According to the data from Games Workshop, these are the best (top winning lists) and worst Warhammer 40k armies in the meta right now!
Updated January 24th, 2024, by Rob Baer with updated information on the current best and worst Warhammer 40k armies, which are currently overpowered in the meta right now, and the latest Dataslate changes from Jan 15th.
GW’s been keeping a close eye on the meta lately, trying to keep every Warhammer 40k army at that sweet 50% win rate with their Balance Dataslates, Rules Commentary, and FAQs. According to the folks over at Warhammer Community, here’s the scoop on the best and worst 40k armies in the meta (along with the most OP army).
Also, big news – GW is now updating the 40k Balance Dataslate every other quarter, but points will change every quarter.
40k Metawatch Summary
NOTE: Navigate to the different sections by clicking on the links below
- DATASLATE CHANGES Q1 2025
- DATASLATE CHANGES Q4 2024
- BEST ARMIES IN THE WARHAMMER 40K META JANUARY 2025
- BEST ARMIES IN THE WARHAMMER 40K META DECEMBER 2024
- FIELD MUNITORUM POINTS CHANGES
- FINAL THOUGHTS
Points Changes, Balance Dataslate, & Updates: Q1 Winter 2025
Alright, let’s break down the latest confirmations from GW about which armies are the best in Warhammer 40k. They’ve dropped some big updates shaking up the best and most overpowered Warhammer 40k armies, and there’s a little something for everyone—or at least enough to keep us all arguing over meta-shifts.
First up, the Astra Militarum got their new points, but they are not “official” yet, until the stand along codex release. So, for now, your beautifully optimized Guard lists will have to wait before you can unleash them in competitive play (and see all the new points here).
Now, onto the detachment drama! The Grotmas detachments got a shake-up in the surprise Balance Dataslate update in January for five factions: Adeptus Mechanicus, Necrons, Adeptus Custodes, Chaos Knights, and Thousand Sons.
We have the exact details in our full Dataslate post here or download the document directly from GW.
Daemons of Chaos players got a treat—GW removed all those pesky selection restrictions from the Denizens of the Warp Stratagem. Summoning your favorites just became way easier, so let the chaotic fun begin.
Dark Angels also got a couple of small changes. The Mounted Strategist Enhancement finally made it to the list, and Ravenwing Black Knights and the Command Squad had their melee weapons updated to align with other units carrying the same gear. It’s minor, but it smooths things out.
As for the Tau, they’re feeling a little sharper now. The Bonded Heroes Detachment Rule got an upgrade—units now get extra AP when shooting enemies within 9 inches. It’s a nice little boost for those who like to play aggressive and get up close and personal.
So, to sum it all up, Guard are gearing up for their codex, five Grotmas detachments got some tweaks, and Daemons, Dark Angels, and Tau all got a little glow-up. Time to get list-building and start prepping for the Chaos to come—pun absolutely intended
Major Faction Changes, Balance Dataslate, & Updates: Q4 Winter 2024
Rules Balance Status: BUFFED. The Q4 2024 update showers Codex-compliant Marines with both firepower and utility buffs. Ultramarines and their standard cousins can now hit harder, while datasheet tweaks ensure that previously overlooked units, like Reivers and Outriders, become viable options. Guilliman’s price increase reflects his expanded versatility, but overall, this is a great slate for fans of the Codex boys.
Rules Balance Status: NERFED. Adepta Sororitas felt the weight of nerfs to Miracle Dice generation, limiting the resource that makes them unique. Though the Penitent Host gains some flexibility, the overall tone of these changes stifles the Sisters’ dominance, forcing players to rethink strategies.
Adeptus Custodes: Jetbike Redemption Arc
Rules Balance Status: BUFFED. Adeptus Custodes rise with shining upgrades, especially to their Jetbikes. Their improved profiles and retooled weapons solidify their presence on the battlefield. Strategic mobility through Quicksilver Execution adds more tactical depth, making Custodes players one of the biggest winners of this update.
Verdict? Custodes players are grinning like the Emperor Himself just handed them a Custodes Jetbike starter pack.
Astra Militarum: Leontus and His Armored Brigade Get Nerfed
Rules Balance Status: NERFED. Astra Militarum take a hit as key tools like Lord Solar Leontus lose utility, and points increases target staple units. While not entirely gutted, Guard players will find themselves recalibrating and losing some of their former meta power.
Orks: Waaagh! Just Got Waaagh!-ier
Rules Balance Status: BUFFED. Orks charge forward with significant improvements. Changes to the Waaagh! rule grant longer-lasting and impactful effects, while Da Big Hunt upgrades add versatility to their aggressive playstyle. Orks are back to smashing with confidence.
