Unleash the opulence of the Emperor’s Children with our guide to the new codex in 10th Edition Warhammer 40k: here’s how to play, index changes, PDF, rules, tips, strategies, and review!
Updated March 14th, 2025, by Rob Baer. This post has been updated with the latest Warhammer 40k codex rules and profiles.
The Emperor’s Children are back, and they’re louder, deadlier, and flashier than ever in the 10th Edition Warhammer 40k codex. Whether you’re looking to dominate the tabletop with sonic weaponry or just appreciate the finer things in the grimdark future, this guide breaks down everything you need to know. From the latest index changes to key rules, must-know strategies, and the PDF details you’ve been hunting for, we’ve got it all covered.
Slaanesh rewards perfection, but that doesn’t mean playing Emperor’s Children is as simple as throwing Noise Marines on the table and hoping for the best. Getting the most out of this faction means understanding their strengths, maximizing key synergies, and knowing when to strike with that signature arrogance. This guide runs through the tactics that matter, how to wield their signature wargear, and what’s changed in the codex so you can hit the battlefield with style—and results.
Emperor’s Children Faction in 10th Edition
So, what’s coming with this update? Quite a bit, actually. From six new detachment rules to tweaks in key units, the details suggest an army that rewards aggressive plays, character duels, and precision strikes. Let’s go through the highlights, break down what’s promising, and—most importantly— we also talk about how to make the most of it when the book lands in our podcast below.
How the Emperor’s Children Play in 10th Edition
The Emperor’s Children are all about delivering a symphony of destruction with style. They excel in close combat, striking with precision and speed, and their sonic weaponry can devastate enemies before they even get close. Their unique abilities allow them to advance and charge, ensuring they dictate the flow of battle.
However, their obsession with perfection means they can be unforgiving. While they hit hard, they require tactical finesse to maximize their potential. A misstep can lead to their downfall, as they aren’t the most resilient legion.
Strengths:
- High mobility with advance and charge capabilities
- Devastating sonic weaponry
- Strong synergy between units
- Access to powerful stratagems
Weaknesses:
- Moderate durability; not built to withstand prolonged assaults
- Requires precise positioning and timing
- High learning curve; rewards experience and tactical acumen
If you relish the idea of leading a force that combines elegance with lethal efficiency, overwhelming foes with both melee prowess and sonic barrages, the Emperor’s Children are your legion of choice.
Core Army Rule
Their new Army Rule, Thrill Seekers, highlights their relentless drive for perfection, letting them shoot and charge even after Advancing or Falling Back—but only if they move on to fresh targets.
Overall, Emperor’s Children gets six detachments, each focusing on a different style of war, as this update provides plenty of ways to play the most refined killers in the galaxy.
What’s Missing From The Book:
The recent leaks regarding missing units for the Emperor’s Children have surprised players, particularly those who have been collecting and playing this army for years. Now, it has been confirmed those units are actually missing.
- Cultists – A staple of Chaos forces, absent despite the lore often depicting the Emperor’s Children surrounded by mortal worshippers.
- Predators and Forgefiends – Long-range firepower is noticeably lacking outside of Noise Marines, with no access to these war machines.
- Defilers and Helbrutes – While the army retains Maulerfiends, there’s no Forgefiend alternative, and Helbrutes have been cut entirely.
- Terminators Without Characters – The codex includes Terminators, but lacks dedicated leaders (but can be joined by the Kakophonists) to run with them.
These omissions have left some players scratching their heads, especially given how central some of these units have been in previous lists.
Emperor’s Children Codex Detachment Rules: Picking Your Poison
The Emperor’s Children aren’t getting just one detachment—six different options let you tailor your playstyle. Each one leans into a different strength, meaning you can go full speed, focus on duels, or even stack favor-based buffs. Here’s what they bring to the table:
Rapid Evisceration – Hit Hard, Hit Fast, Keep Moving
If you love the idea of your warriors storming out of transports and tearing through enemies before they even know what’s happening, this detachment is for you. Infantry that disembark from transports get to re-roll both hits and wounds, making every charge out of a Rhino or Dreadclaw feel like an execution.
Stratagems here let you pull off some truly nasty tricks—mid-movement disembarks, extra transport shenanigans, and charge re-rolls that keep your momentum rolling. If fast, mechanized aggression is your style, this setup turns your battlefield into a brutal ballet of blades and bolter fire.
