If you know anything about the Drop Site Massacre, you already get the tone: betrayal, bloodshed, and overwhelming firepower.
As Dorn’s Retribution Fleet descended upon Isstvan V to exact vengeance on the traitor Legions, the loyalists weren’t landing on an open field. Instead, they walked straight into a mechanized death trap. Among the most vicious tools of this trap? The Araknae Quad-Accelerator Platform.
These weren’t just static guns plopped down for flavor. No, these things were serious threats—massive, automated weapons that turned the Urgall Depression into a blender of autocannon fire. Even before the traitor reinforcements hit the second wave, Salamanders, Iron Hands, and Raven Guard were already pinned down by relentless fields of fire.
Now, one of these monsters is landing in your hands thanks to the Saturnine boxed set, and it’s more than just a background piece. It’s a battlefield anchor.
What’s the Araknae Actually Do?
Let’s cut to it: the Araknae Platform is a big freaking kit. It towers over infantry and puts many tanks to shame. Its primary firepower is a quad-accelerator autocannon battery, and for those keeping score at home, that’s double the punch of the Sicaran tank’s own accelerators. However, what truly matters is rate of fire—and the Araknae absolutely churns out dice.
Need anti-infantry suppression? It’s got that covered. Want to strip hull points off a Rhino before it even activates? No problem. Plus, it has the flexibility to track and eliminate aircraft, just like a Hyperios platform. With Flyer Combat Missions set to become more relevant in this new edition, having an Araknae or two parked near your backline could be the difference between victory and flaming wreckage.
Shielded and Deadly – The Atomantic Pavise
Now, let’s talk about the real magic trick—the Atomantic Pavise. Unlike typical platforms that are purely offense-focused, this beast has a defensive field built right in. It’s a souped-up version of the atomantic shielding found on Dreadnoughts. But rather than just shielding itself, the Araknae projects that protection outward.
Any models wholly within 3 inches gain a 5+ invulnerable save against shooting attacks. That may not sound flashy, but in the brutal world of Horus Heresy, where plasma, volkite, and melta weapons are common, a 5++ can save squads—or even hold a flank entirely. Put this behind a barricade with a few heavy support teams or some breachers, and suddenly you’ve got a nightmare to dislodge.
It’s not just a gun platform—it’s a mobile fortress.
So, Why Should You Care?
The Araknae fills a rare niche in Heresy-era games. It’s equal parts gun platform, shield generator, and flyer deterrent. That’s huge, especially in the Saturnine era of siege warfare and close-packed engagements. And since it’s automated, it doesn’t suck up points in infantry or require risky positioning—just deploy it, angle your guns, and watch the battlefield bend around it.
While the Leviathan or the Saturnine Dreadnought may steal the spotlight with bulk and brute strength, the Araknae plays the long game. It supports your army by keeping your valuable assets alive while pumping out punishing volleys turn after turn.
Final Thoughts – Never Underestimate the Anvil
While everyone’s gawking at the Saturnine Dreadnought and Sentinel Terminators, don’t sleep on the Araknae Quad-Accelerator Platform. It’s the anvil to your army’s hammer. With its reliable firepower, strong area denial, and team-buffing shield aura, it’s a true workhorse unit built for the slow grind of Horus Heresy warfare.
Whether you’re a loyalist trying to survive Isstvan or a traitor rerouting reinforcements, the Araknae is a kit you’ll be glad to have on your side.
The Saturnine box is shaping up to be a launch packed with heavy hitters—literally. And with more details coming soon about army building in the new edition, it’s the perfect time to prep your hobby bench and your bolters.
Let the siege begin.
And remember, Frontline Gaming sells gaming products at a discount, every day in their webcart!
