This is the guide for Adeptus Custodes Tactics in Warhammer 40k! The brand new codex is out and we’ve taken all of the updated rules, and some of the lore, and broken it all down for you.
The Adeptus Custodes are the Emperor’s elite guards and companions. Their long history includes accompanying the Emperor through the Great Crusade and numerous other conflicts. The Adeptus Custodes are somewhat insular, and their ceremonial history and origin story are kept secret and safe among themselves.
Introduction: 9th Edition Adeptus Custodes
Adeptus Custodes first appear in written history described as gold-clad warriors, imposing and tall. The Emperor himself crafted the Custodians to suit this purpose, keeping in mind their capacity to serve as impressive looking bodyguard forces. In addition to providing might, the Adeptus Custodes serve as the Emperor’s inner circle in all matters political and advisory. To prevent distraction from their purpose, they are all eunuchs.
Much of the lore surrounding Adeptus Custodes, now known as a security force of the Imperium, is intentionally hidden or lost to time, suggesting there are many secrets yet to be unfolded regarding this elite force.
What we do know is this: the Adeptus Custodes are said to have faced the Thousand Sons on Prospero. They appear as the personification of the holy light of the Emperor. They are inspired by his glory and created by it. Custodians are recruited when they’re young, typically from noble Terran houses. Through prayer, sacrifice, and arcane vision, the Custodians have questionably unparalleled might.
Creating this force, also known as the “Ten Thousand” in Warhammer, is quite militaristic in nature: the individual’s personality and facets must be rewritten to encompass a wide skill set. This remaking is not simply behavioral, but also genetic. The work is more precise than that required to create a generic Space Marine, rumored to involve several disciplines and skills.
Per the Warhammer 40K 9th Edition Adeptus Custodes Codex, “A Custodian becomes duty.” He is loyalty incarnate. Despite the absolute nature of their devotion, the Emperor required Custodians to maintain some individual characteristics.
Who Are the Sisters of Silence?
The Sisters of Silence are now included in the Adeptus Custodes. These witch hunters are the perfect complement to the Adeptus Custodes, as they are soulless. Also known as Null Maidens or Pale Scourge, the Sisters of Silence have a sordid history. What is known: their objective is to hunt down psykers. They do not speak as they have taken a vow of silence, but communicate with each other using something akin to sign language.
The Adeptus Custodes have three different factions, known as shield hosts: Solar Watch, Emissaries Imperatus, and Shadowkeepers.
Play Warhammer 9th Edition Adeptus Custodes If You…
Enjoy the individualistic aspects of powerful Characters
Like painting models in gold
Prefer a deep level of weapons customization
Like halberds with guns
Are impressed by the lore of Captain-General Trajann Valoris and want to represent him in your army
Prefer a Roman-inspired aesthetic
Want some jet bikes in your army
Adeptus Custodes 9th Edition Stratagem Overview
Warhammer 9th Edition Adeptus Custodes Shield Host-Specific Stratagems
Esteem Amalgam
Shield Host: Emperor’s Chosen
Type: Strategic Ploy Stratagem
What it looks like: Individual talents work together to create a powerful, overwhelming force.
How it works: During your Command phase, choose an Emperor’s Chosen unit, then choose another shield host’s fighting style. Models in your selected unit have the traits of the second selected shield host, replacing the Magna Imperator fighting style. This Stratagem lasts until the start of your next Command Phase.
Cost: 1 CP
Grim Responsibility
Shield Host: Shadowkeepers
Type: Battle Tactic Stratagem
What it looks like: The will of the Shadowkeepers enables them to ignore some of the damage thrown their way.
How it works: When your opponent targets your Shadowkeepers unit (minus Vehicles) in any phase, the Strength characteristic of the attack gets a -1. This lasts until the end of the phase.
Cost: 1 CP
Golden Light of the Moiraides
Shield Host: Dread Host
Type: Strategic Ploy Stratagem
What it looks like: The Dread Host embarks on a majestic battleship, then disembarks with the light of the Emperor at their backs.
How it works: Use the From Golden Light ability to set up your Dread Host on the battlefield during your Movement phase. Until your next turn begins, this Stratagem gives you abilities to deflect Overwatch or Set to Defend, and grant a -1 to your opponent’s hit roll.
