It seems like only last week we were dissecting the ragtag Imperialis Militia and their official army list for Warhammer: The Horus Heresy – Age of Darkness.
Fans were just getting over that, when rumors of the next free download started swirling. This time, the spotlight falls on something far more chaotic: the Daemons of the Ruinstorm. According to whispers from a certain diabolical entity named Ben, the third edition army list is designed to keep that sandbox feel players loved in the previous editions. Collectors and general heresy enthusiasts might finally get a real chance to field the Warp’s nastiest manifestations without rules holding them back.
Building Your Daemonic Forces
Ben hints that the list is incredibly flexible. Players can either integrate an Allied Detachment of daemons into their Traitor Legions or field a purely daemonic army from scratch. Unit types span the gamut from diminutive Swarms, perfect for bogging down opponents, to the lumbering Behemoth, essentially a walking bullet-sponge and living siege tower. Commanders are just as interesting, with rampaging Sovereigns and Hierarchs leading charges, while the Harbinger can anchor the incursion with its Totem of Dominion. These units aren’t just for show – they allow daemons to establish a foothold in reality, giving games an unpredictable, dynamic feel that only daemonic armies can deliver.
The Mysterious Aetheric Dominions
A core feature of the new list is the Aetheric Dominions, which represent the uncoalesced, embryonic forms of the Chaos Gods before they ascend fully. Some Dominions loosely hint at the Dark Gods they will eventually become, offering subtle thematic flavor for battles while keeping their motives intentionally murky. Ben emphasizes that this fuzziness is deliberate, reflecting the early Heresy’s chaotic and unformed nature. Right now, each Aetheric Dominion grants units the Desecrators special rule. This means they can interact with objectives, but not in the tidy, predictable way mortal armies do. These units can influence Mission Pack objectives, yet their goals rarely align with conventional tactical thinking, which perfectly captures the alien mindset of daemonic forces.
Looking Ahead: Patron-Specific Expansions
The rumors also suggest future updates will deepen this theme, showing how Khorne’s bloodlust contrasts with Tzeentch’s manipulations. Players can expect more refined, patron-centric options that will affect gameplay, strategy, and flavor. For now, though, the current list allows daemons to remain enigmatic, deadly, and slightly unpredictable – exactly what you want when unleashing the Warp on loyalist forces. Another practical note: base size recommendations are returning. These are guidelines, not strict rules, so players with nonstandard bases will need to coordinate with opponents or event organizers. Clear identification of miniatures is essential before battles, especially when running large-scale daemonic armies.
Final Thoughts
All in all, the Daemons of the Ruinstorm third edition army list is shaping up to be a sandbox of pure chaos. Its blend of versatile units, unpredictable objectives, and thematic flavor offers both narrative and tactical depth. While some of the finer details, especially patron-specific effects, are still on the horizon, the current list already gives Heresy players a tantalizing glimpse of daemonic mayhem. For collectors, hobbyists, and tournament players, this could be the most exciting update yet – assuming you are brave enough to field the Warp incarnate against your foes.
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