Peerless Bladesmen – For Those Who Think Subtlety Is Overrated
If you believe a real warrior doesn’t just defeat their opponent but dismantles them in style, this detachment is calling your name. Every charge makes your units more deadly, giving them Lethal Hits and Sustained Hits 1, meaning you’ll be landing more criticals and extra strikes the moment you connect.
The enhancements are all about making your melee units even nastier—more attacks, heroic interventions, and better survivability when things get up close and personal. If your idea of a perfect turn involves running straight into combat and leaving a trail of perfectionist-approved carnage, this is the pick for you.
Slaanesh’s Chosen – When Your Characters ARE the Show
If you think the rest of your army is just there to set the stage for your perfectly sculpted, hyper-lethal warlords, this is the detachment for you. Two chosen characters get to re-roll wounds in melee, turning them into absolute wrecking balls when they get stuck in.
Stratagems here double down on making them even better at cutting down enemy leaders, and if they win a fight (which, let’s be honest, they will), you get even more rewards. This is the choice for players who want their Chaos Lords, Daemon Princes, or any other terrifying duelist to be the undisputed center of attention.
Emperor’s Children Codex: Carnival of Excess – When Every Strike Is a Masterpiece
This detachment is all about stacking the odds in your favor and making sure every attack counts. If your units are near each other, they get better critical hit chances and ignore hit modifiers, making them incredibly reliable no matter what your opponent is trying to pull.
The enhancements are a mix of movement tricks, battle-shock manipulation, and devastating melee upgrades, giving you plenty of ways to keep the pressure on. If you like an army that plays off of synergy, stacks buffs, and ensures that every moment of combat is as extravagant as possible, this is your kind of show.
Mercurial Host – Speed Kills (And It Looks Good Doing It)
The fastest always win, and this detachment ensures that’s you. Your entire army gets to re-roll Advance rolls, meaning you’ll be where you need to be faster than your opponent can react. On top of that, the stratagems and enhancements give you extra mobility tricks—better repositioning, mid-fight movement options, and enough speed boosts to make even Aeldari jealous.
If you like playing an army that stays one step ahead, punishes slow opponents, and makes battlefield control an art form, Mercurial Host will have you dancing circles around the enemy.
Coterie of the Conceited – Power Takes Time, But Oh, Is It Worth It
This is for the player who enjoys watching their army gradually build into something completely unstoppable. Your Warlord generates points every turn, and those points unlock increasingly powerful army-wide buffs as the game progresses.
The trick here is patience—play smart early, build up your strength, and then hit your opponent with overwhelming force once you’ve stacked enough advantages. If you’re a strategist who enjoys escalating power, outlasting opponents, and making them regret underestimating you, this detachment delivers some of the biggest late-game payoffs in the Emperor’s Children arsenal.
Emperor’s Children Codex Datasheet Rules:
Let’s jump to what is in the codex from the key datasheets that make the army what it is!
Noise Marines: Louder and Deadlier
Anyone who’s played Emperor’s Children for a while knows that Noise Marines bring the party, and this update keeps that energy going. Their range may have taken a hit, but the trade-off is worth it. Two Blastmasters per squad means serious firepower (3 shots at S10, -2 AP, and D3 are no joke), and enemies caught in the blast are forced into Leadership tests at -1. Even the humble Sonic Blaster is no joke, now packing Damage 2 and AP -1.
That means these guys remain a solid choice for softening up targets before a melee charge. And let’s be honest, that’s how Slaanesh’s chosen warriors prefer it—facing the enemy head-on, reveling in the chaos.
Flawless Blades: High Risk, High Reward
This unit has a fun little gimmick that fits Slaanesh’s themes perfectly. Make a pact with their daemonic patrons, and suddenly they’re landing Critical Wounds on a 3+. If that sounds bonkers, that’s because it is. The catch? If they don’t take down a model in the target unit, one of their own dies instead.
It’s a mechanic that rewards aggressive, calculated play. With -3 AP and Damage 2, they should be able to chew through tougher targets. The key will be choosing engagements wisely. Against heavy armor, their critical hits will shine. Against large squads? It might be a little trickier.
Fulgrim’s Grand Entrance
This is what people have been waiting for—Fulgrim’s return to the tabletop. And, boy, does he bring some serious power.