Cost: 2 CP
Shield of Honor
Shield Host: Aquilan Shield
Type: Strategic Ploy Stratagem
What it looks like: The Aquilan Shield are most stalwart defenders.
How it works: Deploy this stratagem during your opponent’s Shooting phase when your opponent chooses to shoot using one of their units. Choose a single Imperium Infantry Character from your own army. The mechanics of this Stratagem permit you to avoid targeting on your unit.
Cost: 1 CP
The Eagle’s Strike
Shield Host: Solar Watch
Type: Strategic Ploy Stratagem
What it looks like: The Solar Watch attack brutally, confusing and confounding their enemy as they act swiftly.
How it works: When your Solar Watch unit destroys an enemy Warlord in any phase, get a -1 to the Combat Attrition test for an enemy unit until the end of the battle.
Cost: 1 CP
Into the Darkness
Shield Host: Emissaries Imperatus
Type: Battle Tactic Stratagem
What it looks like: The Emissaries Imperatus will do anything in their power to obey the will of the Emperor in even the most formidable corners of the galaxy.
How it works: Choose an Emissaries Imperatus Core unit at the beginning of the initial battle round, prior to the start of the first turn. This Stratagem has rules that allow the chosen unit may make a Normal Move as though you are in your Movement phase. This is a single-use Stratagem. The cost depends upon the number of models in the referenced unit.
Cost: 2 CP / 3 CP
Standard Stratagems for Adeptus Custodes 9th Edition
Adeptus Custodes Battle Tactic Stratagems for 9th Edition
Arcane Genetic Alchemy
What it looks like: Adeptus Custodes have genetic enhancements and resulting individual advantages that make them exemplary combatants.
How it works: Deploy this Stratagem in any phase. When your opponent targets a non-Vehicle Adeptus Custodes unit in your army, their unmodified wound roll of 1-3 on that attack is unsuccessful. This lasts until the end of the phase. The cost is dependent upon how many models are in your unit: for 3 models or less, the cost is 1 CP. For more than 3 models in that unit, it costs 2 CP.
Cost: 1 CP / 2 CP
Sweeping Advance
What it looks like: Custodians ride like the wind on jetbikes, destroying their enemies and gaining new ground once they break enemy lines.
How it works: Deploy this Stratagem in your Fight phase; it lasts until the end of that phase. Use this when you consolidate an Adeptus Custodes Biker. Whenever a model in your selected Adeptus Custodes Biker unit consolidates, that model can move an extra 3 inches.
Cost: 1 CP
Praesidium Shieldwall
What it looks like: The Adeptus Custodes are experts at shieldwall formation. With their superior praesidium shields, they are often impenetrable.
How it works: When your opponent targets a Custodian Guard unit during the Fight phase in a melee attack, each model in your unit receives a praesidium shield. This is represented by a -1 to the attack’s hit roll whenever your opponent makes a melee attack against this unit.
Cost: 1 CP
Death Mark
What it looks like: Enemies dread being marked by the Vigilators for a reason: their chances of survival are unlikely.
How it works: Deploy this Stratagem prior to the start of the first turn of the first battle round. Choose a single enemy unit. Whenever a model from your Vigilators unit attacks the selected enemy unit (until the end of battle), you are able to re-roll the hit roll.
Cost: 1 CP
Avenge the Fallen
What it looks like: The Bell of Lost Souls rings on Terra when a Custodian dies, inspiring vengeance in the remaining Custodes.
How it works: Deploy this Stratagem in the Fight phase; this lasts until the end of the phase. Choose an Adeptus Custodes unit to fight. Receive Attack bonuses based on diminished Strength and Starting Strength.
Cost: 1 CP
Slayers of Nightmares
What it looks like: The Adeptus Custodes do not cower when Voidspan attack. They stand firm for Humanity and the glory of the Emperor.
How it works: Deploy this Stratagem in the Fight phase; this lasts until the end of the phase. Choose an Adeptus Custodes to fight. When a model in your unit attacks another unit with a superior Toughness characteristic, gain a +1 to the attack’s wound roll. Cost depends on the amount of models in your unit. For 3 or less, the cost is 1 CP. For more than 3, the cost is 2 CP.
