The New Genestealer Cults Detachments – Review of Rules, Stratagems and Enhancements

Host of Ascension

The Host of Ascension Detachment embodies the Genestealer Cults’ mastery of ambush tactics, guerrilla warfare, and meticulously planned insurgencies. This detachment excels at overwhelming enemies through carefully coordinated strikes and sudden, devastating assaults, ensuring no foe is safe from the cult’s uprising.

With abilities focused on outmaneuvering and outlasting opponents, the Host of Ascension turns the battlefield into a stage for ambushes and traps. Enhancements like Prowling Agitant and A Chink in Their Armour grant mobility and tactical precision, while Our Time Is Nigh unleashes devastating charges at the perfect moment. These tools empower your cultists to strike decisively and then vanish before retaliation.

Perfect for players who relish strategic misdirection and thematic play, this detachment emphasizes clever positioning, unexpected strikes, and adaptability. From launching surprise attacks to denying your opponent safe ground, the Host of Ascension makes every phase of the game an opportunity to outwit and dismantle your enemies.

Its Stratagems define its subversive playstyle, with highlights like Return to the Shadows and Tunnel Crawlers allowing for unparalleled mobility and repositioning. Coordinated Trap delivers concentrated firepower, while A Deadly Snare punishes opponents for overextending. Each Stratagem weaves seamlessly into the cult’s hit-and-run tactics, ensuring your uprising remains an unstoppable force of insurrection.

Host of Ascension Detachment Rule: A Perfect Ambush

Each time a GENESTEALER CULTS unit from your army is deployed on the battlefield as Reinforcements, the models in that unit gain the [SUSTAINED HITS 1] and [IGNORES COVER] abilities for their weapons until the end of your next Fight phase.

Stratagems available for the Host of Ascension Detachment:

• Coordinated Trap (2CP) – Battle Tactic Stratagem: At the start of your Shooting phase or Fight phase, select two GENESTEALER CULTS units from your army that have not yet been selected to shoot or fight. Choose one enemy unit (if used in the Fight phase, the enemy must be within Engagement Range of both of your units). Until the end of the phase, models in your units can only attack that enemy unit, and you add 1 to Wound rolls for those attacks.
• Primed and Readied (1CP) – Battle Tactic Stratagem: During your Shooting or Fight phase, select one GENESTEALER CULTS unit from your army that has not yet been selected to shoot or fight. Until the end of the phase, attacks made by models in that unit score a Critical Hit on an unmodified Hit roll of 5+, instead of 6.
• Tunnel Crawlers (1CP) – Strategic Ploy Stratagem: During your Movement phase, select one GENESTEALER CULTS unit from your army arriving via Deep Strike. That unit can be set up anywhere more than 6″ horizontally away from all enemy units. This unit cannot declare a charge during the same turn.
• Lying in Wait (1CP) – Strategic Ploy Stratagem: In your opponent’s Movement phase, select one GENESTEALER CULTS BATTLELINE unit from your army in Cult Ambush. When setting up that unit using a Cult Ambush marker, it can be placed anywhere on the battlefield wholly within 6″ of the marker and not within Engagement Range of any enemy units.
• Return to the Shadows (1CP) – Strategic Ploy Stratagem: During your opponent’s Shooting phase, after an enemy unit has targeted one of your GENESTEALER CULTS INFANTRY units, you may remove your unit from the battlefield and place it into Strategic Reserves.
• A Deadly Snare (1CP) – Strategic Ploy Stratagem: In your opponent’s Charge phase, after an enemy unit declares a charge against a GENESTEALER CULTS INFANTRY unit from your army, roll a D6. On a 2-4, the enemy unit suffers D3 mortal wounds. On a 5+, the enemy unit suffers 3 mortal wounds.

