Learn how to build a powerful Battle-Forged Warhammer 40k army in 10th Edition, explore faction-specific detachments, rules, Warlord choices, and more!
Updated December 10th, 2024, by Rob Baer with new information and links to relevant content.
Building a Warhammer 40k army in 10th Edition is a bit like preparing for an intergalactic barbecue—you’ve got to make sure you’ve got the right ingredients, the perfect grill master (aka your Warlord), and a game plan that will leave your opponents roasted. Whether you’re fielding the relentless swarms of the Tyranids, the tactical brilliance of the Space Marines, or the ancient wrath of the Necrons, army-building in this edition has been streamlined to keep things fast, fun, and utterly brutal.
You can see the faction-specific Warhammer 40k 10th Edition detachments by clicking the links below:
Space Marines | Tyranids | Chaos Space Marines | Necrons | Orks | Adeptus Mechanicus
Adepta Sororitas | Imperial Knights | Grey Knights | Leagues of Votann | Astra Militarum | Aeldari
Chaos Daemons | T’au Empire | Thousand Sons | Death Guard | World Eaters | Dark Angels
Blood Angels | Black Templars | Drukhari
10th Edition Warhammer 40k Detachments
Click any of the links below to jump to the info you need the most, or just dig in from the beginning.
- What Are Warhammer 40k Detachments in 10th Edition?
- Warhammer 40k Detachments in 10th Edition
- Types of Warhammer 40k Detachments in 10th Edition
- How Detachments Impact Army Composition and Gameplay
- Warhammer 40k 9th Edition Detachments vs 10th Edition
- How to Build a Warhammer 40k Army in 10th Edition
Warhammer 40k Detachments in 10th Edition
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In the war-torn future of Warhammer 40k, where planet-sized battlegrounds and galaxy-spanning conflicts are the norm, organizing your army just got a little less chaotic. Enter the 10th Edition detachment rules, your go-to framework for putting together a formidable, balanced force that doesn’t require an entire library of rulebooks to understand.
If you’ve been wondering “what are detachments 40k 10th?”, the answer is: a cleaner, more streamlined approach to getting your army ready for battle. Whether you’re leading the tactical genius of the Ultramarines or the bio-engineered horrors of the Tyranids, 10th Edition detachment rules will make the process smoother and (dare we say it) even fun.
10th Edition Detachment Rules: Simplified Army Building
Overview of 10th Edition Army-Building Changes
If 9th Edition felt like solving a complex equation while dodging lasgun fire, 10th Edition is like someone finally handing you the answer key. The game designers have streamlined army building to the essentials. No longer will you have to juggle multiple detachments, trying to maximize your Command Points (CP) while fitting all your favorite units onto the field. In 10th Edition, it’s all about one powerful detachment per army, simplifying the decision-making process. Now, you focus on building your force within that single structure, making it easier to balance your list without feeling like you’re sacrificing half your army to do so.
Key Features of 10th Edition Detachments: Stratagems, Enhancements, and Restrictions
Each detachment in 10th Edition comes with its own set of stratagems, enhancements, and sometimes even unit restrictions. Stratagems are those game-changing tricks you pull off at just the right moment, turning a losing battle into a glorious victory.
Enhancements, on the other hand, allow you to customize key units, giving them unique abilities or improved stats. Restrictions might limit what types of units you can field—like when the Tyranid Invasion Fleet prefers monstrous creatures over endless swarms. But these limitations aren’t a downside; they actually encourage more thematic and focused army-building, letting each faction truly play to its strengths.
And for all the keyword fans out there, detachments are where those precious faction abilities come into play. It’s not just about raw power—finesse and synergy matter. Every detachment has an identity that shapes how your army performs. Whether you’re running a Vanguard Detachment 40k full of elite units or a heavy artillery force, your choice of detachment defines your approach to war.
Types of Warhammer 40k Detachments
Warhammer 40k is not just about smashing your opponents into oblivion (although, let’s be honest, that’s a huge part of it). To dominate the battlefield, you need a well-structured army. Detachments are the skeletal structure holding everything together, giving each force the tactical precision to win or lose with style. Here’s a breakdown of some of the core detachments, from small skirmishes to full-on planetary invasions.
