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The Adeptus Custodes have a brand-new Combat Patrol. Games Workshop released an updated Combat Patrol: Adeptus Custodes on 17 October 2026, alongside the new 11th Edition codex. It replaces the older box, so if you’re reading an older review, the contents won’t match. This guide covers what’s in the new box, how to play it and where to go next.
What’s in the Adeptus Custodes Combat Patrol?
Warhammer Community describes the new box as “a compact, powerful force of Custodians ready for small-scale combat”. Here’s what you get:
- 1x Shield-Captain: your leader. Shield-Captains are among the best fighters in the game and make the unit they lead even more dangerous.
- 6x Sentinel Guard: Custodians armed with sentinel blades and storm shields. They’re your Battleline unit and the core of the force.
- 3x Venatari: jump-pack Custodians, originally made for the Horus Heresy range. They’re fast and hit hard.
- 1x Custodian Dreadnought: a Contemptor-pattern walker. You can build it as a Contemptor-Achillus or a Contemptor-Galatus.
That’s 11 models, which is still small by Combat Patrol standards. Each one is a centrepiece, though, and the Dreadnought gives the box far more punch than older Custodes patrols had.
Previous boxes
If you already own a Custodes Combat Patrol, it’s probably one of the older versions. The previous box, Tristraen’s Gilded Blades, was led by the Blade Champion Tristraen with Custodian Guard or Wardens and Allarus Custodians. Before that, the original box had a Shield-Captain, five Custodian Guard and three Vertus Praetors on jetbikes, and an earlier version of this page described that one. All of those models are still useful in an 11th Edition Custodes army; they just aren’t part of the new Combat Patrol force.
Which Rules Does It Use?
Custodes are one of the lucky few. Codex: Adeptus Custodes is the third 11th Edition codex, after Orks and Space Marines, and it came out on the same day as the new box. It adds new detachments and gives 40k rules to the plastic Horus Heresy Custodes kits, including the Venatari and both Contemptor Dreadnoughts in this box. Our Codex: Adeptus Custodes (11th Edition) guide covers the changes in full, and the 11th Edition rules changes guide explains the core game.
Combat Patrol rules now live in the Warhammer 40,000 app. Games Workshop has said new Combat Patrols released during the edition will be supported there, but at the time of writing the app’s Custodes force is still the older Tristraen’s Gilded Blades, so check the app for this box’s datasheets, enhancements and mission. If you’re new to the format, our Combat Patrol rules guide explains how it works.
What Each Unit Does
Shield-Captain
The Shield-Captain is your best fighter and your Warlord. Attach him to the Sentinel Guard to make them an even tougher block, or keep him free to hunt enemy characters. Either way, he should be fighting by turn two or three. A Shield-Captain sitting at the back is wasted.
Sentinel Guard
Six Sentinel Guard are your objective holders. Their storm shields make them very hard to kill, and in the new codex they’re especially good when fighting on or around objectives. Put them on the most important objective and dare your opponent to move them. You can split them into two smaller squads if you need to cover more ground.
Venatari
The Venatari are your fast strike unit. Their jump packs let them cross the board quickly, take distant objectives or charge an enemy unit that’s out of position. They’re fewer in number than the Sentinel Guard, so pick their fights carefully.
Custodian Dreadnought
The Dreadnought is the biggest model in the box and the main reason this patrol hits harder than older ones. The Achillus is a melee-focused walker with a big spear, while the Galatus carries a shield and is built to protect your other units. Our Custodes Dreadnought guide compares the two, and our Contemptor Dreadnought guide covers the pattern in general. If you’re not sure, build the Achillus first. It’s the more straightforward damage dealer.
How to Play the Adeptus Custodes Combat Patrol
Custodes play very differently from most armies. You have only eleven models, but each one is worth several enemy soldiers. Your game is about choosing a few fights and winning them decisively.
Deployment
Put the Sentinel Guard and Shield-Captain where they can reach the central objective quickly. Place the Dreadnought next to them, behind cover. Keep the Venatari back and out of sight until you know where they’re needed.
Turns 1 and 2
Take the middle. The Sentinel Guard and Dreadnought walk onto the main objectives, and the Venatari grab one on a flank or wait for a target. In 11th Edition, objectives are terrain pieces, so your Sentinels can often hold one while standing in cover. Don’t spread out too far; a lone Custodian can still be swarmed.
Turns 3 to 5
Now fight. Charge the Shield-Captain and Dreadnought into the enemy’s most dangerous unit, use the Venatari to finish off weakened targets, and keep the Sentinel Guard on their objective. Count objectives every turn. You’ll often win by holding two and denying a third.