Host of Ascension Enhancements:

• Prowling Agitant (+15 points): Available to GENESTEALER CULTS models only. Once per turn, when an enemy unit ends a Normal, Advance, or Fall Back move within 9″ of the bearer’s unit, the bearer’s unit can make a Normal move of up to D6″ if it is not within Engagement Range of any enemy units.
• A Chink in Their Armour (+20 points): Restricted to GENESTEALER CULTS models. When the bearer is set up as Reinforcements, ranged weapons equipped by models in their unit gain the [LETHAL HITS] ability until the end of your next Fight phase.
• Our Time Is Nigh (+20 points): Designed for GENESTEALER CULTS models. Once per battle, the bearer can activate this Enhancement when their unit declares a charge. If activated, add 2 to Charge rolls for the bearer’s unit until the end of the phase.
• Assassination Edict (+15 points): Exclusively for GENESTEALER CULTS models. Models in the bearer’s unit gain +1 to Hit rolls when attacking a CHARACTER unit.

Xenocreed Congregation

The Xenocreed Congregation detachment embodies the fervent zeal and unyielding resolve of the Genestealer Cults, channeling their fanatical devotion to the Broodmind into a powerful uprising. Through sheer determination, tactical cunning, and the unshakable belief in their ultimate victory, this detachment transforms humble insurgents into an unstoppable force.

Whether advancing relentlessly, striking from the shadows, or inspiring their comrades to acts of unparalleled defiance, the cult’s followers embrace their sacred duty with fanatical devotion.

This detachment is built around empowering your units with enhanced mobility, resilience, and lethality. Stratagems like Frenzied Devotion and The Path of Anguish heighten your forces’ combat effectiveness, turning even the most desperate situations into opportunities for brutal counterattacks.

The Downtrodden Rise ensures that your cult forces are never truly beaten, letting reinforcements surge onto the battlefield to maintain pressure on your opponent. For moments that demand precision strikes, Transcendent Celerity and Tireless Fervour offer unmatched tactical flexibility, enabling your units to charge, reposition, or fire at maximum efficiency regardless of the odds.

The Enhancements provided by this detachment amplify the inspirational power of your characters, bolstering the resolve and abilities of your forces. Gene-sire’s Reliquant ensures your units hold their ground even in the face of overwhelming opposition, while Denunciator of Tyrants channels the cult’s righteous fury to focus their attacks against enemy leaders.

For players who value resource generation and tactical depth, Deeds That Speak to the Masses rewards clever planning by granting additional Resurgence points, empowering you to maintain control of the battlefield.

Xenocreed Congregation Detachment Rule: Unquestioning Fanaticism

Each time an ACOLYTE HYBRIDS, HYBRID METAMORPHS, or NEOPHYTE HYBRIDS unit from your army is led by one or more CHARACTER models, you can re-roll Advance and Charge rolls for that unit. Additionally, if the leading CHARACTER is a MAGUS, PRIMUS, or ACOLYTE ICONWARD, that model gains a 3+ Feel No Pain ability while leading the unit.

Stratagems available for the Xenocreed Congregation Detachment:

• Vengeance for the Martyr! (1CP) – Epic Deed Stratagem: Trigger this in your opponent’s Shooting or Fight phase, after a GENESTEALER CULTS CHARACTER from your army is destroyed by an enemy unit. Select another GENESTEALER CULTS CHARACTER from your army. For the rest of the battle, friendly ACOLYTE HYBRIDS, HYBRID METAMORPHS, or NEOPHYTE HYBRIDS models re-roll Hit rolls of 1 against that enemy unit. If the destroyed CHARACTER was a MAGUS, PRIMUS, or ACOLYTE ICONWARD, re-roll all Hit rolls instead.
• Frenzied Devotion (1CP) – Battle Tactic Stratagem: Use in the Fight phase for an ACOLYTE HYBRIDS, HYBRID METAMORPHS, or NEOPHYTE HYBRIDS unit that has not yet fought this phase. Until the end of the phase, increase the Attacks and Weapon Skill of their melee weapons by 1, but their melee weapons gain the [HAZARDOUS] ability.
• Tireless Fervour (1CP) – Strategic Ploy Stratagem: Activate this in your Charge phase for an ACOLYTE HYBRIDS, HYBRID METAMORPHS, or NEOPHYTE HYBRIDS unit that has not charged yet. That unit can charge even if it Advanced or Fell Back this turn. If charging an enemy within Engagement Range of a friendly CHARACTER, you may re-roll the Charge roll.
• Transcendent Celerity (1CP) – Strategic Ploy Stratagem: Use in your Shooting phase for an ACOLYTE HYBRIDS, HYBRID METAMORPHS, or NEOPHYTE HYBRIDS unit that has not yet shot. Until the end of the phase, ranged weapons used by models in that unit gain the [ASSAULT] ability.
• The Downtrodden Rise (2CP) – Strategic Ploy Stratagem: At the end of the Reinforcements step of your opponent’s Movement phase, if there are no Cult Ambush markers on the battlefield, select one ACOLYTE HYBRIDS, HYBRID METAMORPHS, or NEOPHYTE HYBRIDS unit in Cult Ambush. Set it up on the battlefield more than 9″ horizontally away from enemy models, wholly within 9″ of a battlefield edge, and not within the opponent’s deployment zone.
• The Path of Anguish (1CP) – Strategic Ploy Stratagem: In your opponent’s Shooting phase, after an enemy unit destroys one or more models from an ACOLYTE HYBRIDS or NEOPHYTE HYBRIDS unit, your unit may make a move of up to D6″. The unit must end the move as close as possible to the nearest enemy unit (excluding AIRCRAFT) and can move into Engagement Range of that unit.

