Build your ultimate Warhammer 40k Chaos Slaanesh army, from Daemonettes to sonic weapons, and harness the speed, allure, symbol, and excess of Slaanesh in battle.
The Ultimate Chaos Guide to Slaanesh in Warhammer 40k: Origins, Symbols, and Followers
If there were a deity who knows how to throw the ultimate cosmic party—complete with glitter, doom, and a side of total destruction—Slaanesh would be the one. Born from the unchecked decadence of the Eldar empire, Slaanesh is the Chaos God of pleasure, pain, and pushing every limit imaginable.
While Khorne is all about blood and skulls, and Nurgle is into disease (gross, right?), Slanesh prefers indulgence in every form.
Introduction to Chaos Slaanesh in Warhammer 40k
Who is Slaanesh in Warhammer 40k & Chaos?
Known as the “Prince of Excess,” Slaanesh (or, as some might mistakenly spell it, Slaneesh, Slanesh, or Slannesh) embodies the seduction of temptation. You want a taste of forbidden power?
Slaanesh has a buffet of delights waiting for you. Fancy the rush of battle mixed with the ecstasy of victory? Slaanesh delivers with a side of soul-shattering consequences.
Mortals and daemons alike fall under Slaanesh’s spell, lured in by promises of sensory overload and pleasures beyond their wildest dreams. The catch?
Well, let’s just say that when Slanesh gets ahold of you, your dreams quickly turn into nightmares, and your greatest desires become your downfall. But hey, at least you’ll look fabulous while you’re losing your soul, right?
And let’s not forget the common misspellings of Slaanesh—Slaneesh and Slannesh. Whether it’s a typo or someone unfamiliar with the dark powers, just know that even if you can’t spell it, Slaanesh will still find a way to tempt you into the fold.
What is Slaanesh the Chaos God of in Warhammer & 40k?
Slaanesh is the cosmic symbol of “more is more.” No moderation, no balance—just pure, unfiltered excess. The Prince of Pleasure reigns over a wide array of human (and inhuman) desires: lust, greed, gluttony, indulgence, and even perfectionism.
Basically, if it’s something you want more of, Slaanesh is here to offer it—and then take it to extremes you didn’t even know existed.
This Chaos God doesn’t just dabble in your standard vices; Slaanesh elevates every single one to an art form. Lust isn’t just about physical desire—it’s the craving for everything you can’t have, be it power, wealth, or even the thrill of danger.
Greed? It’s not just about hoarding gold but the insatiable hunger to consume and control everything in sight. Hedonism, indulgence, and gluttony are par for the course, whether you’re consuming food, emotions, or even the souls of your enemies. You want it all? Slaanesh says, “Why stop there?”
What makes Slanesh truly terrifying is the way this god shatters every boundary. There are no limits in Slaanesh’s realm, and that’s the whole point. Every mortal boundary—whether it’s physical, moral, or psychological—is something to be broken.
Pleasure and pain become one as the lines between joy and suffering blur. Want to reach perfection? Slanesh will take you there, but you’ll find that perfection comes at a high price. Spoiler alert: It’s your soul.
In short, Slaanesh is the ultimate temptation, making you want more of everything until you’re consumed by it. It’s a deliciously dangerous game of excess, where the winner takes it all… and the loser becomes a puppet to the Prince of Pleasure.
Rivalries & Relationships with Other Chaos Gods
What is the Difference Between Khorne and Slaanesh?
Let’s break it down: if you put Khorne and Slaanesh in the same room, the only thing they’re likely to agree on is that they hate each other. On one hand, you’ve got Khorne—the no-nonsense Chaos God of blood, war, and skull collecting.
He’s all about raw power, violence, and doing away with any unnecessary distractions (like enjoying yourself). On the other hand, you’ve got Slaanesh (Slanesh or Slaneesh, if spelling isn’t your strong suit)—the deity of pleasure, excess, and pushing boundaries until they snap.
Khorne’s motto? “Blood for the Blood God!” It’s as subtle as a hammer to the face, which is exactly how Khorne likes it. He’s all about anger, violence, and an endless thirst for battle. His followers care little for aesthetics or finesse—they want to fight, and they want to win, with as much bloodshed as possible.
