Will 40k’s Genestealer Cult actually be good when they hit? Let’s take a look at their two biggest weaknesses and how they can improve in 8th Edition.
With the Genestaler Cult codex coming up sometime soon, let’s discuss some of the weaker sides of the faction that we hope GW fixes. We’ll be looking at the army as Genestealer Cult exclusive (meaning no Imperial Guard or Tyranid help).
Keep in mind, Genestealer Cult are getting tons of support in the form of characters. Hopefully, we’ll see even more new things on the way for the Xenos race.
Almost No Flyer Interaction
Genestealer Cult are especially susceptible to the skies. Sure, you can bring Leman Russes to try and pop them from the ground, but some kind of jury-rigged Jet fashioned together by a few Neophytes would be a step in the right direction. It would be something akin to an Ork flyer… Nothing fancy, but it works.
If a Cult player doubles down on some Genestealers and then faces a list with a Stormraven or too, it could end up being a very short game for the Cult.
Neophyte Heavy Weapons Teams
Genestealer Cult can do some real damage to heavy armor in close combat. You’ve got options between Aberrants, Acolyte Hybrids with Rock Saws, and even Genestealer’s Rending Claws. However, the Cult lack some kind of cheap unit that can sit back and crack enemy armor. Something similar to Lootas for Orks or a Devastator squad for Space Marines would be a huge help. Cult are poised to be extremely good at ambushing enemy units up-close. But at the end of the day, they lack some real reach.
We’ve seen the new ATV model with a Mining Laser and we’re hoping that these guys can be taken in squads of three (or something similar). These guys would also need to be on the cheaper side for them to even be worth it. We still may be seeing more models come our way in the near future.
Keep an eye out for more Genestealer Cult support in the days leading up to their codex. We know they’re next in line and we’re crossing our fingers hoping that GW will make them a real standalone fighting force once again.
What do you think about the latest Cult models that have been previewed? Is there any kind of special unit you’d like to see the army get? 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
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.
