Astra Militarum – Warhammer 40k Guide

The Astra Militarum, also known as the Imperial Guard, is the hammer of the Imperium of Man. This vast army of disciplined soldiers and armoured vehicles defends the Imperium’s countless worlds, standing as the first line of defence against heretics, and Xenos hordes like the Tyranids.

Comprised of ordinary human soldiers armed with lasguns and supported by formidable tanks and artillery, the Astra Militarum embodies sheer numbers and firepower.

Join us as we explore the unwavering determination and raw might of this army, where bravery and sacrifice are the key to victory.

Who Are The Astra Militarum?

The Astra Militarum is the Imperium’s primary ground force, composed of millions of regiments drawn from the countless worlds of the Imperium. Known for their tenacity and loyalty, these soldiers fight with a mix of advanced technology and brute strength, all under the command of iron-willed officers.

At the core of the Astra Militarum are the infantry squads, each composed of rank-and-file guardsmen. These troopers are supported by a vast array of armoured vehicles like the Leman Russ battle tanks and artillery units such as the Basilisk.

The Astra Militarum operates in regiments, each hailing from different planets and cultures. Some of the most famous regiments include the Cadian Shock Troops, the Valhallan Ice Warriors, and the Death Korps of Krieg. Every regiment brings its own unique tactics and specialties to the battlefield, united in their service to the Emperor.

What are Astra Militarum’s Army Strengths?

The Astra Militarum’s strength lies in its numbers, firepower, and the flexibility of its units. The army fields more infantry than almost any other faction, and its tanks and artillery are among the most powerful in Warhammer 40,000.

Key strengths include:

Massive Infantry Numbers: Astra Militarum armies can swarm the battlefield with countless squads of guardsmen, overwhelming enemies through sheer numbers.

Heavy Firepower: With access to a wide variety of tanks and artillery, including the iconic Leman Russ, Basilisk, and Baneblade, the Astra Militarum can obliterate foes from a distance.

Flexible Unit Options: The army offers great versatility, with a mix of infantry, armour, and aircraft to suit different strategies.

However, the army’s reliance on basic troops can be a weakness, as individual guardsmen are relatively fragile compared to other factions. Effective use of vehicles and artillery is crucial to ensure the army’s survival.

Where Should Beginners Start?

For new players interested in starting an Astra Militarum army, here are some essential models to consider:

Cadian Shock Troops: The backbone of your army, these versatile infantry units excel at holding objectives and providing covering fire. They are a great starting point for learning about positioning and fire discipline. Remember, Cadia Stands!

Leman Russ Battle Tank: A durable and heavily armed tank, the Leman Russ is perfect for providing long-range firepower and soaking up damage. It teaches new players how to manage armored vehicles effectively.

Heavy Weapons Squad: These squads provide valuable fire support, with options for lascannons, heavy bolters, and autocannons. They are ideal for learning how to control key areas of the battlefield.

Basilisk: The Basilisk is a long-range artillery piece capable of bombarding enemy positions from across the map. It’s great for teaching about indirect fire and long-range support tactics.

Baneblade: A tank known for its formidable firepower, armor, and versatility. It serves as a mobile fortress, dominating the battlefield with its devastating weaponry.

Starting with these models will give you a balanced force, making it easier to learn the strengths of the Astra Militarum on the battlefield.

How To Paint Astra Militarum

Painting an Astra Militarum army allows for endless customization, as each regiment can have its own unique color scheme and style. Here are some color scheme ideas, along with tips for painting different units.

Color Scheme Ideas

Cadian Shock Troops (Green and Tan)

Base Coat: Start with Castellan Green for the armor and Zandri Dust for the fatigues.
Layering: Highlight the armor with Loren Forest and the fatigues with Karak Stone for depth.
Details: Use Leadbelcher for metal parts like weapon barrels and helmets, and Abaddon Black for straps and boots.

