Discover the playstyles of the mighty Adeptus Custodes; from defensive formations to aggressive assaults, find your perfect Warhammer 40k strategy in our guide.
Updated December 16th, 2024, by Rob Baer with the latest new 40k rules information and links to relevant content.
Commanding the Adeptus Custodes (who just happen to be Cavill’s favorite army) is about more than just playing a game; it’s about embracing a legacy of excellence. Whether you’re a newcomer the new edition of Warhammer 40k or a seasoned veteran, leading these golden warriors is an experience like no other faction!
Overview of Adeptus Custodes
So, you’ve decided to dive into the world of the Adeptus Custodes, huh? Can’t say I blame you. Who wouldn’t want to command an army of golden-clad warriors that make even Space Marines look like amateurs?
The Adeptus Custodes are the Emperor’s personal bodyguards in Warhammer 40k, and they’re as elite as it gets. Imagine the most skilled warrior you can think of—now multiply that by ten and dip them in gold for good measure.
These guys don’t just guard doors; they are the walking embodiment of the Emperor’s will. Each Custodian is a one-man army, trained and genetically enhanced to perfection. They’re not just muscle, though; they’re also philosophers and tacticians. If you’re looking to play a faction where every single model is a hero (and looks fabulous), the Adeptus Custodes are your golden ticket.
Playstyles
When it comes to playstyles, the Adeptus Custodes offer more flexibility than you might think for an army of their size. Sure, you won’t have the sheer numbers of other factions, but who needs numbers when each unit is a powerhouse?
Defensive Formations
If you’re the type who enjoys watching enemy forces break against your unyielding lines, a defensive formation is your go-to strategy. Position your Custodian Guard on key objectives and let their high Toughness and armor soak up the damage. With the right positioning, your opponent will feel like they’re trying to break through a wall—with a spoon. Add a Shield-Captain to boost morale and rerolls, and you’ve got yourself a nearly impenetrable fortress.
Aggressive Assaults
For those who believe the best defense is a crushing offense, aggressive assaults are where the Adeptus Custodes shine—literally. Use units like the Vertus Praetors on their jetbikes to zip across the battlefield and engage high-value targets. Deep strike some Allarus Custodians into the enemy’s backline and watch chaos ensue. Your opponent won’t know what hit them—probably because they were blinded by all that gold.
Mixed Tactics
Can’t decide between holding the line and charging headlong into battle? Why not do both? A mixed tactics approach allows you to adapt on the fly. Use your Custodian Guard to secure objectives while your Vertus Praetors harass enemy flanks. Flexibility is key here, and the Adeptus Custodes have it in spades. It’s like having your cake and eating it too—if your cake was a squad of near-invincible warriors.
To start playing them, you will need a Codex book or access to a reference site like Wahapedia, or the official Warhammer 40k army builder app (subscription required for most up-to-date rules.)
Strengths and Weaknesses
Even the mighty Adeptus Custodes have their pros and cons. Knowing these can help you make the most of their abilities while mitigating potential pitfalls when learning to play this army.
Key Strengths
- Elite Units: Each model packs a punch, both in durability and offensive capability. They’re the heavyweight champions of Warhammer 40k adeptus custodes.
- High Durability: With impressive armor saves and invulnerable saves, they’re tough to take down. Your opponent will need to throw everything and the kitchen sink at them.
- Superior Combat Skills: Excellent weapon and ballistic skills mean they hit more often than not. When a Custodian swings, things get messy—for the other guy.
Common Weaknesses
- Low Model Count: Quality comes at a price. You’ll often be outnumbered, sometimes drastically. Every loss hurts, so mistakes are costly.
- High Point Cost: Fielding these elite units means fewer models on the table. Budget your points wisely.
- Limited Psychic Abilities: The Adeptus Custodes lack psychic powers, which can leave you vulnerable to enemy psykers. You’ll have to rely on good old-fashioned brute force.
Key Units and Strategies
Custodian Guard
Meet the Custodian Guard—the backbone of your golden legion and the envy of every other faction in the galaxy. These guys are the Emperor’s finest, each one a masterclass in how to make power armor look both intimidating and stylish. If you think Space Marines are tough, the Custodian Guard are here to politely disagree while they mop the floor with the opposition.
In the game, Custodian Guard are your go-to units for holding objectives and making your opponent question their life choices. With their guardian spears or sentinel blades paired with storm shields, they can dish out punishment and take it in equal measure. Their high stats in both offense and defense make them incredibly versatile. Want to charge headlong into enemy lines? They’re game. Prefer to sit back and dare the enemy to come to you? They can do that too.