One of the Best Warhammer 40k Armies Currently: Necrons: From Hypercrypt to Starshatter
Rules Balance Status: Mixed Outcome (Buffed and Nerfed). Necrons face a dual fate: Hypercrypt sees reduced resurrection powers, but the Starshatter detachment offers compelling new firepower options. Points tweaks leave them in a stronger position overall, especially for non-Hypercrypt builds.
Tyranids: The Hive Mind’s Evolution
Rules Balance Status: BUFFED. Tyranids’ regeneration-focused Assimilation Swarm benefits immensely from durability improvements, while strategic points adjustments give players greater list-building flexibility. This is a big step forward for Tyranid swarms.
Genestealer Cults (the Previous Best Warhammer 40k Army)
Rules Balance Status: Mixed Outcome (Buffed and Nerfed). At the time of the Balance Dataslate, the GSC was clearly Warhammer 40k’s most OP army. Now, the Genestealer Cults have gained reliability with the new Cult Ambush mechanics but have lost some of the dramatic highs of the older rules. Competitive builds may still thrive, but overall, power feels more measured.
T’au Empire
Rules Balance Status: NERFED T’au face significant challenges with the removal of 3” deep strikes, hampering the Retaliation Cadre’s effectiveness. This update leaves their alpha-strike capacity diminished. This change really hits the Battlesuits and will force players into other options.
Chaos Space Marines
Rules Balance Status: BUFFED. Chaos Space Marines receive targeted buffs, with Annihilators gaining much-needed anti-vehicle efficiency. While some Stratagem nerfs level the field, overall, these changes push the faction into a stronger tactical position.
Chaos Knights
Rules Balance Status: BUFFED. Chaos Knights benefit from cheaper War Dogs and more accessible Doom and Darkness effects. These tweaks bring more utility to their smaller units, enhancing flexibility without major downsides.
Chaos Daemons
Rules Balance Status: BUFFED. Across the warp-touched spectrum, subtle tweaks keep things spicy. Chaos Daemons see incremental but meaningful upgrades, with Screamers getting stronger anti-vehicle abilities. The changes may not revolutionize the faction but certainly bolster their options.
Best Warhammer 40k Armies & Faction Win Rates: (January 23rd, 2024 Metawatch)
Stat Check shared their latest Warhammer 40k tier list with win rates for the best armies, from those that need buffs to those that are currently overpowered.
Imperial Agents are making waves in the Warhammer 40k scene, climbing from obscurity to an impressive 59% win rate. The Grotmas Detachments seem to be pulling its weight, but there’s a catch. Despite the promising numbers, no players managed a flawless 4-0 run, and there are no major event wins to boast about with those. With only 22 recorded games, it’s fair to say this might not be the sweeping success it first appears. Still, a 59% win rate is no small feat, and it’s bound to raise some eyebrows.
Right behind them, Chaos Daemons are putting in solid work with a 55% win rate and four event wins under their belt. Consistency is key, and they seem to have found a formula that works across different matchups. Necrons aren’t far behind, benefiting greatly from the Starshatter Arsenal Detachment (which just got NERFED in the January update).
With five event wins and a 54% win rate, they’re proving that ancient dynasties still have a few tricks up their metallic sleeves (and might be an easy answer for which easy Warhammer army is currently overpowered).
Astra Militarum and Imperial Knights are holding steady at 53%, adding a few event wins to their resumes. While they may not be breaking records, they’re reliable contenders capable of turning heads in the right hands.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Adepta Sororitas are struggling to stay afloat. Recent nerfs hit them harder than expected, and their current 42% win rate reflects the uphill battle they’re facing. The reworked Miracle Dice mechanic isn’t quite living up to expectations, and unless changes come soon, they might be stuck at the bottom for a while.
Tau, Chaos Knights, and Chaos Space Marines are also facing challenges, each sitting at 42%. The silver lining? They’ve managed at least one event win each, proving there’s still potential for those willing to put in the effort and adapt their strategies.
Looking at the bigger picture, the overall balance of the game seems to be in a pretty good spot. Most armies are sitting between a 52%-47% win rate, which suggests a healthy mix of competitiveness. While there are still some outliers, it’s a great time for casual and competitive players alike to enjoy the game.
Best Warhammer 40k Armies & Faction Win Rates: (December 11th, 2024 Metawatch)
Stat Check shared their latest Warhammer 40k tier list with win rates for the best armies, from those that need buffs to those that are currently overpowered. Lately, the Warhammer 40k meta is shifting like a Necron on a sugar rush, and the Genestealer Cult is stealing the spotlight—or at least the last slice of pizza at your game night.
At the top of the Warhammer 40k tier list Metawatch (and the Best Warhammer 40k armies for the second time in a row) are the Genestealer Cults (GSC), boasting a massive 62% win rate. This jump from 60% shows just how dominant they’ve been lately. Alarmingly, 14% of players using this faction started tournaments with a flawless 4-0 record.
