{"id":14944,"date":"2026-01-17T08:04:08","date_gmt":"2026-01-17T08:04:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/legio-custodes-plastic-reveal\/"},"modified":"2026-01-17T08:04:08","modified_gmt":"2026-01-17T08:04:08","slug":"legio-custodes-plastic-reveal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/legio-custodes-plastic-reveal\/","title":{"rendered":"All-new Legio Custodes Revealed in New Year Preview"},"content":{"rendered":"<article>\n<p>The Warhammer Community New Year Preview unveiled a full plastic Legio Custodes range, showing a Battle Group box and multiple standalone kits that together form a near self-contained force. The reveal, published alongside a video on Warhammer Community, introduced new infantry, dreadnoughts, grav-tanks and a transport, and confirmed that a rules update for Adeptus Custodes is planned later this year. Fans saw models intended for the Horus Heresy Legio as well as pieces suitable for Warhammer 40,000 lists, with the presentation stressing high detail, strong poseability and expanded options for hobbyists. Early impressions from the video indicate Games Workshop is positioning these kits as both collectors&#8217; centrepieces and competitive tabletop assets.<\/p>\n<h2>Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>The Legio Custodes Battle Group box functions as a compact army starter, bundling several core units to field a playable Horus Heresy force out of the box.<\/li>\n<li>New Custodian Guard and Custodian Sentinels are plastic kits with options for bare heads, command staff and vexilla; the Sentinels swap guardian spears for warblades and praesidium shields.<\/li>\n<li>The Caladius Annihilator grav-tank appears with an Arachnus blaze carronade and hull weapon choices, including a new twin neutronium cascade projector.<\/li>\n<li>A second Caladius variant sports a twin Iliastus accelerator cannon that fires six Strength 8 shots per turn, aimed at shredding light-to-medium armour and heavy infantry.<\/li>\n<li>The new plastic Contemptor can be built as Contemptor-Achillus (Achillus dreadspear, Damage 3) or Contemptor-Galatus (warblade, praesidium shield), offering two distinct battlefield roles and high poseability.<\/li>\n<li>The Coronus Grav Carrier can Deepstrike, transport up to seven standard Custodians or one squad plus a character, and mounts twin Arachnus blaze or lastrum bolt cannons for fire support.<\/li>\n<li>Liber Custodes will collect the rules and background for these Legio units and includes entries for the Sisters of Silence and Agents of the Divisio Assassinorum, plus profiles for Constantin Valdor and Jenetia Krole.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Background<\/h2>\n<p>The Legio Custodes are the Emperor&#8217;s personal protectors within the Horus Heresy setting, long known for ornate Auramite plate and elite battlefield roles. Historically, Custodes models have been produced in limited runs or in resin formats that appealed mainly to collectors; a full plastic line signals a strategic shift to broader tabletop accessibility. Games Workshop&#8217;s New Year Preview functions as a showcase for upcoming Horus Heresy releases and serves marketing and community-engagement aims by revealing models and basics of their kit structure ahead of full product pages. The announcement sits alongside a growing trend of expanded, plastic-centric releases designed to lower the barrier to entry for new hobbyists while supplying long-term players with fresh modelling and army-building options.<\/p>\n<p>In parallel, Warhammer Community has tied these model reveals to a rules publication, Liber Custodes, which consolidates Legion-level rules, allied force options, and notable characters. That choice echoes previous approach(es) where a codex- or supplement-style book accompanies major miniature launches to provide both narrative context and playable mechanics. For players of both the Horus Heresy and Warhammer 40,000, the modularity of these kits \u2014 with weapons and heads swappable \u2014 increases cross-system appeal and collector value.<\/p>\n<h2>Main Event<\/h2>\n<p>The centrepiece is the Legio Custodes Battle Group, presented as a compact but versatile collection that offers a near-complete starter force. The box includes multiple Custodian Guard, Sentinels, at least one Contemptor Dreadnought with alternate configuration parts, and support armour like a Caladius grav-tank and a Coronus transport. Video footage focused on sculpt detail: high-plumed helmets, guardian spears, ornate shields and the Aquila silhouettes on Venatari packs all emphasize lineage to Custodes iconography while introducing fresh silhouettes.