Valhallan Ice Warriors (White and Grey)

Base Coat: Use Corax White for the fatigues and Mechanicus Standard Grey for armor.
Highlighting: Add subtle highlights with Ulthuan Grey and Stormhost Silver for metallic details.
Details: Use Guilliman Flesh for skin tones, and Agrax Earthshade to create depth in folds and recesses.

Armageddon Steel Legion (Ochre)

Base Coat: Start with Zandri Dust for an ocher tone, and Deathclaw Brown as a secondary color.
Highlighting: Highlight with Ushabti Bone to emphasize the valor of Armageddon’s soldiers.
Details: Use Seraphim Sepia for a shading wash to compliment the ochre tone.

Astra Militarum Painting Techniques

Base Coating: Start with a smooth, even base coat using colors that match your chosen regiment. Whether you’re painting Cadian green or Krieg grey, a solid base coat is essential for creating a professional finish.

Washing: Washes like Agrax Earthshade or Nuln Oil are perfect for adding depth to your Astra Militarum models. Apply washes to recesses and around armor edges to create natural shadows and wear.

Drybrushing: Drybrushing with lighter colors like Dawnstone or Screaming Skull can help highlight the raised details on armor, tanks, and uniforms, giving your models a more realistic, battle-hardened look.

Edge Highlighting: Carefully highlight the edges of armor plates and weapons using a lighter color to create a sharp, polished look. For Astra Militarum tanks, use Stormhost Silver to bring out metallic details.

Weathering Effects: For tanks and artillery, consider using weathering powders or stippling techniques to add dirt and grime, enhancing the realism of your models.

Astra Militarum Lore and History

The Astra Militarum, known colloquially as the Imperial Guard, is the largest military force in the galaxy — a vast army of ordinary men and women who stand against horrors that would shatter lesser civilisations. Numbering in the billions upon billions, the Guard is the backbone of the Imperium’s military might, and it is their blood and sacrifice that holds the line when Space Marines and other elite forces cannot be everywhere at once.

The Astra Militarum traces its origins to the Imperial Army of the Great Crusade, which was reorganised after the Horus Heresy to prevent any single commander from controlling both ground forces and naval assets. Each regiment is raised from a single world and reflects the culture, climate, and fighting traditions of its homeworld. The Cadian Shock Troops — disciplined soldiers from the fortress world of Cadia — set the standard that most regiments aspire to, while the Catachan Jungle Fighters, Tallarn Desert Raiders, and Vostroyan Firstborn each bring unique specialities.

The destruction of Cadia during Abaddon’s 13th Black Crusade was a devastating blow to the Guard, both materially and symbolically. Yet true to their creed — ‘Cadia stands!’ — the Cadian regiments that survived have become symbols of defiance, fighting with renewed fury across the galaxy. Lord Castellan Ursula Creed, daughter of the legendary Ursarkar Creed, has emerged as a rallying figure for Imperial forces in the Era Indomitus.

What the individual Guardsman lacks in superhuman ability, the Astra Militarum compensates for with overwhelming numbers, heavy armour, and devastating artillery. The Leman Russ Battle Tank is the most widely produced armoured vehicle in the Imperium, while the Baneblade super-heavy tank represents the pinnacle of Imperial armoured might. Combined arms warfare — infantry, armour, artillery, and air support working in concert — is the Guard’s greatest strength. From the trenches of Vraks to the defence of Holy Terra itself, the Astra Militarum has fought in every major conflict in Imperial history.

Astra Militarum in the Current Meta

The Astra Militarum competes as a combined arms horde army, flooding the board with cheap infantry and supporting them with some of the most efficient armoured vehicles in the game. The Leman Russ Battle Tank remains one of the best points-efficient vehicles available, and multiple variants allow Guard players to tailor their armoured component to the expected meta [VERIFY].

Competitive Guard lists typically feature a core of Infantry Squads for objective control and screening, supported by multiple Leman Russ variants and artillery pieces like the Basilisk or Manticore. The army’s Orders system — which allows officers to enhance nearby infantry units — is critical for getting maximum value from what are individually fragile soldiers. Named characters like Lord Solar Leontus provide powerful force-multiplication effects [VERIFY].