Xenocreed Congregation Enhancements:

• Gene-sire’s Reliquant (+5 points): MAGUS, PRIMUS, or ACOLYTE ICONWARD model only. The bearer carries a talisman gifted by the Patriarch, radiating the Broodmind’s inspiration. You can re-roll Battle-shock tests taken for the bearer’s unit.
• Denunciator of Tyrants (+25 points): MAGUS, PRIMUS, or ACOLYTE ICONWARD model only. The bearer’s fiery rhetoric incites murderous fervor against the enemy’s champions. Each time a model in the bearer’s unit makes an attack targeting a CHARACTER unit, add 1 to the Hit roll and 1 to the Wound roll.
• Deeds That Speak to the Masses (+25 points): MAGUS, PRIMUS, or ACOLYTE ICONWARD model only. The bearer is a living legend of the cult, inspiring their kin to extraordinary feats. You start the battle with 2 additional Resurgence points.
• Incendiary Inspiration (+15 points): MAGUS, PRIMUS, or ACOLYTE ICONWARD model only. The bearer inspires their unit to charge with unrelenting fury. The bearer’s unit is eligible to declare a charge in a turn in which it Advanced.

Biosanctic Broodsurge

The Biosanctic Broodsurge detachment channels the terrifying biological might of the Genestealer Cult, empowering your forces with deadly speed, regeneration, and overwhelming strength. This detachment is perfect for players who want to harness the raw power of genetically-enhanced warriors, striking fear into their enemies as they unleash a storm of violent attacks.

At the core of this detachment are the Biosanctic Strains—units that can regenerate wounds and adapt to any battlefield. Stratagems like Evasive Vanguard and Stimulated Bio-Surge let your units move quickly and strike where it hurts the most. Meanwhile, Gene-Twisted Muscle boosts your melee attacks, ensuring that your enemies feel the full force of the cult’s wrath.

The detachment shines in its ability to disrupt the enemy. Hyper-Metabolic Vigour gives your units exceptional speed, allowing them to close in on targets with lightning-fast movement. Bio-Horror Revelation makes nearby enemies panic, throwing off their shooting accuracy and making them vulnerable to your attacks.

The Biosanctic Broodsurge is ideal for players who enjoy a mix of tactical flexibility and raw aggression. You’ll be able to overwhelm your foes with brutal close-combat units that seem to appear out of nowhere, healing and adapting as they go.

This detachment pretty much allows you to strike fast, hit hard, and never let up. It’s the perfect choice for players who want to dominate the battlefield through the terrifying might of the Genestealer Cult’s unholy genetic power.

Biosanctic Broodsurge Detachment Rule: Hypermorphic Fury

Increase Charge rolls by 1 for ABERRANTS, BIOPHAGUS, and PURESTRAIN GENESTEALERS units in your army. Additionally, whenever one of these units is chosen to fight after making a Charge move this turn, their melee weapons gain +1 to the Attacks characteristic until the end of the phase.

