Orks fire endless bullets, T’au upgrade their weapons, and Adeptus Custodes become one-man armies in their new 40k detachments!
The new Warhammer 40k detachments bring serious firepower, cutting-edge tech, and elite warrior tactics to the tabletop. Orks get More Dakka, T’au unlock Experimental Prototype Cadres, and the Adeptus Custodes fight like the Lions of the Emperor in their new detachments. Each of these factions gains a fresh detachment rule, powerful enhancements, and tactical stratagems that change the way they play. So whether you want an endless hail of bullets, hyper-accurate prototype weaponry, or lone warriors carving through enemy lines, this update has something for you.
Begun The Detachment Wars Have
These aren’t the only detachments on the way, either. Games Workshop said that there would be new quarterly detachment drops for factions for the rest of the addition, almost guaranteeing that we will see 11th edition at some point in the near future, most likely summer of 2026. So from the looks of it, there may be a lot more detachments on the way on top of the ones we already saw for Grotmas in 2024.
Orks – More Dakka Detachment
We all know know Orks love firepower, and this detachment turns the bullet hose up to 11. The More Dakka! rule gives Ork Infantry and Walkers Sustained Hits 2 on ranged attacks, meaning more exploding hits, and when Waaagh! is active, their weapons get Assault, letting them fire after advancing.
To make those bullets count, Targetin’ Squigs add +1 to hit, while Dead Shiny Shootas boost Rapid Fire, doubling shots at close range. Zog Off and Eat Dakka! lets an Ork unit fire even after Falling Back, and Da Gobshot Thunderbuss makes any weapon Devastating Wounds, though it risks overheating (Hazardous).
Stratagems bring even more chaos. Orks Is Still Orks makes melee re-roll wounds, while Get Stuck In, Ladz! triggers Waaagh! for a single unit. Long, Uncontrolled Bursts ignores cover, Speshul Shells increase AP, and Call Dat Dakka? lets Orks shoot back immediately when they take casualties.
Why This Works
This detachment is all about volume. Targetin’ Squigs + Dead Shiny Shootas means more shots and more hits, while Long, Uncontrolled Bursts + Speshul Shells ensure those bullets actually do damage. Pairing Call Dat Dakka? with a unit like Lootas means your opponent gets punished for shooting at you. Orks don’t just shoot—they drown the enemy in a storm of lead.
T’au Empire – Experimental Prototype Cadre
T’au scientists have been tinkering again, and the results are deadly. The Superior Craftsmanship rule extends the range of all ranged weapons by 6”, keeping T’au comfortably outside return fire range.
New prototype gear changes everything. The Supernova Launcher makes airburst weapons deadlier, Thermoneutronic Projectors turn flamers into melee threats, Plasma Accelerator Rifles upgrade plasma rifles with extra Strength, AP, and Damage, and Fusion Blades transform a Fusion Blaster into a melee weapon with Melta 4.
Stratagems reinforce this detachment’s pinpoint accuracy and adaptability. Automated Repair Drones restore D3+1 wounds to Battlesuits, while Reactive Impact Dampeners reduce incoming wound rolls by -1. Experimental Ammunition boosts Strength and AP for shooting, while Threat Assessment Analyser grants Sustained Hits 1 or Lethal Hits (or both, if you don’t mind Hazardous). Finally, Neuroweb System Jammer forces enemies to target a Crisis unit within 18”, keeping key units safe.
Why This Works
T’au firepower is already terrifying, but this detachment makes it ridiculous. Fusion Blades on a Coldstar Commander makes an elite assassin, while Supernova Launchers on Breachers let them wipe squads before they get close. Pairing Threat Assessment Analyser with Experimental Ammunition gives Crisis Suits monstrous firepower—just keep those drones handy to clean up any Hazardous mishaps.
Adeptus Custodes – Lions of the Emperor
Custodes don’t need backup—they fight better alone. The Lone Warriors of the Imperium rule grants +1 to Hit and +1 to Wound when no friendly units are within 6”, turning every Custodian into a one-man wrecking crew.
Enhancements boost their already absurd durability and killing power. Imperial Mandate ensures nearby Custodes re-roll Battle-shock tests, while Sovereign Executioner gives Precision and an extra melee attack against Characters. Martial Perfection allows once-per-game full hit and wound re-rolls, and Unbreakable Will makes a unit immune to Falling Back, Leadership penalties, and Objective Control reductions.
Stratagems maximize their independence and resilience. Unleash the Lions splits Allarus or Aquilon Custodians into single-model units, letting them each hold objectives. Gilded Watchers blocks Precision Attacks, Paragon of the Emperor grants full hit, wound, and damage re-rolls, and Steely Defiance allows a unit to count as Remained Stationary even after moving. Regal Authority extends Aura abilities, making support effects cover more ground.
Why This Works
This detachment makes Custodes nearly unkillable and terrifying in melee. A Shield-Captain with Martial Perfection becomes a walking blender, while Unleash the Lions turns Terminators into unstoppable single-model juggernauts. Pairing Paragon of the Emperor with Sovereign Executioner makes a perfect Character-killer, and Unbreakable Will ensures that once Custodes claim an objective, they’re not leaving.
Where to Download the New Warhammer 40K Detachments
These new Warhammer 40k detachments are free to download from Warhammer Community and are available in the Warhammer 40,000 App. If you’ve redeemed your faction’s Codex code, you’ll automatically gain access to these detachments for army building and reference.
Final Thoughts on How These Detachments Change the Meta
The More Dakka, Experimental Prototype Cadre, and Lions of the Emperor detachments bring powerful new strategies to the tabletop. Orks go all-in on firepower, T’au refine precision shooting, and Custodes turn into lone warrior death machines. Whether you’re raining bullets, burning enemies with experimental weaponry, or fighting solo like an immortal demigod, these new detachments shake up army compositions in the best way possible.
New 40k Balance Dataslate Rules Updates
Which of these detachments are you most excited about? Alright, so there you have it! The new Warhammer 40K detachments are here to crank up the action on the tabletop. Whether you’re blasting your foes into oblivion with Orks, sniping from the shadows with T’au, or striding into battle like an unstoppable juggernaut as an Adeptus Custodes, there’s a flavor for every type of player. So grab your dice, paint those models, and let the chaos commence! Happy gaming, and may your rolls be ever in your favor—unless you’re facing us, of course!