Cost: 1 CP / 2 CP
Talons of the Emperor
What it looks like: United as a single force of strength, the power of the Custodes cannot be ignored.
How it works: You may deploy this Stratagem in any phase. You can only use this after fighting or shooting with an Adeptus Custodes unit. Choose an Anathema Psykana unit within 6 inches of that Adeptus Custodes unit. Whenever the Anathema Psykana unit attacks, it gets +1 to the attack’s hit roll until the end of the phase.
Cost: 1 CP
Purgation Sweep
What it looks like: Witchseekers reign fire on their foes, as though to damn and condemn them.
How it works: Deploy this Stratagem during your Shooting phase or during your opponent’s Charge phase. It lasts until the end of that phase. Choose a Witchseekers army to shoot. Gain +1 Strength characteristic of witchseeker flamers mode.s
Cost: 1 CP
Adeptus Custodes 9th Edition Epic Deed Stratagems
Vigil Unending
What it looks like: The Custodes’ devotion to the Emperor is evident in battle, ending only in death.
How it works: Deploy this Stratagem during your Fight phase. Choose an Adeptus Custodes Character model that has been destroyed without having the chance to fight during the phase. Instead of removing the model from play, it can still fight once the opponent’s attacking model is done attacking. Once the attacks are resolved, remove the Adeptus Custodes Character from the battlefield.
Cost: 2 CP
Wisdom of the Moritoi
What it looks like: Experienced warriors in the Dreadnought sarcophagi inspire all allies around them, rallying them to victory in battle.
How it works: Deploy this Stratagem in your Command phase. It lasts until the beginning of your next Command phase. Choose an Adeptus Custodes Dreadnought. The selected model receives either Aggressive Precision or Inspirational Warrior aura. These auras permit you to re-roll an wound roll and hit role, respectively.
Cost: 1 CP
Retribution of the Machine Spirit
What it looks like: Even in the poorest condition, after the darkest defeat, the machines of the Custodes manage to damage their foes with tenacity.
How it works: Deploy this Stratagem in your Command phase. It lasts until the beginning of your next Command phase. Choose an Adeptus Custodes Machine Spirit model. This Adeptus Custodes Machine Spirit model acts as though it has full wounds remaining when you determine the model’s characteristics from its profile.
Cost: 1 CP
Indomitable Engines
What it looks like: Machines press on, even in the face of brutal combat.
How it works: Deploy this Stratagem in any phase when an Anathema Psykana Vehicle or Adeptus Custodes Vehicle model would normally lose a wound due to a mortal wound. You get to roll to avoid the wound loss. This effect lasts until the end of the phase in which you choose to deploy it.
Cost: 1 CP
Earning of a Name
What it looks like: Custodians can receive names and titles for their glorious deeds in the service of the Emperor.
How it works: Deploy this Stratagem when your non-named Adeptus Custodes Character model destroys an enemy Character unit in a melee attack. For your Adeptus Custodes Character, you may choose a stance of marshal ka’tah or a shield host fighting style and employ it until the end of your battle. This is not applicable to Crusade battles and you can only use it on each non-named Adeptus Custodes Character once.
Cost: 1 CP
Adeptus Custodes 9th Edition Warhammer Requisition Stratagems
Open the Vaults
What it looks like: The Adeptus Custodes employ holy relics in their enduring fight for the glory of the Emperor.
How it works: This Stratagem is for use during mustering, prior to the battle. It must apply to a Warlord with an Adeptus custodes or Anathema Psykana keyword. The Anathema Psykana model receives a Relic of the Vigil or the Adeptus Custodes Character model receives a single Relic of Terra. The Relic the model receives must be one that they are eligible to bear. Every Relic in your army needs to be unique. This Stratagem cannot be used to provide a second Relic to a model. This is a single-use Stratagem unless you’re playing Onslaught (you can use it three times) or Strike Force (you can use it twice).
Cost: 1 CP
The Emperor’s Heroes
What it looks like: Talons of the Emperor Champions demonstrate their superior leadership qualities on the battlefield for the glory of the Emperor.
