With a massive new codex up for pre-order this weekend, plus the Hexfire battlebox with a nicely balanced starter force led by the jaw-dropping, redesigned Castellan Crowe model, we’ve been talking a lot about the Grey Knights this week. Today, we’re going to chat about which units have seen some of the biggest and best updates.
The Grey Knights are an all-elite army – deadly at range with storm bolters on nearly every model, absolutely lethal in melee, and equipped with some of the finest wargear produced in the Imperium. To top it all off, every single one of them is a Psyker of some skill. It’s hardly fair to your opponents, but that’s sort of the point.
Every Bit the Powerhouse They Should Be
The entire Grey Knights army feels much stronger in this codex. As befitting such an unusually powerful fighting force, they’ve received a number of improvements across the board. If you already read about their army-wide bonuses, you’ll know most units get an extra Wound to keep up with other Space Marines in the current crop of codexes. Unlike those other Adeptus Astartes, however, the Grey Knights can counter mortal wounds.
Besides the better durability, Grey Knights have also received a huge boost to Attacks. Now even the most basic Infantry start with three. Combined with their potent force weapons, they’re set to absolutely shred most opponents. Give them paired Nemesis falchions for yet another attack and even the smallest-sized units will be mowing down hordes.
Nemesis weapons have been improved in every case, so the quality of that flurry of attacks has only increased. Now your opponents won’t be able to decide if they want to get close and risk walking into a blender, or hang back and try to avoid the fusillade of Bolter Discipline-empowered storm bolters and blasts of psychic energy.
Let’s Meet the Most Improved Grey Knights Units
It’s not fair to just say “all of them”, even though it’s true. We picked a few of our favourites that should prove popular once the Grey Knights codex is out. Let’s dig in.
Purgation Squads
Those extra melee attacks are fantastic, but sometimes you just want to unload some hot lead on your enemies. Purgation Squads wield a wide variety of rare and destructive weapons that you’ll only find in a Grey Knights army. With a couple of choice Stratagems, their heavy weapons will be effective in every turn of the game, even as they move into position.
If the action is getting a bit too close for comfort, they can buckle down to unleash hell.
As Psykers, the Purgation Squad is able to take advantage of several powers to further enhance their effectiveness. They know Smite, of course, plus Astral Aim, and whichever power their Brotherhood grants them.
While all the power-armoured Infantry are much better in this codex, Purgation Squads are the best way to some serious firepower to your army. Now let’s have a look at some of the most iconic units in the Grey Knights – Terminators.
Brotherhood Terminator Squads
With 3 Wounds, a 2+ Save, and a 5+ invulnerable save, Grey Knights Terminators absorb a lot of enemy fire before giving up the ghost. Their ability to fire a Heavy weapon on the move means they’ll be dishing out a lot of firepower at range.
Their base 3 Attacks in melee make them a versatile and reliable unit that always deserves a place in your battle plans. For just one Command point, you can ensure they land as many hits as possible.
Still not enough? Brotherhood Terminator Squads know the Hammerhand psychic power by default, allowing them to take on some of the toughest opponents you’re likely to face.
You’ll notice the theme here… The fact that they’re both exceptionally strong warriors on top of being Psykers is a massive advantage for the Grey Knights, just as their background material always described them. Now let’s take a look at something a little more substantial.
Nemesis Dreadknights
The most recognizable unit of the Grey Knights also happens to be one of the best. They got another Attack like most things in the book, plus another Wound, and even an improved invulnerable save, bringing it to 4+. Our favourite update is in the profile for Nemesis greatswords, though, making them the go-to choice if versatility is your priority.
A Sweeping Blow generates 10 attacks from a fully operational Dreadknight, all with -2 AP and dealing 2 Damage. That will make light work of even the heaviest Infantry. Or you can opt for the Mighty Strike if you’re taking on something like a Greater Daemon.* Add in the Thunderous Stride Stratagem and you’re likely to put a dent in everything from heavy battle tanks to massive beasts.
And don’t forget that even units of this calibre are also Psykers, enhancing their power even further. Dreadknights are a huge threat to nearly everything on the table, and they’re sure to draw a lot of fire from your opponent, which takes some of the heat off your Infantry and other war machines.
The Hexfire battlebox, up for pre-order from Saturday, contains 10 power-armoured Grey Knights, a Dreadknight, and Castellan Crowe. If you want to get a head start before Hexfire arrives, or bolster your current collection, grab a Grey Knights Terminator Squad and get painting.
* Battling the largest Daemons is precisely what Dreadknights were designed to allow the Grey Knights to do, incidentally.