Stratagems available for the Biosanctic Broodsurge Detachment:

• Evasive Vanguard (1CP) – Strategic Ploy Stratagem: In any phase, after an enemy unit ends a move within 9″ of one or more of your Cult Ambush markers, but before those markers are removed, select one PURESTRAIN GENESTEALERS unit in Cult Ambush. Move one Cult Ambush marker up to 6″. If the marker remains within 9″ of any enemy units, it is removed. Otherwise, for the remainder of the battle, only PURESTRAIN GENESTEALERS units can be set up using that marker.
• Saintly Paroxysm (1CP) – Epic Deed Stratagem: In the Fight phase, after an enemy unit destroys a GENESTEALER CULTS CHARACTER model, target the destroyed model. Roll a D6: on a 2+, the enemy unit suffers D3 mortal wounds. If the destroyed model was an ABOMINANT or PATRIARCH, the enemy unit suffers 2D3 mortal wounds instead.
• Gene-Twisted Muscle (1CP) – Battle Tactic Stratagem: In the Fight phase, select one ABERRANTS, BIOPHAGUS, or PURESTRAIN GENESTEALERS unit that has not yet fought. Until the end of the phase, add 1 to the Wound roll for each attack made by models in that unit targeting a MONSTER or VEHICLE.
• Hyper-Metabolic Vigour (1CP) – Battle Tactic Stratagem: In the Fight phase, select one ABERRANTS, BIOPHAGUS, or PURESTRAIN GENESTEALERS unit that has not yet fought. Until the end of the phase, each time a model in that unit makes a Pile-in or Consolidation move, it can move up to 6″ instead of 3″. Additionally, the unit does not need to end the move closer to the nearest enemy model, as long as it ends as close as possible to the nearest enemy unit.
• Stimulated Bio-Surge (1CP) – Battle Tactic Stratagem: In your Charge phase, select one ABERRANTS, BIOPHAGUS, or PURESTRAIN GENESTEALERS unit that has not declared a charge. Until the end of the phase, when your unit declares a charge, add 1 to the Charge roll for each selected target, up to a maximum of +3, if the closest eligible enemy unit is included.
• Bio-Horror Revelation (1CP) – Strategic Ploy Stratagem: At the start of your opponent’s Shooting phase, select one ABERRANTS, BIOPHAGUS, or PURESTRAIN GENESTEALERS unit within 9″ of an enemy unit. Until the end of the phase, each time an enemy unit within 9″ of your unit is selected to shoot, it must take a Leadership test with a -1 modifier. If the test is failed, subtract 1 from the Hit rolls made by that enemy unit when targeting your unit for the rest of the phase.

Biosanctic Broodsurge Enhancements:

• Predatory Instincts (+20 points): ABOMINANT, BIOPHAGUS, or PATRIARCH model only. Models in the bearer’s unit gain the Infiltrators ability. Once per battle round, you can target the bearer’s unit with the Heroic Intervention Stratagem for 0CP, even if you have already used it on a different unit this phase.
• Biomorph Adaptation (+25 points): ABOMINANT or PATRIARCH model only. Improve the Armour Penetration and Damage characteristics of melee weapons equipped by the bearer by 1.
• Mutagenic Regeneration (+10 points): ABOMINANT, BIOPHAGUS, or PATRIARCH model only. At the start of each Command phase, one model in the bearer’s unit regains 1 lost wound.
• Alien Majesty (+15 points): ABOMINANT, BIOPHAGUS, or PATRIARCH model only. While an enemy unit is within Engagement Range of the bearer’s unit, subtract 1 from the Objective Control characteristic of models in that enemy unit (to a minimum of 1).

Outlander Claw

The Outlander Claw detachment embodies the untamed, roving nature of the Genestealer Cult’s frontier forces, excelling in hit-and-run tactics, mobility, and ambushes that leave the enemy disoriented and outmaneuvered. It’s perfect for players who thrive on a high-speed, evasive playstyle, combining clever battlefield manipulation with devastating precision strikes.

At the heart of this detachment are its lightning-fast units like Atalan Jackals and Achilles Ridgerunners, which can dart around the battlefield, avoiding retaliation while delivering pinpoint strikes.

Stratagems like Rapid Feint and Encircling the Prey make it nearly impossible for enemies to pin your forces down, allowing you to reposition at will and strike from unexpected angles.

Meanwhile, Close-Range Shoot-Out and Deft Manoeuvring let you punish enemies that dare to get too close, bolstering your units’ lethality and survivability.