16 wounds, poisonous attacks that keep dealing damage, a nasty mix of sweep and strike melee options, and a tail attack for extra spice. Fulgrim sits at 385, which makes him 50 points cheaper than Angron, so expect to see him leading plenty of armies. If that wasn’t enough, he gets to pick one of three bonuses each turn:
- Always fights first
- Forces enemies to stand still if they fail a Leadership test
- Gives enemies -1 to hit him
A Primarch with these options will be a nightmare to handle, especially when combined with the right support. Expect him to be a centerpiece model both visually and in actual gameplay.
Lucius, the Ultimate Duelist
Lucius continues to be the master of one-on-one fights. His ability to re-roll hits and wounds against characters, monsters, and walkers makes him a real problem for key enemy units. Strength 8, AP -3, and Damage 3? That’s enough to handle most threats.
And if he’s off doing his own thing rather than leading a unit, he gets to fight first. Solo assassin play might just be the way to go. He may not have the sheer destructive power of Fulgrim, but for targeted eliminations, he’s a solid choice.
Kakophonist: Buffing the Band
This guy can slot into Noise Marines and Terminators, making an already deadly unit even more brutal. Sustained Hits 1 for the whole squad means more shots landing, and mortal wounds on top make them a real headache for opponents.
If Noise Marines felt like they needed just a little more bite, this might be the answer. Expect him to be a staple in a lot of lists.
Tormentors
Tormentors sneak up on enemies with Infiltrators, ready to rain down bolter fire or bring the pain with plasma and melta options. They don’t just fight; they take objectives and hold them like they own the place, keeping control even when no one’s home. If they obliterate a unit, they can earn CP just like Infractors, but they do it with a bit more range and a lot more arrogance. Fast, mean, and impossible to ignore, they make sure the battlefield feels very, very small for their enemies.
Infractors Emperor’s Children Codex Rules
Infractors are all about slicing and dicing their way to victory, rolling into battle with Scouts 6” and some nasty Precision weapons. They get extra spicy in melee, rerolling Wound rolls near objectives, making them a real headache for anyone trying to hold ground. Their leader, the Obsessionist, can swap gear around to suit the mood, and if they wipe out an enemy unit, they might just snag you some extra CP. If you like your warriors unhinged, aggressive, and stylishly violent, these are your go-to troublemakers.
Lord Exultant
Lord Exultant is the kind of leader who thinks subtlety is for lesser beings, charging into combat with lethal flair. Any unit following him gets Lethal Hits, and once per game, he dials up the carnage with a massive attack boost and extra armor penetration. He’s got options, too—swap his plasma pistol or spear to match whatever brand of destruction you prefer. Stick him in a squad, and suddenly, they hit harder, fight faster, and look even flashier while doing it.
Daemons Rules
The units are all about 20-30 points more expensive in the codex than the Daemons index. But they do have a ton of synergies with the army in the detachment.
Daemon Prince
The Daemon Prince of Slaanesh comes in two flavors: a sturdy brawler or a high-speed terror. The ground-based version rocks Toughness 10 and grants Lone Operative to nearby Slaanesh Infantry, making it a solid frontline anchor. The winged variant trades some toughness for 14″ movement, Deep Strike, and the nasty ability to deal up to six mortal wounds when it charges.
Both wield the same Infernal Cannon and Hellforged weapons, letting them slice through enemies with either six high-damage attacks or a sweeping 14-hit flurry. If the grounded one gets taken down in melee before fighting, it can roll a D6 to swing back on a 2+, while the flying version shrugs off damage by reducing incoming melee hits by 1 Damage. Want a bruiser that holds the line? Go with the first—need a fast-moving executioner that punishes enemies on the charge? The wings have it.
Emperor’s Children 10th Edition Codex & PDF – What’s Inside?
The latest codex for the Emperor’s Children offers a comprehensive look into their lore, unit profiles, and unique rules that set them apart on the battlefield. Inside, you’ll find detailed datasheets for their specialized units, stratagems that emphasize their combat style, and Crusade rules that reflect their quest for perfection.
Where to Get the Emperor’s Children Codex
Snag your new codex goodies from our handpicked list of retailers, and give us a high-five in support! Every qualifying purchase helps Spikey Bits keep the lights on and the fun going.