Slanesh, on the other hand, thrives on indulgence, whether it’s pleasure, pain, or something in between. Where Khorne charges in screaming, Slaanesh offers a seductive whisper, enticing you with a sensory overload that makes you question if you even want to stop.
For Slanesh, it’s not about brute force; it’s about experience—living (or dying) for the thrill, the sensation, the high of breaking all limits.
So, while Khorne and Slaanesh are both undeniably powerful Chaos Gods, their philosophies couldn’t be more opposed. Khorne finds Slaanesh’s focus on indulgence weak and decadent, while Slaanesh scoffs at Khorne’s obsession with mindless brutality. In the end, Khorne’s followers want to kill you—Slaanesh’s? They’ll make you want it.
Slaanesh and the Other Chaos Gods (Tzeentch, Nurgle)
Now, when it comes to Tzeentch and Nurgle, Slaanesh’s relationships get a bit more… complicated in Warhammer.
Tzeentch, the God of Change and Manipulation, at least shares some common ground with Slaanesh in Warhammer. Both of them enjoy pushing boundaries and messing with reality, though they go about it in different ways.
Tzeentch is all about pulling the strings from behind the scenes, weaving complex plans and shifting the fate of the universe, while Slaanesh prefers a more personal touch—literally. Where Tzeentch’s followers revel in deception and knowledge, Slanesh’s flock indulge in sensation and excess. They may not be best friends, but they at least appreciate each other’s craft.
Then there’s Nurgle, the God of Decay and Despair. Nurgle’s all about inevitability—embracing entropy, the slow rot of all things. For Slaanesh, who thrives on the thrill of the new and the sensation of the extreme, Nurgle’s acceptance of stagnation is just… gross.
They represent polar opposites in a lot of ways: Slanesh seeks eternal highs, while Nurgle offers the endless comfort of decay. There’s a begrudging respect between them, but let’s be honest—Slaanesh probably avoids Nurgle’s garden parties.
The Origins & Birth of Slaanesh
The Fall of the Eldar and Creation of Slaanesh
Once upon a time, the Eldar weren’t the grim, soul-stone-clutching space-elves we know today. No, they were the ultimate high society of the Warhammer 40k universe—wealthy, powerful, and, let’s be honest, a bit too pleased with themselves, but that chaos birthed Slaanesh.
Imagine the most excessive party you’ve ever heard of; multiply it by a thousand, and you’ll get a sense of the sheer decadence that defined Eldar civilization back in the day. We’re talking about an entire race that decided the laws of physics and morality didn’t apply to them. Fun? Sure. Smart? Definitely not.
The Eldar dabbled in every form of indulgence, from artistic achievements to the wildest of vices, without considering the consequences of their actions. Spoiler alert: this didn’t end well.
Their reckless pursuit of excess echoed through the Warp (which, for the uninitiated, is the emotional, reality-bending dimension next door), and all those emotions began to gather and grow into something terrifyingly powerful. Enter Slaanesh—or as some like to misspell it, Slaneesh or Slannesh.
At the peak of their decadence, the Eldar unknowingly birthed Slanesh, the Chaos God of pleasure, pain, and everything in between. And when this cosmic entity emerged, it didn’t just knock politely on the universe’s door. Oh no.
Slaanesh’s birth sent a shockwave through reality, creating a massive rift in space-time now known as the Eye of Terror. If you’re unfamiliar with the Eye of Terror, think of it as the universe’s worst open wound—where reality and the Warp bleed into each other, letting all sorts of Chaos nastiness pour into the material world. Thanks, Eldar.
The consequences were catastrophic. The Eldar empire was shattered in a single, cataclysmic event known as “The Fall.” Entire planets were consumed, and countless Eldar souls were devoured by Slaanesh, who now had quite the appetite for their spiritual essence.
Those few Eldar who managed to escape—either by fleeing to distant Craftworlds or through other means—spent the next millennia looking over their shoulders, knowing that Slaanesh, Slanesh. or Slaneesh (for the typo-prone), was always lurking, hungry for more.
What Race is Slaanesh?