When deploying them, consider pairing them with a Shield-Captain for those sweet rerolls. It’s like having a personal trainer who also happens to be a golden-clad killing machine. Remember, in Warhammer 40k the Custodian Guard are not just soldiers of the of Adeptus Custodes—they’re a statement.
Shield-Captains
Speaking of personal trainers, let’s talk about Shield-Captains—the leaders who make other leaders look like interns fetching coffee. These are the guys who have been around the block and lived to tell the tale, often while standing atop a pile of defeated enemies. In terms of authority, they’re second only to the Captain-General himself, and they bring that swagger to the battlefield.
Shield-Captains can be customized to fit various roles. Want a tanky commander to soak up enemy fire? Equip him with a storm shield. Prefer someone who can zip around the battlefield? Put him on a Dawneagle Jetbike, and watch as he turns into a one-man wrecking crew. His aura abilities boost nearby Adeptus Custodes units, making your already formidable army even more ridiculous.
Strategically, your Shield-Captain is the linchpin of your force. Keep him near your Custodian Guard to maximize their efficiency, or send him off with the Vertus Praetors for a high-speed onslaught. Just remember, losing him can be a blow, so don’t get too cocky—even if he does.
Allarus Custodians
If subtlety isn’t your thing, the Allarus Custodians have got you covered—literally, in slabs of auramite armor. These guys make a grand entrance by teleporting straight into the enemy’s kitchen and helping themselves to everything in the fridge. Armed with castellan axes or guardian spears, they’re designed to take on the toughest opponents and come out looking fabulous.
In gameplay terms, Allarus Custodians are excellent for disrupting enemy formations. Their ability to deep strike means you can drop them where they’ll cause the most havoc. Is that enemy artillery giving you a headache? Send in the Allarus. Got a pesky warlord hiding behind a wall of grunts? The Allarus will politely remove the obstacle.
When using them, consider the element of surprise. Nothing says “Good morning!” like a squad of teleporting Warhammer 40k Adeptus Custodes materializing in the enemy’s safe zone. Just be sure to support them—while they’re tough, they aren’t invincible, and focusing too much fire on them can spoil your fun.
Vertus Praetors
For those who like their golden warriors with a side of speed, Vertus Praetors are your new best friends. Mounted on Dawneagle Jetbikes, these guys redefine “fast and furious” in the 41st millennium. They combine the resilience of the Adeptus Custodes with the mobility to be wherever they need to be—which is usually wherever the enemy least wants them.
Vertus Praetors excel at hit-and-run tactics. Armed with hurricane bolters or salvo launchers, they can adapt to your needs, whether that’s mowing down infantry or taking potshots at enemy vehicles. Their speed allows them to threaten flanks, capture far-off objectives, and generally be a thorn in your opponent’s side.
When fielding them, timing is everything. Use their speed to exploit gaps in the enemy’s line or to support other units in a coordinated strike. Just be cautious not to overextend; even golden jetbikers can find themselves in hot water if isolated.
Wardens
Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about the Wardens—the beefed-up cousins of the Custodian Guard who bring that extra punch to your golden host. If the Custodian Guard are the dependable stalwarts of your army, the Wardens are the ones who show up and make everyone say, “Now we’re talking!” They’re like the Custodes who hit the gym twice a day and never skip leg day.
Wardens boast increased durability and the ability to shrug off wounds like they’re mere paper cuts. Need a unit to hold the line against overwhelming odds? Wardens are your go-to. They’re the embodiment of resilience in the Adeptus Custodes arsenal, capable of standing their ground in Warhammer 40k while the rest of the army does their thing.
Strategically, integrating Wardens into your army adds layers of complexity that can throw your opponent off balance. Use them to anchor your defensive positions or to spearhead an assault that requires some serious staying power. Their presence allows you to adapt on the fly, making your tactics as flexible as a contortionist in a suitcase.
Building an Adeptus Custodes Army
So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and build an Adeptus Custodes army? Excellent choice! After all, who wouldn’t want to command the Emperor’s own golden guardians in Warhammer 40k? But before you start assembling models and dreaming of battlefield glory, let’s talk strategy. Building an Adeptus Custodes army isn’t just about slapping some paint on shiny figures; it’s about crafting a force where every single model is a powerhouse.
First off, remember that quality trumps quantity here. With the Adeptus Custodes, you’re dealing with units so elite that they make other “elite” units feel like cannon fodder. This means your army will have fewer models, but each one is worth its weight in auramite. Focus on units that complement your playstyle—whether that’s holding objectives with unyielding resolve or zipping across the battlefield on jetbikes.