How it works: Deploy this Stratagem during mustering, prior to the battle. It must apply to a Warlord with an Adeptus Custodes or Anathema Psykana keyword. The selected Anathema Psykana or Adeptus Custodes model receives a Warlord Trait (one it is eligible for). For the purposes of using this Trait only, it is considered a Warlord. The Trait must be unique and you cannot provide more than one Warlord Trait to a model using this Stratagem. This Stratagem cannot be used to provide a second Relic to a model. This is a single-use Stratagem unless you’re playing Onslaught (you can use it three times) or Strike Force (you can use it twice).
Cost: 1 CP
Victor of the Blood Games
What it looks like: Stalwart defenders of Terra pose an intimidating threat to all enemies.
How it works: Deploy this Stratagem prior to the battle but after you determine a Warlord Trait for a non-named Adeptus Custodes Character model. Choose an additional Warlord Trait for that selected non-named Adeptus Custodes Character. The Warlord Trait needs to be unique and you may only use this Stratagem one time.
Cost: 1 CP
Eternal Penitent
What it looks like: By volunteering to serve in a Dreadnought’s sarcophagus, Custodians aspire to achieve penitence.
How it works: Deploy this Stratagem during mustering, prior to the battle. Choose a single Adeptus Custodes Dreadnought unit and apply +1 to the unit’s Attacks characteristic. This Stratagem also has a charge roll re-roll mechanic and bonus. You may only deploy this Stratagem one time.
Cost: 1 CP
Adeptus Custodes 9th Edition Strategic Ploy Stratagems
Fraternity of Heroes
What it looks like: So unending is the Custodians’ devotion to the Emperor and each other, they will take extreme risks to defend one another.
How it works: Deploy this Stratagem during your opponent’s Charge phase in the Heroic Interventions step. This Stratagem’s effect lasts until the end of the phase. Choose a single Adeptus Custodes unit. The chosen Adeptus Custodes unit may perform a Heroic Intervention in the style of a Character unit.
Cost: 1 CP
Martial Discretion
What it looks like:
How it works: Deploy this Stratagem after selecting a ka’tah stance during your Command phase. It lasts until the beginning of your next Command phase. Choose an Adeptus Custodes unit and then select an inactive ka’tah stance. The selected Adeptus Custodes unit benefits from the new ka’tah stance instead of your active one. The cost is dependent on the number of models in your chosen unit. For 4 or less models, it costs a single CP; for more than 4 it costs 2 CP.
Cost: 1 CP / 2 CP
Indomitable Guardians
What it looks like: Foes fail to remove Custodians from their objective.
How it works: Deploy this Stratagem during the Fight phase once an enemy unity has fought. Choose a single Adeptus Custodes unit that is eligible to fight and within the range of an objective marker. Your selected model fights next.
Unleash the Lions
What it looks like: Allarus Custodians impressively push into battle, demonstrating tenacity against their foes.
How it works: This Stratagem lasts through the end of the battle and is meant for deployment during your Command phase. Choose an Allarus Custodians unit with at least 2 models in it. Every model in that selected unit becomes a unit of its own. The cost is 1 CP if there are 3 models or less in the chosen unit; the cost is 2 CP if there are 4 or more. Note: There are additional mechanics for Crusade battles.
Cost: 1 CP / 2 CP
Shoulder the Mantle
What it looks like: When one Custodian falls, another steps up to continue the Emperor’s mission.
How it works: Deploy this Stratagem after the destruction of your Warlord. Choose another Adeptus Custodes Character model. This unit gains the Warlord Trait of the destroyed Warlord if it does not already have one. Your selected Adeptus Custodes model now acts as your Warlord. It lasts until the end of the battle. Please note that additional objective and objective secondary rules apply.
Cost: 1 CP
Manoeuvre and Fire
What it looks like: Even while they strategically move to more enforceable positions, Adeptus Custodes maintain fire on their enemies.
How it works: Deploy this Stratagem when an Adeptus Custodes unit with Fly Falls Back during your Movement phase. The unit may still shoot despite the Fall Back; this lasts until the end of the turn.
Cost: 1 CP
Desperation’s Price
What it looks like: Null-Maidens rend enemy psykers who dare to stand against them.
How it works: Deploy this stratagem during your opponent’s Psychic phase when an enemy Psyker unit within 18 inches of an Anathema Psykana Infantry unit falls under the effect of Perils of the Warp. Add an extra D3 mortal wounds to the damage.