Now, you might wonder: what exactly is Slaanesh? Well, unlike some of the other Chaos Gods, who tend to stick to certain forms (we’re looking at you, Khorne, with your skull fetish), Slaanesh is all about versatility. You could say Slanesh doesn’t do “traditional” when it comes to appearances.
In Warhammer lore, Slaanesh transcends race, gender, and, well, pretty much any category you could come up with. Sometimes, Slaanesh presents as a figure who is male on one side and female on the other, with a beauty so overwhelming it can literally destroy minds. But here’s the kicker: Slaanesh can take any form they choose—male, female, both, neither—whatever it takes to lure you in. This fluidity represents the god’s total freedom from mortal concepts like identity and morality.
Slanesh’s identity is an expression of indulgence and excess. If it can tempt you, manipulate you, or consume you, Slaanesh can become it. They’re the ultimate chameleon of Chaos, shifting from one form to another depending on who or what they’re trying to seduce. Whether you’re into beauty, terror, or something you didn’t even know you desired, Slanesh knows exactly how to push those buttons. Traditional race and gender are irrelevant to Slaanesh’s cosmic game of temptation. All that matters is excess, indulgence, and the thrill of breaking boundaries.
Slaanesh Symbol and Meaning
What Does the Slaanesh Symbol Mean?
If there’s one thing Slaanesh knows how to do, it’s make a statement and symbol. And nothing says, “I’m here to break all your rules,” quite like the Slaanesh symbol. Now, if you’re picturing some basic emblem slapped on a Chaos banner, think again.
Slanesh’s symbol is a carefully crafted visual representation of everything the Prince of Pleasure stands for—indulgence, excess, and a delightful disregard for boundaries, particularly those tied to gender and identity.
The Slaanesh symbol is a clever fusion of the classic male and female symbols, morphed together to create something that transcends both. It’s not just a mashup of Mars and Venus symbols for decoration. This design captures the very essence of Slaanesh: the breaking of limitations, whether they’re physical, societal, or even existential.
Slaanesh, or Slaneesh (because who needs consistent spelling, right?), doesn’t just ignore the binary; they laugh at it, dance on its grave, and then invite you to the party, and the symbol represents that.
This merging of gender symbols is Slaanesh’s way of saying, “Why be one thing when you can be everything?” It’s about freedom—freedom to indulge, to change, to want more than what you’re “supposed” to.
Slaanesh embodies the idea that pleasure and pain, desire and fear, can all coexist, often in the same breath. The symbol is more than just an icon; it’s a reminder that in Slaanesh’s domain, you can be anything, do anything, and feel everything all at once.
For those who pledge their allegiance to Slaanesh (or Slannesh if autocorrect gets in the way), the symbol becomes more than a logo. It’s a badge of total liberation, a visual mantra for those who live by no rules other than the pursuit of excess. And let’s be honest—there’s a certain elegance to flaunting a symbol that rejects the very foundations of mortal existence while looking fabulous doing it.
Slaanesh Colors, symbols, and Sacred Number
In the world of Warhammer 40k, nothing says “style” quite like the colors, chaos, and symbols associated with Slaanesh. If you’ve ever wondered why Slaanesh’s armies look like they raided the universe’s most extravagant paint shop, you’re not alone.
The colors of Slaanesh—primarily purple and pink—are as iconic as they are eye-catching, and they’re not just for show. These hues symbolize everything this Chaos God stands for luxury, sensuality, and the beauty of going over the top.
Purple has long been the color of royalty and wealth, and Slaanesh takes that association to the next level. It’s a rich, decadent color that practically oozes indulgence, making it the perfect choice for a god who’s all about living in excess.
Want to flaunt your power and indulgence? Dress your daemons in purple and watch them strut across the battlefield like the divas they are.
Then there’s pink, which adds an extra layer of playfulness and allure. It’s not just a “soft” color; it’s a visual temptation. Pink in the world of wh40k Slaanesh isn’t about subtlety—it’s bold, flirty, and dangerously enticing. Whether it’s on the shimmering armor of a Daemonette or the luxurious banners of a Chaos Space Marine, pink isn’t just a color—it’s an invitation to give in to your most forbidden desires.
