The Four-Armed Embrace: A Casual Guide to the Genestealer Cults
Brothers, Sisters, Siblings, Ascension Day is upon us!
It’s inspiring to see a tide of new players joining the ranks for 10th edition! The Genestealer Cults are a wonderfully quirky faction with some of the best lore and most unique playstyles in Warhammer 40,000. To help guide this influx of new Cultists, I’ve put together a beginner-friendly overview of our units, strategies, and what makes the army tick.
As a veteran Cultist since 8th edition, with over 80 games under my belt, I’m no tournament champion. However, my dedication to the Cult runs deep, and I’m eager to share my love for this amazing faction.
This guide is divided into four key sections:
- Collecting Your Cult
- Rules of the Uprising
- Dissecting the Masses: Unit Overview
- First Steps on the Path: Recommended Units
Let the uprising begin!
1. Collecting Your Cult
1. Embrace the Big Boxes: The Start Collecting and Combat Patrol boxes offer incredible value, providing a diverse range of awesome miniatures. Individual units can be pricey, so exploring second-hand markets is also a great way to expand your forces.
2. Kitbash and Proxy with Reckless Abandon: The very nature of the Genestealer Cults encourages creativity and customization. Leftover bits become sacred relics, transforming basic Neophytes into explosive-laden Saboteurs with a bit of ingenuity. Don’t be afraid to experiment! A generous application of grime and gore can work wonders to disguise any imperfections.
3. Unleash Your Cult’s Identity: The beauty of the GSC lore lies in its diversity. Each Cult boasts its own unique aesthetic, mutations, and beliefs. Let your imagination run wild and craft a narrative that reflects your vision.
4. Multiply Your Leaders (Except One): Rejoice! With the exception of the mighty Patriarch, you can now field up to three copies of each Character in your army. No need to worry about duplicate characters from multiple box sets!
2. Rules of the Uprising
10th edition has streamlined many of the complex (and let’s be honest, sometimes frustrating) rules that previously defined the GSC. This allows both new and veteran players to embrace a more relaxed and enjoyable playstyle, while opponents can revel in the challenge of facing down endless waves of devoted Cultists.
Here are the core rules to master:
1. Cult Ambush (Army Rule): Universally praised, Cult Ambush is the embodiment of the GSC’s resilience. When your basic units, like Neophytes, fall in battle, they have a high chance of returning to the fight after a single turn. It’s a thematic and satisfying rule that embodies the unrelenting nature of the Cult.
2. They Came From Below (Detachment Rule): Emerging from every nook and cranny, the GSC are masters of ambush. This rule grants a potent damage bonus and the ability to ignore cover when your reinforcements arrive from ambush, perfectly reflecting the chaos and confusion they sow.
3. Deep Strike (Hidden Army Rule): The majority of the GSC roster can execute devastating Deep Strikes, appearing from thin air to wreak havoc. This unparalleled maneuverability allows for cunning ambushes, surprise bomb detonations, and flanking maneuvers that will leave your opponents reeling.
3. Dissecting the Masses: Unit Overview
This section provides a concise overview of each unit’s role and relative ease of use.
Easy to Use units are forgiving and effective in most situations. Tricky to Use units require more finesse, planning, and often excel in niche scenarios.
Remember, unit viability fluctuates with each edition. This guide focuses on their core roles and strengths, which tend to remain consistent.