Core Detachments in 10th Edition
Patrol Detachment
Perfect for those smaller battles, Patrol Detachments are a lean, mean fighting machine. Best used in Combat Patrol games or if you’re fielding a small, mobile force, Patrol Detachments let you field a light yet effective army. The rules are simple: bring an HQ and a couple of Troops, and you’re off to war. But don’t expect to field your favorite Knight here; Patrol is all about keeping it tight and fast.
Key Rules and Restrictions:
- Ideal for small engagements (under 1,000 points).
- Requires 1 HQ and at least 1 Troop unit.
- Limited in size but great for quick strikes and skirmishes.
Check out all the Combat Patrols here!
Space Marines Detachments
When it comes to versatility, Space Marines have detachments for just about every scenario. These warriors of the Imperium are as flexible as they are deadly, and their detachments reflect that.
- Gladius Task Force: The jack-of-all-trades for Space Marines, the Gladius Task Force excels at adaptability. Whether you need to hold objectives or crush enemies, this detachment does it all.
- 1st Company Task Force: Fielding this detachment means one thing: Terminators. Lots of them. Veterans of countless wars, these elite warriors are the hammer to your opponent’s anvil.
- Vanguard Spearhead: If sneaking around and striking from the shadows is your thing, then the Phobos-armored Vanguard Spearhead is for you. Scouts and Phobos-armored Marines infiltrate, strike, and fade like ghosts.
- Stormlance Task Force: For the cavalry lovers, this detachment focuses on mounted units and fast vehicles. Blitz your opponent with speed and firepower, hitting hard and fast.
- Firestorm Assault Force: Specializing in torrent weapons, this detachment is all about burning the enemy to ash with heavy flamers and other searing artillery.
- Ironstorm Spearhead: Got a thing for tanks and walkers? The Ironstorm Spearhead puts the heavy metal on the battlefield, focusing on armored units and big guns.
- Anvil Siege Force: If you want to obliterate your opponent from afar, this detachment is all about heavy weaponry. Just set up and let the devastation commence.
Tyranids Detachments
Tyranids, the galaxy’s ravenous swarm, bring an entire ecosystem of death to the battlefield. Each detachment represents a different facet of their bio-engineered horror show.
- Invasion Fleet: The all-around choice for Tyranids. This detachment focuses on balanced units, ready to devour entire planets.
- Vanguard Onslaught: Perfect for sneaky, fast-moving monsters, the Vanguard Onslaught detachment focuses on infiltrators and shock troops.
- Crusher Stampede: When subtlety is not your style, the Crusher Stampede lets you field Tyranid monsters en masse. Smashing through tanks and infantry alike, this is the heavy-hitter’s choice.
- Assimilation Swarm: Like to pick over the battlefield’s leftovers? The Assimilation Swarm excels at gathering biomass, reaping the dead for future battles.
- Synaptic Nexus: This detachment emphasizes the importance of Synapse creatures, allowing you to control the battlefield with cold, alien efficiency.
- Unending Swarm: The swarm is endless, and so are your units. Field wave after wave of Tyranid gribblies, overwhelming your opponent with sheer numbers.
Chaos Space Marines Detachments
In 10th Edition of Warhammer 40,000, the Chaos Space Marines codex introduces eight distinct detachments, each offering unique strategic advantages and rules, but they all bring chaos:
- Veterans of the Long War: Emphasizes relentless hatred, allowing units to re-roll hit rolls against a designated enemy target.
- Deceptors: Modeled after the Alpha Legion, this detachment enables select units to infiltrate the battlefield before the game begins, emphasizing subterfuge and misdirection.
- Renegade Raiders: Focuses on mobility and aggressive tactics, granting units the ability to advance and shoot, ideal for rapid assaults.
- Dread Talons: Centers on aerial assaults and terror tactics, enhancing the effectiveness of Raptor and Warp Talon units.
- Fellhammer Siege-host: Specializes in siege warfare, bolstering the durability and firepower of heavy support units.
- Pactbound Zealots: Highlights the influence of Chaos Marks, providing units with specific benefits based on their chosen patron deity.
- Chaos Cult: Elevates the role of Cultist units, enhancing their combat capabilities and integrating them more deeply into the army’s strategy.