But Slaanesh doesn’t stop at fabulous colors. Oh no, there’s also a sacred number: 6. For Slaanesh, the number 6 is more than a lucky charm—it’s woven into the very fabric of their forces. Units are often organized into groups of six, daemons are summoned in multiples of six, and rituals to honor the Prince of Pleasure frequently incorporate the number.
Why? Because Slaanesh doesn’t do anything halfway. Everything has a meaning, even down to math.
The sacred number 6 represents the perfect balance of Slaanesh’s duality: pleasure and pain, indulgence and restraint (though restraint is usually forgotten pretty quickly). In battle, you’ll often see formations built around this number, as if the forces of Slaanesh themselves are in on the cosmic joke that everything revolves around excess, even the way you count it.
Followers & Armies of Slaanesh
The Emperor’s Children: Loyal Space Marines of Slaanesh
The Emperor’s Children were once the golden boys of the Imperium, a Space Marine Legion that prided itself on one thing: perfection. They were the warriors with the spotless armor and the most polished combat techniques, led by their Primarch, Fulgrim, a man who could win a battle while looking like he just walked off a runway.
But, as the saying goes, the brighter the star, the faster it burns out. And oh, did they burn—straight into the seductive arms of Slaanesh.
During the Horus Heresy, Fulgrim and his Emperor’s Children were all about achieving perfection at any cost. That obsession was the gateway to their downfall. When Fulgrim got his hands on a Chaos-tainted sword, things got messy—literally. The sword whispered sweet, dark promises of glory and indulgence, which Fulgrim couldn’t resist.
Soon, the entire Legion was consumed by a thirst for excess. Their quest for perfection turned into a spiral of overindulgence in battle, art, and… let’s just say some “alternative” experiences.
By the time they pledged themselves fully to Slaanesh (or Slaneesh if you’re feeling a bit rebellious with spelling), they had become the poster boys for excess. They cranked up the volume—literally—with their trademark sonic weaponry that blasts enemies to pieces with waves of sound.
Whether it’s beautiful music or a cacophony of ear-splitting screams, the Emperor’s Children make sure everyone on the battlefield hears them. Loudly. They are Slaanesh’s most loyal and flamboyant followers, combining martial prowess with a flair for over-the-top destruction.
Other Chaos Space Marines Serving Slaanesh in Warhammer 40k
The Emperor’s Children may be Slaanesh’s VIPs, but they’re not the only Space Marines to fall for the Chaos God’s tempting offers. There are plenty of other renegade warbands who’ve signed up for Slaanesh’s wild ride. Let’s start with the Flawless Host.
These guys are obsessed with victory, but not just any kind of victory—it has to be flawless. If there’s so much as a dent in their armor after a battle, it’s not good enough. So naturally, they fit right into Slaanesh’s vision of absolute perfection, no matter how twisted.
Then you’ve got the Violators, a bunch of psychopathic warriors who don’t bother with subtlety. They’re all about chaos, carnage, and, let’s be honest, getting as much brutal pleasure out of the slaughter as they can. These guys have no filter, and their allegiance to Slaanesh gives them a free pass to indulge in every sadistic whim.
The Angels of Ecstasy take a slightly different route—they’re all about sensory overload. For them, every stab, every shot, every explosion is like a beautiful symphony of sensations. They revel in both the pain they dish out and the pain they receive, making them hard to kill—mainly because they’re enjoying the battle too much to go down quietly.
Renegade Cults and Noble Houses of Slaanesh
It’s not just Space Marines who worship Slaanesh—plenty of mortal followers have jumped aboard the pleasure train, too. Among them, House Glaw stands out as a noble family that’s gone completely off the rails. Once a powerful and respected dynasty, the Glaws turned to Slaanesh for, you guessed it, even more indulgence.
Their luxurious estates have turned into dens of sensory excess, where every desire is catered to in the most extravagant and disturbing ways. They throw the kind of parties that would make even the most hedonistic daemon blush.
Then there’s the Cult of the Hedonic Lord, a group that worships Slaanesh like it’s a full-time job. Their gatherings are festivals of excess where every sensory pleasure—whether it’s food, drink, or something much darker—is explored to the extreme.
