Horus Heresy 2e Review: Ares Gunship

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4/5 stars. Prodigious firepower. 

Background.

This is a flyer that has been in use since the Unity wars on old Terra. The firepower alone was enough to make the Chancellor of the Antipodean Penninsula (wonder where that is?) capitulate and surrender to the Emperor. 

Strengths.

In many ways, this flier is similar to the Orion. It has 7 hull points with front AV=13 and an eclipse shield.

But the thing that really shines here is the pure firepower. The whole craft is built around two heavy blaze cannons and a magna-blaze cannon. These things are deadly. Lots of shots at S=9 and S=10 (destroyer) with exoshock means that this will kill tanks and other armour with contempt to spare. 

Weaknesses.

The firebomb clusters are nice, but very much not needed here - this is a shooting gunship and not a bombing gunship really. That, and you will probably have your footsloggers in position before the gunship arrives in the game. It is a great addition if you are thinking about having a Lords of War, but I think the Orion just about edges it in a competition between the two. It still looks very cool though and I've seen one or two in the wild - a gorgeous model!

Builds.

There are no options to consider here. 

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Orion Assault Dropship

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4/5 stars. Worth it. 

Background.

Specifically creates for the Custodes. This is a drop ship that can carry a whole load of them into the fight, precisely where they need to be and fend off on-coming attacks whilst scouring a landing zone simultaneously. 

Strengths.

With front armour of 13 and 7 hull points, this is a craft that should make it to where it needs to be. Helping this out is the eclipse shield which functions a bit like a flare shield but with added shrouding sauce in case of bad outcomes. 

The transport capacity of 24 stands out here. You're going to fit a lot in. 

In addition to this the fire power is fairly prolific. Blaze cannons, bolt cannons, and bolt launchers combine to make 40 (I think I've calculated that number correctly) S=6 shots per turn. Ouch. 

Weaknesses.

You will need to carefully consider what it is transporting in those 24 capacity slots. And then worry about positioning so as to not get shot in the relatively more vulnerable sides and rear. It is not going to go down fast, but a weight of firepower from an enemy can prove devastating. 

Builds.

There are no options to consider here. 

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Telemon Heavy Dreadnought

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️

2.5/5 stars, rounded down. Not as good as it should be. 

Background.

Hand crafted by the Emperor himself (well - at least one part of the armour is), the Telemon is an exceptionally rare beast. Only the most remarkable Custodes gets to be interred, and the order would sooner the dreadnoughts remain unoccupied than some lesser Custode pilot it. Truly a waste of resources!

Strengths.

With 8 wounds, this is a dreadnought much like a Leviathan but with bonus durability! The stat line is seriously impressive - and intimidated.

The best part are the ranged weapons. The accelerator with S=8 and AP=3 is the pick of the bunch to be honest. That's not to say the rest of them are bad, they're just too short range. Except for the default bolt launcher which is still nice.

The melee weapons are deadly to say the least. S=10 and AP=2 is excellent. Even nicer is the sunder rule, just a pity we miss out on brutal to be candid. 

Weaknesses.

The movement rate is 6. I'm going to repeat that. The movement rate is 6. It is just too slow to get where it needs to be, sorry. And the weapons range is too short. This is not a unit that is realistically going to see much play, even though the model is epic and cool. I mean, play the model, but just don't expect much?

Builds.

Telemon with Iliastus Accelerator Culverin (390 points).

Expensive. Slow. But nice range and melee potential. The main problem is that the core of your army will get there first. 

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Contemptor-Galatus Dreadnought

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️

2/5 stars. Just. It simply is not as good as a regular contemptor from the space marine legions. 

Background.

The Custodes' Contemptor. It is the same technology as the Astartes Legions in the main part. Here, it is designed to reap infantry rather than any other target. This is both a strength and a significant weakness.

Strengths.

The stat line is great. WS=6 is very strong in the game. Indeed, this alone means that it will be more than a match for any other contemptor on average. 

The warblade has S=8 and instant death so will readily chew through space marines. But that's about it. The incinerator is good enough with S=6. 

Weaknesses.

The major problem here is that this contemptor does not have a fist. The blade is categorically not as good as a fist since it lacks the brutal rule. For this reason alone, I have awarded 2 stars out of 5. It is fundamentally not designed to take on vehicles and as a result the range of targets within the game that it can handle is not as wide open as regular contemptors -- even if it can handle those explicitly. Don't get me wrong, it is still deadly, but the 2 stars is simply because of the lower threat range compared to regular contemptors. 

Builds.

There are no upgrades here, hence no build to select between. 