- Soulforged Warpack: Focuses on Daemon Engines, allowing these units to invoke their contracts with the Soul Forge for enhanced abilities.
Necrons Detachments
Necrons are all about ancient, unyielding strength. Their detachments reflect their mastery of advanced technology and unrelenting will.
- Awakened Dynasty: Focuses on characters leading Necron units, representing the unbreakable will of the Necron dynasties.
- Annihilation Legion: Ready to vaporize the living? The Annihilation Legion brings Destroyers and Flayed Ones into the spotlight, perfect for bringing ruin to your foes.
- Canoptek Court: This detachment focuses on the Necrons’ Canoptek constructs, combining them with Cryptek support to swarm over the battlefield.
- Obeisance Phalanx: The elites of the Necron Overlords and Lychguard combine forces here for a powerful, central command detachment.
- Hypercrypt Legion: Love Monoliths? This detachment is your go-to for fielding these massive Necron vehicles, dominating the battlefield from every angle.
Orks Detachments
In the 10th Edition of Warhammer 40,000, the Orks bring their signature chaos to the battlefield with six distinct detachments, each catering to a unique playstyle:
- War Horde: The quintessential Ork experience, this detachment emphasizes overwhelming assaults and relentless aggression, embodying the core of Ork warfare.
- Bully Boyz: Focusing on the toughest Nobz and Meganobz, this detachment allows for a second Waaagh!, enabling sustained brutal assaults that keep the pressure on opponents.
- Green Tide: For those who love the idea of an endless swarm, this detachment enhances the effectiveness of large mobs of Boyz, creating a relentless wave of green that overwhelms foes.
- Da Big Hunt: Emphasizing speed and ferocity, this detachment focuses on mounted units and fast attacks, perfect for players who enjoy outpacing and outflanking their enemies.
- Dread Mob: Centering on heavy machinery and walkers, this detachment brings the stompiest units to the forefront, ideal for those who favor a mechanized approach to krumpin’.
- Kult of Speed: For the speed freaks, this detachment enhances the capabilities of fast vehicles and bikers, allowing for lightning-fast strikes and rapid redeployment.
Adeptus Mechanicus Detachments
The Adeptus Mechanicus, the tech-priests of Mars, have some incredibly specialized detachments.
- Rad-Zone Corps: A general-purpose detachment for AdMech, perfect for those who want versatility with a high-tech edge.
- Skitarii Hunter Cohort: This one focuses on the Skitarii legions, who stalk the battlefield with deadly precision.
- Data Psalm Conclave: The techno-priests of the Cult Mechanicus come together here, commanding the battlefield with machine-like efficiency.
- Explorator Maniple: All about transport and mobility, this detachment keeps your army moving fast across the battlefield.
- Cohort Cybernetica: Want to field robots and cybernetics? This detachment is perfect for fielding Legio Cybernetica and all their mechanical warriors.
Adepta Sororitas Detachment
In the 10th Edition of Warhammer 40,000, the Adepta Sororitas march to war with four distinct detachments, each embodying a unique aspect of their devout fervor:
- Hallowed Martyrs: This detachment thrives on the Sisters’ unyielding zeal, enhancing their combat prowess as they suffer casualties. As units take losses, they gain bonuses to hit and wound rolls, embodying the concept of righteous vengeance.
- Penitent Host: Focusing on units like Penitent Engines and Arco-flagellants, this detachment amplifies their melee capabilities and resilience, making them even more formidable in close combat.
- Bringers of Flame: Specializing in flamer weaponry, this detachment turns the battlefield into a purging ground, enhancing the effectiveness of flame-based attacks to cleanse the heretic and the unclean.
- Army of Faith: Emphasizing the Sisters’ Acts of Faith, this detachment allows units to perform multiple Acts of Faith per phase, providing greater flexibility and divine intervention during battles.
Imperial Knights Detachment
Noble Lance
Massive, towering war machines lumber across the battlefield in the Noble Lance detachment. Piloted by noble scions of ancient houses, these mechanical titans bring devastation to the enemy with heavy guns and unstoppable melee power. This detachment is perfect for fielding an army of Imperial Knights, whether you’re bombarding the enemy from afar or charging into their lines like a medieval knight of yore. They’re hard to miss—both on the tabletop and in the lore—and pack the firepower to match their imposing size.
