It’s hard to believe, but three months have already passed since the last batch of Warhammer 40,000 Detachments dropped, expanding the strategic toolkits of the T’au Empire, Orks, and Adeptus Custodes.
Now, the Warhammer Studio is back with another trio of creative and thematic Detachments—this time for the Chaos Space Marines, Dark Angels, and Tyranids.
We caught up with Kenny from the design team, who gave us the lowdown on what inspired these new additions and how they shake things up on the battlefield.
Chaos Space Marines – Sorcerous Synapse and Dark Pacts
For Chaos Space Marines, the new Detachment leans hard into the arcane power of their Sorcerers and Daemon Princes, enhancing the army’s core mechanic: Dark Pacts. This variant gives your units a choice of empyrean blessings when they make a pact, provided they stay close to a source of warp energy—namely a Sorcerer or Daemon Prince.
This twist adds a new layer of tactical play and narrative immersion, emphasizing the mystical bond between mortal Legionaries and their corrupt masters. It’s a great nod to the faction’s longstanding lore, where psychic manipulation and Chaos worship walk hand in hand. Expect this to create new army builds centered around layered support and area-based buffing strategies.
Dark Angels – The Unbreakable Line
Dark Angels fans will find familiar echoes of past editions in this new Detachment, which pays homage to the chapter’s legendary resilience. Inspired by rules from earlier codexes where Dark Angels Infantry were harder to wound, this variant brings a fresh take on their infamous tenacity.
It’s not just the footsloggers getting love here—Ravenwing bikers and Deathwing elites also benefit, reinforcing the theme of a coordinated, stubborn force that holds firm when others would falter. This Detachment turns the whole army into a gritted-teeth wall of defiance, refusing to give ground regardless of the odds.
Tyranids – Tunneling Terror
The hive mind strikes from below in the new Tyranid Detachment, where Mawlocs and Trygons lead a subterranean assault to carve paths for the swarm. When these massive monsters burst onto the field, they leave behind tunnel markers that allow other units in reserve to erupt into play nearby—just 9″ from the marker and outside 6″ of the enemy.
This mechanic opens up some deliciously cinematic plays, letting you spring ambushes and set traps that fit the shock-and-awe style of Tyranid warfare. It’s a dream come true for players who love running a surprise-heavy, deep-striking horde of bioengineered nightmares.
Download and Play Now
All three Detachments are tournament legal and completely free to download via the Warhammer Community Downloads Page. If you’ve got the appropriate Codex activated in the Warhammer 40,000 App, you’ll also find these rules waiting for you there.
The Warhammer Studio is clearly enjoying the chance to stretch the tactical identity of each faction while reinforcing their narrative themes. Whether you’re warping minds, holding the line, or bursting from the earth in a tide of chitin, this trio of Detachments adds fresh flavor to your games.
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