Goatboy’s Warhammer 40K Grimdark Armylist – 2023 Adeptus Custodes Edition
Let’s look at an Adeptus Custodes build for the new 2023 environment.
We’ll try to keep the Forge World to a minimum with either a way to “convert” them from other army parts or a cheap option to purchase if you needed too. This most likely means less reliance on Dreadnoughts and instead trying to figure out some ways to utilize drop in Terminators and other options to help keep your scoring up.
Also at the end I’ve writen up a quick what you would need to purchase to get the Adeptus Custodes army actually working. It is one thing to theory hammer a list and it is a whole other thing to purchase all the parts. It becomes a bit of a nightmare at times to try and source the pieces, find deals on parts, and just convert your way to victory. Making it simple enough to do is one way to get more players to well – play the game.
The basic list idea is to go all Custodes as it is an easy paint, simple to build, and most likely very effective once you get some practice games in. The army is also incredibly small which makes it simple to transport from event to event. You can either try one of the plethora of army transport options or get a Really Useful Box, throw in some kind of magnet sticker, and add in some magically magnets to your bases.
Adeptus Custodes for 2023
Arks of Omen Detachment – Troops
-HQ-
Shield Captain – Swift as an Eagle – 105pts
Shield Captain on Dawneagle Jetbike – Tip of the Spear, Salvo Launcher – 180pts
Trajaan Valoris – Warlord – 200pts
-Troops-
Sagittarius Custodians X 3 – Misericordia X 3 – 150pts
Sagittarius Custodians X 3 – Misericordia X 3 – 150pts
Sagittarius Custodians X 3 – Misericordia X 3 – 150pts
Sagittarius Custodians X 3 – Misericordia X 3 – 150pts
Prosecutors X 5 – 55pts
Prosecutors X 5 – 55pts
-Elites-
Allarus Custodians – Misericordia, Castellan Axe – 60pts
Allarus Custodians – Misericordia, Castellan Axe – 60pts
Custodian Wardens X 3 – Misericordia, Castellan Axe – 150pts
Vexilus Praetor – Castellan Axe, Vexilla Magnifica, Misericordia – 105pts
-FA-
Vertus Praetors X 5 – Salvo Launchers X 5, Misericordia – 425pts
PTS: 1995
Playing Custodes in 2023
Again I didn’t add Warlord traits and what Shield Host as this can be whatever you want it to be to maximize your Kung Fu skills. This just covers the table with enough bodies that you can do a decent amount of damage and can still hold an objective or two. Your ability to deep strike the Alarus will be important to helping you win the game.
How to Build It
Now onto how to build it. Let’s say you got ahold of the Watchers of the Gate boxed set or at least are willing to throw some money at it. From there you could buy a single Combat Patrol box and a box of Wardens and you basically have this army. Convert the regular Guard with a cool Combi weapon like gun from one of your Marine/Mechanicus friends and this is an actual under 500 bucks list with some discount looking.
- Watchers Boxed Set initial cost – $210.00
- Custodes Combat Patrol – $150.00
- Warden Boxed Set – $60.00
Total GW cost – $420.00
Left over models – Custodian Guard 8 – which again you can make Shield guys if you want to shift things around and just got with a fat holding unit. If I was wanting to get into the game and didn’t want to play Knights this is where I would start to look. It is simple enough to get working and you can quickly paint this up with some gold/silver and the Contrast/Quick Shades/Etc. to create a unique look.
Happy Gaming and For the Emperor!