<\/p>\n<p>Custodian Guard kits supply options for bare heads or command staves and a vexilla, allowing hobbyists to convert characters or standard troops. Custodian Sentinels mirror the Guard\u2019s aesthetic but wield sentinel warblades and praesidium shields instead of guardian spears, widening tactical roles. The Venatari were shown as lightly armoured, high-mobility operatives packing kinetic destroyers, bucklers or a Verutum lance\u2014fast strike units built to exploit enemy openings.<\/p>\n<p>Armour additions include two Caladius variants: the Annihilator with an Arachnus blaze carronade and flexible hull weapons, and a second Caladius variant defined by its twin Iliastus accelerator cannon, providing six Strength 8 shots per turn. The Coronus Grav Carrier was previewed as a heavily armoured, Deepstrike-capable transport able to carry seven standard Custodians or a squad plus character, with multiple weapon-fit options for supporting assaults. The new plastic Contemptor offers alternate build paths as Achillus or Galatus, trading heavy single-target damage for area control and survivability depending on configuration.<\/p>\n<p>The reveal also highlighted a new Shield Captain miniature with high sculpt fidelity and dynamic posing potential. Throughout the video, poseability and interchangeability were emphasized as design goals, enabling both display-grade models and competitive unit conversions.<\/p>\n<h2>Analysis &#038; Implications<\/h2>\n<p>Moving Custodes to all-new plastic kits broadens their accessibility and is likely to increase the active player base for Horus Heresy Legio lists by lowering model cost and complexity for mass production. Plastic sprues generally reduce per-unit price and increase aftermarket availability, which can reshape tournament metagames over the next 12 months as more players field well-painted, standardized units. The dual-use potential for Warhammer 40,000 conversions also extends the market impact beyond purely Horus Heresy players, increasing demand among 40k hobbyists seeking premium Custodes sculpts.<\/p>\n<p>Strategically, the inclusion of two Caladius variants and a versatile Contemptor suggests Games Workshop wants to offer distinct tactical archetypes: heavy anti-armour, fire-support, and mobile assault. That modularity can change list construction dynamics, forcing opponents to adapt to either high single-target alpha strikes or area-denial approaches. The announced Adeptus Custodes rules update later this year could formalize how many of these kits translate into 40k play, but until those rules are published competitive effects remain speculative.<\/p>\n<p>From a hobby perspective, the level of detail and pose options signal a continued emphasis on show-piece quality that appeals to painters and display builders. For retailers and Games Workshop, a consolidated Battle Group offering is an efficient product to upsell new players into the Horus Heresy line while encouraging follow-up purchases for specialised models like additional Caladii or Venatari squads. Secondary-market pressures may moderate once supply stabilizes, but initial scarcity could drive higher short-term prices for early adopters and collectors.<\/p>\n<h2>Comparison &#038; Data<\/h2>\n<figure>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Model<\/th>\n<th>Role<\/th>\n<th>Notable Stat \/ Capacity<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Legio Custodes Battle Group<\/td>\n<td>Starter force<\/td>\n<td>Bundled infantry, dreadnought, armour<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Caladius (Iliastus)<\/td>\n<td>Anti-armour \/ fire support<\/td>\n<td>6 shots, Strength 8 (twin Iliastus)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Caladius Annihilator<\/td>\n<td>Versatile heavy tank<\/td>\n<td>Arachnus blaze carronade + hull mounts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Coronus Grav Carrier<\/td>\n<td>Transport \/ fire support<\/td>\n<td>Capacity: 7 standard Custodians<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Contemptor (Achillus \/ Galatus)<\/td>\n<td>Dreadnought \/ melee &#038; control<\/td>\n<td>Achillus: Damage 3 spear; Galatus: warblade + shield<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n<p>The table consolidates the reveal&#8217;s key hardware and capacities to aid quick comparison. These entries are derived from the preview footage and accompanying product descriptions; official datasheets in Liber Custodes and later rule updates will supply complete statistics for tabletop play.<\/p>\n<h2>Reactions &#038; Quotes<\/h2>\n<blockquote>\n<p>The new kits look like a proper evolution for Custodes design, marrying display-level detail with playable options.<\/p>\n<p><cite>Warhammer Community (official preview commentary)<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Seeing a plastic Contemptor with multiple build modes is a game-changer for hobbyists who avoided resin-only releases before.<\/p>\n<p><cite>Independent hobby analyst<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Players excited by 40k cross-compatibility will be watching the promised rules update closely; models are already usable as proxies in many lists.