Cost: 1 CP
The Emperor’s Auspice
What it looks like: The Emperor’s favor provides strategic advantage and bravery to his Custodians.
How it works: Use this Stratagem when your opponent chooses your Adeptus Custodes unit as a target. This Stratagem can be used in any phase and lasts until the end of that phase. Whenever your selected Adeptus Custodes unit is the target of the attack, there is no opportunity for your opponent to re-roll wound roll, damage roll, or hit roll. This Stratagem costs 1 CP if there are 4 or less models in the selected unit; it costs 2 CP if there are 5 or more.
Cost: 1 CP / 2 CP
From Golden Light They Come
What it looks like: Teleportation is an actual godsend for Adeptus Custodes. They can appear in the middle of the battle, potentially turning the tide in their favor with this action and technology.
How it works: Deploy this Stratagem during the Transports and Declare Reserves step prior to the battle. Choose a single Adeptus Custodes Dreadnought, Adeptus Custodes Biker, or Adeptus Custodes Infantry. They get the Golden Light ability.
Cost: 1 CP
Empyric Severance
What it looks like: Null-Maidens prevent psychic manipulations and manifestations on the battlefield.
How it works: Deploy this Stratagem when your opponent passes a psychic test for their Psyker unit (after a Deny the Witch attempt occurs, if at all) during your opponent’s Psychic phase. Deny the psychic power if the enemy Psyker is within 18 inches of your Anathema Psykana Infantry unit. The psychic power is denied on a 4+ roll of a D6.
Cost: 1 CP
Adeptus Custodes Wargear Stratagems for 9th Edition
Covered Advance
What it looks like: Hidden behind a screen of smoke, transports may move undetected.
How it works: Deploy this Stratagem during your opponent’s Shooting phase. Use when an Adeptus Custodes Smokescreen or an Anathema Psykana Smokescreen unit is attacked by your opponent. Whenever your opponent makes an attack against this unit, the attack’s hit roll gets -1. This lasts until the end of the phase.
Cost: 1 CP
Tanglefoot Grenade
What it looks like: This Stratagem limits Movement or Charge speed for your opponent’s army. The impetus for the success of this Stratagem is 12 inch proximity to an Adeptus Custodes Infantry. This Stratagem is for use at the beginning of your opponent’s Charge or Move phase and can only be used once per turn.
How it works:
Cost: 1 CP
Teleport Homer
What it looks like: A teleportation device deploys soldiers to the greatest area of need.
How it works: Choose an Adeptus Custodes Teleport Homer to move during your Movement phase. Take the unit off of the battlefield. When it comes to the Reinforcement step of the Movement phase, reset the unit on the battlefield. It must be within 3 inches of one of your Vexilus Praetor or Aleya models.
Cost: 1 CP
Psyk-Out Grenade
What it looks like: Psi-refractive particle grenades cause psychic damage to enemies.
How it works: Choose an Anathema Psykana Infantry unit during your Shooting phase and select it to shoot. When the unit is not in Engagement Range of enemy units, a 2+ on a D6 roll can result in Perils of the Warp for the nearest enemy Psyker unit within 6 inches.
Cost: 1 CP
Have you gotten a chance to check out the Adeptus Custodes in 9th Edition? What do you think about any changes or improvements Games Workshop has made? Who will you play this army against? Please leave us your thoughts in the comments below.
Adeptus Custodes Warhammer 9th Edition: Relics
Having an army led by Anathema Psykana Warlords or Adeptus Custodes gives you access to Relics of Terra, equipped on an Adeptus Custodes Character when you muster your army. Below is a summary of the Relics available to Adeptus Custodes Character models. Be careful as you equip and do so judiciously, as some of these Relics will replace existing gear on your models.
Relics of Terra
Eagle’s Eye
What it looks like: This relic is a special help which contains micro-reliquaries and sensorium-gheists. Only an Infantry model can equip this.
How it works: The bearer of the Eagle’s Eye Relic gets +1 to Wounds characteristic. Prior to making a saving throw for the bearer of this relic, the bearer can stir up the sensorium-ghosts that live in the helm. This gives a bearer 3+ invulnerable save. You can only use this feature once per battle.
