Discover the Power of Adeptus Custodes in Warhammer 40k – Canada’s Top Choice

David Quon 25 Mar 10, 2025

Warhammer 40k is a vast universe filled with numerous factions, each with their unique strengths, lore, and playstyle. Among these factions, the Warhammer 40k Adeptus Custodes stand out as one of the most powerful and prestigious. As the Emperor’s personal bodyguard and defenders of the Imperium, they are an elite force of genetically enhanced warriors who stand above even the Adeptus Astartes in terms of both skill and power. If you’re in Montreal and looking to dive into the world of Warhammer 40k, the Adeptus Custodes might be the perfect choice for you.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Warhammer Adeptus Custodes in Warhammer 40k, from their lore and units to their role in the current meta. We’ll also explore the best strategies for using them effectively, and how they’ve evolved in the 10th edition of the game. By the end of this blog, you’ll have a deeper understanding of this powerful faction and be ready to dominate your opponents with them.

Key Takeaways

The Adeptus Custodes are an elite faction in Warhammer 40k, known for their exceptional durability, strong offensive capabilities, and unmatched lore.
Their units are some of the most powerful in the game, boasting high stats, unique abilities, and a strong synergy that allows them to be devastating on the battlefield.
With the 10th edition of Warhammer 40k, the Adeptus Custodes have seen significant changes, making them a competitive choice for players looking to dominate their opponents.
When playing the Adeptus Custodes, understanding their playstyle is crucial, as they thrive on controlling key objectives, maintaining strong board presence, and using their high-quality units to their advantage.

Overview

Adeptus Custodes are a faction in Warhammer 40k that consists of the Emperor’s personal guardians and protectors. These warriors are not just elite space marines but a step above them, genetically enhanced to the peak of human potential. Each Custodes is a living legend, trained to perfection and armed with some of the most powerful weapons in the Warhammer universe.

The history of the Adeptus Custodes is deeply intertwined with that of the Emperor. They were created to serve as his protectors, and as such, their skills, abilities, and equipment are second to none. They are the defenders of the Imperial Palace on Terra and have stood against the greatest threats to humanity, including the heretical forces of Chaos and the xenos species that seek to destroy the Imperium.

In terms of gameplay, the Adeptus Custodes are known for their high durability and devastating close combat abilities. Their units are highly specialized, with each one fulfilling a particular role on the battlefield. Whether it’s the elite Custodian Guard or the powerful Shield-Captain, every unit in the Adeptus Custodes army is a force to be reckoned with.

The 10th edition of Warhammer 40k has brought new changes and challenges to the game, and the Adeptus Custodes have evolved with it. These changes have helped them remain a top-tier faction in the game, capable of competing with other powerful armies in the meta.

The Power of Adeptus Custodes: A Deep Dive

1. The Lore of the Adeptus Custodes

The Adeptus Custodes were created by the Emperor of Mankind himself, a feat that makes them far more powerful than regular Space Marines. Their creation was the result of a series of complex genetic modifications, and they were designed to serve as the Emperor’s personal guards.

Unlike the Space Marines, who are created from gene-seed harvested from their primarchs, the Custodes were created using the Emperor’s own genetic material. This gives them a level of power that exceeds that of regular Space Marines. They are stronger, faster, and more intelligent than even the most elite warriors in the Imperium.

The Custodes are not just warriors, but also the custodians of the Imperium’s secrets. They guard the Emperor’s throne room and have been tasked with ensuring that no one dares to harm the Emperor or his legacy. Their dedication to this mission is absolute, and they are willing to sacrifice everything to protect the Emperor and the Imperium.

2. Adeptus Custodes in the 10th Edition of Warhammer 40k

In the 10th edition of Warhammer 40k, the Adeptus Custodes have received several updates and changes that have made them even more formidable. One of the key changes is the reworking of their stratagems and special rules, which now allow them to better control the battlefield and exert pressure on their opponents.