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Mid Atlantic US: Fabricators Forge | Bazooka Games | Frontline Gaming (West Coast US) | The Rogue Traders | Central US: Dicehead Games | Noble Knight Games | Warpfire Minis | West Coast US: Squadmarks |
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You can save even more on your purchase by using our exclusive list of redeemable discount codes from some of the best hobby retailers and miniature manufacturers!
If you’re looking for the Emperor’s Children codex PDF, Wahapedia is the go-to spot for free reference material, but if you want the full book with lore, art, and all the extras, Games Workshop’s official version is the way to go.
Supporting your local game store or preferred retailer not only gets you the codex but also helps sustain the community.
Major Changes from the Emperor’s Children Index to the Codex
Transitioning from the Index to the full 10th Edition Codex brings notable updates:
Reworked Detachments
The codex introduces the “Slaanesh’s Chosen” detachment, which enhances specific units, granting them re-rolls to wound rolls when they become “Favoured.” This mechanic encourages aggressive play to maximize benefits.
Stratagems Overhaul
Stratagems have been refined to align with the Emperor’s Children’s playstyle, offering powerful options that reward tactical precision and thematic flair.
Unit Profiles and Weapon Adjustments
Several units have received updates to better reflect their roles. For instance, Noise Marines continue to be a versatile choice, balancing both ranged and melee capabilities. And, of course, now you can take Fulgrim!
The Emperor’s Children 10th Edition Codex provides the tools and insights needed to master this faction, allowing players to fully embrace their thematic and tactical strengths on the battlefield.
Why Play Emperor’s Children?
Speed, Momentum, and Unrelenting Pressure
This army isn’t about sitting back and waiting for the perfect moment—it creates the perfect moment. Units like Noise Marines and Terminators benefit from Advance and Charge, letting them close the gap fast and hit hard before the enemy can react. Whether you’re leading the charge with Daemon-infused warriors or blasting foes apart with deadly sonic weaponry, your opponent is always on the back foot.
And the best part? This momentum never slows down. The more carnage you cause, the better your army performs, thanks to the Favoured by Slaanesh rule, which grants rerolls to wound once a unit has proven its worth in battle.
Devastating Sonic Weapons
Bolters are for the weak. True warriors of excess wield sonic blasters, blastmasters, and doom sirens, weapons that ignore cover and shred anything foolish enough to stand in the way. Noise Marines can fire full blast even when advancing, and their weapons ramp up in power as battles intensify. Whether you’re melting heavy armor or drowning enemy squads in a symphony of destruction, the right weapon is always at your fingertips.
Relentless Stratagems and Unit Synergy
Playing Emperor’s Children isn’t just about mindless aggression—it’s about knowing when to unleash your most potent tricks. Their stratagems reward aggressive, high-impact plays:
✅ Excessive Cruelty – Punishes enemies who fall back by letting your units shoot or charge again.
✅ Unrelenting Performance – Boosts Noise Marines’ firepower even further when they wipe a unit.
✅ Cacophonic Choir – A brutal morale-breaking ability that forces enemy units to take devastating Battle-shock tests.
Every stratagem feeds into the army’s momentum—stalling your advance only makes the carnage worse for your opponent.
Weaknesses to Consider
Not the Toughest Legion on the Tabletop
Emperor’s Children hit hard, but they don’t always take hits well. While Terminators provide some much-needed durability, your key units are mid-tier in toughness and can’t afford to sit around trading blows. If you don’t commit to the attack properly, your forces can get whittled down before they can fully shine.
Aggressive Playstyle Requires Precision
If you’re the kind of player who likes to sit back and react to your opponent, you’re going to have a bad time. Emperor’s Children need to be on the offensive. Hesitate, and you’ll lose your momentum fast. Overextend, and you might not have enough staying power to finish the job. Striking that perfect balance between aggression and control is what separates an Emperor’s Children player from just another Chaos warband.
Heavily Reliant on Synergy and Timing
Many of your best abilities depend on getting your units into the right place at the right time. If your Noise Marines aren’t positioned correctly, they can’t unleash their full firepower. If your melee units aren’t charging into combat at the right moment, they lose their advantage. While the army rewards aggressive play, it’s not forgiving of sloppy positioning or poor target selection.
