Hold on to your hobby wallet as we hit you with our list of the top Chaos units for Warhammer 40k that are both fun to paint, and effective on the table!
Warhammer 40k is constantly having new units pumped into the game. But if cost plays a role in what you play (and we don’t blame you), take a look at some of these “best bang for your buck” units for Chaos!
5. Abaddon the Despoiler
Abaddon was seeing tabletop play way back when he only had his smaller metal model. However, when he got his update, he got bigger and his stats got even better. We think he could pretty comfortably go toe-to-toe with Robbie G as long as he gets to swing first. He’s a solid unit on his own but gets even better when you play an all Black Legion list. The beat stick himself turns into a beat stick with rerolls and a fearless aura. At only $60 you get a lot for your money.
4. Lord Discordant
The Lord Discordant could be a “swap out” option for Abaddon in your list if your list is a lot more Daemon Engine heavy. He clocks in at $65 and 160pts. For that cost, you’re getting a T6 12W character with a -1 to hit aura, a +1 to hit for Daemon Engine aura and a heaping dose of multi-damage attacks. We’ve actually been seeing some lists run three of these guys. Really, We’d say if you’re running Cultist blobs, go with Abby. If you’re a fan of the more elite Daemon Engine style, go for the Lord Discordant.
3. Foul Blightspawn
This guy is just silly. For only $25 you get a 77pt model that has character keyword protection and an S2D6 -3AP 3 damage flat auto-hitting flamer. Just keep this guy back behind your first rank of screening units like Plaguebearers/Pox Walkers and wait for the melee trouble to come along. When you see the Tzaangors/Genestealers/Assault Squads get close enough, hose them down with this dude and instantly make your points back. The best part is he’s an elite option so you still get to bring your favorite HQs to the table with this guy.
2. Plaguebearers
The Imperium might have Guard screen but Chaos has Plaguebearers. The thing about Plaguebearers is that they’re 10x better than Guardsmen. They always have a guaranteed 5+++ disgustingly resilient save and with a few extra cheap characters hanging around them, they can do four damage flat in melee combat. These things are slow but they are so difficult to uproot from the table, most people ignore them until the scary stuff is off the table. That means these guys are free to protect your other units or sit on objectives for multiple turns. You’ll want to run these guys in squads of thirty.
1. Ahriman
Ahriman has consistently been popping up in Chaos lists. He’s only T4 but with his character keyword and little disc, he’s mobile, almost untargettable, and can sling the best of the Thousand Sons psychic powers to choose from. He can slap around some fools in combat but you’re risking too much value for him to stick his neck out like that. Have him roll with Mr. Blightspawn and let him pick off the threats in the psychic phase. He’s only $40 after all.
What are your picks for the Chaos units under $100? Let us know in the comments of our Facebook Hobby Group.
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.