Consider including a mix of Custodian Guard for solid core troops, Vertus Praetors for mobility, and maybe even a Shield-Captain to lead your golden host. Don’t forget about specialized units like Allarus Custodians if you want to add some surprise deep-strike tactics.
In the end, building your Adeptus Custodes army is like assembling a dream team where every player is an MVP. So choose wisely, and get ready to make your opponents green with envy—or perhaps gold with admiration.
Suggested Army Composition
When it comes to assembling your golden legion, balance is key. Here’s a suggested army composition to get you started on your path to Warhammer 40k glory with the Adeptus Custodes.
- HQ: Start with a Shield-Captain. He’s not just there to look pretty; his buffs can turn the tide of battle. Equip him with a guardian spear or put him on a Dawneagle Jetbike if you’re feeling particularly flashy.
- Troops: Three units of Custodian Guard should form the backbone of your army. Mix and match guardian spears and sentinel blades with storm shields depending on your strategy. These guys will hold objectives and form an unbreakable line.
- Elites: Add a unit of Allarus Custodians. Their ability to deep strike can wreak havoc in your opponent’s backline. Plus, they look intimidating, which is half the battle, right?
- Fast Attack: Include some Vertus Praetors on jetbikes. Their speed and firepower make them perfect for flanking maneuvers and harassing enemy units that think they’re safe.
- Heavy Support: If points allow, a Telemon Heavy Dreadnought can provide some serious firepower and soak up enemy attacks.
This composition offers a balanced mix of durability, mobility, and hitting power. Of course, feel free to tweak it based on your personal playstyle and the specific challenges you expect to face. After all, commanding the Adeptus Custodes is all about making a big impact—both on the tabletop and in your opponent’s morale.
Tips for Beginners
Starting out with the Adeptus Custodes in Warhammer 40k can feel a bit like being handed the keys to a luxury sports car—you’ve got power and style, but you need to know how to handle it. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your golden warriors.
- Embrace the Low Model Count: With the Adeptus Custodes, you’ll have fewer units on the board. This means each model is precious. Use cover wisely and avoid unnecessary risks.
- Learn Your Units Inside Out: Each unit has unique abilities that can turn the tide of battle. Spend time understanding their strengths and how they synergize with each other.
- Optimize Your Stratagems: The Adeptus Custodes have some powerful stratagems at their disposal. Familiarize yourself with them so you can pull out game-changing moves when needed.
- Balance Your Army: While it’s tempting to load up on the flashiest units, a balanced army often performs better. Combine sturdy Custodian Guard with the mobility of Vertus Praetors and the tactical options of Allarus Custodians.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Get some games under your belt to understand how your army performs in different scenarios. Adjust your strategies accordingly.
Remember, commanding the Adeptus Custodes is a responsibility and a privilege. You’re leading the Emperor’s finest, so play like it!
FAQs on Adeptus Custodes
Q: Are the Adeptus Custodes suitable for beginners?
A: While they have a steeper learning curve due to their low model count and high stakes, beginners can absolutely start with the Adeptus Custodes. Just be prepared to think strategically and make every action count.
Q: How do I deal with being outnumbered?
A: Focus on your strengths—superior durability and combat prowess. Use terrain to your advantage, prioritize enemy threats, and aim to control key objectives.
Q: What are the best units to start with?
A: Custodian Guard are essential as core troops. Adding a Shield-Captain provides leadership and buffs. Vertus Praetors and Allarus Custodians add mobility and tactical flexibility. Things like the Combat Patrol box or any of the Battleforces are great places to start!
Q: How important are stratagems for the Adeptus Custodes?
A: Very important! Stratagems can enhance your units’ already formidable abilities and help turn the tide in critical moments.
Conclusion
Stepping into the role of a commander for the Adeptus Custodes is no small feat. You’re not just playing an army; you’re orchestrating a symphony of martial perfection in Warhammer 40k. Whether you choose to hold the line with unbreakable defense, strike swiftly with aggressive assaults, or adapt with mixed tactics, the key is to make every move count.
With their superior skills and unmatched resilience, the Adeptus Custodes offer a gameplay experience that’s both challenging and immensely rewarding. So polish that auramite armor, study your codex like it’s the Emperor’s own playbook, and get ready to leave a golden mark on every battlefield you grace.
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What do you think about the Adeptus Custodes in Warhammer 40k? Do you like their playstyle and units?
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!