Grey Knights Detachment
Teleport Strike Force
Grey Knights are already some of the most elite warriors in the galaxy, but with the Teleport Strike Force, they take their battle to the next level—literally teleporting across the battlefield. Specializing in lightning-fast strikes, this detachment is all about mobility and precision. If you enjoy outmaneuvering your opponent, appearing where you’re least expected, and laying waste to the forces of Chaos, then the Teleport Strike Force is the way to go. Plus, it’s hard not to look cool when your entire army materializes out of thin air.
Leagues of Votann Detachment
Oathband
The Leagues of Votann bring their unique technology and stoic determination to the fight with the Oathband detachment. This general-purpose detachment allows players to field their squads of Kin, bringing together the resilience and firepower that makes the Leagues so formidable. Whether you’re hunkering down on objectives or blasting away enemy forces with high-tech weaponry, the Oathband detachment gives you plenty of tactical flexibility.
Astra Militarum Warhammer 40k 10th Edition Detachment
Combined Regiment
The Astra Militarum (aka the Imperial Guard) specialize in sheer numbers and heavy artillery. The Combined Regiment detachment embodies this perfectly, allowing players to field a balanced force of infantry, tanks, and support units. It’s the quintessential human army: grit, determination, and overwhelming firepower. If you like the idea of sending wave after wave of loyal Guardsmen backed by earth-shaking tanks and artillery, the Combined Regiment detachment will have you shouting “For the Emperor!” in no time.
Aeldari Detachment
Battle Host
The ancient Aeldari use speed, precision, and psychic prowess to overwhelm their enemies, and the Battle Host detachment is a great representation of that. This general-purpose detachment allows you to field a flexible force of Craftworld units, from the agile Windriders to the powerful Wraith constructs. Whether you prefer a fast-striking, mobile force or a more balanced approach with psychic support, the Battle Host detachment has you covered.
Chaos Daemons Detachment
Daemonic Incursion
If chaos and destruction are more your speed, the Daemonic Incursion detachment is where you’ll want to focus. This detachment allows you to field an unholy mix of daemons from the Chaos Gods, all hell-bent on tearing reality asunder. Whether you’re summoning a horde of lesser daemons or unleashing the unbridled fury of greater daemons like Bloodthirsters, the Daemonic Incursion is about creating as much chaos (pun intended) as possible on the battlefield.
T’au Empire Detachment
In the 10th Edition of Warhammer 40,000, the T’au Empire offers four distinct detachments, each catering to different tactical preferences:
- Kauyon: This detachment embodies the Patient Hunter philosophy, encouraging commanders to lure enemies into traps and unleash devastating attacks at the opportune moment.
- Mont’ka: Focusing on the Killing Blow strategy, this detachment emphasizes rapid, aggressive assaults to overwhelm opponents swiftly.
- Retaliation Cadre: Designed for decisive counterattacks, this detachment enhances the mobility and firepower of battlesuit units, allowing for powerful responses to enemy actions.
- Kroot Hunting Pack: Highlighting the T’au’s collaboration with Kroot mercenaries, this detachment leverages the unique abilities of Kroot units for guerrilla tactics and ambushes
Thousand Sons Detachment
Cult of Magic
The Thousand Sons are the masters of sorcery, and the Cult of Magic detachment allows you to bring their potent psychic abilities to the forefront. This detachment focuses on psychic dominance, with units like Sorcerers and Rubric Marines wielding the Warp to devastating effect. Whether you’re casting infernal spells or controlling the battlefield with psychic trickery, the Cult of Magic detachment is perfect for those who enjoy bending reality to their will.
Death Guard Detachment
Plague Company
If you like your armies slow, steady, and impossible to kill, the Plague Company detachment from the Death Guard is the way to go. Specializing in resilient, tough-as-nails units that are nearly impossible to put down, this detachment thrives on attrition. Your opponents will find themselves bogged down by diseased and corrupted warriors who just refuse to die. If you enjoy grinding your enemies down with relentless resilience, then the Plague Company is your best bet.