The Guard’s competitive strengths lie in board control through numbers and efficient heavy firepower through armour. Their challenges include the fragility of individual infantry models and dependence on key characters for force multiplication. Experienced Guard players excel at layered defence — using cheap infantry to screen valuable tanks while positioning artillery to punish opponents who overextend. Visit our faction tier list for current rankings.

Collecting Astra Militarum

Collecting Astra Militarum is a rewarding but substantial undertaking — as the Imperium’s horde army, you’ll need plenty of infantry to fill your ranks. The good news is that the recently refreshed Cadian range features excellent new sculpts, and the army’s vehicles are among the most iconic and enjoyable kits in the entire Warhammer range.

Begin with the Astra Militarum Combat Patrol for the best value starting point. Essential early purchases include additional Cadian Shock Troops boxes, a Leman Russ Battle Tank (the army’s signature vehicle), and a Command Squad for officer support. The Leman Russ kit builds multiple variants, so magnetising the turret weapon is strongly recommended.

Budget tip: the Guard rewards batch painting — painting all your infantry in assembly-line fashion to get them tabletop-ready quickly. A simple scheme of Castellan Green fatigues, Zandri Dust armour, and a Agrax Earthshade wash produces great results quickly. For collectors who want variety, each regiment offers a distinct aesthetic — Catachans, Krieg, and other regiments provide conversion opportunities. See our Guard painting guide for efficient batch painting techniques.

Painting Astra Militarum

Difficulty: Beginner-Friendly (but time-intensive due to numbers)

Individual Guard models are simple to paint, but the army’s high model count means you’ll be painting a lot of them. The key to maintaining motivation is developing an efficient batch painting process — paint all your infantry at once, assembly-line style, completing one colour across every model before moving to the next. This is much faster than painting models one at a time.

Key paints (Cadian): Castellan Green (fatigues), Zandri Dust (armour), Leadbelcher (weapons), Cadian Fleshtone (skin), Abaddon Black (boots/gloves), Agrax Earthshade (all-over wash), Ushabti Bone (armour highlight). For Krieg: Mechanicus Standard Grey replaces the green, and Dawnstone provides highlights. These limited palettes keep batch painting fast and consistent.

Guard vehicles are a hobby highlight — the Leman Russ, Chimera, and Baneblade kits are satisfying to paint and respond beautifully to weathering. A basecoat of Castellan Green, heavy Agrax wash, drybrush highlight, then sponge-chip with Rhinox Hide creates battle-worn tanks quickly. Decals from the kit add regimental markings that bring vehicles to life. The combination of quickly painted infantry and lavishly weathered vehicles creates a convincing military force. For a comprehensive step-by-step process, visit our Astra Militarum painting guide.

Related Armies

If you enjoy Astra Militarum, you might also like these armies:

Adepta Sororitas — Both factions represent humanity’s vast mortal armies fighting in the Emperor’s name.
Adeptus Mechanicus — The Mechanicus forges the weapons that arm the Astra Militarum’s countless regiments.
Imperial Knights — Imperial Knights provide devastating heavy support for Astra Militarum battle lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the Astra Militarum?

The Astra Militarum, also known as the Imperial Guard, is the largest military force in the Imperium of Man. Composed of billions of ordinary human soldiers backed by tanks, artillery, and aircraft, they defend humanity through sheer numbers and overwhelming firepower.

Are Astra Militarum good for beginners?

Astra Militarum can be challenging for beginners due to the large number of models required and the complexity of managing orders and combined arms. However, their tanks are straightforward to use and their army is very rewarding once learned.

What are the strengths of Astra Militarum?

Astra Militarum excel at massed firepower with powerful tanks like Leman Russ battle tanks, heavy artillery like Basilisks, and orders that boost infantry effectiveness. They can overwhelm enemies with volume of fire and expendable screening units.

