Unleash the Dark Mechanicum in Legions Imperialis, new models, army rules, art, STLs, and lore updates hint at an exciting future for Warhammer 40k and Horus Heresy fans.
GW Finally Brings New Dark Mechanicum Models to Warhammer as an Army for Legions Imperialis & Hints at 32mm Upscale Release
Warhammer fans and hobbyists alike have a lot to look forward to with the arrival of the Dark Mechanicum in Legions Imperialis. For the first time, Games Workshop has officially introduced models and rules for the infamous Dark Mechanicum in a fully-fledged Warhammer setting.
This new faction brings with it not just a fresh look but also a wave of speculation for what might come in future editions of Warhammer 40k.
Silica Mutus: When Machines Think (And Plot)
The standard battle-automata of the Mechanicum are impressive, but the Dark Mechanicum goes beyond “standard” with the Silica Mutus. These machines have their own rudimentary intelligence and can form a collective intelligence in packs. They’re like a horde of robotic wolves that not only follow orders but also figure out new ways to defeat enemies. These machines are not bound by the same restrictions as their loyalist counterparts and aren’t afraid to think outside the box.
The Dark Mechanicum: Who Are They?
This turned out to be Vashtorr, but it’s close enough for now!
In the Warhammer universe, the Dark Mechanicum represents a twisted version of the traditional Adeptus Mechanicus, the tech-priests who serve the Imperium of Man. Unlike their loyalist counterparts, the Dark Mechanicum broke away during the Horus Heresy, choosing to align themselves with the powers of Chaos. This shift led them to abandon the sacred rites of machine worship and embrace forbidden technologies, allowing them to create horrific amalgamations of flesh, machine, and dark sorcery.
The introduction of these new models into Legions Imperialis is a moment to remember. Until now, the Dark Mechanicum has mainly been hinted at in lore, with only a few models and mentions scattered across various books and campaigns.
New Campaign Book: The Rise of the Dark Mechanicum
Central to this introduction is the new campaign book, The Rise of the Dark Mechanicum STL. This book will feature not just lore expansions but also detailed rules to field a Mechanicum Battle Group (check out the pricing and value of the box here), either as the traditional loyalist Adeptus Mechanicus or as their corrupted, chaos-aligned counterparts.
Narrative players will also enjoy the Battle for Magma City, a historical battle where loyalist Tempestus Titans faced off against the corrupted Dark Mechanicum and Traitor Legion forces. This is a must-have for fans who want to experience the brutality and drama of one of the Warhammer universe’s most pivotal moments.
The Serperaos Overlord Heavy Stalker
The first model of this new faction to be unveiled is the Serperaos Overlord Heavy Stalker. This new unit showcases the Dark Mechanicum’s sinister blend of arcane machinery and dark, chaotic energy. While it’s the only model revealed so far, Games Workshop has hinted that more models will follow in the coming months, sparking anticipation for what else might be coming to the battlefield.
Stalker Constructs: Hunters with a Nasty Edge
The Serperos ‘Overlord’ Heavy Stalker was just the beginning. Now, meet its deadlier cousins: the Tennebrax ‘Archer’ Battle Stalker Cohort and the Errax ‘Butcher’ Assault Stalker Cohort. The Archers soften up enemy lines from a distance, while the Butchers excel in close combat. They work best together, with the Archers setting ’em up and the Butchers knocking ’em down.
Harpax Swarmers: Chaff with a Nasty Bite
The Stalker Constructs box includes 30 models, with eight Harpax ‘Swarmer’ Scout Hosts, as well as two of each Errax, Tenebrax, and Scintillax for variety. Meanwhile, the Serperos ‘Overlord’ Heavy Stalkers box comes with four hulking models and includes the necessary terminals to field Errax, Tenebrax, Scintillax, and Serperos in Adeptus Titanicus. In the world of the Dark Mechanicum, even chaff can dismantle you before you know it.
Scintillax ‘Cyclops’: The Ultimate Puppet Master
The leader of the deadly automatons is the Scintillax ‘Cyclops’. This advanced machine processes information at a dizzying speed, issuing orders to keep all the other machines operating like a hive mind. Under its control, formations of Stalkers and Swarmers become even more efficient, turning chaos into coordinated destruction.
Dark Mechanicum Size Comparisons
Aesthetically, the Dark Mechanicum’s stalkers—those towering, multi-legged nightmares—are designed to look like the handiwork of a rogue faction within the Mechanicum (snd tower over almost everything on the battlefield). This group, likely operating in secret for years, pretended to be loyal to the Cult of Mars while covertly tinkering with forbidden, arcane tech. All the while, they were busy cooking up plans for war machines that would make any loyalist tech-priest faint with horror.
Will the Dark Mechanicum Come To Warhammer 40k as Dark Mechancius?
Fans are already speculating about the broader implications of this release. Could we see a full Dark Mechanicum army in Warhammer 40k? This release seems to be setting the stage for that possibility. With 10th Edition already offering plenty of new content, a future update could potentially bring the Dark Mechanicum fully into the 40k universe—perhaps in late 10th Edition or even early 11th Edition.
Horus Heresy and Beyond
It’s not just Legions Imperialis and Warhammer 40k that might benefit from the introduction of these new units. There’s growing speculation that we could see larger-scale models for Horus Heresy as well. Given the shared narrative space between the two games, it would make sense for these models to find a home in both universes.
Recently, GW more or less confirmed they will come to at least the Horus Heresy as normal 32mm scale models:
That isn’t to say these machines will never appear at the Age of Darkness scale, but that’s a long way off!
They say it’s a long way off, but anytime GW says something like this, it means we’ll see it… but who knows when?
Art and Dark Mechanicum STL Files
For hobbyists and collectors, the Dark Mechanicum art and models are likely to spark plenty of creative projects. Whether through official Dark Mechanicum STL files or custom conversions, these new models are likely to inspire a new wave of fan art and unique creations.
Final Thoughts on the Dark Mechanicum Heading to Warhammer
In short, their grand entrance into Legions Imperialis is like an ancient cog finally clicking into place—albeit one that’s dripping with dark magic and questionable engineering. There’s something undeniably thrilling about this corrupted faction finally getting its time in the spotlight. New models, chaotic machines, and a fresh wave of lore? Yes, please.
All the Latest Warhammer Rules & Model Rumors
What do you think about the new Dark and evil version of the Mechanicum army coming to Warhammer (and possibly 40k)?
About the Author: Travis Pasch
Travis Pasch
Job Title: Head Writer & Editor
Socials: @paschbass
About Travis Pasch: Travis has been a Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the 1990s, playing the game since Third Edition. Through extensive traveling, he’s seen a lot of the miniatures hobby from across the world, giving him a unique perspective on the latest gaming topics and trends.
Travis’s brother even owns a commission painting studio, where he’s picked up a lot of good advice and techniques for painting Warhammer and tabletop miniatures over the years, as well. Travis joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the lead writer since 2020.
Currently, he’s working on converting all his 40k Adeptus Mechanicus models and becoming a true tech enjoyer, complete with both sad and happy robot noises!