World Eaters Detachment
Berzerker Warband
For those who believe in the power of blood and fury, the Berzerker Warband detachment is all about one thing: close combat. If your strategy involves charging into the thick of battle and tearing your enemies apart with chainaxes and fists, the World Eaters’ Berzerker Warband is perfect. Fielding squads of Khorne Berzerkers, this detachment is a melee powerhouse, built for players who like to get up close and personal.
Dark Angels Detachment
In the 10th Edition of Warhammer 40,000, the Dark Angels bring their enigmatic flair to the battlefield with three distinct detachments:
- Unforgiven Task Force: This detachment embodies the relentless pursuit of the Fallen, granting units the ability to ignore cover, ensuring that no heretic can hide from their wrath.
- Inner Circle Task Force: Focusing on the elite Deathwing units, this detachment enhances their durability and combat prowess, making them the unbreakable shield and unstoppable sword of the Chapter.
- Company of Hunters: Emphasizing the swift and deadly Ravenwing, this detachment boosts the mobility and striking power of bike and land speeder units, allowing for rapid assaults and flanking maneuvers.
Blood Angels Detachment
In the 10th Edition of Warhammer 40,000, the Blood Angels soar into battle with three distinct detachments, each reflecting their unique combat doctrines:
- Sons of Sanguinius: This detachment embodies the Blood Angels’ ferocity, granting units the Red Thirst ability, which provides +1 Strength and +1 Attack on the charge.
- Angelic Host: Focusing on the elite Sanguinary Guard, this detachment enhances their mobility and combat prowess, allowing for rapid, devastating assaults from the skies.
- Liberator Assault Group: Emphasizing swift strikes and tactical flexibility, this detachment boosts the effectiveness of Jump Pack units, enabling them to redeploy and strike where the enemy least expects.
Black Templars Detachment
Righteous Crusaders
For the zealous, sword-wielding Black Templars, the Righteous Crusaders detachment is all about righteous fury and close combat. These crusaders are relentless, charging across the battlefield with a single-minded focus on destroying the enemy. If you enjoy armies that embody the spirit of holy war, then this detachment is made for you. Expect plenty of furious charges and a refusal to retreat, no matter the odds.
Drukhari Detachment
In the 10th Edition of Warhammer 40,000, the Drukhari, those delightfully sinister denizens of Commorragh, bring their unique brand of malevolence to the battlefield with two distinct detachments:
- Realspace Raiders: This detachment epitomizes the Drukhari’s penchant for lightning-fast strikes and coordinated assaults, seamlessly integrating units from Kabals, Wych Cults, and Haemonculus Covens. It offers a versatile approach, allowing commanders to field a diverse array of units to exploit the enemy’s every weakness.
- Skysplinter Assault: Introduced to inject some much-needed lethality, this detachment focuses on aerial supremacy and rapid deployment, enhancing the effectiveness of units like Scourges and Reavers. It brings back the hard-hitting melee capabilities and tricksy movement shenanigans that Drukhari players cherish, making it a formidable choice for those looking to dominate the skies and strike fear into their foes.
How Warhammer 40k 10th Edition Detachments Impact Army Composition and Gameplay
Detachments and Faction Synergy in 40k
In the wild world of Warhammer 40k, it’s not just about throwing your best units on the table and hoping for the best—no, that’s how you end up with your prized tanks getting torn apart by some lowly Ork Boyz. To really dominate, you’ve got to master the art of detachments and faction synergy. This means lining up your units with the right keywords and abilities to squeeze every last drop of efficiency out of your army. Think of it like putting together a gourmet sandwich—you can slap random ingredients together, but to create a masterpiece, each component needs to complement the other.
For instance, a Vanguard Detachment 40k loaded with Phobos-armored units isn’t just cool because it’s full of sneaky Marines—it’s deadly because all those stealthy units share synergistic abilities. Keywords like [PHOBOS] or [VANGUARD] aren’t just for show; they unlock a web of special rules and stratagems that will make your army flow like a well-oiled death machine. Matching those keywords means the units in your detachment work together like a dream, boosting each other’s abilities and turning your force into a finely tuned war engine.
Now, let’s talk sub-faction abilities. Whether you’re rocking Space Wolves, Death Guard, or Craftworld Aeldari, sub-factions bring unique bonuses to the table when all your detachments are aligned properly. Take the Sons of Sanguinius for example: when you commit fully to their blood-thirsty ways, you unlock abilities that turn your units into a whirlwind of chainsword-swinging fury. By leveraging these sub-faction bonuses and aligning your detachments to these specific flavors of war, you’re not just fielding an army—you’re crafting a tactical masterpiece.