The Outlander Claw detachment also focuses on controlling objectives and denying your opponent key positions. With abilities that let you hold objectives even under fire, paired with evasive tricks to keep your units alive, you’ll dominate the board through superior mobility and cunning.

This detachment is perfect for players who love guerrilla-style warfare—always one step ahead, frustrating their enemies with rapid strikes and quick escapes.

The Outlander Claw is all about outthinking and outmaneuvering the opposition, turning the battlefield into a chaotic arena where your forces thrive. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, tactical playstyle that rewards bold maneuvers and razor-sharp decision-making, the Outlander Claw is your go-to choice.

Outlander Claw Detachment Rule: Rapid Takeover

While a GENESTEALER CULTS MOUNTED or GENESTEALER CULTS VEHICLE model in your army is not Battle-shocked, its Objective Control characteristic is increased by 1.

Additionally, at the end of your Command phase, any objective marker within range of one or more ATALAN JACKALS units you control remains under your control unless your opponent’s Level of Control over that marker exceeds yours at the end of a phase.

Stratagems available for the Outlander Claw Detachment:

• Along Shadowed Trails (1CP) – Strategic Ploy Stratagem: In any phase, after an enemy unit ends a move within 9″ of one or more of your Cult Ambush markers, reposition one ATALAN JACKALS unit in Cult Ambush. Move the Cult Ambush marker anywhere on the battlefield more than 9″ from all enemy units and wholly within 6″ of a battlefield edge. For the remainder of the battle, only ATALAN JACKALS units can use that marker for deployment.
• Devoted Crew (1CP) – Battle Tactic Stratagem: In your opponent’s Shooting or Fight phase, after an enemy unit selects a GOLIATH ROCKGRINDER or GOLIATH TRUCK unit as a target, enhance your vehicle’s durability. Subtract 1 from the Damage characteristic of all attacks targeting your unit for the rest of the phase.
• Close-Range Shoot-Out (1CP) – Battle Tactic Stratagem: In your Shooting phase, amplify the firepower of one GENESTEALER CULTS MOUNTED or GENESTEALER CULTS VEHICLE unit that has not yet been selected to shoot. Ranged weapons equipped by models in that unit gain the [LETHAL HITS] ability when targeting enemy units within 18″.
• Rapid Feint (1CP) – Strategic Ploy Stratagem: During your opponent’s Movement phase, after an enemy unit completes a Normal, Advance, or Fall Back move within 9″ of one of your units, exploit their positioning. Select one ACHILLES RIDGERUNNERS or ATALAN JACKALS unit from your army and allow it to make a Normal move of up to 6″.
• Deft Manoeuvring (1CP) – Battle Tactic Stratagem: In your opponent’s Shooting phase, after an enemy unit targets one of your ACHILLES RIDGERUNNERS or ATALAN JACKALS units, boost its defenses. Models in your unit gain a 4+ invulnerable save for the remainder of the phase.
• Encircling the Prey (1CP) – Strategic Ploy Stratagem: At the end of your opponent’s Fight phase, extract one GENESTEALER CULTS MOUNTED or GENESTEALER CULTS VEHICLE unit from danger. If your unit is wholly within 9″ of a battlefield edge and not in Engagement Range of enemy units, remove it from the battlefield and place it into Strategic Reserves.

Outlander Claw Enhancements:

• Serpentine Tactics (+10 points): GENESTEALER CULTS MOUNTED model only. The bearer’s unit can shoot in a turn in which it Fell Back.
• Cartographic Data-leech (+10 points): GENESTEALER CULTS model only. While the bearer is embarked within a TRANSPORT, improve the Ballistic Skill of ranged weapons fired by that TRANSPORT through the Firing Deck ability by 1.
• Starfall Shells (+10 points): GENESTEALER CULTS MOUNTED model only. In your Shooting phase, after the bearer has shot, select one enemy unit hit by a cult sniper rifle attack. Until your next Shooting phase, subtract 1 from Hit rolls for attacks made by models in that unit.
• Assault Commando (+15 points): GENESTEALER CULTS model only. Each time a model in the bearer’s unit makes a ranged attack, if it disembarked from a TRANSPORT this turn, you can re-roll the Hit roll.