The Adeptus Custodes are now more flexible than ever, with a wider range of options for army composition. Players can choose between highly specialized units, like the Custodian Guard and the Allarus Terminators, or opt for more versatile choices like the Shield-Captains and the Vexilus Praetors. The Custodes also have access to powerful psychic abilities that can help them disrupt enemy strategies and support their own units.

One of the most notable changes in the 10th edition is the introduction of the Trajan Valoris, the Captain-General of the Adeptus Custodes. This character is a powerhouse, capable of buffing nearby units and delivering devastating blows to enemy forces. His ability to increase the effectiveness of other Custodes units makes him a key part of many competitive Custodes lists.

3. Key Units of the Adeptus Custodes

The Adeptus Custodes army is made up of some of the most powerful units in Warhammer 40k. Each unit is a specialist, fulfilling a specific role on the battlefield. Some of the most popular units in the Custodes army include:

Custodian Guard: These are the backbone of the Adeptus Custodes army. They are elite warriors with high toughness, excellent weapon skills, and a variety of powerful wargear options. They are versatile and can perform a wide range of roles, from holding objectives to engaging in brutal melee combat.
Allarus Terminators: These heavily armored warriors are equipped with powerful weapons, such as the Hurricane Bolter and the Castellan Axe. They are tough, resilient, and can deal significant damage in close combat. Their ability to deep strike onto the battlefield makes them a flexible choice in any Custodes army.
Shield-Captains: These are the leaders of the Adeptus Custodes army, capable of leading units into battle and providing powerful buffs to nearby units. Shield-Captains are formidable in close combat, able to dish out massive amounts of damage and tank hits for their fellow Custodes.
Vexilus Praetors: These units carry powerful vexilla that can alter the course of the battle. Their ability to manipulate the positioning of enemy units can be a game-changer, and they provide strong support to other Custodes units.
Trajan Valoris: As mentioned earlier, Trajan Valoris is the Captain-General of the Adeptus Custodes. He’s one of the most powerful characters in the game, capable of delivering massive damage and providing key buffs to nearby units.

4. Strategies for Winning with Adeptus Custodes

When playing Adeptus Custodes, it’s important to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Custodes excel in holding objectives and controlling key areas of the battlefield. Their durability and firepower make them ideal for grinding down enemy forces in close combat, while their psychic abilities can help disrupt enemy plans.

One of the best strategies for using Adeptus Custodes is to focus on controlling the battlefield through positioning. Since Custodes units are so powerful, they can often win by simply outlasting their opponents. By controlling key objectives and limiting the movement of enemy units, Custodes players can force their opponents into unfavorable situations.

It’s also important to use Custodes units in synergy. For example, pairing a Shield-Captain with a unit of Custodian Guard can create an almost impenetrable wall of defense that is hard for enemies to break through.

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Conclusion

The Adeptus Custodes are one of the most powerful factions in Warhammer 40k, and with the changes introduced in the 10th edition, they are more formidable than ever. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, the Adeptus Custodes offer a unique playstyle that rewards careful positioning, strategic thinking, and mastery of their elite units. So, are you ready to take on the challenge and lead the Emperor’s chosen warriors to victory?

FAQs

Q: What are the best units for an Adeptus Custodes army?

A: The best units for an Adeptus Custodes army include Custodian Guard, Allarus Terminators, Shield-Captains, and Trajan Valoris. These units offer a balanced mix of offense, defense, and flexibility.

Q: How does the Adeptus Custodes army perform in the 10th edition of Warhammer 40k?

A: The Adeptus Custodes army has been significantly buffed in the 10th edition, with new stratagems and abilities that make them even more competitive in the current meta.

Q: What is the best strategy for playing Adeptus Custodes?

A3: The best strategy for Adeptus Custodes is to focus on controlling the battlefield by positioning your units effectively, holding objectives, and using your powerful units to wear down the enemy.