The Chaos Knights embody raw power, unbridled fury, and the corrupting influence of the Dark Chaos Gods. These towering war machines have turned their backs on the Imperium and the God Emperor of Mankind and now wreak havoc across the galaxy, bringing destruction in the name of Chaos.
Once noble Imperial Knights, they now serve as twisted avatars of ruin, guided by the malevolent whispers of Chaos.
Join us as we explore the terrifying strength and unrelenting destruction of the Chaos Knights.
Who Are The Chaos Knights?
The Chaos Knights were once proud Imperial Knights, dedicated to defending the Imperium of Man. However, through exposure to the warp, many have fallen to Chaos, their towering machines corrupted and twisted by the influence of the Dark Gods.
These once-loyal warriors now pledge themselves to Khorne, Tzeentch, Nurgle, or Slaanesh, or serve Chaos Undivided, reveling in their newfound power and immortality.
Led by Tyrants, the mightiest of their kind, Chaos Knights are engines of pure destruction. From towering Desecrators to rampaging War Dogs, these knights bring chaos wherever they tread. They revel in battle, driven by madness, hatred, and the insidious influence of their dark masters.
What Are Chaos Knights Army Strengths?
Chaos Knights are a powerful force on the battlefield, known for their immense size, devastating firepower, and unmatched resilience. Here’s what makes them stand out:
- Sheer Firepower: Chaos Knights bring heavy weaponry that can decimate enemy lines from afar. Their ability to mount a variety of destructive weapons like the Desecrator’s Laser Destructor or the Despoiler’s Avenger Gatling Cannon allows them to obliterate infantry and vehicles alike.
- Durability: With high toughness and wounds, Chaos Knights can soak up damage that would destroy most other units. Their towering frames make them difficult to bring down, and many possess invulnerable saves through their corrupt wargear.
- Fearsome Presence: The aura of fear and terror that surrounds Chaos Knights can debilitate enemy forces. Units facing them may struggle with morale, making them more likely to flee or break under pressure.
- Melee Brutality: While formidable at range, Chaos Knights also excel in close combat. Armed with chainswords the size of tanks and stomping feet that can crush whole squads, their melee potential is terrifying.
However, their size and power come with drawbacks: Chaos Knights are few in number, meaning every loss is keenly felt, and their lack of smaller, fast-moving units can make them vulnerable to flanking or objectives-based play.
Where Should Beginners Start?
If you’re new to Chaos Knights, here are a few essential models to get started and why they’ll help you learn the army:
- Knight Desecrator: This versatile model is an excellent starting point, equipped with both long-range weaponry and brutal melee options. Its aura abilities also benefit nearby War Dogs, making it a great leader for your early army.
- War Dogs: Small but deadly, War Dogs are fast and pack a punch in both melee and ranged combat. Their mobility and firepower make them perfect for harassing enemy forces and supporting your larger Knights.
- Knight Rampager: A melee powerhouse, the Rampager excels at tearing through enemies in close combat. Its Chainsword and Thunderstrike Gauntlet allow it to crush infantry and tanks alike, making it perfect for aggressive players who like to get up close and personal.
- Knight Despoiler: With the option to mount a wide variety of weapons, the Despoiler is highly adaptable. Its ability to engage at range while providing heavy firepower is perfect for players learning how to balance offense and defense.
- Knight Abominant: A Knight designed for close combat. It wields devastating melee weapons and features a distinctive, fearsome aesthetic, embodying relentless destruction on the battlefield.
Starting with these units provides a well-rounded force, giving you experience in ranged firepower, mobility, and brutal close combat.
How To Paint Chaos Knights?
Painting Chaos Knights is an exciting challenge, as you get to unleash your creativity by bringing their corruption and battle-scarred armor to life. Here’s a guide to specific Citadel color schemes, along with tips and techniques:
Color Scheme
House Lucaris (Black and Red)
- Base Coat: Begin with Abaddon Black on the armor. For red details, use Mephiston Red.
- Layering: Highlight the black armor with a dry brush of Eshin Grey, and the red areas with Evil Sunz Scarlet for depth.
- Details: Use Retributor Gold for trim and accents. For a final touch, add a light wash of Nuln Oil to enhance shadows.
House Khymere (Brass and Red)
- Base Coat: Apply Leadbelcher to metallic areas and Mephiston Red for the armor.
- Highlighting: Highlight the brass with Stormhost Silver for a weathered look, and layer the red with Evil Sunz Scarlet.
- Details: Use Agrax Earthshade to wash over the metal areas for an aged, grimy effect. Highlight purity seals and markings with Screaming Skull.
Chaos Knights Painting Techniques
- Base Coating: Start with a solid spray primer like Leadbelcher for a metallic base or Abaddon Black if you want a darker, more sinister look. Even application of the base coat is crucial to ensure smooth layering later on.
- Washing: Use washes like Nuln Oil or Agrax Earthshade to add grime and depth to the armor, especially in crevices and joints. These washes give Chaos Knights the war-torn, corrupted look they’re known for.
- Dry Brushing: Dry Brushing is perfect for adding texture to weathered armor. Lightly dry brush the edges with Necron Compound or Stormhost Silver to create a worn, battle-damaged effect.
- Edge Highlighting: Edge highlighting with bright metallics like Stormhost Silver or a lighter red for your accents can make the armor pop. Focus on sharp edges and raised surfaces to enhance the model’s details.
- Contrast Paints: Citadel Contrast Paints are great for adding shading quickly. Basilicanum Grey over metallics can give armor a darker, corrupted look.
