Adeptus Mechanicus (Warhammer 40,000)

The Adeptus Mechanicus are the techno-priests of Mars and their cybernetic armies, one of the most distinctive factions in Warhammer 40,000. They suit collectors who like strange, mechanical-looking miniatures, enjoy converting and painting detail, and want an army that feels unlike any other. A good first purchase is a box of Skitarii Vanguard plus a character such as the Skitarii Marshal.

What are the Adeptus Mechanicus in Warhammer 40,000?

The Adeptus Mechanicus are the keepers of technology in the Imperium of Man. They worship the Omnissiah, treat machines as sacred, and have replaced much of their own flesh with augmetics. Their home is the forge world of Mars, and they field two broad kinds of force: the Skitarii, who are cybernetically enhanced soldiers, and the Cult Mechanicus, made up of tech-priests, servitors and war machines.

The result is an army of robed priests, strange walkers and cyborg infantry. If you like the idea of a faction built around machinery and ritual, this is the one. For the wider setting, see our Warhammer 40,000 guide.

How do the Adeptus Mechanicus play?

In general terms, the Adeptus Mechanicus are a shooting-focused army that can also field fast skirmishers and tough walkers. The Skitarii are the core, backed by tech-priests who support the rest of the force and by larger war machines. Because the army mixes infantry, cavalry-style walkers, skimmers and heavy support, there is plenty of room to build a list around the models you enjoy most.

Rules change with each edition and update, so check the current rules before you commit to a particular list. The models themselves stay useful across those changes.

Where should I start an Adeptus Mechanicus army?

Begin with a core of infantry, one leader and one or two characters you like. That gives you something to paint quickly and a force that grows in a natural direction.

1. A box of infantry. Skitarii Vanguard are the classic troops of the faction and a good test of whether you enjoy painting the army.
2. A leader. The Skitarii Marshal is a simple, characterful addition to a Skitarii force.
3. A tech-priest. The Tech-Priest Enginseer is a good fit for players who like a support character close to the machines.
4. One larger model. A walker such as the Onager Dunecrawler gives the army a heavier centrepiece.

If you are new to the hobby in general, our complete Warhammer buying guide explains how the starter products and army kits fit together.

Which Adeptus Mechanicus kits are worth knowing?

Skitarii infantry and characters

The Skitarii are the foot soldiers of Mars. Alongside the Skitarii Vanguard and the Skitarii Marshal, the Sicarian Ruststalkers are a more aggressive choice for players who like fast, close-combat units. The Pteraxii Skystalkers add airborne infantry for a different silhouette on the table.

Cavalry-style and mobile units

If you want mobility, the Serberys Raiders and the Sydonian Dragoon are two of the most distinctive options. They are striking models to paint and good for armies that want to feel fast and unusual.

Heavy support and war machines

The Onager Dunecrawler and the Skorpius Disintegrator give the army larger vehicles to build around. The Kataphron Breachers bring in the servitor side of the Cult Mechanicus, with heavily armoured cybernetic troops.

Tech-priests and named characters

The faction has a strong character line-up. The Tech-Priest Manipulus and the Tech-Priest Enginseer are good models for painters who enjoy detail, while Belisarius Cawl is the best-known named character of the faction and a large, eye-catching centrepiece. You may also want to look at Thulia Ghuld and the Hastarii kit, both of which expand the range beyond the standard core choices.

How do I paint Adeptus Mechanicus?

The classic look is red robes and armour with metallic details, but you can choose any colour scheme you like for your own forge world. A red-and-metal scheme is forgiving: large red areas are quick to base coat, and metals can be picked out afterwards.

• Start with a clean base coat on every model before adding detail.
• Paint the metal parts separately, as there are many cables, pipes and augmetic limbs.
• Use washes to bring out recesses in the machinery rather than painting every detail by hand.
• Paint a few test models first, then repeat the same steps on the rest of the box.

If you are new to painting, read How to start painting Warhammer miniatures. For help choosing base colours, metallics, washes and technical paints, see Citadel and Warhammer Colour paints: the complete guide.

What rules and books do I need?

You will need the current rules for the Adeptus Mechanicus faction, which are published separately from the models. The kits in the box do not replace them. Because rules are updated over time, check that your reference matches the version your gaming group is using. We do not reproduce rules here, so use the official publications for details on how each unit performs.

Frequently asked questions

Are the Adeptus Mechanicus good for beginners?

Yes, if you like the look of the models. A small core of Skitarii and a couple of characters is a manageable first project. Some of the larger walkers need more building time, so it is worth starting with infantry.

What is the difference between Skitarii and the Cult Mechanicus?

The Skitarii are the soldiers of the Adeptus Mechanicus: augmented infantry and their mounted or flying variants. The Cult Mechanicus covers the tech-priests, servitors and other machine-focused elements of the same organisation. Most armies use both.

Which Adeptus Mechanicus model should I buy first?

Most players start with Skitarii Vanguard and a leader or tech-priest. That gives you a good feel for the army's style and painting needs before you buy larger kits.

Can I mix Adeptus Mechanicus with other Imperium armies?

Many players do, since the faction is part of the Imperium. For ideas, compare it with the Astra Militarum, Adeptus Custodes, Adepta Sororitas and Black Templars. Check the current rules for what alliances are permitted.

Do you ship Adeptus Mechanicus models internationally?

Yes. Universe TCG ships worldwide from Spain, and the models are also available in our physical shops.

Related guides

• Warhammer at Universe TCG: the complete buying guide
• Warhammer 40,000
• Aeldari (Warhammer 40,000)
• Astra Militarum (Warhammer 40,000)
• Black Templars (Warhammer 40,000)
• Adeptus Custodes (Warhammer 40,000)
• Adepta Sororitas (Warhammer 40,000)
• Citadel and Warhammer Colour paints: the complete guide
• How to start painting Warhammer miniatures