What are the weaknesses of Astra Militarum?

Individual Astra Militarum soldiers are very fragile with low toughness and poor saves. They rely on numbers and support, and their infantry can be swept away by concentrated fire or melee attacks. The army requires many models, making it expensive.

How much does an Astra Militarum army cost?

Astra Militarum is one of the most expensive armies to collect due to the large number of models needed. A 2,000-point army can cost £500-£800 ($650-$1000) for infantry-heavy lists, though tank-focused armies with fewer models can be more affordable.

Community Advice

Drawing from the collective wisdom of experienced players who have spent years mastering Astra Militarum – Warhammer 40k Guide, here are some practical tips that will help you get the most from your army on the tabletop.

Start with a core: Veteran players consistently advise building your army around a reliable core of units that perform well in most situations before adding specialist choices. This gives you a stable foundation that can handle a variety of opponents, and you can then tailor your remaining points to address specific weaknesses or lean into particular strengths depending on the meta you expect to face.

Play games early and often: Theory-crafting army lists is enjoyable, but nothing replaces actual table time. Many units that look mediocre on paper perform excellently in practice, and vice versa. Start playing games with whatever models you have painted, even if your list is not optimised. The experience you gain from understanding movement, positioning, and timing is far more valuable than having a perfect list that you do not know how to pilot effectively.

Learn your matchups: Understanding how your army interacts with different opponents is crucial for competitive success. Keep notes after each game about what worked, what did not, and what you would change. Over time, you will develop an intuitive understanding of your army’s strengths and weaknesses against various factions, which will inform both your list building and your in-game decisions.

Magnetise key models: Many experienced hobbyists recommend magnetising weapon options on larger models and vehicles. This small investment of time allows you to swap loadouts between games, giving you flexibility to adapt to different opponents and meta shifts without purchasing and painting duplicate models.

Resources and Links

Staying connected with the community is essential for keeping up with the latest developments, finding opponents, and improving your play. Here are the best resources available for players interested in Astra Militarum – Warhammer 40k Guide.

Faction-specific subreddits on Reddit are treasure troves of information, featuring army list discussions, painting guides, conversion inspiration, and tactical advice from players at every skill level. The community is generally welcoming and happy to help newcomers find their footing with the faction.

On Discord, dedicated faction servers provide real-time discussion, list reviews, and the opportunity to arrange games through Tabletop Simulator or other online platforms. These servers often have channels dedicated to competitive play, casual gaming, hobby progress, and lore discussion, making them a one-stop resource for all aspects of the hobby.

Content creators on YouTube and Twitch regularly produce faction-focused content including unit reviews, battle reports, painting tutorials, and tier list discussions. Following creators who specialise in your chosen faction gives you access to expert analysis of new rules, points changes, and emerging strategies as soon as they develop. Podcasts dedicated to specific factions or broader competitive play are also excellent resources for keeping your finger on the pulse of the community.

Image Attribution

Image 1 – Astra Militarum (https://www.goodfon.com/fantasy/wallpaper-warhammer-40-000-astra-militarum-imperial-guard-soldier-weap.html) by Maria345 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/)

Image 2 – Astra Militarum 2 (https://www.goodfon.com/fantasy/wallpaper-badfon-komandir-art-voin-beret-usy.html) by Mark22 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/)

Image 3 – Astra Militarum 3 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/192240631@N08/50999692192/) by Karlheinz Stelzer (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/)

Astra Militarum Complete Lore — Humanity’s Largest Army

The Astra Militarum — known colloquially as the Imperial Guard — is the single largest military organisation in the Imperium of Man, and arguably the largest military force in the entire galaxy. While Space Marines may be the Imperium’s most famous warriors, it is the countless billions of ordinary human soldiers in the Imperial Guard who truly hold the line against the horrors of the 41st Millennium. They are the backbone of Imperial defence, the hammer that crushes the Emperor’s enemies through sheer weight of numbers, firepower, and unbreakable determination.

