Leagues of Votann (Warhammer 40,000)

The Leagues of Votann are a faction of Warhammer 40,000 made up of the Kin, stocky, hardy descendants of humanity adapted to life in deep space and on harsh worlds. They suit players who like sturdy, durable armies with strong shooting and a distinctive, characterful look. The easiest way in is the Combat Patrol: Leagues of Votann box, together with the Codex: Leagues of Votann.

What are the Leagues of Votann?

The Leagues are a collection of independent holdings, each called a league, that trade, prospect and fight across the galaxy. They are often described as the spiritual successors to the Squats of earlier editions of the game, and they bring that tradition of tough, bearded, technology-loving warriors back to the table.

Their identity rests on a few ideas: loyalty to kin, an obsession with ledgers and grudges, and a reliance on tools and machines as much as on muscle. If you enjoy factions with a clear cultural flavour rather than a generic military look, they are worth a close look.

How do the Leagues of Votann play?

In broad terms, the Leagues are a tough, shooting-oriented army with a strong line of infantry supported by armoured vehicles and specialist characters. Many units are small and sturdy, and the faction rewards players who think about positioning, firepower and holding ground rather than rushing everything forward.

They also have a good selection of fast-moving and transport options, so you can build a list that is patient and gun-heavy or one that is more mobile. The codex explains the specifics, and it is worth reading before you commit to a larger purchase.

What should I buy first for Leagues of Votann?

Start with the Combat Patrol: Leagues of Votann. It gives you a playable core force in one box, so you can learn the army, paint a first squad and get to the table without piecing a list together from scratch.

After that, a sensible order is:

1. The Codex: Leagues of Votann (English), so you understand how the army fits together.
2. A second box of Hearthkyn Warriors, the reliable infantry backbone.
3. One vehicle or heavy support kit that suits the way you want to play.
4. Characters and elites once you know which role your army is missing.

Which Leagues of Votann kits are worth knowing?

Core infantry

Hearthkyn Warriors are the standard troops of the Leagues and the natural first unit to buy in numbers. For scouts and flexible skirmishers, look at the Hernkyn Pioneers, who bring mobility and a different feel to the army.

Elites and close-combat units

The Einhyr Hearthguard are the heavily armoured elite of the Kin, and the Cthonian Beserks are not needed here; the correct kit is the Cthonian Beserks, a more aggressive choice for players who want a unit that charges in. The Brôkhyr Thunderkyn add a different style of heavy infantry to the roster.

Support, artillery and robots

The Cthonian Earthshakers are the faction's artillery option, suited to players who like to control the board from a distance. The Ironkin Steeljacks bring a more mechanical, robotic side to the Leagues.

Vehicles

The Sagitaur is a transport and fire-support vehicle, while the Kapricus Defender/Carrier gives you a lighter, more agile vehicle option. At the top end, the Hekaton Land Fortress is the large centrepiece kit, best added once the rest of your army is established.

Characters

Characters give an army its personality and its leadership. Options include:

• The Einhyr Champion, a natural leader for elite units.
• The Brôkhyr Iron-master, a technical specialist tied to the faction's engineering side.
• The Memnyr Strategist, a command-focused model.
• The Arkanyst Evaluator is not the correct link; use the Arkanyst Evaluator for the scholarly, relic-hunting character.
• Berehk Stornbröw and Buri Aegnirssen, named characters that add flavour and leadership to a force.

How do I paint a Leagues of Votann army?

The Leagues reward a strong, simple colour scheme. Because the Kin are organised into separate leagues, you can pick your own colours and heraldry and still look entirely authentic. Choose two main colours, a metal for armour details and one accent, and keep them consistent across every unit.

If you are new to the hobby, read How to start painting Warhammer miniatures for the basic workflow, and the Citadel and Warhammer Colour paints: the complete guide to choose base colours, shades and layers. A first box of Hearthkyn Warriors is a good practice project because you will repeat the same scheme many times.

What books do I need for Leagues of Votann?

The Codex: Leagues of Votann (English) is the main rules and background book for the faction. It covers the army's rules and its setting, and it is the one book most players need.

If you want more story, The High Kâhl's Oath is a Warhammer 40,000 novel that is a good way to get a feel for the Kin before you start painting.

Frequently asked questions

Are the Leagues of Votann the same as the Squats?

They are widely seen as the modern successors to the Squats, with a similar spirit of stocky, rugged, technology-minded warriors. They have their own look, background and rules within the current game.

Are the Leagues of Votann good for beginners?

Yes, for players who like a straightforward, durable army. The Combat Patrol box gives a complete starting force, and the Hearthkyn Warriors are a simple unit to learn on.

Do I need the codex to play the army?

You need access to the faction's rules, and the codex is the most convenient way to have them. It also explains the army's setting, which helps you decide how to build and paint it.

What is the best first purchase?

The Combat Patrol is the best first purchase for most people because it gives you a playable force in one box. Add the codex and a second box of infantry from there.

Can I build a Leagues army in stages?

Yes. Start with a core of infantry, add one vehicle or support unit, then bring in characters and elites as you learn what your army needs.

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