Cadia Stands with the new 10th Edition Codex: Astra Militarum Regiment and Detachment Warhammer 40k rules for Catachans, Shock Troops, and Death Korps of Krieg.
Updated January 9th, 2025, by Sam Duguid with new information and links to relevant content.
The Astra Militarum regiments, also known as the Imperial Guard, are the hammer of the Imperium, drawing its strength from countless worlds and systems.
Each regiment has its own fighting style, honed through generations of war against xenos, heretics, and traitors. In the new Codex: Astra Militarum, three legendary regiments—Cadian Shock Troops, Death Korps of Krieg, and Catachan Jungle Fighters—are getting unique rules and loadout options, giving players fresh ways to build and deploy their forces.
Cadian Shock Troops: Holding the Line
The troops of the Astra Militarum regiments of Cadia exemplify discipline and resilience, making them a reliable choice for holding objectives. Their Command Squad comes with the Cadia Stands! rule, granting the Benefit of Cover against ranged attacks as long as an Officer is alive in the unit.
Pair this with the Cadian Heavy Weapons Squad, which can use the Covering Fire ability to boost Overwatch attacks, and now you’ve got a powerful firebase capable of weathering heavy fire while dishing it out in return.
- Cadia Stands!: Units within range of an objective gain the Benefit of Cover when targeted by ranged attacks, as long as the Officer is alive.
- Covering Fire: Overwatch hits land on rolls of 5+ by default, improving to 4+ if the squad is near a friendly Platoon unit, such as a Command Squad.
Together, these abilities allow Cadian forces to dig in and hold objectives with unmatched resolve.
Death Korps of Krieg: Unbreakable Resolve
The Death Korps of Krieg Astra Militarum regiments bring grim determination to the battlefield, fighting until their last breath. The Final Duty rule for their Heavy Weapons Squad ensures they can fire one last devastating salvo, even as their gunners fall. Meanwhile, the Grim Determination rule for their Command Squad lets them keep issuing orders and using Stratagems even while under the effects of Battle-shock.
- Final Duty: When a Heavy Weapons Gunner is destroyed, roll a D6. On a 3+, the model fires one last time before being removed.
- Grim Determination: Stratagems and issued orders remain active even when the unit is Battle-shocked.
These abilities make the Death Korps incredibly dependable, ensuring their firepower and leadership remain effective, no matter the odds.
Catachan Jungle Fighters: Aggressive and Deadly
Catachan forces thrive in close-quarters combat, bringing their brutal style of warfare to any environment. The Catachan Command Squad grants the Gung-Ho Command ability, turning all their ranged weapons into Assault weapons for added mobility. Their Heavy Weapons Squads can target monsters and vehicles with Bring it Down!, re-rolling hit and wound rolls of 1 to ensure every shot counts.
- Gung-Ho Command: All ranged weapons in the unit gain the Assault keyword, allowing them to shoot after advancing.
- Bring it Down!: Re-roll hit and wound rolls of 1 when targeting monsters or vehicles.
These traits make Catachan units ideal for fast, aggressive strategies, taking the fight to the enemy with relentless efficiency.
Recon to Tank Assaults: New Astra Militarum Detachments Rules!
Crush your enemies with these new 10th Edition Warhammer 40k Astra Militarum detachments rules; from stealthy recon to all-out tank assaults, unleash your strategic prowess!
The latest Codex: Astra Militarum introduces four fresh new Detachments, and they’ve got some cool strategies that fit all kinds of playstyles. Whether you’re into heavy tank assaults or sneaky recon missions, these options let you easily craft an army that matches your style on the battlefield.
Mechanized Assault and Hammer of the Emperor
For fans of roaring engines and tanks charging into battle, the Mechanised Assault Detachment is a dream come true. It focuses on heavily armored transports delivering shock troops straight into the heart of the enemy. This style prioritizes aggressive, close-range engagements where mobility is key.
If you prefer overwhelming firepower, the Hammer of the Emperor Astra MilitarumDetachment is all about armored spearheads. Tank squadrons, including the new Rogal Dorn Commanders, roll across the battlefield, unleashing devastating volleys that crush anything in their path.
Siege Regiment: Artillery Masters
For those who want to rain destruction from afar, the Siege Regiment Detachment focuses on powerful artillery strikes. Its Artillery Support rule offers three distinct options:
- Creeping Barrage: Slows enemy movement and disrupts charges.
- Incendiary Bombardment: Strips enemies of cover, leaving them vulnerable.
- Smoke Shells: Grants Stealth to your units, making them harder to hit.
The Over the Top Stratagem lets infantry surge forward en masse, ignoring typical range limits for orders, while Callous Sacrifice enables units to fire at point-blank range—even at the cost of their lives. To keep enemies on their toes, the Minefield Stratagem punishes foes who charge too recklessly, dealing mortal wounds to attackers.
Recon Element: Masters of Camouflage
For players who prefer subtlety and precision, the Recon Element Astra Militarum Detachment focuses on stealth and maneuverability. Its Masters of Camouflage rule grants cover to infantry and walkers, with an added boost to saves if they’re already in cover. This makes units like Sentinels and infantry platoons much harder to take down.
