Don’t miss these 3 bold Warhammer 40k rules predictions for the new Chaos Renegade Knights that were recently previewed by Games Workshop.
Chaos Knights are on the way and they are looking FANTASTIC. Between all the chains, skulls, and meathooks, we have a few ideas on how the Chaos Knights will be different from the Loyalist counterparts.
If you heard our podcast recently, we’ve been scratching our heads at what their rules could be looking like. Take a look at some of the thoughts from Kenny, Rob and some of the Long War listeners.
Why Are We Just Now Seeing Chaos Knights?
Back in the day, you might have heard that Chaos Knights weren’t exactly “a thing” lore-wise. While they existed, they were so few in number that Games Workshop may have hinted that they would never really highlighted them. However, keeping up with current events on Vigilus. We feel like we can make a case for some Knights seeing what Abaddon is doing and wanting to join his side. Of course, these Knight crews would abandon their household and take on the new colors/powers of Chaos.
Of course, there are traitor houses on record from the Horus Heresy, that may also appear in the new codex as well.
Chaos Knights & Their Marks
Chaos Knights, being tainted by Warp energy, have been altered into more scary Daemon-looking walkers. With them fighting alongside the Chaos factions, we feel like they won’t have anything to do with their households they were once a part of. Cashing in their Household keyword for perhaps a Chaos Mark keyword could unlock certain stratagems/relics/traits for them to use in-game.
For example:
Nurgle
- A trait that gives -1 to all damage suffered (To a minimum of 1, of course).
- A relic plasma cannon that has higher damage/AP than regular plasma counterparts. (Maybe some kind of lasting damage effect).
- Finally, a stratagem that gives it -1 to hit for a phase. This is something like Nurgly flies swarming the walker hiding it from enemy fire.
Slaanesh:
- A trait that gives them +1 to hit in close combat.
- A relic weapon that acts like better titanic feet. (Really just infantry killing).
- Stratagem that gives them +1 to all movement. (move, advance, charge, etc.).
Khorne:
- A trait that lets you reroll charges.
- A relic axe that gets bonuses for killing other Knights and vehicles.
- Stratagem for advancing and charging.
Tzeentch
- A trait that gives them a reroll 1 to hit for shooting aura.
- A relic flamer with two modes of fire. Maybe a single shot/high damage and a multi-hit/low damage profile.
- A stratagem that gives them +1 to their ion shield. To a max of 4++.
Traitors Are Still Figuring Things Out
We feel like Knights will definitely have their uses on the tabletop, but it would make sense for them to not have as many tricks/relics as their Loyalist counterparts. Just because they’re new to this whole “Chaos” thing. It makes sense lore-wise that they are still making a name for themselves. With that said, in time we could even see named Knight characters that rose to the top of their Traitor brothers. Or maybe they could call in some classic Traitor Legions from the times of the Horus Heresy that have been biding their time.
Either way, chances are the houses/marks will mirror existing abilities from the Imperial Knights codex, potentially being a little “softer”.
What do you think about the new Chaos Knights? Will they be a competitive piece for Traitor factions in 40k? Will they replace the Daemon Primarchs in effectiveness? Let us know in the comments of our Facebook Hobby Group.
Nurgle Knight in the cover image, as featured on the site.
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.