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Caladius Grav-Tank

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

3.5/5 stars, rounded up. Although expensive, these grav tanks have a solid place in this army.

Background.

Hailing from the dark age of technology, this grav tank combines the anti-gravity technology of a bygone age with the ability to bring a strong weapon to the middle of the battlefield. 

Strengths.

If you are going to take this tank, then you will want the Arachnus Blaze Cannon upgrade. Seriously: this is just a beast on the battlefield. It has lance and is a bit like a lascannon otherwise with exoshock in play as well. This is incredible and has the potential to wipe a tank off the battlefield every turn. Combined with the movement rate of 16, I regard the points cost as worthwhile here even if it is slightly on the pricey side. 

Weaknesses.

The armour values leave something to be desired with 13 on the front and sides, and a mere 11 on the rear. You will need to carefully watch your positioning. 

Builds.

Caladius Grav-Tank with Arachnus Blaze Cannon  (260 points).

Yes it is slightly on the expensive side considering its defensive capability. But the offensive capability will leave your opponents weeping when played correctly. It might also leave you with few friends. So maybe only take one of them. Two at most. I mean, three is great of course. 

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Sagittarum Guard Squad

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️

1.5/5 stars, rounded down. Not useful.

Background.

Sentinels on the walls of the palace itself. These Custodians practice long range and precise application of firepower to destroy the foe.

Strengths.

I need to be a bit brutal here. There's not much point in this unit. You are effectively exchanging your custodian spear for something resembling a heavy bolter. The only up side is the one-shot disintegration shot. This is totally worth while and the only reason it gets 1.5 stars rather than a flat 1 star rating from me.

Weaknesses.

By and large everything about this unit is not useful. This is a melee army fundamentally, with some fast moving high AP units to help out with knight killing when absolutely required. These Sagittari are just not worth it. 

Builds.

3 Sagittari, 1 with Vexilla and Destructor (185 points).

I suppose if you just have to field this unit in second edition, then it will look something like this. Maybe with extra bodies if you must. Its just too expensive for what it is doing and I've never once seen them played.

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Custodian Venatari Squad

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️

1.5/5 stars, rounded up. The rules are below par and this is not a unit you are likely to see on the battlefield as other units perform the same job better, for less points cost.

Background.

Predatory eagle minded Custodians who haunt the rafters. These Venatari are a very peculiar breed although the title is supposed to be a high honour.

Strengths.

I like the melta bombs - can't lie. With that said, this is a unit that suffers from something of a lack of focus, or if it has focus, then others do things almost as good or better for the same points. Equally, I must be one of the only people I've ever known who likes the miniatures for these Custodians!

The bucklers are interesting for some helpful protection against certain types of incoming attacks. Their own attacks in turn are reasonable but the upgrade to the lance is very attractive for the AP=2 component alone. 

Weaknesses.

For the points cost, there are other units that do things better. The grav vehicles and jetbikes are better. The ground slogging troops can move almost as fast and hit well. Perhaps the points cost is for deep striking. If so, then there are still other units who do it better. In all honesty, this is not a unit that I can recommend to the reader. 

Builds.

3 Venatari, All with Lances (260 points).

Far too expensive for what they are and what they can do. Sure, the attacks are nice, and the deep strike great. But who is going to bother except for those people like me who just like the miniatures. Most people don't even like the sculpts which suggests my tastes are poor!, but my advice still stands.  

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Pallas Attack Speeder Squadron

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

3/5 stars. The rules are solid.

Background.

The hunter killer grav craft employed by the Custodes. They're skimmers and they're rather fast and dashing. As you might expect, they are used for hit and run exercises which they are well able to perform. 

Strengths.

Another skimmer in the fast attack section, this time with armour values. They come with a flare shield to help keep them alive as well as the usual deep strike and outflank. What I really like about them are the blaze cannons. These are simply splendid for what they do: S=8 and AP=2 with two blasts, albeit at short range make them a threat to many things in the game. And these vehicles are cheap enough to have a full squad of them without breaking a sweat. 

Weaknesses.

The armour values make this an easy-to-kill craft fundamentally - as well as being a priority target. 

Builds.

3 Pallas Attack Speeders (180 points).

The full squad, without any other upgrades is the way to go here. I would not want to swap out the blaze cannons for the devastators as the AP is just inferior. Stick to the blaze cannons here. The points cost is nice and cheap here which is attractive enough to use them. 

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Agamatus Jetbike Squadron

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

3.5/5 stars. Rounded down - just. An odd unit but capable of knight destroying.

Background.

A custom grav-skimmer rode by the Custodes. They serve a role of rapid response and suppression for the army and do it rather well. 