10th Edition Detachment Abilities and Enhancements
One of the more exciting things in 10th Edition detachment rules is how detachment abilities shape the flow of gameplay. Gone are the days of simply throwing units on the field and hoping for the best; now, every detachment brings a powerful detachment ability that defines how your army operates. From unleashing faster charges to getting extra re-rolls in critical moments, these abilities give your army that extra edge when the dice are rolling and the plasma guns are overheating.
But it’s not just the broad detachment abilities—enhancements add another layer of tactical goodness. These are your customizable goodies, where you can upgrade specific characters or units to give them special abilities or stat boosts. Let’s say your Captain just isn’t doing enough damage for your taste—give him an enhancement that turns him into a walking blender of destruction, and watch him carve through enemies like they’re made of paper.
And we can’t forget stratagems, the secret sauce of Warhammer 40k. In 10th Edition, each detachment comes with its own tailored set of stratagems, allowing you to pull off epic maneuvers at the perfect time. For example, a Vanguard Detachment 40k might have a stratagem that lets your Phobos units redeploy right before the first turn, catching your opponent off-guard. It’s all about timing and knowing when to unleash your best tricks to swing the game in your favor.
Warhammer 40k 9th Edition Detachments vs 10th Edition
Comparing 9th and 10th Edition Detachment Rules
The transition from 9th Edition to 10th Edition in Warhammer 40k has brought some welcome changes, especially in how detachments work. One of the big shifts is in how Command Points (CP) are handled. In 9th Edition, building your army meant carefully managing your CP—want an extra detachment? That’ll cost you. 10th Edition, however, is a lot more generous. Instead of juggling multiple detachments, you now get to focus on a single, powerful detachment that doesn’t drain your CP reserves. This means more freedom to spend those points on game-winning stratagems, rather than just keeping your army on the table.
Also, the role of Troops and special units has shifted a bit. In 9th Edition, Troops were often required to fill out detachments, which could lead to some pretty uninspired choices just to meet requirements. In 10th Edition, that’s less of an issue. Now, you can build around the units you really want to play without worrying about taking “tax” units. Sure, Troops are still important, but they’re not the automatic backbone they used to be. Instead, you get to lean into your faction’s strengths and build more thematic, efficient armies.
Why Power Level Was Removed in 10th Edition
Explanation of Power Level Removal
Ah, Power Level. Once a promising shortcut for building armies quickly, it’s now a relic of a bygone age—kind of like a plasma gun that never overheats. While the idea behind Power Level was noble (providing an easy, casual way to calculate army strength), it often led to unbalanced games. Units with the same Power Level could have wildly different capabilities, and this didn’t sit well with competitive players or narrative-driven gamers alike. So, in 10th Edition, Power Level was quietly phased out in favor of a more streamlined points system that better reflects the actual power of each unit.
How This Simplifies the Detachment System
Without Power Level, the detachment system is far easier to manage. Players no longer have to worry about whether their armies are truly balanced based on vague estimates. Now, every unit’s worth is clear-cut, which makes it simpler to build a detachment that’s balanced and effective. In short, removing Power Level means you can focus on fielding the right mix of units without second-guessing whether you’ve over- or under-powered your army.
So, with Power Level gone, what do we have? A points-based system that allows for more precise and enjoyable army-building. Now, you can get on with the business of unleashing your army’s full potential—whether you’re hammering through enemy lines with a vanguard force or laying down fire from a fortress of tanks. Just don’t forget to double-check your points before heading into battle—you know the Commissar won’t forgive any mistakes.
What Are 10th Edition Warhammer 40k Detachments?
The Core Concept of Warhammer 40k Detachments
In the grim darkness of the far future, armies don’t just appear out of thin air. They need structure, strategy, and rules to maintain the delicate balance between carnage and tactical prowess. Enter detachments, the building blocks of every battle-ready army in Warhammer 40k. Think of a detachment like a well-oiled machine—or, in some cases, a chaos-infused murder squadron. Every unit you bring to the table is organized within these frameworks, ensuring your army is legal for play and, more importantly, ready to face the onslaught of foes waiting across the battlefield.
