The Imperium of Man is a vast empire spanning the galaxy. It’s constantly under attack from threats - both within and without. Defending this realm, is the Astra Militarum – or Imperial Guard – established and consisting of the men and women who fight against aliens, mutants, and heretics to keep the darkness at bay.
With the next edition of Warhammer 40,000, the Imperial Guard is set to receive new rules that should make them even more formidable!
Let’s take a look at the new faction rules and how they will affect units, weapons, and stratagems. With this update will the Imperial Guard offer hobbyists and players a force that is worth the effort to collect, build, paint, and play?
The Imperial Guard knows that one ordinary soldier can’t stand against the galaxy's worst nightmares alone.
Thus, the Commanders of the Astra Militarum rely on deliverable synergies to defeat their enemies. Bellowing officers demand the best from their troops, all while artillery thunders and tanks bury the foe in high-explosive mayhem. Boom!
One of the most significant upgrades for the Imperial Guard in the next edition of Warhammer 40,000 is the across the board boost in vehicle Toughness. As a result the Leman Russ and the Baneblade are both armored up - they will be more resilient and harder to kill.
That’s backed up with the opportunity of doubling the size for units of Guardsmen - they can now present an impenetrable wall of steel that few foes will have the firepower to break through.
Faction Rules
The Imperial Guard has one thing that makes them the envy of foul aliens and vile heretics the galaxy over - a highly skilled, much-loved, and totally meritocratic officer class!
The Voice of Command army rule gives these battle-tested tacticians access to six specialized Orders, allowing players to micromanage each of their units for the situation at hand.
With Command Squads and Castellans urging on your infantry assets, Tank Commanders directing your armored squadrons, and the Lord Solar bellowing inspiration at just about everybody, there's an Order for every occasion - and an ear for every Order. However, players must be careful not to target squads on the brink of collapse, as if they fall into Battle-shock, their Order will have been wasted.
Unit Spotlight
The humble guardsman is the beating heart of the Astra Militarum, and few have as great a reputation as the Cadian Shock Troops.
Trained practically from birth to hold the line against the Imperium's foes, these model soldiers can use their Shock Troops ability to secure vital objectives in moments before pressing on with the assault. Similar abilities can be found on the core troops of many factions, allowing players to free up resources from camping objectives and take the fight to the enemy.
Keen-eyed commanders will notice that the Cadian Shock Troops can now form squads of 10 or 20 models - and they're not alone. Catachan Jungle Fighters, Death Korps of Krieg, and classic Infantry Squads can all double-up their numbers, meaning each of your Orders can affect up to twice as many troopers as before.
These larger cohorts of Guardsmen also shield them from moral checks. Holding objectives with theses larger units becomes an even greater strategic advantage of Battleline Imperial Guard units!
On the opposite end of the scale is the legendary Baneblade, a titanic war machine that revels in its upgraded durability. This massive tank can share some of its improved resilience with its smaller comrades courtesy of the Rolling Fortress ability, which turns it into a mobile piece of cover.
Weapon Spotlight
Leman Russ Battle Tanks are a staple of Imperial Guard armies, and their battle cannons have always been a great all-round weapon for tackling light and heavy targets alike. With a boost to their Strength, they are even more potent
As battles rage across the Imperium, Astra Militarum commanders constantly seek to refine their strategies and bolster their forces. In this quest for victory, some weapons and tactics stand out as true game-changers. Today, we shine a spotlight on two such examples: the Shadowsword super-heavy tank and the Combined Regiment Detachment.
When it comes to sheer firepower, the Shadowsword reigns supreme. This super-heavy tank is built around the gargantuan volcano cannon, a weapon capable of taking down even the most fearsome Titans with a single, devastating shot. With the Shadowsword's armor and supporting firepower, it can weather any counterattack and continue to wreak havoc on the battlefield. Any commander looking to take out enemy Titans would do well to include one of these in their arsenal.
Of course, even the toughest tank can't hold the line forever. That's where the Combined Regiment Detachment comes in.
This strategic formation allows commanders to call in Reinforcements! when the going gets tough, bringing fresh troops to the front line. With a wide variety of units available, from infantry to heavy weapons teams to elite forces like the Tempestus Scions, the possibilities are endless.
According to James from the Warhammer Design Studio, the Combined Regiment Detachment is all about evoking the image of a desperate, but determined, Imperial force fighting to hold the line against impossible odds.
The Born Soldiers Detachment rule, which grants Lethal Hits to stationary units, emphasizes the importance of holding your ground and firing with deadly accuracy. Meanwhile, the Enhancements available to CHARACTERS allow for even more fine-tuned control over your forces, from granting Critical Hits on rolls of 5 to minimizing the effects of Battle Shock.
Overall, the Combined Regiment Detachment is a powerful tool in the hands of a skilled commander. With a flexible array of units, potent stratagems, and a focus on devastating firepower, it's no wonder that Astra Militarum commanders across the galaxy are turning to this formation to secure victory on the battlefield.
the Imperial Guard offers a wide range of units that can cater to any playstyle or army composition. From the reliable infantry squads and tank companies to the elite Tempestus Scions and rough-and-tumble Rough Riders, the options are endless.
With the new additions and updates in the latest edition of Warhammer 40,000, players have more tools than ever before to create a truly formidable Astra Militarum force. Whether you prefer the tried-and-true classic units or want to experiment with the latest releases, there's something for everyone in the Imperial Guard. So, gather your brushes and paints, and get ready to add some glorious warriors to the Emperor's armies!
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