Brood Brother Auxilia

Embrace the might of the Brood Brother Auxilia detachment, a force that merges the disciplined power of the ASTRA MILITARUM with the insidious strength of the Genestealer Cults, blending brute military might with shadowy insurrection. This detachment excels at overwhelming enemies through combined arms, tactical ambushes, and relentless support, using the power of Brood Brothers to reinforce your forces and exploit the weaknesses of your foes.

Stratagems like In the Shadow of Iron allow your forces to make devastating counterattacks by using cover provided by massive Astra Militarum vehicles, while Regimental Reinforcements brings your units back into the fray, bolstering your ranks with reinforcements from Cult Ambush.

Suppress and Overwhelm ensures your enemies remain disoriented and vulnerable, reducing their ability to counter your offensive. Acceptable Losses lets your Brood Brothers fire at enemies in close combat with your Cult, risking minimal friendly fire while dealing devastating blows.

Enhancements such as Symbiotic Destruction enable your Astra Militarum and Genestealer Cults units to work in perfect coordination, maximizing their offensive potential with supportive fire. A Dark Network allows for quick repositioning of your forces, outmaneuvering enemies by taking advantage of their reinforcements.

Each element of this detachment enhances your flexibility and firepower, ensuring your forces can quickly adapt and overwhelm the enemy. The Brood Brother Auxilia is a masterclass in battlefield synergy, ensuring your forces always have the upper hand—whether in direct combat or through subtle manipulations of the battlefield.

Brood Brother Auxilia Detachment Rule: Integrated Tactics

Each time an ASTRA MILITARUM unit from your army (as specified below) is chosen to shoot, you may select one enemy unit within 18″ and visible to it. If you do, that ASTRA MILITARUM unit can only target the selected enemy unit (if it is a legal target), and that enemy unit becomes caught in overlapping fire. While an enemy unit is caught in overlapping fire, whenever a GENESTEALER CULTS model from your army makes a ranged attack against it, add 1 to the Hit roll.

You can include ASTRA MILITARUM units in your army, even though they do not have the GENESTEALER CULTS Faction keyword. The total points cost of such units is limited as follows:

• Incursion: Up to 500 points
• Strike Force: Up to 1000 points
• Onslaught: Up to 1500 points

Your WARLORD must be a GENESTEALER CULTS model. Additionally, ASTRA MILITARUM models lose the Voice of Command ability (if they have it). Units with the following keywords cannot be included in your army using this rule: AIRCRAFT, COMMISSAR, EPIC HERO, MILITARUM TEMPESTUS, OGRYN, RATLING, TECH-PRIEST ENGINSEER, MINISTORUM PRIEST.

Stratagems available for the Brood Brother Auxilia Detachment:

• In the Shadow of Iron (1CP) – Strategic Ploy Stratagem: In any phase, after an enemy unit ends a move within 9″ of one or more of your Cult Ambush markers, reposition one ASTRA MILITARUM VEHICLE unit in Cult Ambush. Move the Cult Ambush marker anywhere on the battlefield more than 9″ horizontally away from all enemy units and wholly within 6″ of your unit.
• Regimental Reinforcements (1CP) – Strategic Ploy Stratagem: In your opponent’s Shooting phase or Fight phase, after an ASTRA MILITARUM INFANTRY REGIMENT unit (excluding ARTILLERY and CHARACTER units) is destroyed, roll a D6. On a 3+, place one Cult Ambush marker anywhere on the battlefield more than 9″ horizontally away from all enemy units. Add a new unit to your army identical to the destroyed unit in Cult Ambush, at Starting Strength with all wounds remaining. [ONE SHOT] weapons regain their usability. This Stratagem can only be used once per battle.
• Suppress and Overwhelm (1CP) – Strategic Ploy Stratagem: In your Shooting phase, after an ASTRA MILITARUM unit has shot, select one enemy unit hit by those attacks. Until the end of the turn, that enemy unit cannot be targeted with the Fire Overwatch Stratagem, and each time a GENESTEALER CULTS unit charges that enemy unit, you can re-roll the Charge roll.
• Acceptable Losses (2CP) – Strategic Ploy Stratagem: In your Shooting phase, select one ASTRA MILITARUM unit and an enemy unit within Engagement Range of one or more GENESTEALER CULTS units. Your ASTRA MILITARUM unit can make ranged attacks targeting that enemy unit. After resolving those attacks, roll a D6 for each GENESTEALER CULTS unit within Engagement Range. On a 5+, that GENESTEALER CULTS unit suffers D3+1 mortal wounds.
• Symbiotic Destruction (1CP) – Battle Tactic Stratagem: In your Shooting phase, select one ASTRA MILITARUM unit and one GENESTEALER CULTS unit that have not yet been selected to shoot. Choose one enemy unit visible to both and within range of at least one ranged weapon from each. Until the end of the phase, models in those units can only target that enemy unit. When doing so, re-roll Wound rolls of 1.
• A Dark Network (1CP) – Strategic Ploy Stratagem: During the Reinforcements step of your opponent’s Movement phase, after an enemy unit is set up on the battlefield from Reserves, select one ASTRA MILITARUM or GENESTEALER CULTS unit (excluding MONSTERS and VEHICLES) within 12″ of that enemy unit. Your unit can make a Normal move of up to 6″.