Strengths.

The movement rate of 16 is very impressive. The solarite power lance is similarly great with AP=1 and at S=10. These Custodes will get into position very rapidly and hit even harder where they need to. And in an army that lacks something in the armour killing department at range, this is a very good addition. In short then, this is a knight killing unit. 

Weaknesses.

Only 1 attack base is poor. But perhaps you only need that since you'll get the charge in, and if you're facing something like a knight, then that is also a nemesis unit, so you probably get 3 attacks on the charge. Not brilliant. But hopefully that'll be all that you need?

Builds.

3 Agamentus, 1 with Las Pulser (300 points).

I like the las pulser for the heavy 3 S=9 attacks. But oh my, it costs a lot of points to upgrade. Equally, three of these are a bit overkill, but sometimes will be nice. They could certainly soften up an armoured target before a charge though, so worth having at least one in my opinion. 

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Coronus Grav-Carrier

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️

2/5 stars. It carries Custodes, but it isn't an assault vehicle. 

Background.

An anti-grav skimmer used only by the Custodes. Fast, and possessing technology not found in other forces, the grav-carrier is a mainstay for the Emperor's finest.

Strengths.

It is fast with an incredible 16 inch move, and has an impressive 16 transport capacity (which translates to six ordinary Custodes). The weapons are very reasonable and they can fire at different targets. 

Weaknesses.

Honestly, the key thing that means you're not going to buy these is the lack of the grav craft being an assault vehicle. I cannot underscore enough just how much this sucks. Sure, it has deep strike and outflank. But your Custodes are an uber-elite close combat fighting force. They need to be in place and chopping things up close and personal. They aren't going to be shooting to victory most of the time. I can see a case for some melta-cide units, but beyond that, just forget it. 

Builds.

There are no builds to consider here. 

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Sentinel Guard Squad

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4/5 stars. I prefer the regular Custodian Guard Squad, but that's not to say this unit isn't great: it strictly is great.

Background.

Arguably having a greater degree of coordination than other formations, this squad is fundamentally a defensive configuration. They're still crazy deadly. 

Strengths.

They retain the Custodes stat line but have exchanged their spears for the Praesidium Shields and Sentinel Warblades. This grants them a little extra durability. 

I would advise taking some of those Solarite Power Gauntlets myself. They have "line" so hanging back on an objective is also a fine play for this unit. 

Weaknesses.

The price to be paid here is slightly less attacking potential. So what? They're still Custodes and they're still powerful. It is true though, I prefer them with spears. Just saying.  I can certainly see them doing well in boarding actions and Zone Mortalis in general though.

Builds.

3 Sentinels, 1 with Power Gauntlet (180 points).

A base line build. Take at least 1 power gauntlet in each squad, just in case!

5 Sentinels, 1 Vexilla, 2 Power Gauntlets (310 points).

A mid range unit that provides a potent threat. Expand the number in the squad to taste. 

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Custodian Guard Squad

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

5/5 stars. Nearly undoubtedly the best troops squad in the game.

Background.

Superhumans, and pumped up even more than regular space marines. They are potent to a fault, and loyal to the Emperor alone.

Strengths.

With 5's across the board, 2 wounds and 4 attacks each, these are troops that will make an impact in almost every role they need to play.

They can take more members (up to 10 in the squad) along with some upgrades like axes, and alternative spears. But even the base build is excellent. The T=5 coupled with 2+ save (not to mention the invulnerable) means that they can handle most other troops in the game, including enemy terminators. 

Weaknesses.

Arguably Ld=9 is a weakness? Loyalist only? Honestly folks, I'm struggling to identify many weaknesses for the points cost you are paying. For Line troops, you don't get much better. 

Builds.

3 Custodians, 1 with Guardian Axe (150 points).

The base build is excellent. I like having an axe in here for tackling higher toughness enemies.

3 Custodians, all with Pyrithite Spears (195 points).

A specialist unit here for tanks and dreadnoughts. I don't see much point in the Adrasite Spears myself.

10 Custodians, 2 with Axes, Vexilla with Warblade (485 points).

Several lots of this squad, and you have an army that can kill most things. However, it would be very rude to field such an army in case you still have friends at this point. Slightly smaller squads might be preferred to take advantage of Line everywhere. I like the vexilla with the larger squad.

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Contemptor-Achillus Dreadnought

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4.5/5 stars, rounded down. A great unit!

Background.

Look, Custodes can recover from many physical injuries. But every once in a while something (undefined, but probably brutally nasty) happens that they cannot recover from physically. Where they still have the will, they get interred in a dreadnought. There are few of these though due to the previously mentioned facts. But those that do exist are exquisitely made.