Detachments aren’t just about rules, though. They serve as the thematic backbone of your force. Want to lead a horde of rampaging Orks? You’ll likely find yourself with a Waaagh! Tribe detachment. Prefer the cold, calculated movements of the Necrons? There’s a hyper-structured framework for that, too. Each detachment allows you to field your favorite units, but it also influences how your army plays on the battlefield, dictating strategies and bonuses that can turn the tide of battle.
In short, detachments shape your army’s strategy. They ensure that your force isn’t just a mishmash of random models but a cohesive, tactical unit ready for the crucible of war. Whether you’re blasting apart enemies with the Adeptus Mechanicus’ Rad-Zone Corps or charging headlong with Space Marine Terminators, the right detachment is key to victory.
Battleforged 40k Armies: Structured and Rules-Legal
What It Means to Have a Battleforged Army
In Warhammer 40k, throwing models on the table without a plan is like sending Imperial Guardsmen into a Tyranid swarm without lasguns: it’s not going to end well. To keep things fair (and fun), armies need to be Battleforged. This means your army follows specific rules on unit composition, ensuring everything fits into the larger narrative of Warhammer 40k’s universe. A Battleforged army isn’t just about looking cool—though a battalion of perfectly painted Space Marines does look glorious. It’s about crafting a force that adheres to the tactical doctrine of your faction while sticking to the game’s structure.
In practical terms, Battleforged armies gain access to a powerful resource called Command Points (CP). These CPs let you pull off clutch plays, use devastating stratagems, and enhance your force’s overall capabilities. If you’ve ever seen an enemy land a game-changing strategy like teleporting a Grey Knights squad behind your lines, it’s Command Points at work. So, yes, Battleforged isn’t just for show—it’s your ticket to tactical supremacy.
Detachments
In 10th edition, detachment rules have shifted toward a more flexible system. Rather than juggling multiple detachments, armies now build around a single, powerful detachment, making the Command Points game more straightforward. But don’t be fooled—this system still rewards cunning generals who know how to maximize their resources.
How to Build a Warhammer 40k Army in 10th Edition With Detachments
So, you’ve got the models, the paints, and the enthusiasm of an Imperial Guardsman on his first day at boot camp. Now what? Building your Warhammer 40k army in 10th Edition is all about bringing together a cohesive force that plays to your faction’s strengths while also being, you know, legal for battle. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how you can get that army ready for the tabletop and crush your enemies.
Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Battle-Forged 40k Army & Detachments
Selecting Your Faction and Detachment Abilities in 10th Edition Warhammer 40k
First things first: who’s your squad? In Warhammer 40k, your faction is your army’s identity. Whether you’re into the grim industrial vibes of the Adeptus Mechanicus, the bug-swarming horror of the Tyranids, or the noble, world-crushing Imperial Knights, choosing your faction is like choosing your side in a galactic war that never ends. Once you’ve picked your faction, it’s time to get tactical with detachment abilities.
Each faction in 10th Edition has multiple detachments, and these aren’t just names or rules—they’re game changers. For example, if you’re running Space Marines, the Gladius Task Force gives you a nice balance of offensive and defensive tricks. Meanwhile, the Vanguard Spearhead lets you unleash those sneaky Phobos-armored units for precision strikes. Your detachment rules set the tone for how you’ll play in 10th Edition, whether you’re going for overwhelming firepower, durability, or even trickery. So, pick wisely!
Choosing Your Warlord and Units
Your Warlord is the star of your army’s Netflix series—the main character who leads your troops to victory or goes down in a blaze of glory (or both). Choosing the right Warlord isn’t just about picking the toughest model; it’s about synergy with your army’s 10th Edition detachment abilities, rules, and overall strategy. Maybe your Warlord is a brutal Hive Tyrant from the Tyranids, directing swarms of flesh-eating horrors. Or perhaps it’s a Captain in Gravis Armor leading the charge in your Space Marines army.
Once the Warlord is locked in, it’s time to pick your units. This is where you assemble the right combination of heavy hitters, support, and core troops. In 10th Edition, the flexibility of choosing units is higher than ever. Gone are the days of feeling forced to take units you don’t like just to meet a requirement. Now, you can focus on picking what fits your strategy, whether that’s hordes of bodies, elite squads, or a balance between the two.