Think of it as a chaotic mix of a rave and a sacrifice, with Slaanesh being the ultimate guest of honor. These cultists believe that by indulging in every possible excess, they are drawing closer to their god, who rewards them with dark blessings and terrifying transformations.
Worshipping Slaanesh is about one thing: total surrender to sensation. Whether they’re mortal or Space Marine, each follower seeks to push the boundaries of indulgence, to explore pleasure and pain beyond mortal comprehension. And in the chaotic Warhammer 40k universe, Slaanesh’s followers are more than happy to drag others into their chaotic world, whether through temptation or terror.
Daemons and Creatures of Slaanesh
Keepers of Secrets: Slaanesh’s Greater Daemons
A Keeper of Secrets isn’t your average oversized demon with a bad attitude. Oh no, these Greater Daemons are Slaanesh’s most terrifying creations—master manipulators who can change their form to suit whatever (or whoever) they’re dealing with.
Shapeshifting is their specialty, and they can appear as everything from a beautiful, irresistible figure to an unspeakable monster. The trick is, they never look the same to two people. What’s horrifying to one might be oddly mesmerizing to another. That’s the magic (or curse) of Slanesh at work.
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But don’t let their shifting beauty fool you. Beneath all that seduction is a killing machine. A Keeper of Secrets moves with terrifying speed and precision, cutting down enemies with grace, leaving only destruction in their wake.
Oh, and they enjoy playing with their prey. They’ll mess with your mind, warp your emotions, and then finish you off when you’re least expecting it. Think of them as Slaanesh’s twisted version of a cat toying with a mouse.
- Games Workshop - Warhammer Age of Sigmar - Warhammer 40,000 - Daemons of Slaanesh: Keeper Of Secrets
- For use with both Warhammer Age of Sigmar & Warhammer 40,000
- Plastic multipart miniatures - assembly required - tools, paints and glue not included
- Games Workshop
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Daemonettes: The Seductive Foot Soldiers of Slaanesh
If the Keepers of Secrets are the generals, then the Daemonettes are the rank-and-file, and they’re just as dangerous as they are alluring. With their lithe forms, crab-like claws, and unsettling beauty, these foot soldiers are designed to dazzle and destroy.
Role in the Warp and on the Battlefield
In the Warp, Daemonettes serve Slanesh directly, embodying the endless pursuit of pleasure and pain. On the battlefield, though, they’re fast, vicious, and horrifyingly efficient. Daemonettes don’t just run up and stab you—oh no.
They’ll dance around, using their speed and agility to slice through entire squads before their enemies even realize what hit them. Plus, their unnerving presence tends to wreak havoc on enemy morale. Who wouldn’t be thrown off by a daemon who’s just as eager to charm you as they are to kill you?
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Daemonette Hierarchy and Servitude in Slaanesh’s Court
Daemonettes aren’t just warriors—they’re also servants in Slaanesh’s twisted court. There’s a clear hierarchy among them, with Heralds of Slaanesh being the top-tier leaders of these daemonic forces. The higher-ranking Daemonettes often serve directly at Slaanesh’s palace, where their duties go beyond war.
They cater to Slaanesh’s whims, embodying the dual nature of pleasure and pain in every task they perform.
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Fiends of Slaanesh: Predators of Pain
Now, if you think Daemonettes are creepy, wait until you meet the Fiends of Slaanesh. These creatures are what happens when you mix a centaur, a lizard, and a nightmare. With four legs, two massive claws, and an anteater-like tongue that can paralyze you with a touch, Fiends are the embodiment of predatory sadism.
They take pleasure not just in hunting their enemies but in playing with them, dragging out the chase and torment for as long as possible.
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In combat, Fiends are as fast as they are deadly. They excel at getting up close and personal, using their agility and bizarre anatomy to overwhelm their enemies. And once that tongue lashes out, good luck fighting back—its paralyzing effect makes it nearly impossible to defend yourself.
If Slaanesh’s army has predators, Fiends are at the top of the food chain in Warhammer.
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Infernal Enrapturess: Musician of Death
You’ve heard of battle cries, but what about a battle song? The Infernal Enrapturess is part musician, part daemon, and all bad news for anyone on the receiving end of her melody.
