Warriors of Chaos Review

Posted by Ranillon on 27. November 2008 21:54

The new Warriors of Chaos codex may be a Warhammer book, but in it there are plenty of possibilities for 40K.  Primarily, it contains all sorts of models that can be used as fodder for conversions.  Using a fantasy model converted over to work with 40K can be a great way of making what would otherwise have a pedestrian appearance into something interesting.  Likewise, as all the models are from Games Workshop they are by definition acceptable at any tournament.

The first obvious question is what you might use these models for.  This is partially a matter of personal taste and imagination, but two armies come immediately to mind – Chaos Marines and Imperial Guard.  It’s too bad that the Lost and the Damned is no longer an “official” army as it would be the true obvious choice.

For Chaos Space Marines you can take any Chaos Warrior model and use them as marines with just a back pack or weapon added.  For instance, I really like the Chosen models.  You can convert them into marines just with the addition of a power armor backpack.  Likewise, just adding a bolt gun to a Chaos Warrior makes for a flavorful, visually distinct model.  The Chosen are metal and therefore both more expensive and harder to convert, but the warriors are plastic.  Making them fit a Chaos Marine force would be a snap.

Imperial Guard would use the marauders as substitutes for regular troopers.  Being plastic they could be easily combined with Catachan arms for basic lasgun armed soldiers.  You could also just add the occasional rifle or pistol and otherwise leave the models unchanged if you play them with the warrior weapons doctrine (although, this may not be an option in the upcoming codex update).  Marauder Horsemen are an obvious “count as” for Rough Riders, although Chaos Knights are another option.  Ogres might work for Ogyrn, although I’d argue that Ogre Kingdom models are a more effective choice.

Beyond these there are more specific possible applications of Warriors of Chaos models.  A number of the character models could be converted over for 40K work with just some basic work.  Once available, the new Daemon Prince will offer a lot more options than are currently available (even if the current 40K version is already a great model).  How about using the Hellcannon barrel as a replacement for the superstructure of a Basilisk?

In my opinion, the best use of Warriors of Chaos is just to add a lot of color and visual excitement to any 40K army.  Fantasy models often tend to be richer in detail and atmosphere than their 40K equivalents.  They will also be more enjoyable to paint, if more requiring more effort.  However, the end result is apt to be an impressive force that’ll grab the attention of anyone who walks by (which, admit it, is a large part of the reason we spend so much time on our hobby).  Just remember to use round bases!