Warhammer 40K: The New Guard Models Have Me Hyped

Man, the new Astra Militarium models look slick. Welcome back to the Imperial Guard soldier!

This weekend GW unveiled a new army box for the Astra Militarum. This announcement showed off a number of new models for existing units. Even more exciting it showed off some brand new units for the army. Let’s take a look at what we saw and how its got me hyped.

New Models For Classic Units

A number of the newly shown off models are replacements for older ones. For instance we’ve got new guard heavy weapons. It looks like the AM are keeping all the old classic heavy weapons, and they are still deployed in teams. I’m really happy with the look as these are great updates. On the other hand they aren’t so different looking that older versions will stick out that badly. 

We’ve also got a new sentinel model, both scout and heavy version. Again this looks like a nice upgrade on the classic. The Sentinel has got to be one of units with the most model changes in 40K. 

A new updated command squad is also in the works. An interesting note is that it appears more than one model can take power weapons now. I’m really glad to see Guard go back to having officers in command squads.

And of course it wouldn’t be a new Guard release without a new Commissar. They are basically the Primaris Lts of the AM.  All in all its a nice set of models.

Shocking Troops

Taking a look at new units we’ve got the Cadian Shock Troops. Based on GW’s description it appears these are going to be their whole own unit. They will exist alongside the Basic Infantry Squad. We had heard rumors that Veteran Squads were not going to be in the new Codex. I’m now thinking they’ve just been replaced/renamed by Shock Troops (and maybe Krieg?).

Along with that rumor was one that Infantry Squads could not longer take Heavy Weapons. That doesn’t seem to be true. Instead it seems like Shock Troops lose the option for a Heavy Weapon but can take a second special weapon. This fits with their shock role. I’m very interested to see just how modular the new guys are.  Also a couple appear to have folding stocks on their guns. Is this cosmetic only, or a hint at my coveted Las-Carbines?

Big Guns Go Boom

My favorite reveal however was the new Field Ordnance Battery. Heavy artillery  pieces for Guard infantry is just so PERFECT!  Now I love me a good tank (I’ve got around 100 Guard tanks) but I’ve also always been a fan of pure infantry Guard armies. For years I ran those lists competitively and they were a ton of fun. Having something like this to slot into a beautiful infantry list is great.

Taking A Page From Forge World

Not only is the FOB really cool looking, but its clearly drawing for FW designs. For years FW sold very popular Guard artillery. They had large guns, normally found on tanks, such as the Earthshaker Platforms. They also had a number of midrange guns similar to the FOB. Having them brought into mainline GW, along with things like DKoK shows that GW is really willing to mine the best of FW for the Guard. Something players have been asking for, for years now. Exciting times!

Let us know what you think about the new models, down in the comments!

Author: Abe Apfel

Abe is that rare thing, an Austin local born and raised here. Though he keeps on moving around, DC, Japan, ETC., he always seems to find his way back eventually. Abe has decades of experience with a wide range of tabletop and RPG games, from historicals, to Star Wars to D&D and 40K. He has been contributing to BOLS since almost the start, back when he worked at and then owned a local gaming store. He used to be big into the competitive Warhammer tournament scene but age has mellowed him and he now appreciates a good casual match. He currently covers 40K tactics and lore, as well as all things Star Wars, with occasional dabbling in other topics. Abe remains in mourning over the loss of WFB to this day.