The World Eaters are the brutal disciples of the Chaos God Khorne, known for their insatiable bloodlust and mastery of close combat. Once noble warriors of the Imperium, they now live only for slaughter, reveling in the carnage they bring to the battlefield. With axes in hand and roars of fury, they are an unstoppable force driven by a single mantra: “Blood for the Blood God!”
Join us as we dive into the savagery, lore, and tactical strengths of the World Eaters.
Who Are the World Eaters?
Originally one of the Emperor’s Space Marine Legions, the World Eaters became infamous for their relentless pursuit of martial perfection and savage violence. Under their Primarch, Angron, they embraced cybernetic enhancements to amplify their battle rage, but it was their fall to Chaos that sealed their fate.
Now sworn to Khorne, the god of war and bloodshed, the World Eaters exist only to kill. Each warrior seeks the honor of personal combat, relishing in decapitating foes and bathing in their blood be they former allies of the Imperium, or Xenos. They have no patience for tactics or diplomacy—war is the only answer.
Central to their ranks are the fearsome Berzerkers, frenzied warriors who charge headlong into battle, eager to hack apart anyone in their way. Supported by brutal Daemon Engines and towering war machines, the World Eaters bring pure, unfiltered aggression to the front lines.
What Are the World Eaters Army Strengths?
The World Eaters excel at close-quarters combat, where their superior melee units decimate the opposition. Their powerful charge bonuses and abilities to deal extra damage in close combat make them lethal at close range.
However, they lack strong ranged options, meaning they must close the gap quickly to avoid being worn down by enemy fire. Their straightforward nature also means they can be predictable, and smart opponents may outmaneuver them if they don’t reach the enemy quickly.
Where Should Beginners Start?
If you’re looking to field the World Eaters, here are a few essential units that will form the core of your army:
- Khorne Berzerkers: The iconic troops of the World Eaters, Khorne Berzerkers are brutal melee fighters who excel at taking objectives by force. Their enhanced combat abilities make them perfect for breaking enemy lines.
- Eightbound: The Eightbound are powerful melee combatants excelling at close-quarters combat with high durability and devastating attacks, making them formidable shock troops for Chaos Space Marine armies.
- Lord of Skulls: For heavy support, the Lord of Skulls is a massive Daemon Engine capable of crushing enemies with its massive weapons and devastating close-combat prowess. It can serve as both a battering ram and a terrifying centerpiece for your army.
- Juggernaut Lord: Mounted on a Juggernaut of Khorne, this powerful HQ unit combines speed and strength, providing excellent support for your advancing Berzerkers.
Starting with these models allows you to build an army focused on rushing into melee combat, overwhelming your opponents with sheer ferocity.
How to Paint World Eaters
Painting the World Eaters allows you to capture their raw, brutal aesthetic. Here’s a guide using Citadel color schemes, along with techniques to bring out the fury of Khorne in each model.
Colour Scheme
Traditional (Red and Brass)
- Base Coat: Start with a base of Mephiston Red for the armor, followed by Retributor Armour for the brass trim.
- Layering: Highlight the red with Evil Sunz Scarlet to add depth. Apply a wash of Agrax Earthshade over the brass to give it a worn, battle-scarred look.
- Details: Use Leadbelcher for weapon blades and add Blood for the Blood God technical paint for a gory finish on axes and chainswords.
World Eaters Painting Techniques
- Base Coating: Apply a spray primer like Chaos Black to provide a strong base. This will help enhance the deep, rich red of the armor. Layer the armor in Mephiston Red, making sure to leave the deeper recesses darker for contrast.
- Weathering: For a weathered look, use a sponge to apply Leadbelcher on the edges of the armor to simulate battle damage. A light drybrush of Stormhost Silver can give the effect of worn-down metal.
- Blood Effects: To truly capture the essence of the World Eaters, use Blood for the Blood God to add splatter effects on weapons and armor. Applying this carefully to blades and hands makes the model look as if it has just emerged from a bloody battle.