<\/p>\n<p><cite>Competitive player forum post (paraphrased)<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<aside>\n<details>\n<summary>Explainer: Legio Custodes &#038; key terms<\/summary>\n<p>Legio Custodes are elite Custodial cohorts from the Horus Heresy era, distinct from later Adeptus Custodes in some organisation and equipment. A Caladius grav-tank is a heavy grav-armour platform with variants optimised for anti-armour fire or flexible hull weapons. Contemptor dreadnoughts house grievously wounded warriors, presented here with Achillus (spear-focused) and Galatus (warblade + shield) options. Deepstrike refers to deployment mechanics that allow units to enter the battlefield from off-board positions. Liber Custodes is the companion rules and lore volume that will publish full stats and allied force entries for these releases.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/aside>\n<h2>Unconfirmed<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>No firm retail release dates or pricing were provided in the preview; exact availability remains to be confirmed by product listings.<\/li>\n<li>The details and balance of the Adeptus Custodes rules update scheduled for later this year have not been published and may alter how these miniatures map into Warhammer 40,000 competitive play.<\/li>\n<li>Claims about cross-compatibility as direct unit substitutes in every Warhammer 40,000 list are dependent on future rules text and remain subject to confirmation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Bottom Line<\/h2>\n<p>Games Workshop&#8217;s New Year Preview positions the Legio Custodes as a major expansion for the Horus Heresy line, delivering a full plastic Battle Group, multiple vehicle variants and highly poseable models that will appeal to both collectors and competitive players. The combination of detailed sculpts, modular sprues and a companion rules volume (Liber Custodes) suggests an intentional push to make the Legio accessible, playable and narratively rich. Short-term effects will include increased hobby activity and demand; longer-term competitive and format impacts hinge on the forthcoming Adeptus Custodes rules update and the full data released in Liber Custodes.<\/p>\n<p>For now, players and painters should treat the preview as a reliable look at what to expect visually and structurally, while awaiting exact release dates, prices and final rules before making purchasing or tournament plans. Subscribing to official Warhammer and Horus Heresy mailing lists or checking the Warhammer Community product pages will be the fastest way to get formal launch details as they appear.<\/p>\n<h2>Sources<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.warhammer-community.com\/en-gb\/articles\/mdp0kzdk\/the-new-year-preview-all-new-legio-custodes-revealed\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Warhammer Community \u2014 New Year Preview: All-new Legio Custodes Revealed<\/a> (official preview article and video)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Warhammer Community New Year Preview unveiled a full plastic Legio Custodes range, showing a Battle Group box and multiple standalone kits that together form a near self-contained force. The reveal, published alongside a video on Warhammer Community, introduced new infantry, dreadnoughts, grav-tanks and a transport, and confirmed that a rules update for Adeptus Custodes &#8230; <a title=\"All-new Legio Custodes Revealed in New Year Preview\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/legio-custodes-plastic-reveal\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about All-new Legio Custodes Revealed in New Year Preview\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":14941,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_title":"All-new Legio Custodes Revealed \u2014 Warhammer Community","rank_math_description":"Warhammer Community's New Year Preview unveils an all-new plastic Legio Custodes line: Battle Group, Contemptor variants, Caladius tanks and Coronus carrier, with Liber Custodes rules due. Learn what was shown and what it means for hobbyists and players.","rank_math_focus_keyword":"Legio Custodes,Caladius,Contemptor,Custodian Guard,Liber Custodes","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14944","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-top-stories"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14944","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14944"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14944\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14941"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14944"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14944"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14944"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}