The scale of the Astra Militarum is almost incomprehensible. Billions of soldiers serve across millions of regiments, fighting on thousands of worlds simultaneously. Every habitable planet in the Imperium is required to contribute a tithe of soldiers to the Imperial Guard, meaning that the Astra Militarum draws from an astonishing diversity of cultures, traditions, and fighting styles. From the disciplined ranks of Cadian Shock Troops to the feral warriors of Catachan, from the mounted cavalry of Attila to the tunnel-fighting specialists of the Vostroyan Firstborn, the Imperial Guard is a tapestry of humanity’s martial traditions writ across the stars.

Organisation within the Astra Militarum follows a hierarchical structure built around the regiment as the fundamental unit. Each regiment typically contains several companies, which are further divided into platoons and squads. Regiments are generally drawn from a single world and maintain that world’s cultural identity and fighting style. This system was deliberately designed after the Horus Heresy to prevent any single commander from controlling a combined-arms force capable of challenging the Imperium — infantry regiments rely on separate armoured regiments for tank support, and artillery regiments provide fire support to both.

The Commissariat provides political oversight and morale enforcement, with Commissars attached to regiments to ensure discipline and loyalty. These stern officers have the authority to execute soldiers — including officers — for cowardice or heresy, and their presence on the battlefield is both feared and respected. The Astra Militarum’s greatest strength is not any individual soldier’s prowess, but the institution’s ability to mobilise, transport, supply, and coordinate billions of troops across a galaxy-spanning empire. When the Guard arrives in force, the ground shakes under the treads of their tanks, the sky darkens with their aircraft, and the enemy faces a wall of lasgun fire that never, ever stops.

Famous Astra Militarum Regiments

The Astra Militarum contains thousands of distinct regiments, each with its own history, traditions, and fighting style. For a comprehensive overview, see our complete Imperial Guard regiments guide. Here we cover the three most iconic regiments that every Guard player should know.

Cadian Shock Troops

The Cadian Shock Troops are the gold standard of the Imperial Guard — the regiment against which all others are measured. Hailing from the fortress world of Cadia, which stood sentinel over the Eye of Terror for ten thousand years, the Cadians are born soldiers. On Cadia, military service was not merely expected — it was the foundation of society. Children learned to field-strip a lasgun before they could read, and every citizen was a trained soldier capable of being mobilised at a moment’s notice.

The Cadians are renowned for their discipline, marksmanship, and tactical flexibility. Their standard fighting doctrine emphasises coordinated infantry advances supported by armour and artillery — a balanced, professional approach to warfare that has proven effective against virtually every threat the galaxy can produce. The phrase “Cadia stands!” became a rallying cry across the entire Imperium, a testament to the Cadians’ legendary stubbornness in defence.

The fall of Cadia during the 13th Black Crusade was one of the most devastating events in Imperial history. Abaddon the Despoiler finally destroyed the fortress world by crashing a Blackstone Fortress into it, but not before the Cadians had bled his forces white in one of the most heroic last stands in 40k lore. Even after their world’s destruction, the Cadians endure. Regiments that were off-world when Cadia fell continue to fight, and new Cadian-style regiments are raised from refugee populations across the Imperium. Their discipline and fighting traditions live on, and on the tabletop, Cadian models form the visual core of most Astra Militarum armies.

Catachan Jungle Fighters

If the Cadians represent military professionalism, the Catachan Jungle Fighters represent raw survival instinct honed to a lethal edge. Catachan is classified as a death world — one of the most dangerous planets in the Imperium, where virtually every form of life is actively trying to kill you. The jungles of Catachan are filled with carnivorous plants, venomous predators, and environmental hazards so extreme that simply surviving childhood is considered a military qualification.

The result is a regiment of soldiers who are phenomenally tough, resourceful, and comfortable operating in the most hostile environments imaginable. Catachans favour close-quarters fighting, ambush tactics, and the use of blades and demolitions over the rigid firing lines preferred by other regiments. Their culture celebrates individual strength and cunning, and their officers earn respect through personal prowess rather than rank. On the tabletop, Catachans offer a more aggressive, close-range playstyle that contrasts nicely with the shooting-focused Cadians.