Aberrants: These hulking mutants are surprisingly durable and excel at tearing through enemy armor. (Easy to Use)
Abominant: A force multiplier for Aberrants, the Abominant boasts a high chance of resurrection, ensuring its impact is felt long after its initial demise. (Easy to Use)
Achilles Ridgerunner: This fast and resilient support vehicle weakens enemy units with potent debuffs. Its unique aesthetic is a fan favorite. (Easy to Use)
Acolyte Hybrids: While fragile, Acolytes pack a punch in close combat and excel at overwhelming weaker enemies at close range. Their versatility shines with access to heavy weapons, explosives, and specialized equipment. (Bread and Butter unit, but can be Tricky to Use)
Acolyte Iconward: While unremarkable alone, Iconwards provide crucial protection to nearby units. Their simple design lends itself well to kitbashing. (Easy to Use)
Atalan Jackals: Arguably the most mobile unit in the army, these bikers excel at flanking maneuvers, delivering explosive surprises, and swiftly securing objectives. (Can be Tricky to Use)
Biophagus: This potent support character enhances nearby units with a variety of chemical concoctions. Its model is a work of art. (Easy to Use, but requires memorizing various rules and profiles)
Clamavus: This propaganda-wielding DJ weakens enemy morale through sonic warfare. A niche unit with a unique flavor. (Very Hard to Use)
Goliath Rockgrinder: A brutal melee powerhouse, the Rockgrinder is a force of nature on the battlefield. Pair it with the "Tank Shock" stratagem for maximum carnage. (Easy to Use and incredibly satisfying)
Goliath Truck: This durable transport delivers your Cultists into the heart of battle and provides supporting fire once its passengers disembark. (Good and Easy to Use)
Hybrid Metamorphs: The Acolytes’ more aggressive cousins, Metamorphs trade weapon options for raw melee prowess. Their unique parts are perfect for kitbashing. (Tricky to Use)
Jackal Alphus: This leader enhances the Atalan Jackals’ mobility and packs a punch with a sniper rifle and trusty sidearm. (Can be Tricky to Use)
Kelermorph: A hit-and-run assassin, the Kelermorph excels at eliminating high-value targets before making a swift exit. (Tricky to Use)
Locus: A loyal bodyguard, the Locus enhances the survivability of nearby characters. Recent changes have made it a surprisingly fun and effective unit. (Easy to Use)
Magus: This psyker leader enhances the effectiveness of nearby core units and disrupts enemy shooting with psychic powers. Recent changes have significantly altered its role, making it difficult to assess. (Tricky to Use)
Neophyte Hybrids: The backbone of any GSC army, Neophytes are incredibly versatile and form the foundation of your shooting and objective-grabbing strategies. (Easy to Use and essential for any GSC player)
Nexos: This master strategist unlocks a wider range of stratagems, allowing for cunning plays and unexpected tactics. (Initially Tricky to Use, but becomes intuitive with practice)
Patriarch: The embodiment of the Cult’s aspirations, the Patriarch is a melee powerhouse capable of leading the charge and crushing any who stand in his way. (Easy to Use)
Primus: This frontline leader enhances nearby units and can strategically reposition your forces after deployment. A key unit in any GSC army. (Initially Tricky to Use, but becomes intuitive with practice)
Purestrain Genestealers: Agile, deadly, and surprisingly durable, Purestrain Genestealers are masters of ambush and close combat. Their ability to deploy anywhere on the battlefield makes them a constant threat. (Easy to Use)
Reductus Saboteur: This demolitions expert can unleash devastating attacks but often struggles to remain relevant after its initial explosive impact. (Somewhat Tricky to Use)
Sanctus: This stealthy sniper harasses enemy characters and picks off vulnerable targets from afar. (Tricky to Use)
4. First Steps on the Path: Recommended Units
When starting your GSC journey, the most important thing is to choose units that resonate with you. Experiment, have fun, and discover what playstyle suits you best.
However, if you’re looking to build a competitive foundation, certain units consistently prove their worth:
1. Neophyte Hybrids: These versatile troops are non-negotiable. They form the core of your army, providing reliable firepower and objective control.
2. Acolyte Hybrids: Their close-combat prowess and equipment options make them valuable assets in any GSC force.
3. Primus: This indispensable leader enhances nearby units and offers valuable strategic flexibility.
4. Goliath (Rockgrinder or Truck): Both variants of the Goliath provide significant battlefield presence. The Rockgrinder excels in melee combat, while the Truck offers reliable transport and supporting fire.
With this solid core, you’ll be well on your way to spreading the truth of the Four-Armed Emperor and claiming victory in His name.
Now go forth, spread the word, and may the Emperor’s will be done!
