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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.

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/)