Latest Warhammer 40k Rules Updates
The latest updates for the Astra Militarum 10th Edition rules will be released in what Games Workshop calls a Balance Dataslate, sometimes along with accompanying points changes as well. You can see all the latest Balance Dataslate updates here in our post, which breaks down the most recent changes.
How To Play Warhammer 40k Astra Militarum: Points
You can find the latest points for playing this faction in 10th Edition Warhammer 40k here on our Munitorum Field Manual Points Updates Page.
FAQs: Emperor’s Children 10th Edition Codex Rules
With the Emperor’s Children 10th Edition codex making waves, players are asking the important questions: Are Noise Marines still as deadly as ever? Will they be in the Cavill Amazon show (hey, we can wish)? What’s the best way to play the army? How does this Slaaneshi masterpiece stack up against other factions? If you’re looking to lead the most stylish and lethal warriors in the galaxy, here’s what you need to know.
Are Noise Marines Still as Devastating as They Were in the Index?
Oh, absolutely. Noise Marines are still the core of the Emperor’s Children and now have even more ways to blast, shred, and scream their way to victory. They get devastating re-rolls, ignore cover, and can fire effectively even after advancing. Their sonic weapons scale up in power mid-game, ensuring that the longer the battle rages, the louder their symphony of destruction becomes.
- Sonic Blasters – Excellent anti-infantry firepower with no need for cover saves.
- Blastmasters – Melts power armor and vehicles with high-damage profiles.
- Doom Sirens – Because sometimes, you want to scream your way through enemy lines.
So yes, Noise Marines remain an absolute menace, just as Slaanesh intended.
What Are the Most Effective Units in 10th Edition Emperor’s Children Codex?
- Lucius the Eternal – The duelist of duelists, excelling in cutting down enemy champions while taunting them with his resurrection ability.
- Chaos Terminators – Durable, deadly, and able to teleport into the perfect position for a killing blow.
- Chosen – Heavily armed melee specialists who thrive in the Peerless Bladesmen detachment.
- Daemon Prince of Slaanesh – A monster in melee, with the ability to disrupt enemy strategies while leading from the front.
The Emperor’s Children playstyle is all about precision and momentum. Whether you’re storming objectives with Noise Marines, leading from the front with elite melee warriors, or shredding enemies with brutal firepower, this army delivers results with flair.
How Do Emperor’s Children Compare to Other Factions?
Strengths and Weaknesses in the Meta
Strengths:
Hyper-Aggressive Combat – Advance and Charge abilities let you control the tempo.
Sonic Weapons Dominate the Midfield – Ignore cover and ramp up in power.
Character Powerhouses – Some of the strongest individual fighters in the game.
Weaknesses:
Not the Tankiest Army – While durable in melee, Emperor’s Children aren’t invincible.
Positioning is Critical – If you don’t strike at the right moment, you’ll get punished.
Momentum-Based Playstyle – If you stall, your power curve falls off hard.
Against fast, high-damage armies like Aeldari or Genestealer Cults, you’ll need clever movement and decisive attacks to avoid getting kited. Against tougher armies like Death Guard or Adeptus Custodes, timing your engagements is everything—pick your battles wisely, and make every strike count.
The Emperor’s Children codex delivers a lethal, stylish, and aggressive army that rewards players who can balance speed, precision, and raw destructive power. Whether you’re melting faces with sonic weapons or cutting down enemies in close combat, one thing’s for sure—you’re going to do it with style.
Final Thoughts
The Emperor’s Children codex is shaping up to be one of the most exciting releases in a while. The army has always had style, but now it looks like it will have serious mechanical depth, too. Between the revamped Noise Marines, Fulgrim’s return, and six diverse detachments, there’s a lot to experiment with.
Will it be a game-breaking force that dominates every tournament? Too soon to tell. But what’s clear is that Slaanesh’s finest are getting plenty of new tricks to keep things interesting. Whether you’re planning a new army or updating an existing one, this book will bring plenty to the table—literally and figuratively.
So, which detachment sounds best to you? Are you more into the high-speed approach, or does the character-focused build sound more appealing? Either way, get ready to shake things up—because this codex is anything but subtle.
Champions of Slaanesh Army Box Is Packed With Emperor’s Children Miniatures
What do you think about the leaked 40k codex rules for the Emperor’s Children?
