How to Play Genestealer Cults in Warhammer 40K
Today let’s take a look at some basics of how to play and get started with Warhammer 40k 10th Edition Genestealer Cults.
The Genestealer Cults are an insidious Xenos threat that sets rot at the very root of the Imperium. The Cults form from masses of workers, planetary military, Genestealer hybrids, and their Xenos overlords. On the tabletop, Genestealer Cults are a diverse and dynamic faction with a lot to get through.
So below we offer some tips on how to play Genestealer Cults and get started with the army.
Who Are The Genestealer Cults?
Genestealer Cults form if a Genestealer infects members of another species with its genetic code. These resultant changes in the genome of the host cause a fanatical loyalty to the Genestealers. Because of this, this brood is held together by strong psychic and genetic bonds. They assemble around the original Genestealer, which becomes the Patriarch. Because this community is often hidden behind the facade of a religion or political movement, it is called a Genestealer Cult by the Imperium.
As the cult’s numbers grow the now overgrown original Genestealer is now worshiped as a god. Next, more specialized types of Hybrids are created to serve the Patriarch. These include magi, primuses, loci, etc. Afterward the Cult will often recruit from the downtrodden underbelly of society. They characterize themselves as liberators from the brutal yoke of Imperial rule. When mature, a fully developed cult can be huge, numbering in the billions and covering several worlds.
The Cult’s primary concern is their propagation. But over time this transitions to preparing their host world for the coming of a Tyranid Hive Fleet. The Cultists often see this as an anointed holy day of salvation. They will work fanatically to ensure the victim population is ready for consumption. At the chosen hour the Genestealer Cult rises up, unleashing a devastating and well-planned assault. If successful, it can devastate entire planetary systems. So weakened, they are easy pickings for the approaching Tyranid Hive Fleets.
Why Play Genestealer Cults
Genestealer Cults offer an interesting twist on Xenos that is not seen elsewhere. While their allegiance is to the Hivemind (though perhaps unknowingly), the bulk of their forces are more or less human. They are some of the most downtrodden humans the Imperium has to offer. Paradoxically, they are really the most human of the human factions in 40K. Your cultists are closer to everyday people than even the Astra Militarum. However, the parts of the army that are not human, are some of the most powerful!
Strengths of the Army
- Numerical superiority.
- Lots of tricky tech. This means myriad deployment options will always keep opponents guessing.
- A wide variety of effective play styles. Thus you can lean into Brood Brothers, or Hybrids, or Aberrants, or Goliath Trucks, or one of many other options!
Weakness of the Army
- No world-beater units. This means the Cults have lots of quantity, and plenty of quality, but no “uber” high-point units on par with some other factions.
- A difficult to play army and low margin for error.
Genestealer Cults Army Rule
- Cult Ambush– This rule gives your units, especially Battleline, near endless recursion. You will not be tabled.
Genestealer Cults Detachment Rules- Ascension Day
- Rules: They Came from Below means your units are very effective when they arrive from off board.
- Enhancements: Most of the GSC enhancements rely on CP manipulation.
- Stratagems: Return to the Shadows combined with your army rule, makes GSC incredibly hard to get stuck into.
Key Genestealer Cults Units To Know
Warhammer 40K Genestealer Cults have a sizable unit roster and knowing what units to take can be tricky. Here are some suggestions to get you off on the right track.
Leaders
Magus
This Leader is a powerful Psyker and Spiritual Leader. In addition, she can join a decent selection of units.
Patriarch
The big honkin’ Purestrain at the heart of a Cult, the Patriarch is a powerful Psyker and does a pretty good slicing and dicing job with his claws. When joined to a unit of Purestrains, they become absolute killing machines thanks to Might From Beyond.
Jackal Alphus
This Biker Leader has great synergy with the Atalan Jackals and with every other unit, due to his Priority Target ability.
Kelermorph
This gunslinging Lone Operative Deepstrikes in and starts blastin’. Thanks to the Gunslinger rule, it is worth considering keeping them near some Battleline.
Reductus Saboteur
The Reductus has a nice once per game surprise with her Reductus Mine. This is utilized via the Planted Explosives rule, targetting an enemy unit that gets too close.
Sanctus
This sneaky Lone Operative hunts down enemy Psykers using the Psychic Spoor rule.
Battleline
Acolyte Hybrids
The most alien of the Battleline available to a Genestealer Cult. Furthermore, Hybrids have some strong melee weapon options like the heavy mining tool.
Neophyte Hybrids
The backbone of a basic Genestealer Cult army, Neophytes are cheap and numerous, and can produce CP. Thus one should never be shy about their destruction.
Other Units
Purestrain Genestealers
Able to Deep Strike, Infiltrate, and run and charge thanks to Swift and Deadly– Purestrains shouldn’t have a problem getting in combat, where they thrive.
Hybrid Metamorphs
Metamorphs have high damage and they always get their swings in because of Savage Amalgam.
Abherrants
Grotesque monstrosities, the Abherrants are some of the best shock troops available to the Cult. These hulking brutes have high damage output, so send them against the hardest targets.
Atalan Jackal
The Atalan Jackal Bikers and Wolfquad are absolutely stellar models. If that isn’t enough, they also pack decent harrying power and amazing mobility to cover ground, and earn game points.
Achilles Ridgerunners
The Ridgerunner is an excellent support choice, thank to the Crossfire ability.
Goliath Rockgrinder
These brutal vehicles got a nice boost, and can really trash enemies. Your opponents quickly learn to beware the Rockgrinder!
Goliath Truck
The Dedicated Transport of the mining cores of the Genestealer Cults, the Goliath Truck is both tough and reliable.
Sample Starter Warhammer 40k Genestealer Cults Army
Army: Genestealer Cults
Leaders
Magus. 1 Model. She is equipped with: autopistol, cultist knife and force stave
Kelermorph. 1 Model.
Battleline:
Neophyte Hybrids. Twenty Models. One model is equipped with a Cult Icon, one with a Seismic Cannon. Every model is equipped with: autogun, autopistol and blasting charges.
Neophyte Hybrids. Ten Models. One model is equipped with a Cult Icon, one with a Seismic Cannon. Every model is equipped with: autogun, autopistol and blasting charges.
Other Units
Aberrants. 5 Models. The Aberrant Hypermorph is equipped with: heavy power weapon; Hypermorph tail. Every Aberrant is equipped with: heavy power weapon.
Aberrants. 10 Models. The Aberrant Hypermorph is equipped with: heavy power weapon; Hypermorph tail. Every Aberrant is equipped with: heavy power weapon.
Goliath Rockgrinder. One Model. It is equipped with: heavy stubber, heavy mining laser and drilldozer blade.
How to Play Genestealer Cults
Genestealer Cults are not going to overcome any opponent with brute power. If they hope to vanquish their enemies, it must be through tricks, subterfuge, and layering of advantages to the point where they become overwhelming and inevitable. This means getting the most out of both Ambush and Crossfire. Master those rules and you will master this army.
For the Four-Armed Emperor!