She wields a gruesome instrument known as the Heartstring Lyre, and it’s exactly as terrifying as it sounds. Strung with the actual heartstrings of her victims, this instrument can do more than just play a haunting tune—it can burst eardrums, boil brains, and even crack the armor of battle tanks.
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But the Enrapturess’s talents go beyond destruction. Her music doesn’t just kill—it raises the dead. By playing her lyre, she can resurrect fallen daemons, bringing them back into the fight stronger than ever. On the battlefield, she’s both an offensive and defensive powerhouse, ensuring that Slaanesh’s forces never run out of soldiers (or those to bear the symbol).
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The Palace of Excess: Slaanesh’s Realm in the Warp
The Six Circles of Temptation in the Palace of Slaanesh
Welcome to the Palace of Excess, where the Warp has never looked so decadent. This is Slanesh’s personal playground, a sprawling, luxurious dimension designed to tempt and devour anyone who dares enter. Of course, this isn’t your average palace with a few posh rooms and an overpriced wine collection.
Oh no. This palace is divided into six circles, each one dedicated to a different form of temptation, and trust me, these temptations make your guilty pleasures look like a bad habit.
First up is the Circle of Avidity, where greed reigns supreme. Picture mountains of gold, rare treasures, and everything you’ve ever wanted—but here’s the catch: the more you reach for it, the further away it gets. Classic, right? It’s like Slaanesh’s symbol way of saying, “You’ll never have enough, but you’ll keep trying anyway.” It’s perfect for those who can never stop chasing wealth, even if it costs them their soul.
Then, we have the Circle of Gluttony, and as you can imagine, this place is all about indulgence. Think endless feasts, overflowing tables of the rarest delicacies—enough to make a Craftworld chef weep. But no matter how much you eat, you’re never satisfied. It’s the buffet from hell, where you’re forever hungry, but it’s not just about food.
It’s an eternal craving for more of everything—whether it’s food, drink, or other desires.
Next is the Circle of Carnality, where things get… well, personal. This is where Slanesh’s charm works its most intimate magic. It exposes your deepest, most hidden desires, those things you never admit even to yourself. And once you’re here, you’re stuck in a loop, unable to resist acting on every impulse. The more you indulge, the further you fall.
In the Circle of Paramountcy, it’s all about power. You’ll be tempted with visions of absolute control—ruling empires, leading armies, bending reality to your will. But here’s the twist: the more power you think you have, the less control you actually have. It’s the ultimate irony of w40k Slanesh—just when you think you’ve won, you realize you were just a puppet all along.
The Circle of Vainglory is next, and it’s a trap for the self-obsessed. Here, your vanity is reflected back at you, feeding your pride until you’re consumed by it. Every step deeper into this circle turns self-love into an all-encompassing narcissism. And let’s be honest, Slaanesh knows how to make that mirror very tempting with every symbol.
Finally, we reach the last circle—one of eternal bliss. This place offers pure, unending pleasure. But the twist here is that too much of a good thing can be deadly. Stay too long, and the pleasure paralyzes you, trapping you in a state of catatonic bliss from which there is no return. It’s the final trick in Slaanesh’s twisted game—offering you everything you’ve ever wanted, knowing it’ll destroy you.
Slaanesh’s Throne: The Heart of the Realm
At the very center of this palace, past all the temptations and pitfalls, lies Slaanesh’s throne. This is where the Prince of Pleasure themselves lounges, surrounded by an aura of irresistible allure.
The throne isn’t just a seat of power—it’s the ultimate representation of Slanesh’s hold over mortals and daemons alike. It’s a beacon of temptation, pulling in anyone foolish enough to get close.
Gaze upon Slaanesh’s throne and symbol, and you’re done for. The allure is so overwhelming that those who see it become slaves, not by force, but by choice.
The throne reflects Slaanesh’s very essence: beauty, pleasure, and perfection so intoxicating that once you’ve tasted it, you’ll never want anything else again. You’ll submit willingly, drawn to the god’s every whim like a moth to a very seductive flame.
And it’s not just about physical temptation. The throne exerts a psychological grip, too, warping the minds of those who enter the chamber.