Auric Aquilas
What it looks like: This Relic is a jetbike running on ancient archotech, increasing speed in battle.
How it works: Only bikers can use the Auric Aquilas Relic. This Relic permits you to re-roll charge rolls for this character. Already able to re-roll your charge roll? No problem – take a +1 to your charge roll instead. Also, the model bearing this Relic can boost during the movement phase, which doubles its Move characteristic (but makes it unable to declare a charge or shoot in that turn).
Gatekeeper
What it looks like: This defensive Relic prevents enemies from penetrating defenses before they get too close.
How it works: Only a model with a guardian spear can use the Gatekeeper Relic. When equipped, ranged attacks with the weapon it’s equipped on auto-hits. The Relic also increases the stats of the weapon per a special profile.
Veiled Blade
What it looks like: The Veiled Blade Relic contains darkness and power.
How it works: The Veiled Blade Relic only works on a model equipped with a sentinel blade. The Veiled Blade does replace the sentinel blade. When the bearer of this weapon fights, it gets +2 attacks when using this weapon. It also gains a profile of increased abilities.
Obliteratum
What it looks like: This relic shatters enemies on a molecular level. It’s as though they never existed on the battlefield.
How it works: You can only equip the Obliteratum Relic on a model with a ballistus grenade launcher, which it replaces. The weapon gains a special profile including an 18 inch range.
Fulminaris Aggressor
What it looks like: The Fulminaris Aggressor Relic is a vexilla running on microthundercoils to destroy foes with gusto.
How it works: You can only equip this Relic on a Vexilus Praetor model. It grants the bearer a Fulminaris Aggressor Aura, which removes the enemies’ ability to receive cover within six inches’ proximity of this mode.
Praetorian Plate
What it looks like: Archotech abounds in this armour, which includes integration with an ancient empyric beacon. This enables special movement within the warp when its bearer is coming to the aid of allies.
How it works: You may only equip a Terminator model with the Praetorian Plate Relic. In doing so, the model gets +1 to Toughness. Special rules also enable the bearer of this relic to complete a teleport-shunt in the Heroic Interventions phase, one time per battle.
Castellan’s Mark
What it looks like: This Relic appears as a pauldron piece and it is traditionally granted to the Custodian who has the most Blood Games victories. The Castellan’s Mark represents strategic proficiency when evaluating the enemy.
How it works: Choose two <Shield Host> units in your army at the beginning of your initial battle round. You can take those units from the battlefield and set them up anywhere in your deployment zone. There are additional rules for Strategic Reserves.
Wrath Angels
What it looks like: The Wrath Angels Relic is a vexilla meant to defeat Orks via fire support. It functions by way of a multi-spectral targeting shrine for more precise accuracy in striking.
How it works: You can only equip this Relic on a Vexilus Praetor model, and you can only use it one time in a battle. When the bearer of the Relic is on the battlefield, you can choose a point on the battlefield and set up a marker. Enemy Characters around that marker take extra damage based on a D6 roll during the Command phase.
Relics of the Vigil
Raptor Blade
What it looks like: The Raptor Blade Relic is an especially sharp weapon harkening back to its origins in the Silent Sisterhood.
How it works: You can only equip this Relic on a model with an executioner greatblade, and the Relic replaces the greatblade. The relic provides a special profile of +3 S, –4 AP, 2 D.
Excruciatus Flamer
What it looks like: This particular Flamer Relic originated in The Sisters of Silence. The fuels for this flamer last longer and burn at a higher temperature than the standard flamer.
How it works: The Excruciatus Flamer Relic auto-hits and gets a special weapon profile with a 12 inch range.
Enhanced Voidsheen Cloak
What it looks like: The Sisters of Silence used to wear Voidsheen Cloaks, but they are now rare. They rely on micro-vitrious flesh which can respond more durably to attack than average equipment.
How it works: The model wearing this Relic gets a +4 invulnerable save, and whenever that model is attacked, the attacker gets a -1 hit roll and a -1 wound roll.
Even More Adeptus Custodes Tactics?
Still want more? We’re happy to deliver. First, you can read our beginner’s guide to Custodes Tactics here. And watch a full Battle Report video of the Tyranids vs Custodes!