Death Korps of Krieg

The Death Korps of Krieg are among the most distinctive and popular Astra Militarum regiments, known for their grim aesthetic, siege warfare specialisation, and culture of self-sacrifice that borders on a death wish. Krieg was devastated by a nuclear civil war that lasted five hundred years, and the survivors developed a society built entirely around atonement through military service. Death Korps soldiers are raised to believe that their lives are already forfeit — they exist only to die in the Emperor’s service, and the manner of that death is their only legacy.

This creates a uniquely terrifying fighting force. Death Korps regiments specialise in siege warfare and attrition — grinding, brutal campaigns where they willingly accept catastrophic casualties to achieve their objectives. They excel at trench warfare, artillery bombardment, and slow, methodical advances through fortified positions. Their iconic gas masks and trench coats give them one of the most visually striking aesthetics in all of Warhammer 40k, and their Forge World model range is highly prized by collectors.

Astra Militarum Vehicle Guide

The Astra Militarum boasts the most extensive vehicle roster of any faction in Warhammer 40,000, ranging from humble transports to city-levelling super-heavy tanks. Vehicles are the backbone of Guard firepower, and understanding the role of each is essential for building effective armies.

The Chimera is the workhorse transport of the Imperial Guard, carrying squads of infantry into battle while providing fire support with its turret-mounted weapons. Cheap and reliable, every Guard army should consider at least one Chimera to keep infantry mobile and protected. The Leman Russ Battle Tank is the iconic Imperial Guard vehicle — a rugged, versatile main battle tank that comes in numerous variants, each mounting different turret weapons for different battlefield roles. From the standard battle cannon to the Demolisher’s siege cannon to the Executioner’s plasma destroyer, there is a Leman Russ for every tactical situation.

The Rogal Dorn Battle Tank is a newer addition to the Guard armoury, filling the gap between the Leman Russ and super-heavy vehicles. It is heavier, better armoured, and more heavily armed than a Leman Russ, making it an excellent centrepiece unit for smaller armies. For players who want the ultimate in armoured firepower, the Baneblade and its variants are the super-heavy tanks of the Imperial Guard — massive war machines mounting multiple weapons systems that can dominate entire battlefield sectors single-handedly.

Other notable vehicles include the Basilisk self-propelled artillery piece, which provides devastating long-range indirect fire; the Sentinel walker, a light reconnaissance vehicle perfect for scouting and flanking; and the Manticore missile launcher, which delivers punishing alpha strikes with its limited but powerful missile payload. Building an effective Guard vehicle force means understanding how these different platforms complement each other — screening with Sentinels, advancing with Chimeras and Leman Russes, and hammering priority targets with Basilisks and Baneblades from the rear.

Key Astra Militarum Characters

Commissar Yarrick

Commissar Yarrick is the most legendary Commissar in Imperial Guard history, a figure whose reputation has transcended his rank to become a symbol of human defiance against impossible odds. Yarrick earned his fame during the Second and Third Wars for Armageddon, where he personally led the defence against Ork Warlord Ghazghkull Thraka’s massive WAAAGH! invasions. After losing his arm to an Ork Warboss, Yarrick replaced it with a power klaw taken from his fallen enemy — a gesture of contempt that terrified the Orks and inspired his troops in equal measure.

Lord Castellan Creed

Ursarkar E. Creed, Lord Castellan of Cadia, was the supreme military commander of the most important fortress world in the Imperium. His tactical genius was legendary — Creed had an almost supernatural ability to anticipate enemy movements and position his forces for maximum effect, leading to the enduring joke among players that Creed could hide a Baneblade behind a lamppost. During the Fall of Cadia, Creed orchestrated the defence that bled Abaddon’s forces and nearly held the planet against overwhelming odds. His fate after Cadia’s destruction remained uncertain for years before being resolved in recent lore developments.

