Warhammer 40K: The Chaos Combos Games Workshop Wants You To Try
Games Workshop has 5 suggested Chaos Combos from the new book. How do these stack up? We’re going to find out.
It’s always fun to see how Games Workshop would recommend you build out combos from Codexes. They don’t do it every time (but maybe they should). So when they do it’s like a neat look “behind the curtain” at how they think the game should be played. Or at least these are a good batch of combos to take a look at if you have no idea what you’re doing.
“There are so many customisation options in the codex that you can really make the character of your dreams – or your opponents’ nightmares. Here are five that we think are really going to set the galaxy aflame.”
Chaos Combos Games Workshop Edition
The Immortal Lord
This is their first option and we’re not going to lie, it’s one tough Black Legion Lord to kill. However, it does take quite a few “eggs in one basket” to pull off. With the changes to Command Points, you’re investing a few into this champion to start. However, the first one (Lord of the Ezekarion) will pay some dividends. It allows you to get two Warlord Traits. In this case Indomitable and Soul-eater. If you haven’t seen these yet, they combine to cause your Warlord to take 1/2 damage from attacks that succeed and also allow him to absorb lost wounds from defeated foes.
By Marking this guy as Nurgle you also get some more benefits in terms of toughness – specifically access to the second stratagem (Grandfather’s Blessings). To Wound rolls of 1, 2, or 3 won’t hurt him. And then the Relic is Veilbreaker Plate whichs subtracts an AP from attacks.
Whew. That’s a LOT of stuff. But paired on the right Chaos Lord…yeah, he’s going to be extremely tough to take down. We’d rate this one 4 Chaos Stars out of 5. It does make him super tough, but minus points for all the Investment upfront. He’s also not very killy all things considered… relatively speaking.
Friend to All Daemons
This one starts with a Word Bearers then add in Exalted Possession with a Mark of Slaanesh. Relic-wise give him Thaa’ris and Rhi’ol. What does all this do? It give him the potential to swing for 21 freakin’ attacks. Lord Discordants already hit harder and move fast. By leaning into those strengths you’ve got one that’s going to crank up the damage with the sheer volume of attacks. This combo doesn’t even mention any extra stratagems you’ll get access to thanks to the Mark of Slaanesh. Maybe GW was keeping that under wraps…
We’d give this one a 3.5 Chaos Stars out of 5. It’s quick, easy, and has some impressive offensive stats. Minus points for not going far enough though. Slaanesh is the Lord of Excess afterall.
The Cult Leader
The Cult Leader Warlord Trait combined with the Icon of the Hydra seems very fitting for this Alpha Legion Dark Apostle. The unit itself is already fantastic for Hordes of Cultists and these abilities just push more offensive and defensive buffs on them. That’s cool if you want to lean into that playstyle.
We’re going to give this one a rating of 2 Chaos Stars out of 5. Why? Well it’s a pretty basic setup so points for easy of build. However all your output is pushed to Cultists. This character is a force multiplier and while the investment is relatively low, as character, it’s not doing much itself. He’s not tougher, scarier, or deadlier in combat…by himself. He needs friends. Lots and lots of friends.
Say Not To Psykers
This one starts with a Night Lords Daemon Prince (with wings in this case) with a Mark of Khorne. Personally, I already like where this is going. Combine that with the Vox Daemonicus and you’ve got a “bubble of psyker-hate” already. Now, he’s got the ability to deny one power every turn but if you miss stopping the “big one” you can use Scorn of Sorcery to shut it down now. This will probably make him a target of those pesky mortal wounds (like Smites) so that’s where Unholy Fortitude comes in. Now you’ve got some defense with a little layer of added toughness.
I think this one starts strong and then kind tapers off — but props for sticking to their theme. We’re going to rate this one 3.5 out of 5 Chaos Stars. Why? Well a Daemon Prince is already kinda tough and offensive as is and this setup does have a theme. It’s not a super crazy setup either. However, while he is good at stopping a psychic power or two he’s not setup to do much else. Where’s the stuff that make him spill blood and take skulls?! I know Khorne hates psykers but I’ve always thought he liked skulls more…
Master of Machines
This one is so simple and straightforward but so mechanically efficient we’re going to give it 5 out of 5 Chaos Stars. Here’s a mechanically efficient breakdown:
- Iron Warriors Warpsmith
- Warlord Trait: Daemonsmith
- Relic: Techno-Venomous Mechatendrils
- Bring Vehicles
- Profit
What do you think of these Combos from GW on how to play Chaos? Let us know in the comments!