Strengths.

What do you get when you mix a Custodes with a Contemptor? A horrifying stat line is the answer with amazing S, T, and even W, along with WS=6 to boot. They also still go at movement = 8. Very impressive to say the least ... but also on par with other dreadnoughts at first glance until you remember the nemesis enemies special rule. 

I like the weapons here a lot. The fist is nice and standard, but the ranged weapons are great. There's enough firepower here to put multiple wounds on large opponents like knights, and to take out enemy terminator squads as well. 

Weaknesses.

They might get bogged down in the same way that other dreadnoughts do in regular space marine armies. The thing here is that your enemies that are capable of taking it down should already be tied up with the other elements of your Custodes army. Spread the enemy thin and you will readily get going with this Contemptor. 

Builds.

Achillus with Dreadspear and Power Fist (250 points).

I very much favour the base build here. It has threats all round - name your enemy from vehicles to troops and it has a plausible answer.

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Aquilon Terminator Squad

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

3.5/5 stars but rounded down. Three wound terminators that will struggle to get where they need to be short of teleporting. 

Background.

Deployed as needs be, these terminators are great for Zone Mortalis operations, but less so for the regular battlefield.

Strengths.

Cataphractii terminators with 2+/4++ and three wounds each - let alone the usual 5's across the board. 

Additional bodies are good in the squad, but not entirely needed. I like the fire pike as a replacement for the gauntlet, but the other options can be left at home (especially the power talons). 

Weaknesses.

With a movement of 7, they won't get to where they need to be quickly enough. Bulky (4) is also a real issue for transportation. Hence you will need that teleportation transponder from one of your HQs.

Builds.

3 Aquilons each with a fire pike (335 points)

Teleport in, do some damage and carry on moving forward.

5 Aquilons (470 points)

No upgrades here - you don't realistically need them. But you do need that teleport. 

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Hetaeron Guard Squad

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4.5/5 stars. Excellent.

Background.

The closest confidantes of the Emperor himself and rarely leave his side. These are some of the best warriors that humanity has ever produced. 

Strengths.

Three wounds each and sporting meridian swords, these are a serious proposition for any enemy to tackle. The rest of the stat profile is standard for Custodes and the equipment similar

Weaknesses.

Not many realistically.

Builds.

I'm going to be honest: I don't think you should swap out the meridian swords. They're great as they are, so leave alone and play them accordingly. There might be a case for one or two Solarite Power Gauntlets, but hey, who am I to argue against such splendid swords?

Hetaeron Squad with 10 members, 1 with Vexilla and sentinel warblade (735 points)

You don't truthfully need a full set of 10 members for this squad, so just think of this option as the max'ed out version. Take less and they'll still work, depending on your points limit. The Shield is almost worth it here if you're footslogging. 

Hetaeron Squad, 1 with Solarite Power Gauntlet and Shield (265 points)

For illustration purposes, but still viable. 

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Custodian Shield Captain

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

5/5 stars. Used to be the most powerful non-named character in the game. Still close! Still glorious!

Background.

The will of the Emperor sometimes grants individuals the rank of shield captain. They are the best of the best and act like it too.

Strengths.

They have 1 less WS and wound compared to the Tribune, but otherwise 5's almost entirely across the board. 

These men are very customizable overall. Take your pick of weapons realistically and go hunting. You can't actually go toooooo wrong here. And let's be honest, there are not too many other choices for HQ in this army. 

Weaknesses.

No access to the teleport transponder array sadly.

They also drop fearless and eternal warrior unlike the Tribune. 

Builds.

Shield Captain with Pyrithite Spear (215 points).

Nice and "cheap" for an un-named character of such power!

Shield Captain with Meridian swords (200 points).

For the points cost, you can't go too wrong with this build.

Shield Captain with Solarite Power Gauntlet, Archeotech Pistol (235 points).

A bit more expensive, but I do like the gauntlet a lot here. 

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Custodian Tribune

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

5/5 stars. The most powerful non-named character in the game. 

Background.

Perhaps no more than ten of the ten thousand carry this title. They are the war council of the shield-general, and responsible for the Emperor's security as well as providing war council. They do not take the to battlefield and instead fight only in the most dire of circumstances.

Strengths.

In First Edition, I made the curious note that the Shield Captain was the most powerful non-named character. In Second Edition, the Tribune takes this pride of place. That said, in terms of points cost, I'd sooner have a Shield Captain to be honest. 