It’s the ultimate power move—Slaanesh doesn’t need to lift a finger to control their subjects. Simply existing in the presence of the throne is enough to make anyone bend the knee, eager to please, desperate for more of that perfect, fleeting feeling.
Warhammer 40k Chaos Slaanesh Gameplay and Army Tactics
How to Build a Chaos Slaanesh Army in Warhammer 40k
If you’re the type who loves fast, hard-hitting, and disturbingly glamorous units, then building a Chaos Slanesh army in Warhammer 40k is right up your alley. The forces of Slaanesh don’t just aim to win; they do it with style—blinding speed, graceful destruction, and more purple and pink symbols than any battlefield should reasonably contain.
Your core units are the famous Daemonettes, who embodies everything Slaanesh stands for speed, elegance, and a bit of terror. These lithe daemons are quick on their feet (or claws), zipping across the battlefield to slice through opponents with their razor-sharp pincers.
They may not be heavily armored, but their ability to strike fast and dodge danger makes them incredibly hard to pin down. Think of them like glass cannons but with more pizzazz.
Then there’s the Keeper of Secrets, the absolute showstopper of your army. This Greater Daemon isn’t just a pretty face (though let’s be honest, that’s debatable, depending on your idea of beauty).
With psychic powers, shape-shifting abilities, and devastating melee attacks, the Keeper of Secrets can dominate both the mind and body of your enemies. It’s a unit designed to create fear, chaos, and havoc—while looking fabulous, of course.
For some ranged firepower, look no further than Noise Marines, loyal followers of Slanesh from the Emperor’s Children. These Space Marines crank it up to eleven, wielding sonic weapons that tear apart both enemies and eardrums alike. Whether you’re vaporizing infantry with sonic blasters or turning tanks into scrap metal with a well-placed blast, these guys bring the noise. Literally.
The key symbol of a Slaanesh army is speed and disruption. You’re not going to win by slogging it out with tough, armored foes. Instead, you’ll outmaneuver them, hitting hard and fast before they even know what’s happening. It’s the ultimate hit-and-run tactic—just with more glamour and screams. Learn how to play Chaos Daemons here with our how-to guide!
Tactics for Using Slaanesh’s Forces on the Battlefield
When it comes to battlefield tactics, Slaanesh’s forces thrive on mobility, precision, and making your opponent’s life miserable with disruption. Unlike the brute force approach of other Chaos Gods (looking at you, Khorne), Slaanesh prefers finesse, outpacing and outthinking the enemy at every turn.
Your army’s speed is its greatest asset. Daemonettes can sprint across the battlefield in no time, launching lightning-fast assaults that overwhelm slower armies.
Use them to engage and tie up enemy units before they have a chance to react, creating chaos while your heavier hitters get into position. Speed is the name of the game with Slaanesh, and you’ll want to keep your forces moving constantly.
The Emperor’s Children bring another dimension to your tactics with their sonic weaponry. These weapons are great for disrupting enemy formations, especially when you’ve got Noise Marines playing their death-metal hits on full blast.
The sheer volume of shots can tear through infantry, while more powerful sonic blasts can even damage vehicles. Use them to soften up enemy units before sending in your faster daemons to clean up the mess.
Finally, Keepers of Secrets are your heavy hitters, perfect for dealing with high-priority targets. These Greater Daemons can shrug off damage, dish out serious hurt in close combat, and even mess with your opponent’s psychic abilities.
They’re especially good at getting in your enemy’s head—both literally and figuratively. Position them wisely, and let their presence alone create a ripple of fear across the battlefield.
The general rule with Slanesh tactics is to strike first, strike fast, and keep your opponent off-balance. Don’t let them settle into a comfortable rhythm.
Use your army’s speed and disruption to control the pace of the battle, and always hit where it hurts most.
Chaos Slaanesh in Warhammer 40k 10th Edition
With Warhammer 40k 10th Edition, Slaanesh’s forces are more terrifying (and fabulous) than ever. The latest edition introduced some new rules and datasheets that really let you lean into Slaanesh’s playstyle of speed and disruption. If you thought you could be fast before, now you’ll be even faster, with new abilities that emphasize the movement phase and quick assaults.