Key Tactical Tips
- Every model matters. Don’t trade a Custodian for something cheap.
- Fight together. Units that support each other are very hard to beat.
- Use terrain. Custodes are tough, not invincible.
- Don’t chase kills. Holding objectives wins games.
Is the Adeptus Custodes Combat Patrol Good Value?
We don’t list prices because they change and vary by country, so check the Games Workshop website or your local store. Combat Patrols usually cost less than buying their kits separately, and the Dreadnought alone makes this a strong starting point. Every model is useful in a bigger Custodes army.
Strengths:
- A Dreadnought centrepiece adds real punch
- Sentinel Guard are excellent objective holders
- Very few models to build and paint
- Fully up to date with the 11th Edition codex
Weaknesses:
- Low model count, so every loss hurts
- Can struggle against large hordes that swarm objectives
- Lots of gold to paint, which can feel daunting at first
Painting the Adeptus Custodes Combat Patrol
Gold armour looks intimidating, but it’s one of the easiest schemes to get looking good quickly. A gold spray and a wash will get you most of the way.
Recommended Colour Scheme
- Armour: Retributor Armour spray or base coat, Reikland Fleshshade wash, Retributor Armour layer, Liberator Gold highlight, then Stormhost Silver on the sharpest edges.
- Red cloaks and plumes: Khorne Red, Agrax Earthshade wash, Wazdakka Red highlight.
- Weapons: Leadbelcher, Nuln Oil wash, Ironbreaker highlight.
- Gems and lenses: Caliban Green, Warpstone Glow, then a dot of Moot Green.
Painting Tips
- For a fast finish, spray gold, wash the whole model with Reikland Fleshshade and pick out the cloth and weapons.
- Paint the Dreadnought in sub-assemblies, so you can reach every part of the armour.
- Prefer a different look? Many players paint their Custodes in silver or black and gold to represent other Shield Hosts.
Our how to paint Adeptus Custodes guide covers the scheme step by step, and how to paint gold armour covers the technique for any army.
Expanding Beyond the Combat Patrol
Our Adeptus Custodes 1000 point army list guide shows how to grow a starter force into a full army. For more Custodes guides and lore, visit our Adeptus Custodes army hub.
Path to 1,000 Points
- The Custodes Support Battle Group: a bigger box with heavy support, including a Telemon Heavy Dreadnought. See our Custodes Support Battle Group guide.
- Allarus Custodians: Terminator-armoured Custodes who can arrive from reserve anywhere on the board.
- A Blade Champion: a dedicated character-hunter.
- More Sentinel or Custodian Guard: extra Battleline to hold more objectives.
Path to 2,000 Points
- A Caladius or Coronus grav-tank, now available in plastic
- Vertus Praetors or Gyrfalcon jetbikes for speed
- Sisters of Silence units, if you want to add anti-psyker support
Where to Buy the Box
On Amazon US, Combat Patrol boxes are sold by third-party sellers, so check the listing before you buy. It should show the current box: the 2026 version with a Shield-Captain, Sentinel Guard, Venatari and a Contemptor Dreadnought (11 models).
Price details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.As an Amazon Associate, Warhammer Guild earns from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s in the new Custodes Combat Patrol?
A Shield-Captain, six Sentinel Guard, three Venatari and a Custodian Dreadnought that builds as a Contemptor-Achillus or Contemptor-Galatus.
When was it released?
It went on sale on 17 October 2026, the same day as the 11th Edition Codex: Adeptus Custodes.
Can I still use my old Custodes Combat Patrol?
Yes. All the models work in a full Custodes army under the new codex. The new box’s Combat Patrol rules are built around the new contents, so check the app for which older forces are supported.
Is it good for beginners?
Yes, with a caveat. Building and painting eleven models is very manageable, but each mistake on the table costs more than it would with a bigger army. If you like careful, tactical games, it’s a great start.
Can I magnetise the Custodian Dreadnought to build both versions?
Yes. The Contemptor-Achillus and Contemptor-Galatus mainly differ in their weapon arms, so many players magnetise the arms to swap between the two builds. Small rare-earth magnets in the shoulder joints work well. Dry-fit and plan the magnets before gluing the torso together, because it’s much harder to drill the sockets once the body is assembled.
What else do I need to play with the Custodes Combat Patrol?
Besides the box, you’ll need plastic glue and clippers to build it, a few six-sided dice, a tape measure, and the Warhammer 40,000 app for the Combat Patrol datasheets and missions. Paints are optional for casual games. Your opponent will need their own Combat Patrol, and a small table with some terrain to fight over.