Warhammer 40K Astra Militarum February Units Preview

We've previously covered the incredible Astra Militarum army at length, both in our review of the full army set and our coverage of recently released new models. But this week brings another batch of new models to this "boots on the ground" army, including new Officers for the army, a group of riders rolling in on mechanical horses, and cosmetic upgrades to add a lot of variety to this army. Games Workshop sent along these new models, which we're taking a look at in our Preview. So gear up, strap on your boltpistol, and let's explore new options for the Astra Militarum

Warhammer 40K Astra Militarum - Cadian Castellan

First up this week is the Cadian Castellan. This strategic senior officer has a 6" movement and strong offensive abilities with a 3+  Weapon and Ballistics Skill, and comes equipped with a Laspistol, Chainsword, and frag grenades. Fully customizable, he can also have their chainsword replaced with a boltgun, a power first, or a power sword. His laspistol can be replaced with a bolt pistol or plasma pistol. The real benefit to this model is his ability to us his Voice of Command to give Regimental Orders, and his Senior Officer [Aura] ability which lets friendly Core units within 6" of him reroll hit rolls of 1.

In my opinion, the Cadian Castellan really showcases how this army is meant to roll. Fill it up with core units, keep Officers near those units, and let the special orders and aura buffs flow!

Warhammer 40K Astra Militarum - Commissar

Don't turn around, oh oh oh! (Sorry, couldn't help myself). Next up is the Commissar! Feared and respected across the Militarum, these Officers are charged with maintaining the resolve of the army. And while they do have impressive fighting stats on their own (3+ WS and BS stats, fighting with a pistol and chainsword), that morale maintenance is where they truly shine. With their Summary Execution ability, once per turn when a Core unit within 6" of them fails a Morale test, each Combat Attrition test that unit takes automatically succeeds.

In an army that relies of sheer manpower over super-mutant strength, keeping more of your units on the battlefield by avoiding failed attrition tests could truly turn the tide of the battle.

Warhammer 40K Astra Militarum Attilan Rough Riders

Hear the rolling hooves of thunder as the Astra Militarum calvary comes stomping into battle. With a 12" movement, these units are extremely mobile, especially with their Horse Masters ability, which allows them to ignore any or all modifiers to their Move characteristic, Advance rolls, and charge rolls. They're outfitted with a lasgun, laspistol, frag grenades, and their powerful hunting lance. These lances, when outfitted with their Frag tip, score two additional hits for each successful hit roll. You can also outfit them with Melta tips, which have a -4 AP and deal 3 damage per hit.

Fast and intensely powerful in melee combat, these mobile units should absolutely be used to flank enemy units or hunt down and target your opponent's most vulnerable heroes.

Warhammer 40K Astra Militarum - Cadian Upgrades

Finally, let's take a look at one of my favorite releases we received this week. The Cadian Upgrades kit. These sprues are full of alternate heads, arms, weapons, and more for your Astra Militarum army. Mostly cosmetic, these upgrades include the makings for a medic, a wounded trooper wrapped in bandages, new head sculpts for men and women troopers, and extra gear.

For an army that so thoroughly relies on the focus of the individual "little people" to make a difference in a galactic war, it's so nice to get an upgrade kit like this that just imbues your army with extra personality.

The models used in the creation of this preview were provided by Games Workshop.