The stat line is super impressive with WS=7, W=4, and 5's pretty much everywhere else. The special rules include eternal warrior and fearless which is an amazing combination for 30k. He also has a teleporter array option like Valdor. You are going to want that.

Beyond this, he has tremendous customization options. I really like the solarite power gauntlet. Although the spears and the meridian swords are nice as well. So many goodies!

Weaknesses.

Your army needs to be 3000 points or higher! Otherwise you're going to take a regular shield captain and still be boastful about having the almost best non-named character in the game. With this restriction, you might as well take Valdor himself. 

Builds.

Tribune with Solarite Power Gauntlet, Praesidium Shield, Teleporter Array (455 points).

Too expensive realistically, but you're paying a lot for the ability to teleport which is worth it for this army. Charge at a knight if you feel the need here.

Tribune with Pyrithite Spear, Teleporter Array (440 points).

I like the melta here. But you could swap out for a meridian sword - the misericord will grant A+1 don't forget!

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Constantin Valdor

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4.5/5 stars, rounded down. Valdor returns in second edition as strong as ever and is now classed as a Primarch.

Background.

Valdor is the Captain-General of the Legio Custodes. He has been the Emperor's Right Hand Man for a very long time and is exceptionally deadly and unrelenting once unleashed. He wields artifacts from the big man himself, given to him as relics of the Unification. 

Strengths.
The main change from First Edition is that Valdor is now classed as a Primarch Unit. To be clear: he isn't in the background fluff, but I totally get why the rules got switched up to this unit type for Second Edition.

His stat line is solid with 5's everywhere and WS=7, I=6. He gets counter attack and lightning blows (but only 6+) which will help. 

The main buffs come from his equipment. The Apollonian Spear gives a nice AP2 18 inch bolt gun which also causes concussive. Ouch. In melee, it grants S+2 and AP2 along with murderous strike. The armour is amazing at 2+/3++ and grants Ld=10 to anyone on the Loyalist side who can see his glorious form. Those in the same combat get the same. 

To be clear, he is super deadly in combat. 

Weaknesses.

Loyalist only. Of course!

For all his strengths, he will not be taking down enemy Primarchs himself. Even Alpharius and Lorgar are going to be a stretch for him. He will need friends. But given the style of army that the Custodes is capable of fielding, this won't be an issue! Indeed, taking LOADS of Custodes is probably almost an auto-win button in many cases, so don't be that jerk and build a nice varied army instead.

Overall.

A melee monster and legend writ large. Capable of taking on anything short of other primarchs alone, and with his friends will be able to deal even with the Emperor's sons. 

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Legio Custodes Rules

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

3.5/5 stars. The rules are more than sufficient. 

Legio Custodes.

We begin our look at the Liber Imperium by examining the Legio Custodes special rules. This army fundamentally is one of heroes writ large who are deployed only to tackle the most severe of enemies. All wearing gold, naturally.

Golden Exemplar.
There are no warlord traits other than this one. It grants a bubble of +1 wound to combat resolution to nearby friendlies, while the warlord gains A+1 and I+1 in a challenge. Both of these are suitably powerful, but the restriction of warlord traits is balanced.

Nemesis Units.

The enemies of the Legio Custodes contain nemesis units defined as one of either the big bads of the game (primarchs, dreadnoughts, daemons, knights, to name but four), or a unit with 5 in a key characteristic (WS, BS, W, I), or the enemy warlord. Against such units, the Legio gains A+1 whilst locked in combat, +1 to the charge roll, and never need worse than 4+ to hit except against primarchs. These rules are powerful and mean that the golden boys are readily able to tackle almost anything in the game that they choose. Although enemy primarchs will remain an issue for them. Heck, even Alpharius will pose a problem for the base Custode. 

Overall.

A suite of powerful rules that rival the space marine legions and in many cases surpass them. They are, however, restricted to being Loyalists only though. 

Custodian Guard Squad 4/4

 Rounding out the Custodian Guard squad is the one in the billowing, flowing cape. 

The dynamism of this squad member is clear with the stepping forward to take ground, the aggressive spear position ready to fire or impale a foe, and the head looking along the line of sight of the blade and the barrel. The cape on his back can seemingly fit any of the backpacks (which I was happy and relieved to see since he was the last miniature that I assembled for the squad). The only problem potentially with the cape is the positioning of the shoulder pads and weaponry around the body -- certain poses simply would not cut the mustard for this kind of adornment. 

With the cork on the base granting an extra bit of height, this Custodian is intimidating for traitorous foes on the battlefield to boot. In a pinch, he can also double up as a force commander too. Once more, I'm seriously impressed with the sheer level of detail on the miniature and now looking forward to painting the squad up.