Another 40k codex and another group of miniatures look to be getting the axe in these Emperor’s Children rules leaks rumors.
The long-awaited Emperor’s Children release is finally here, bringing fresh models, updated rules, and an entirely new way to play the devotees of Slaanesh. This has been buoyed by a leak on Reddit showing the full list of units in the codex. Yet, while the excitement around the release is undeniable, there’s a noticeable gap in the roster.
Some key units are absent, leaving players wondering what happened to their cultists, war machines, and classic character options? The new Emperor’s Children 40k Codex might shake up their army building soon.
What’s Missing from the Emperor’s Children Codex?
The absence of certain units has caught players off guard in these Emperor’s Children rules leaks (that are still rumors- treat accordingly), especially those who have been collecting and playing Emperor’s Children for years. Several options that seemed like they would be natural fits for the army have been left out, including:
- 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 to run with them.
- No Access to Daemon Units – Unlike other Chaos factions, there’s no mention of summoning or fielding daemon allies.
These omissions have left some players scratching their heads, especially given how central some of these units have been in previous lists.
Why Did These Units Get Removed?
There are a few possible reasons for the missing units, though none have been officially confirmed.
- Focusing on the Core Theme – The Emperor’s Children codex leans heavily into Noise Marines and their unique take on warfare. The removal of other ranged units could be an attempt to push them as the army’s primary firepower option.
- Sales and Product Lines – Some speculate that Games Workshop’s internal structure plays a role. Rumors suggest that daemon miniatures are counted under the Age of Sigmar department, which means including them wouldn’t contribute to Warhammer 40k’s sales. This could explain why daemons aren’t part of the list.
- Future Expansions? – There’s always the possibility that some of these units will return in a future expansion, campaign book, or White Dwarf update. The hope is that future releases will flesh out missing options.
How Does This Impact Gameplay?
The Emperor’s Children still have plenty of unique tools, but their playstyle has shifted. Noise Marines remain the backbone of the army, with mobility-focused detachments allowing for hit-and-run tactics. The removal of key ranged options means that if you want heavy support, you may need to rely on allied Chaos Space Marines.
Losing bikers and certain daemon engines makes the army feel less like a high-speed glass cannon force and more like a specialist army that thrives on elite infantry and close combat. The rules for Thrill Seekers reinforce this, encouraging units to move fluidly between combats rather than relying on traditional shooting tactics.
Will Future Emperor’s Children Codex Releases Fill the Gaps?
The hope is that missing options will return, either through new models or expanded detachment rules. The idea of Emperor’s Children without their cultist hordes, daemon allies, or iconic war machines feels incomplete, especially given how other Chaos factions have been built.
This release might not be the final form of the Emperor’s Children army, and as with any new codex, feedback from players will likely shape future expansions. While the current roster is strong, the missing elements make it feel like an army that still has room to grow.
What’s Next for Emperor’s Children Players?
For now, the focus is on adapting to what the new codex offers. Noise Marines and their support units remain some of the most unique troops in the game, and the detachment rules open up new ways to play. While the lack of certain units is disappointing, there’s still plenty of potential for Emperor’s Children to be a dominant force on the tabletop.
If the past few years have shown anything, it’s that Games Workshop is willing to revisit and expand on armies over time. Whether it’s a campaign supplement, a new model wave, or future codex updates, there’s still a chance that the missing elements will return.
Until then, it’s time to experiment with the new rules, test out strategies, and see just how much chaos the sons of Fulgrim can unleash.
Champions of Slaanesh Army Box Is Packed With Emperor’s Children Miniatures
What do you think about the units missing from the Emperor’s Children Codex rules leaks?
