Genestealer Cult infestations inveigle their way into the vulnerable stratas of Imperial society through whatever vector they can find, gathering strength until their acolytes revolt from the shadows. We’ve already discovered how militant cults can enlist/enthral the planetary defence forces into a Brood Brothers Auxilia, so now we’re seeing what other Detachments are in the new Codex: Genestealer Cults.
The Ascension Day Detachment returns from the Index, now called the Host of Ascension and armed with remixed Stratagems and new Enhancements. There are three additional Detachments to be found – for a total of five – offering entirely new experiences for aspiring Patriarchs. Each zeroes in on key units and tactics to build your battle plan around, giving these armies a wildly different vibe.
Xenocreed Congregation
Game Plan: Defend the Cult Leaders
Key Units: Magus, Primus, Acolyte Iconward
Cultists of the Xenocreed Congregation are fanatically devoted to the chosen agents of the Broodmind, and will happily throw themselves in front of enemy attacks to keep their leaders safe. In return, those heroes spur their congregation onwards with fiery rhetoric that sends teeming masses of Hybrids charging across the battlefield.
This is the perfect Detachment for commanders who love to flood the field with hordes of Acolyte Hybrids, Neophyte Hybrids, and Hybrid Metamorphs. Almost all of its Stratagems and Enhancements boost these massed squads in some way, such as Deeds that Speak to the Masses giving them a second chance at returning through Cult Ambush, while Vengeance for the Martyr! sends them into a righteous frenzy directed at those who harm their beloved leaders.
Biosanctic Broodsurge
Game Plan: Unleash the Monster Within
Key Units: Biophagus, Aberrants, Purestrain Genestealers
This Detachment shares its name with the Genestealer Cults battleforce being released alongside the new Codex, and the Biosanctic Broodsurge is all about powering up the more overtly xeno-twisted members of your army – such as the Purestrain Genestealers and Aberrants you get in the box. This is an extremely aggressive Detachment that wants nothing more than to leap into close combat, charging faster and hitting harder than anyone else.
Genestealer Cults lack the towering monsters of the Tyranids and can sometimes struggle to take down tough vehicles with their picks and hammers, but the Gene-twisted Muscle stratagem goes a long way towards closing the gap. Their relatively fragile troops are also much more survivable when locked in close combat, so Stimulated Bio-surge helps them to tag as many targets as possible in a single rush, and keep the fight dragging on longer.
Outlander Claw
Game Plan: Control the Battlefield, Fast
Key Units: Atalan Jackals, Jackal Alphus, Achilles Ridgerunner
A lot of the Genestealer Cults roster are quick on their feet, but nobody beats the raw speed and utility of the Atalan Jackals – 12” Movement, a 9” Scouts move, and the Stealth special rule make them the kings of grabbing early objectives and weathering some return fire. The Outlander Claw takes this to its peak by doubling their Objective Control characteristic, and allowing them to ride on after an objective has been secured, leaving it under your control.
The Along Shadowed Trails Stratagem makes your rugged riders even harder to pin down, recycling a foiled Cult Ambush marker for exclusive use by your Atalan Jackals. In fact, a presumptuous foe thinking they’re hindering your plans may unknowingly give you a massive advantage, as your bikers gain a whole new entry point to tear back onto the battlefield and pursue fresh objectives.
We’ve only scratched the surface of the new Codex, and there remain loads of ways to build your cult that keep your opponents guessing. Join in the Day of Ascension when the Codex and battleforce go up for pre-order this Saturday!