New detachment rules, unit synergies, and Fulgrim’s return make the latest 40k Emperor’s Children codex rules leaks quite intriguing!
The latest Emperor’s Children codex leaks are here, and they’re packed with big changes. Fulgrim is back, detachment rules are shaking things up, and unit synergies are looking stronger than ever. Whether you’re into high-speed assaults, devastating melee, or tactical mind games, there’s something in these leaks that’ll change how you play.
From Noise Marines packing extra firepower to new ways of stacking buffs, the battlefield is about to get louder and deadlier. Let’s break down the most important updates, what they mean for your army, and how to make the most of them once the official book lands.
Getting the Most Out of the Emperor’s Children Codex:
Nothing gets the Warhammer 40k community talking quite like the thrill of leaked codex rules and fresh strategies. With the Emperor’s Children codex here, those who favor the decadent warriors of Slaanesh are poring over every snippet of information. There’s excitement, skepticism, and the inevitable online debates—but that’s part of the fun, isn’t it?
So, what’s coming with this update? Quite a bit, actually. From powerful new detachment rules to tweaks in key units, the leaked 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—talk about how to make the most of it when the book finally lands.
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. Several units that seemed like natural fits for the Emperor’s Children have been notably omitted.
- 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.
These omissions have left some players scratching their heads, especially given how central some of these units have been in previous lists.
Leaked Datasheet Rules:
Let’s jump to what is in the codex from the key leaked datasheets that have been making the rounds online but look quite legit.
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, 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. 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.
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:
- Allows units to advance, shoot, and charge as well as fall back, shoot, and charge (with restrictions).
- Makes Emperor’s Children units highly mobile.
Rapid Evisceration (Fast Assault and Transport Play)
- Infantry disembarking from transports get re-rolls to hit and wound.
- Stratagems allow for mid-movement disembarks, extra transport flexibility, and charge re-rolls.
- Strong choice for players who love fast, mechanized aggression.
Peerless Bladesmen (Melee Specialists)
- Charging units gain Lethal Hits and Sustained Hits 1.
- Enhancements boost attacks, allow heroic interventions, and improve survivability.
- Expect this to be the pick for aggressive, blade-focused lists.
Slaanesh’s Chosen (Character Duels and Leadership Buffs)
- Two chosen characters gain re-rolls to wound in melee.
- Stratagems enhance their ability to take down enemy leaders and reward successful fights.
- A great option if you love making your characters the stars of the battlefield.
Carnival of Excess (Critical Hits and Synergy Buffs)
- Units near each other get better critical hit chances and ignore hit modifiers.
- Enhancements focus on movement tricks, battle-shock tests, and devastating melee attacks.
- Plays well for those who like stacking buffs and controlling engagements.
Mercurial Host (Speed and Mobility Focused)
- Re-roll Advance rolls army-wide.
- Stratagems and enhancements allow for repositioning, increased speed, and mid-fight movement.
- Ideal for those who love outmaneuvering opponents.
Coterie of the Conceited (Power Stacking and Pact-Based Upgrades)
- Warlords gain points each turn that unlock stronger army-wide buffs.
- Playstyle rewards patience and strategic escalation.
- It might take some finesse, but it offers huge payoffs later in the game.
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?
