Adeptus Custodes (Warhammer 40,000)

The Adeptus Custodes are the golden-armoured bodyguards of the Emperor of Mankind, and in Warhammer 40,000 they are an elite army: very few models, each of them powerful. They suit collectors who want a small, striking force that is quick to build and paint, and players who prefer making a few big decisions to managing a crowd. A good first purchase is the Codex: Adeptus Custodes plus one infantry kit and one character.

What are the Adeptus Custodes?

The Custodes are the Emperor's personal guard. They are genetically engineered warriors who defend the Imperial Palace on Terra and rarely leave it. When they do march out, it is because something serious has happened. They sit within the Imperium alongside factions such as the Astra Militarum and the Adepta Sororitas, but they feel very different on the table and in the collection.

If you are new to the wider game, our Warhammer 40,000 guide explains the basics, and the complete Warhammer buying guide shows how everything fits together.

How do the Adeptus Custodes play?

They are a quality-over-quantity army. You field a small number of durable, hard-hitting models and aim to win by making each one count. That has practical consequences:

• Small collection: you need far fewer models than most armies, so building and painting goes quickly.
• Strong in the centre: your models are tough and good at holding and contesting key areas.
• Fewer bodies: with fewer models, positioning and protecting your key units matters a great deal. Mistakes are harder to absorb than in a horde army.
• Mix of foot and fast units: infantry, jetbikes and grav-vehicles let you cover the board in different ways.

Players who enjoy careful, deliberate turns tend to like them. If you would rather roll a lot of dice with a big swarm, you may prefer something like the World Eaters.

Where should I start with Adeptus Custodes?

Because the army is small, a first purchase can already give you a recognisable force. A sensible route:

1. The rules: the Codex: Adeptus Custodes explains how the army works and what each unit is for.
2. A leader: the Blade Champion is a single, characterful model and a gentle way to try painting the gold armour before committing to more.
3. A core infantry unit: the Allarus Custodians are heavily armoured warriors that give the army its look and its weight.
4. A fast or heavy support piece: a jetbike unit or a grav-tank, covered below.

Build in small steps and play a few games before buying more. With an elite army, learning what each unit does is worth more than rushing to a large collection.

Which Adeptus Custodes kits are worth buying?

Characters

• Captain-General Trajann Valoris is the army's best-known leader, a natural centrepiece for a collection.
• Talons of the Emperor: Valerian and Aleya gives you a pair of named characters in one box, good for adding personality to your force.
• The Blade Champion is a compact leader option and a good first model.

Infantry and walkers

• Allarus Custodians are the armoured heavy infantry of the army.
• The Custodian Dreadnought brings a large walker to the line and is a rewarding single build.
• The Witchseeker Squad represents the Sisters of Silence, who are associated with opposing psychic threats. They add a different silhouette and a different job to the army.

Jetbikes and fast units

• Vertus Praetors are mounted on jetbikes and suit a more mobile, aggressive style.
• The Gyrfalcon Jetbike Sodality adds another jetbike option for players who like a fast-moving force.

Grav-vehicles

• The Caladius Grav-Tank is the army's main battle tank and a strong centrepiece model.
• The Caladius Annihilator Grav-Tank is a variant for players who want a different weapon focus from the same family of vehicle.
• The Coronus Grav-carrier is a transport, useful if you want to move infantry across the board in style.

How do I paint Adeptus Custodes?

The gold armour is the signature of the army, and it is more approachable than it looks. Metallic gold, a wash to bring out the recesses and a lighter edge highlight will already look convincing on the table. The usual red crests and plumes give you a strong contrast colour to practise on.

Because the models are few, you can afford to spend more time on each one. Start with a single model, settle on your method, then repeat it across the rest of the army. Our guide to starting to paint Warhammer miniatures covers the basic tools and steps, and the Citadel and Warhammer Colour paints guide helps you pick the right metallics, washes and layers.

Which books and accessories do I need?

The Codex: Adeptus Custodes is the core book for the army. It contains the background, the army's special abilities and the options for each unit, so it is the first thing to buy if you want to play.

The Command Pack: Adeptus Custodes is a handy companion for use at the table. Finally, a set of Adeptus Custodes dice is a cheap way to make your army feel finished.

Frequently asked questions

Are Adeptus Custodes good for beginners?

Yes, for the right kind of beginner. You need few models, so you can have a painted army quickly. The trade-off is that each unit matters more, so learning the rules of your key units early helps.

How many models do I need for an Adeptus Custodes army?

Far fewer than most factions. A small collection of infantry, a character and a vehicle can already form a real army. Check the codex and your opponent's expectations for the size of game you want to play.

What is the best first Adeptus Custodes model to buy?

The Blade Champion is a low-commitment first model, and the Allarus Custodians are the best pick if you want something that defines the army straight away. Pair either with the codex.

Do I need the codex and the Command Pack?

The codex is the one that matters if you want the full rules for the army. The Command Pack is an extra table-side aid that you can add later.

How do I paint the gold armour?

Use a metallic gold base, shade the recesses with a wash, then add an edge highlight. Practise on one model first, then repeat the same steps across the army for a consistent result.

Related guides

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