This performance has drawn attention, and many are hopeful that upcoming changes will rein them in. We talk about it more in a recent Meta Monday army list breakdown article on the GSC.
Second place goes to Astra Militarum with a 54% win rate. While consistent, they’ve been hit hard with nerfs, and it remains to be seen if players can adjust their strategies to keep them competitive. Close behind are the Leagues of Votann, Chaos Daemons, and Death Guard, all sitting at a respectable 53%. These armies aren’t dominating but are solid options.
Interestingly, most armies—15 in total—are sitting comfortably within a balanced 48% to 51% win rate range. This suggests a relatively level playing field. Adepta Sororitas, for example, are at exactly 50%, though upcoming NERFS could shake things up more than some players expected. It also feels a bit harsh when they are right in the middle, but they have been above the 50% win rate for some time.
At the lower end, Dark Angels and standard Space Marines struggle at 46%. Despite their popularity, only 5% of Space Marine players manage to go 4-0 in tournaments. Meanwhile, Grey Knights currently hold the lowest win rate at 44%, the only faction below Games Workshop’s target floor of 45%.
The balance dataslate will undoubtedly shift things, but for now, GSC reign supreme, while factions like Space Marines and Grey Knights hope the love in the Dataslate will help them rise. Either way, the Warhammer 40k tier list of armies is pretty versatile right now!
10th Edition Munitorium Field Manual Updates
Both these points updates and the Balance Dataslate will shake up the best and worst Warhammer 40k Armies in the meta and lists, but that’s generally a good thing. Let’s start with the Munitorum Field Manual 40k points change updates winners and losers and then get into the specifics of how the Warhammer 40k tier list is changing.
Buffed Factions (Best Warhammer 40k Armies):
- Adeptus Mechanicus: Those Kastelan Robots and Datasmiths are rolling in discounts.
- Black Templars: Cheaper Repulsors and Executioners for the holy hammer time.
- Blood Angels: Sanguinary Guard and Death Company with better prices for more blood-spilling.
- Chaos and Imperial Knights: Affordable War Dogs mean more barking on the battlefield.
- Chaos Space Marines: Bikes are zooming in for less.
- Necrons: Warriors, Ghost Arks, and Ophydian Destroyers are resurrecting those budget vibes.
- Leagues of Votann: Thunderkyn and Iron-masters are dropping those gold nuggets.
- Tyranids: Norn and Trygon are hungry for action at a discount buffet.
NERF-ed Factions (Warhammer 40k Armies Which are Currently Overpowered):
- Astra Militarum: Infantry squads, characters, and tanks got a little heavier, but some units like Death Korps and Ogryns are feeling fresh.
- Adepta Sororitas: Castigator and Exorcist turned into luxury items.
- Adeptus Custodes: Dawneagle Jetbikes got fancy price tags, but received buffs in the Dataslate.
- Drukhari: Scourges and Grotesques are making you pay for the pain.
- Tau Empire: Tiger Shark’s new price tag hits like its railgun.
- Space Wolves: Scouts and Wulfen getting fancier to deploy.
- Space Marines: Intercessors, Scouts, and Guilliman got a price hike—ouch! However, this should all be a buff in the long run with the Dataslate changes.
Final Thoughts on The Best & Worst Warhammer 40k Tier List, Currently Overpowered Armies, and the Meta
And there you have it, folks! The battlefield is buzzing with change, and every commander, from the WAAAGH!-shouting Ork to the Thousand Sons’ tactical masterminds, will have to sharpen their strategies to be the most OP army in Warhammer 40k now.
While some factions are licking their wounds from heavy nerfs (which Warhammer 40k armies were overpowered), others are priming their war engines for a comeback (and might finally make the good side of a Warhammer 40k tier list).
Check out the latest resources for the current best armies in the Warhammer 40k meta, along with the recent updates from Games Workshop for all the juicy details on which armies are currently overpowered (or the most OP) and which need help.
- Weekly Warhammer 40k Tournament Coverage & Top Tier Army Lists
- Latest Balance Dataslate
- 40k Points Update & Changes
- Upcoming Warhammer Tournaments & Events
- Latest Warhammer 40k Rumors
- New Release Roadmap For Warhammer 40k
- Warhammer 40k 10th Edition Balance Dataslate Updates
- Warhammer 40k Codex Release Date Guide
- 40k Base Sizes Resource Guide
- How to Paint Miniatures: Warhammer & Other Tabletop Games
Warhammer 40k Factions Explained: A Complete Guide to Every Army
What do you think about the best and worst lists in the meta right now, the current Warhammer 40k meta tier lists, and which Warhammer 40k armies are currently overpowered?
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!
