, Hellfire Rounds, Kraken Rounds, and Dragonfire Rounds can upgrade the firepower of nearly any Deathwatch unit, opening up devastating combos for players to experiment with.
The Index also brings a new datasheet for Deathwatch Terminators, reinforcing their role as one of the faction’s most imposing units. Equipped with improved weaponry and a revamped Terminatus Assault ability, these veterans bring a mix of battlefield control and brute force, making them a cornerstone of any Deathwatch strategy.
Crafting Your Strategy
Whether you’re a lore lover or a tactician, the Deathwatch Index offers countless ways to field these alien-slaying specialists. With the flexibility to mix and match units in creative Kill Teams, players can create squads tailored to specific threats. And if the Black Spear Task Force doesn’t align with your plans, the broader Space Marine detachments offer plenty of alternate strategies to explore.
For fans of the lore, this Index is a celebration of what makes the Deathwatch unique. Each warrior, drawn from their Chapter to join the Long Vigil, carries the scars of countless battles. Together, they form an elite brotherhood dedicated to one purpose: the eradication of alien threats. The synergy between their diverse origins and single-minded focus is reflected in their on-table performance, making every game an immersive narrative experience.
Sample Army List
HQ:
- Watch Master (130 points)
- Equipped with Vigil Spear and Thief of Secrets.
- Watch Captain Artemis (65 points)
Troops:
- Fortis Kill Team (10 models) (200 points)
- Indomitor Kill Team (10 models) (270 points)
- Spectrus Kill Team (10 models) (200 points)
- Talonstrike Kill Team (10 models) (290 points)
Elites:
- Deathwatch Terminator Squad (5 models) (180 points)
- Deathwatch Veterans (5 models) (100 points)
Fast Attack:
- Outrider Squad (3 models) (135 points)
Heavy Support:
- Redemptor Dreadnought (195 points)
- Equipped with Heavy Onslaught Gatling Cannon, Onslaught Gatling Cannon, Icarus Rocket Pod, and two Storm Bolters.
Dedicated Transport:
- Corvus Blackstar (180 points)
- Equipped with Twin Assault Cannon, Blackstar Rocket Launcher, and Hurricane Bolter.
Total Points: 1,945
Strategic Considerations:
- Watch Master: Serves as the army’s leader, providing re-rolls for hit rolls of 1 and enhancing the effectiveness of nearby units.
- Kill Teams: Each Kill Team is tailored for specific roles:
- Fortis Kill Team: Versatile in both shooting and melee, capable of handling various threats.
- Indomitor Kill Team: Specializes in heavy firepower, ideal for taking down armored targets.
- Spectrus Kill Team: Focuses on infiltration and precision attacks, disrupting enemy plans.
- Deathwatch Terminator Squad: Provides durability and heavy weapon support, capable of deep striking to apply pressure where needed.
- Deathwatch Veterans: Flexible unit that can engage both infantry and light vehicles effectively.
- Outrider Squad: Offers rapid response capabilities, useful for flanking and objective grabbing.
- Redemptor Dreadnought: Acts as a fire support platform, laying down suppressive fire to control the battlefield.
- Corvus Blackstar: Transports units swiftly across the battlefield and provides additional firepower from the skies.
This army list leverages the Deathwatch’s unique Kill Team compositions and specialized units to create a balanced force capable of adapting to various opponents and mission objectives
A Few Final Thoughts on the Deathwatch Warhammer 40k Index
The updated Deathwatch Index brings together tradition and innovation, giving players new tools to tackle the challenges of the 41st Millennium. From its revamped Kill Teams to its expanded use of special ammunition, this Index is brimming with potential for creative strategies and unforgettable moments on the battlefield.
So whether you’re planning your next narrative campaign or prepping for competitive play, the Deathwatch Index has something for everyone. It’s a fitting update for a faction that thrives on adaptability, strategy, and a relentless focus on victory. Grab your bolter, pick your Kill Team, and prepare to hunt the xenos scum—this season, the Deathwatch are on the warpath!
See All the New 40k Detachment Rules Here
What do you think about the new Deathwatch Warhammer 40k index rules from the first Grotmas Calendar?
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!
