Games Workshop has officially unveiled 13 new Warhammer 40,000 detachments for the Adeptus Custodes. These rules bring specialized options for Dreadnoughts, Terminators, and Sisters of Silence. Announced following previews on September 28, 2026, the updated structure places the Adeptus Custodes between the chaotic selection of Orks and the regimented system of Space Marines.
- Shield Hosts and Favoured Ka’tah Abilities
- Specialized Detachments for Specific Units
- Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Adeptus Custodes 13 detachments preview announced?
- How many Shield Host detachments are available in the new Codex?
- Do Shield Host detachments restrict access to other martial ka’tahs?
- What does the Dread Host detachment allow units to do?
- Can players mix and match different detachments?
Under the new Codex structure, only one specific group of detachments carries a Unique keyword. Players can mix and match the remaining options to tailor specific unit types within their lists.
Shield Hosts and Favoured Ka’tah Abilities
Six of the 13 available Codex detachments bear the Unique: Shield Host tag. Five of these are themed around major lore factions: the Aquilan Shield, Dread Host, Emissaries Imperatus, Shadowkeepers, and Solar Watch. Each Shield Host provides a favoured ka’tah ability that triggers extra tactical bonuses during battle without restricting access to other martial ka’tahs.
- Aquilan Shield: Focuses on a defensive playstyle. It grants extra shooting range when using the Salvus ka’tah, uses the Tip of the Talon stratagem to boost ranged strength, and applies Rapid Reactions to punish retreating enemies.
- Dread Host: Emphasizes rapid, aggressive melee combat. It utilizes Preternatural Rapidity to allow charges following advance moves and provides character enhancements such as Sustained Hits 1.
- Emissaries Imperatus: Prioritizes primary mission objectives, fight-first capabilities, and ignoring modifiers to hit and wound.
- Shadowkeepers: Designed for close-combat brawls to overwhelm opposing forces.
- Solar Watch: Offers increased movement speeds and fluid tactical flow into and out of engagement ranges.
- Emperor’s Chosen: Increases overall unit flexibility and allows players to ready a ka’tah mid-round.
Specialized Detachments for Specific Units
Beyond the core Shield Hosts, the Codex introduces seven additional detachments designed to support specific playstyles, iconic units, and specialized battle roles:
- Guardians of the Throne: A large 3 DP detachment providing balanced bonuses across most units to avoid over-specialization.
- Auric Champions: Focuses on character models singling out high-value prey.
- Honoured Companions: Rewards Custodian Guard, Sentinel Guard, and Wardens for contesting vital objectives.
- Lions of the Emperor: Tailored for Terminator models. It enables Deep Strike strategies, devastating charges, and the ability to split Terminator units mid-battle.
- Might of the Moritoi: Grants Dreadnought models escalating combat bonuses as they accumulate damage.
- Grav-assault Force: Leverages grav-tanks to support front-line forces and outflank opponents to secure objectives.
- Null Maiden Vigil: Integrates the Sisters of Silence, allowing players to take them as the army WARLORD alongside BATTLELINE Prosecutor squads.
The forthcoming Codex: Adeptus Custodes gives commanders high versatility. Players can select a foundational Shield Host and layer specialized detachments on top, maximizing the elite roster.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Adeptus Custodes 13 detachments preview announced?
Games Workshop revealed the 13 new detachments for the Adeptus Custodes faction on September 28, 2026, ahead of the Codex pre-orders.
How many Shield Host detachments are available in the new Codex?
Six of the 13 detachments carry the Unique: Shield Host tag, with five themed around major lore factions including the Aquilan Shield and Dread Host.
Do Shield Host detachments restrict access to other martial ka’tahs?
No. While each Shield Host provides a favoured ka’tah ability, it does not restrict access to other martial ka’tahs.
What does the Dread Host detachment allow units to do?
The Dread Host focuses on aggressive melee combat. It uses the Preternatural Rapidity stratagem to allow units to declare a charge after completing an advance move.
Can players mix and match different detachments?
Yes. Aside from the Unique keyword restrictions on certain Shield Hosts, players can freely select and combine detachments to enhance specific unit types like Dreadnoughts or Terminators.
