Chaos Daemons – Warhammer 40k Guide

The Chaos Daemons are the terrifying embodiments of the Warp, manifesting the twisted will of the Chaos Gods. These malevolent entities thrive on emotions like rage, desire, and despair, bringing ruin to the galaxy with their insidious power and are one of the biggest threats both the Imperium and Eldar alike now face.

Each daemon is a fragment of their god’s influence, from the bloodthirsty servants of Khorne to the seductive minions of Slaanesh. These infernal legions embody chaos in its purest form, seeking to corrupt and destroy all in their path.

Join us as we delve into the twisted forces of Chaos Daemons and explore their horrifying strength on the battlefield.

Who Are The Chaos Daemons?

Chaos Daemons are the direct manifestations of the four great Chaos Gods—Khorne, Tzeentch, Nurgle, and Slaanesh. They are created from the raw power of the Warp and exist only to serve the dark desires of their creators. Their forms are shaped by the nature of their god, with Khorne’s daemons reveling in bloodshed, Tzeentch’s twisting reality, Nurgle spreading decay, and Slaanesh indulging in excess.

While the daemons exist primarily in the Warp, they can spill into the material universe through warp rifts, sorcery, or mass slaughter. Once summoned, they wreak havoc on any mortal foolish enough to stand in their way.

These legions are organized into the Daemonic Legions, with greater daemons acting as their powerful commanders. From Bloodthirsters and Lords of Change to the vile Great Unclean Ones, Chaos Daemons strike fear into the hearts of their enemies.

What are Chaos Daemons Army Strengths?

Chaos Daemons are a fearsome force, wielding a blend of raw melee power, psychic dominance, and warp-fueled abilities. Here are some of the key strengths they bring to the battlefield:

  • Melee Devastation: Khorne Daemons excel at close combat, delivering brutal damage through units like Bloodletters and Bloodthirsters. Their unrelenting assault can overwhelm even the most fortified positions.
  • Psychic Prowess: Tzeentch Daemons are masters of the Warp, manipulating reality with devastating psychic powers. Units like the Lord of Change bring powerful spells that can obliterate foes and alter the flow of battle.
  • Durability and Resilience: Nurgle Daemons are incredibly tough, with units like Plaguebearers and Great Unclean Ones shrugging off damage while spreading debilitating diseases across enemy lines.
  • Speed and Precision: Slaanesh Daemons excel in speed and agility, using lightning-fast assaults to outmaneuver opponents. Units like Daemonettes can rapidly close the distance and deliver deadly strikes before the enemy can react.

Despite their overwhelming power, Chaos Daemons rely heavily on the presence of Warp energy to maintain their strength. Their weaknesses include limited ranged options and the potential for instability if the Warp begins to wane.

Where Should Beginners Start?

If you’re new to Chaos Daemons, here are some essential units to begin your collection, each providing a key role in your army’s tactics:

  • Bloodletters: These Khorne Daemons are powerful melee troops with deadly attacks. They’re excellent for learning how to use aggressive, close-combat strategies to overwhelm your opponent.
  • Pink Horrors: A unit of Tzeentch Daemons that excels in both psychic abilities and ranged combat, giving you a taste of spellcasting while maintaining versatility.
  • Plaguebearers: Nurgle’s infantry is slow but resilient, perfect for holding objectives and surviving prolonged battles. They introduce you to defensive tactics and attrition warfare.
  • Daemonettes: Slaanesh’s fast-moving warriors, ideal for learning how to use speed and mobility to outflank opponents and exploit gaps in their defenses.

Starting with these units will give you a well-rounded force, teaching you different aspects of Chaos Daemons’ strengths and enabling you to develop versatile strategies.

How To Paint Chaos Daemons?

Painting Chaos Daemons can be an exciting and creative process, allowing you to explore a wide range of vibrant and terrifying color schemes. Here’s a breakdown of how to paint daemons from each Chaos God using Citadel paints:

Khorne Daemons (Red and Brass)

  • Base Coat: Start with Mephiston Red for the skin and Balthasar Gold for the brass armor.
  • Layering: Add depth by layering Evil Sunz Scarlet on raised areas of the skin. Highlight the brass with Auric Armour Gold.
  • Details: Use Abaddon Black for weapons and horns. Finish with a wash of Agrax Earthshade to bring out shadows and details.

Tzeentch Daemons (Blue and Gold)

  • Base Coat: Apply Macragge Blue for the skin and Retributor Gold for the armor.
  • Highlighting: Layer Calgar Blue over the skin for highlights and Stormhost Silver for the metallic details.
  • Details: Use Pink Horror for energy effects and flames, and wash with Druchii Violet for an eerie glow.

Nurgle Daemons (Green and Rot)

  • Base Coat: Use Death Guard Green for the skin and Typhus Corrosion for the rusty metal parts.
  • Washing: Apply Agrax Earthshade over the entire model to create a grimy, decayed look. Use Nurgle’s Rot for oozing wounds and pus.
  • Details: Highlight the skin with Nurgling Green and pick out boils with Screaming Skull.

Slaanesh Daemons (Pale Flesh and Silver)

  • Base Coat: Apply Kislev Flesh for the skin and Leadbelcher for the metallics.
  • Highlighting: Highlight the skin with Pallid Wych Flesh for a pale, ghostly appearance. Use Stormhost Silver for metallic accents.
  • Details: Use Slaanesh Grey for the hair and Screamer Pink for decorative elements. Wash with Druchii Violet to add depth.

Chaos Daemons Painting Techniques

  • Base Coating: Start with an even base coat using spray primers like Corax White or Chaos Black to ensure your paint adheres smoothly to the model.
  • Washing: Use washes like Agrax Earthshade or Druchii Violet to enhance the shadows and bring out the intricate details of your daemons’ terrifying forms.
  • Drybrushing: Apply a dry brush of lighter shades, such as Kislev Flesh or Dawnstone, to pick out raised areas and textures like skin or armor.
  • Edge Highlighting: Carefully highlight sharp edges with a fine brush, using lighter tones to create a striking, detailed finish.