Genestealer Cult threatens to be trickier in #new40k

Arc40k
Jun 5, 2023
3 min read

Prepare for the uprising as the Genestealer Cults emerge from the shadows to claim their Day of Ascension.

These cunning and fanatical factions combine monstrous alien horror with relentless hordes of Neophyte Hybrids, Atalan Jackals, and Achilles Ridgerunners. Their twisted Abominants and Aberrants shatter enemy defenses, while the Kelermorph unleashes devastating firepower.

In the new edition of Warhammer 40,000, the Genestealer Cults have some intriguing tricks up their sleeves.

Cult Ambush returns as their army rule, granting every INFANTRY unit the Deep Strike ability. This allows them to surprise their enemies from unexpected locations. Cult Ambush now also enables the martyrdom of squads, summoning identical reinforcements inspired by their sacrifice.

This rule is particularly advantageous for their BATTLELINE units, the Neophyte Hybrids, and Acolyte Hybrids. With reliable resurrection capabilities, destroyed units can be brought back to claim objectives deep in enemy territory or unleash their weapons upon key enemy units.

When arriving as Reinforcements, whether through Deep Strike, Strategic Reserves, or Cult Ambush, the Ascension Day Detachment rule, They Came From Below!, comes into play. This grants the ability to sustain hits and take down anything in the way of the glorious revolution.

Additionally, the Genestealer Cults can incorporate Astra Militarum units as Brood Brothers, infiltrating the ranks of the planet's military forces and turning them against the God-Emperor. This provides tactical options such as Leman Russ tanks, Field Ordnance Batteries, and Deathstrikes.

The core unit of the Genestealer Cults, the Neophyte Hybrids, can be recycled through Cult Ambush, with the aid of a Cult Icon inspiring replacements for destroyed models. Their Goliath Truck can also be utilized, taking advantage of its Firing Deck ability.

At the forefront of the Genestealer Cults' forces is the Patriarch, an alpha predator and vector for genetic infection. When attached to Purestrain Genestealers, the Patriarch grants them the devastating ability to inflict wounds more easily, making their lethal claws even deadlier.

The Genestealer Cults possess a wide range of weaponry, including mining tools, improvised weapons, deadly blades wielded by the Locus, and the explosive devices of the Reductus Saboteur. These demolition charges and remote explosives can take out high-toughness targets and enemy hordes with devastating effect.

For close-quarters combat, the Abominant wields a power sledgehammer, capable of smashing bones and twisted metal with ease. Its brute force is a formidable weapon.

In terms of strategies, the Coordinated Trap stratagem allows units to double up and catch enemies in a deadly crossfire. Whether it's Neophyte Hybrid squads unleashing a hail of firepower or Hybrid Metamorph squads tearing through enemies with metamorph mutations, the coordinated assault is a powerful tactic.

The Tunnel Crawlers stratagem provides the element of surprise, allowing units to pop up next to target units and catch opponents off guard. This can be used to seize objectives, deliver devastating close-range salvos, or create unexpected blockades.

So, the Genestealer Cults are ready to make their presence felt in the next edition of Warhammer 40k. The redesign of the Cult Ambush rule aims to highlight the persistent and insidious threat posed by these cunning cultists. As their numbers are reduced in one area, reinforcements are likely to emerge elsewhere, leaving opponents with the uneasy feeling that the Cult is never truly eradicated.

Moreover, the Leader ability introduces exciting possibilities for the faction, allowing supporting Characters to enhance the abilities of units led by Primus, Magus, or Acolyte Iconward. Whether it's the Fights First ability granted by the Locus or the Lethal Hits weapon ability brought by a Biophagus, the Genestealer Cults possess numerous devious ways to punish their foes.

With their combination of relentless hordes, strategic ambushes, and unique unit abilities, the Genestealer Cults are poised to become a formidable force in the new edition of Warhammer 40,000.

Players can look forward to unleashing the insidious might of these cultists and experiencing the thrill of leading a rebellion against their adversaries.