For starters, the Daemonettes get a bump in their ability to stay in combat, thanks to enhanced dodge and maneuverability rules. They’re harder to hit, making them even more of a headache for opponents trying to shoot or engage them in melee.
The Noise Marines also shine in 10th Edition, with new rules that improve their sonic weaponry. These weapons now deal extra damage against certain unit types, and the new sonic shockwave ability lets them create disruption zones, making it harder for enemies to rally or advance. Basically, they’re not just blasting away—they’re controlling the battlefield with the power of sound.
As for the big players, the Keeper of Secrets gets even scarier. Its psychic abilities have been fine-tuned, allowing it to dominate both in combat and in the psychic phase. Plus, with new defensive buffs, it’s more durable, meaning it can stick around longer to keep causing chaos.
In Warhammer 40k 10th Edition, Slanesh’s forces are all about amplifying what they already do best: being fast, disruptive, and hitting hard when it counts. Whether you’re building an army around Daemonettes, Noise Marines, or the mighty Keeper of Secrets, you’ll find that the new edition lets you bring out the best (or worst) in your units.
And if you play your cards right, your opponents won’t know what hit them—until they’re already lost in the rapture of Slaanesh’s chaos.
Gifts of Slaanesh: Rewards for Devoted Followers
Physical Mutations and Daemonic Blessings
Slaanesh loves to reward their loyal followers with some truly… unique gifts in Warhammer. Let’s start with the physical mutations. In the name of pleasure (and pain), Slanesh can bestow their chosen with gifts that enhance their bodies in extravagant ways.
Extra limbs? Sure, why not? Claws or talons that glitter with deadly elegance? Absolutely. Slaanesh doesn’t just hand out random mutations, though—it’s all about form meeting function. These changes are as much about beauty as they are about deadliness.
Then there are the Daemon weapons, powerful artifacts that are basically the ultimate accessories for any Slaaneshi champion. Whether it’s a blade that pulses with the very essence of a daemon or a whip that doubles as both a weapon and a tool for sensory overload, these are weapons that kill in style.
Plus, each one comes with a bonus: every strike leaves the wielder tingling with ecstatic pleasure. What more could a follower ask for?
Mark of Slaanesh: Power Through Pleasure
Ah, the Mark of Slaanesh—a special blessing reserved for the most devoted (and perhaps most corrupted) followers in Warhammer. When you receive the Mark of Slaanesh, you’re not just joining the club—you’re getting a full membership to a life of indulgence and irresistible charm.
This mark grants supernatural allure, making those who bear it nearly impossible to resist, whether they’re in battle or simply walking into a room.
But it’s not just about charm. The mark also creates an insatiable hunger for more—more pleasure, more power, more everything. It’s both a blessing and a curse, pushing the bearer to constantly seek out new sensations lest they fall into despair.
And let’s be honest—when you’re marked by Slanesh, stopping at anything less than complete excess just isn’t an option.
Conclusion: Embrace the Dark Temptation
Slaanesh’s Continuing Influence of Chaos in Warhammer 40k
From the moment the chaos of Slaanesh burst into the Warhammer 40k universe (thanks, Eldar), their influence has only grown. What started as the fall of one race turned into a galaxy-wide legacy of indulgence, corruption, and temptation.
Whether it’s through Daemonettes carving their way across battlefields or Noise Marines shaking the ground with their sonic weaponry, Slaanesh continues to be a major force in the eternal conflict of Chaos in Warhammer. As long as mortals and daemons alike crave excess and pleasure, Slanesh will never be far behind.
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What do you think about the lore and symbol for the Warhammer 40k Chaos God Slaanesh?
About the Author: John Von Canon
John Von Canon
Job Title: Miniatures & Trading Card Games Writer
Socials: @AtogOrTwo
About John Von Cannon: Tabletop gaming since 2016; John joined the Spikey Bits team in 2023 and covers new miniature products, trading card games, and RPGs.
He spends his evenings working at his local game store for the full hobby experience. So if you’re looking for niche and convoluted ways to sneak out a win in your next Commander game or a cool new hobby product for miniatures, he’s your guy.