Brood Brother Auxilia Enhancements:

• Martial Espionage (+25 points): GENESTEALER CULTS INFANTRY model only. Once per turn, when a friendly ASTRA MILITARUM INFANTRY or ASTRA MILITARUM MOUNTED unit within 9″ of the bearer is selected to shoot, the bearer can use this Enhancement. If it does, improve the Armour Penetration of ranged weapons equipped by models in that unit by 1 until the end of the phase.
• Adaptive Reprisal (+15 points): GENESTEALER CULTS INFANTRY model only. Once per turn, you can target a friendly GENESTEALER CULTS unit within 9″ of the bearer with the Heroic Intervention Stratagem for 0CP.
• The Hero Returned (+20 points): GENESTEALER CULTS INFANTRY model only. Improve the Leadership and Objective Control characteristics of models in the bearer’s unit by 1.
• Firepoint Commander (+10 points): GENESTEALER CULTS INFANTRY model only. Each time you target the bearer’s unit with the Fire Overwatch Stratagem, hits are scored on unmodified Hit rolls of 5+ while resolving that Stratagem.

🎄Final Day

Every Genestealer Cultist eagerly awaits the arrival of the Star Children, believing they will ascend to a glorious, unified existence in the divine presence of the Tyranids. This transcendent moment, they think, will be the culmination of their unwavering devotion. However, the truth is far darker: as the Tyranids draw near, their alien Hive Mind gradually overwhelms the Cult’s more intricate Broodmind.

For many, the shock of this psionic invasion is fatal. Others, freed from the Tyranid’s control, descend into madness upon learning the horrific reality. The remainder are transformed into expendable puppets, forced to fight with unnatural speed and ferocity as the Hive Mind drives them. Those who survive are rapidly burned out, their bioenergy siphoned off to fuel the Tyranid vanguard as it descends upon their world.

While this might sound like grim news for the Genestealer Cults, the Psionic Parasitism detachment rule offers a surprising twist. It allows you to include Tyranid Vanguard units in your army, enhancing the abilities of your cultists. For example, your cultists gain +1 to Hit when targeting enemies within 6” of these Tyranid organisms. In return, the Tyranids receive +1 to Hit and heal a few Wounds by siphoning bioenergy from the Cultists—perhaps with a side of cranberry sauce for flavor.

The unwavering faith of the cultists toward their Star Gods is reflected in powerful Enhancements such as Inhuman Integration, which grants Sustained Hits 1 to a Cults unit’s weapons, and Stratagems like Avenge the Star Children, which boosts your cultists’ Hit and Wound rolls when a Tyranid Character is slain, allowing you to take vengeance on those who dared threaten their long-awaited saviors.

This detachment mixes the terrifying might of the Tyranids with the unyielding zeal of the Genestealer Cults, creating a deadly force that strikes with precision and absorbs the power of the Hive Mind to turn the tide in your favor.

Final Day Detachment Rule: Psionic Parasitism

At the end of your Movement phase, for each TYRANIDS SYNAPSE unit in your army, you may select one friendly GENESTEALER CULTS unit (excluding PURESTRAIN GENESTEALERS and PATRIARCH units) and one friendly TYRANIDS unit, each within 9″ and visible to that SYNAPSE unit.