Colonel ‘Iron Hand’ Straken

Colonel Straken is the quintessential Catachan hero — a man so tough that losing half his body to a Miral Land Shark only made him angrier. Rebuilt with bionics that earned him the nickname “Iron Hand,” Straken leads from the front with a ferocity that would impress a Space Marine. He embodies the Catachan philosophy that the best officer is the one who can kill you with their bare hands, and his presence inspires Catachan troops to even greater feats of aggressive close-quarters combat. On the tabletop, Straken is a force multiplier for melee-oriented Guard armies.

Astra Militarum Army Rules and Detachments

The Astra Militarum army rules in 10th Edition revolve around the Orders system, which represents officers directing their troops with tactical commands during battle. Orders allow you to issue specific instructions to nearby units, granting them bonuses such as improved accuracy, enhanced movement, or the ability to shoot and then move. This system captures the essence of the Imperial Guard — ordinary soldiers achieving extraordinary results through coordination, discipline, and effective leadership. [VERIFY — confirm current 10th edition Orders system mechanics]

Regiment rules allow you to customise your army to reflect different fighting traditions. Whether you want the disciplined firepower of Cadian-style regiments, the aggressive close-quarters approach of Catachan doctrine, or the grinding attrition of Krieg siege warfare, there are detachment options that support your preferred playstyle. The strongest competitive detachments tend to be those that maximise the efficiency of your Orders while providing meaningful bonuses to your core units — infantry squads and battle tanks. [VERIFY — confirm current detachment options and competitive performance]

Tank-focused detachments deserve special mention, as the Astra Militarum can field some of the most vehicle-heavy armies in the game. These detachments enhance the durability and firepower of your armoured units, turning a squadron of Leman Russ tanks into a near-unstoppable armoured spearhead. The trade-off is reduced infantry effectiveness, so tank-heavy armies need careful play to ensure they can still contest objectives effectively. For more on this army, check our Astra Militarum painting guide to get your forces battle-ready. [VERIFY — confirm current tank detachment rules and competitive viability]

Astra Militarum Best Army Lists

1000 Point Guard List

At 1000 points, the Astra Militarum can field a surprisingly capable combined-arms force. A strong starter list includes a Company Commander for Orders, two or three squads of Cadian Shock Troops for battleline objective holding, a Leman Russ Battle Tank as your primary damage dealer, a Chimera for transport, and a squad of Sentinels for screening and early objective grabbing. This gives you the essential Guard experience — infantry holding the line while armour provides the punch. The key at this points level is not overinvesting in expensive units and maintaining enough bodies to control objectives. [VERIFY — confirm current points values and adjust unit recommendations]

2000 Point Competitive List — Tank Heavy

A tank-heavy 2000-point Guard list leans into the faction’s greatest strength — armoured firepower. Consider running a Tank Commander as your Warlord, supported by three or four Leman Russ variants (mixing battle cannons, demolishers, and executioners for tactical flexibility), a Rogal Dorn Battle Tank as a centrepiece, and minimum infantry squads for objective holding. Add Basilisks for indirect fire support and Sentinels for screening. This list hits incredibly hard at range and is very durable, but requires careful play to ensure your tanks are not overwhelmed by fast-moving melee armies. [VERIFY — check latest tournament results for tank-heavy Guard lists]

2000 Point Infantry Horde

The infantry horde is the other classic Guard archetype — overwhelming the enemy with sheer numbers. This list maximises Cadian Shock Troop squads, supported by multiple Company Commanders to issue Orders, Heavy Weapons Teams for fire support, and Commissars for morale. The strategy is simple but effective — flood the board with so many bodies that your opponent cannot kill them fast enough to stop you from scoring objectives. Add a few Leman Russ tanks for anti-armour capability and you have a force that captures the true spirit of the Imperial Guard — the unstoppable human tide that grinds enemies down through attrition and sacrifice. [VERIFY — confirm current points values for infantry horde viability at 2000 points]