Structuring Your Roster for Maximum Efficiency
Now that you’ve got your faction, Warlord, and units picked, it’s time to structure your roster for the battlefield. This means balancing your units in a way that plays to their strengths while covering potential weaknesses. Maybe you’re fielding a Gladius Task Force with heavy intercessors to hold the line while your fast-moving units flank your enemies. Or perhaps you’re going all-in with the Vanguard Spearhead, keeping your units mobile and taking objectives with pinpoint precision.
Remember, the key to success in 10th Edition isn’t just about having a cool-looking army (though that definitely helps)—it’s about making sure your units can work together seamlessly. Coordinate your forces like a symphony of destruction, and you’ll be blasting through your opponents in no time.
Faction-Specific Detachment Rules in 10th Edition Warhammer 40k
Tyranids: Invasion Fleet and Synaptic Nexus
The Tyranids are the galaxy’s hungriest apex predators, and in 10th Edition, they’ve got some terrifying detachment rules to choose from. The Invasion Fleet is your go-to for a balanced swarm of horrors. With buffs to all your key units, from the smallest Gaunt to the largest Carnifex, you can overwhelm your opponent with numbers and relentless attacks. If you want something a little more high-tech and tactical, the Synaptic Nexus focuses on the synaptic network that links all Tyranids. It’s perfect for players who love the idea of controlling their swarms like a hive mind.
Space Marines: Gladius Task Force and Vanguard Spearhead
The Space Marines have always been the backbone of the Imperium, and their detachment rules in 10th Edition give you the flexibility to run them in a variety of styles. The Gladius Task Force is a versatile, all-purpose detachment that can handle most battlefield situations. It’s great for players who want a balanced mix of infantry, vehicles, and tactical flexibility.
If subtlety and surprise attacks are more your thing, the Vanguard Spearhead is the way to go. Phobos-armored units like Reivers and Incursors get to shine here, using stealth and guerrilla tactics to strike fast and fade away before the enemy can retaliate. It’s a more specialized approach, but when done right, it’s devastating.
Necrons: Annihilation Legion and Canoptek Court
The Necrons bring an ancient, terrifying precision to the battlefield, and their detachments reflect that. The Annihilation Legion is all about relentless destruction, emphasizing the Necrons’ affinity for Destroyer Cult units like Skorpekh Destroyers and Flayed Ones. If you love the idea of marching across the battlefield with unstoppable killing machines, this is your detachment.
For a more support-oriented approach, the Canoptek Court focuses on Necron constructs like the Canoptek Reanimator and Cryptek leaders. It’s a detachment built around keeping your army running efficiently, with powerful synergies between your robotic and Cryptek units.
Final thoughts on 10th Edition Warhammer 40k Detachments
And there you have it, commander! Your 10th Edition Warhammer 40k army is ready to crush the opposition (with plenty of detachment rules options), whether it’s the might of the Imperium, the terror of the Tyranids, or the cold precision of the Necrons. With 10th Edition making army-building smoother than an Eldar’s tactical retreat, you’re set to bring the pain with a force that not only looks good but plays like a well-oiled death machine.
Remember, whether you’re dropping a Gladius Task Force of Space Marines or unleashing the Invasion Fleet on some unsuspecting Guardsmen, the key is synergy and strategy. Pick your Warlord wisely, field your units like the tactical genius you are, and let your army do the talking (preferably with bolters and power swords). Now get out there and show the galaxy why they should fear the name on your army list! After all, in the grim darkness of the far future, there’s only one thing that matters: victory.
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About the Author: Wesley Floyd
Wesley Floyd
Job Title: Staff Writer
Joined: 2018
Socials: @RealmbrushPainting
About Wesley Floyd: Wes has been in the Warhammer hobby since 2015 and joined the Spikey Bits writing team in 2018. He is known for his satirist takes on trending topics and imaginative yet amazingly affordable hobby solutions to painting Warhammer miniatures.
Imperial fanboy, tabletop fanatic, and the self-proclaimed King of Sprues. 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 contact him or have your tabletop minatures painted (to a mostly okayish standard), message him on Instagram.