If you do, the selected GENESTEALER CULTS unit suffers D3+1 mortal wounds, while one model in the chosen TYRANIDS unit regains up to that many lost wounds. Additionally, until the start of your next Movement phase, each time a model in the selected TYRANIDS unit makes an attack, add 1 to the Hit roll.

TYRANIDS units in your army gain the following ability: Catalyst (Aura)
While an enemy unit is within 6″ of this unit, each time a friendly GENESTEALER CULTS unit makes an attack targeting that enemy unit, add 1 to the Hit roll.

The Star Children’s Blessings
You may include TYRANIDS VANGUARD INVADER units (excluding AIRCRAFT, BROODLORD, and GENESTEALER units) in your army. The total points cost of these units depends on the battle size:

• Incursion: Up to 500 points
• Strike Force: Up to 1000 points
• Onslaught: Up to 1500 points

No TYRANIDS models in your army can be your WARLORD.

Stratagems available for the Final Day Detachment:

• Hyperferocity (1CP) – Battle Tactic Stratagem: During the Fight phase, select one GENESTEALER CULTS unit from your army that has not yet fought this phase. Until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit makes an attack that targets an enemy unit, re-roll a Wound roll of 1. If one or more friendly TYRANIDS units are within 6″ of the enemy unit, you can re-roll the Wound roll instead.
• Psi Surge (1CP) – Strategic Ploy Stratagem: At the start of any phase, select one TYRANIDS unit from your army. Until the start of your next Command phase, increase the range of your unit’s Catalyst ability by 3″. This Stratagem can only be used once per turn.
• Avenge the Star Children (1CP) – Battle Tactic Stratagem: During your opponent’s Shooting phase or Fight phase, after an enemy unit has shot or fought, select one TYRANIDS CHARACTER unit from your army that was destroyed by that enemy unit this phase. Until the end of the battle, each time a GENESTEALER CULTS model from your army makes an attack that targets that enemy unit, add 1 to the Hit roll and add 1 to the Wound roll.
• Divine Imperative (1CP) – Battle Tactic Stratagem: During the Charge phase, select one GENESTEALER CULTS unit from your army that has not declared a charge this phase. Choose one enemy unit within Engagement Range of one or more TYRANIDS units from your army. Until the end of the phase, each time your GENESTEALER CULTS unit declares a charge, if that enemy unit is one of the targets of that charge, add 1 to Charge rolls made for your unit and you can re-roll the Charge roll.
• Darting Attacks (1CP) – Strategic Ploy Stratagem: During your Shooting phase or Charge phase, select one TYRANIDS unit from your army. Until the end of the phase, that unit is eligible to shoot and declare a charge even if it Fell Back during the turn.
• Resistance Tunnels (1CP) – Strategic Ploy Stratagem: At the end of your opponent’s Fight phase, select one GENESTEALER CULTS or TYRANIDS unit from your army that is not within Engagement Range of any enemy units. Remove your unit from the battlefield and place it into Strategic Reserves.

Final Day Enhancements:

• Synaptic Auger (+15 points): TYRANIDS model only. Each time the bearer would regain one or more lost wounds from the Psionic Parasitism Detachment rule, it regains up to twice that number of lost wounds instead.
• Enraptured Damnation (+10 points): GENESTEALER CULTS model only. Enemy units cannot use the Fire Overwatch Stratagem to target the bearer’s unit.
• Vanguard Tyrant (+25 points): WINGED HIVE TYRANT model only. Improve the Strength and Armour Penetration characteristics of melee weapons equipped by the bearer by 1.
• Inhuman Integration (+20 points): GENESTEALER CULTS model only. Weapons equipped by models in the bearer’s unit have the Sustained Hits 1 ability when targeting an enemy unit within 6″ of one or more friendly TYRANIDS units.

Related Articles:

• The New Adepta Sororitas Detachments
• The New Orks Detachments
• The New T’Au Empire Detachments
• The New Adeptus Mechanicus Detachments
• The New Necrons Detachments
• The New Tyranids Detachments
• The New Space Marines Detachments
• The New Imperial Agents Detachments
• The New Thousand Sons Detachments