Key Stratagems include:
- Courageous Diversion: Lets a unit soak enemy fire while making it harder to hit.
- Scramble Field: Prevents enemy reinforcements from landing within 12″ of a unit.
- Scouting Outriders: Allows mounted infantry and walkers to leave the battlefield and redeploy, ready to strike from unexpected angles.
So, overall, each Detachment brings a distinct flavor to the Astra Militarum, from the relentless grind of Siege Regiments to the mobility and trickery of Recon Elements. Whether you’re bombarding foes with artillery, charging with tanks, or outflanking enemies with cavalry, the new 1oth edition Astra Militarum Codex rules give you the tools to dominate any battlefield.
Varnan Dreir & New Death Korps of Kreig Rules
The Death Korps of Krieg Army Set offers a unique entry point into the Astra Militarum with a mix of infantry, cavalry, artillery, and a special character in the form of Lord Marshal Varnan Dreir. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this Army box set such a standout option for both new and veteran players.
Lord Marshal Dreir: A Leader of Legend
Varnan Dreir is the centerpiece of the new set, a commander who has clawed his way up the ranks through sheer determination and tactical brilliance. Known for his knack for imaginative strategies and his infamous Krieg steed ES819—a mount that has survived more brushes with death than anyone can count—Dreir is a force to be reckoned with.
With six wounds, a 4+ save, and a 4+ invulnerable save, Dreir is one of the toughest commanders in the Astra Militarum. Even when he’s struck down, his resilience often sees him return to battle, embodying the grim resolve that defines the Death Korps.
Dreir excels at leading cavalry charges with his Death Rider bodyguards. Armed with his Sword of Sacrifice, he’s a potent combatant, while his bodyguards act as a screen, baiting enemies into overextending before regrouping for a devastating counterattack.
The Power of the Death Riders
The Death Rider bodyguards accompanying Dreir are more than just cavalry—they’re a key tactical tool. Their Screening Line ability allows them to reposition during the enemy’s turn, making them perfect for controlling the flow of battle.
This ability lets the Death Riders maintain their distance or reposition to set up a devastating countercharge. It also frustrates enemy strategies by making it harder for opponents to pin them down or bypass them. Paired with their speed and melee strength, the Death Riders can bait enemies into overextending while keeping your forces flexible and ready to strike.
Artillery and Engineers: The Backbone of Krieg Warfare
The Krieg Artillery Teams are a cornerstone of this set, packing devastating firepower to support your infantry and cavalry. Each team mans one of four heavy indirect-fire weapons, including:
- Siege Cannon: Lobs D6 Strength 12 Rend -2 shells, ideal for smashing vehicles and fortifications.
- Multiple Rocket Launcher: Fires D6+3 blasts with Anti-Infantry +3, perfect for clearing enemy troops.
Combat Engineers: Flexible Specialists
The Combat Engineers are a versatile unit that adds mobility and destructive power. Their Scout 6″ ability allows them to advance ahead of your main force, setting traps and taking key positions. With the Remote Mine, they can inflict devastating mortal wounds on enemy vehicles and fortifications, while their Grenadiers rule lets them use the Grenade Stratagem for free, adding another layer of utility.
Unleashing the New Astra Militarum Rules in 10th Edition
With specialized rules for these iconic Astra Militarum regiments and detachments, you can punch far above your weight in the galaxy’s deadliest warzones. Whether you prefer the disciplined Cadians, the resolute Death Korps, or the aggressive Catachans, each regiment offers unique strategies that shine when used in unison.
Combine these infantry options with the new Rogal Dorn Tank Commanders and fresh Detachments from the codex, and you’ve got plenty of ways to shape your army for the battles ahead.
Overall, the new Codex: Astra Militarum is packed with options to make your regiment feel as unique as the world they hail from. It’s a great time to rally your troops and show the galaxy the might of humanity’s defenders.
All the Latest Warhammer Rules & Model Rumors
Which of these new regiments rules are you most excited to use in your 10th Edition Warhammer 40k Astra Militarum army?
About the Author: Sam Duguid
Sam Duguid
Job Title: Freelance Writer
Socials: @duguid_mr
About Sam Duguid: Sam has been into Warhammer 40K for about half his life, starting back in 2006 with the Battle for Macragge starter set in 4th edition. He got really competitive and even became the Top ITC Eldar Corsair player in 2019, using a sweet list made up entirely of Venoms and Reavers bands.
While Sam is all about the different flavors of Eldar, they also enjoy playing Astra Militarum, Charcharodons, Night Lords, and Knights! When they’re not focused on 40K, Sam loves to get into Warhammer Fantasy, Horus Heresy, Age of Sigmar, Legions Imperialis, Battlefleet Gothic, and even Titanicus.
They’re always looking for any game that they can convince their friends to play with them. Currently, Sam is working on their airborne Astra Militarum army along with several Age of Sigmar and Old World armies.
