Today take a look at some basics of how to play and get started with Warhammer 40k Imperial Knights. All hail the giant robos!
The Imperial Knights are ancient Imperial houses who go to battle in hulking, stomping warmachines in Warhammer 40K. Their armies consist of various sizes of Knights, from lowly Armigers to the gigantic Dominus-class machines. Like Knights of old, Imperial Knights follow their own chivalric code.
So below we will offer some tips on how to play Imperial Knights and get started with the army.
Who Are The Imperial Knights?
Imperial Knights are towering bipedel engines of war that hail from feudal worlds of the Imperium known as Knight Worlds. Each Knight is piloted by a single Noble pilot from within the Throne Mechanicum. Knights which are sworn to the service of the Emperor are known as Questor Imperialis. Knights which are sworn to the Omnissiah are known as Questor Mechanicus.
There are thousands of Knight houses across the Galaxy. The Knight Worlds operate under a strict feudal system and are typically sworn to either the Adeptus Terra or Adeptus Mechanicus. Each world is led by either a single or number of Knight Houses, whose ranks are made up of Nobles which pilot Knight suits into battle.
Knight Houses sworn to the Adeptus Terra are led by a High King. Directly beneath him are a number of Barons, which each rule a fief of territory. Whole all Barons owe allegiance to their king are not equal and some have different ranks. Each Baron in turn controls a number of Knightly Vassals, which operate alone or in formations known as lances.
Knight Houses sworn to the Adeptus Mechanicus often accompany the Collegia Titanica into battle or are garrisoned to defend key Forge Worlds. Their organizational structure is similar to those Houses sworn to the Adeptus Terra. Each is led by a Princeps and below him are Barons which can hold a variety of titles. Below the Barons are Vassals. Unlike with Houses sworn to the Adeptus Terra, Mechanicum-sworn Houses may be stationed with a Titan Legion permanently.
Why Play Imperial Knights
Imperial Knights are great if you love big, stompy robots and love the Emperor. They are truly the most elite army, guaranteed to be outnumbered barring allies or mirror matches. Their impressive statlines and giant weapons give the Knights a real chance, even when they are badly outnumbered – and they always are!.
Strengths of the Army
- Good at fightin’ and shootin’.
- Giant robots.
- Few models.
Weakness of the Army
- Do not compete in the Psychic Phase.
- High point cost result in always being outnumbered.
Imperial Knights Signature Rules
The army has a number of special rules, the key ones to remember are:
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- Knight Lances – This rule allows Knights to use Super Heavy detachments in the same way other armies use more generic detachments, getting a Command Point rebate for their Warlord.
- Unyielding Knight – This rules allows Knights to count as multiple models on Objectives.
- Questor Allegiance Oaths – This rule has a varied effect depending on whether you pledge to Terra or Mars.
Imperial Knights Sub-factions
The Imperial Knights have a number of sub-factions, called Noble Households, to choose from. Almost every Imperial Knight unit must belong to a Noble Household.
Which Noble Household you select will determine what household tradition, stratagems, relics, and warlord traits you have access to. To play these to the fullest you will need Codex: Imperial Knights.
Key Imperial Knights Units To Know
Warhammer 40K Imperial Knights don’t have a ton of models, so knowing what units to take can be tricky. Here are some suggestions to get you off on the right track.
1. Knight-Dominus
The biggest and baddest of Knights available in plastic (Forgeworld resin has their own standards!), the Dominus is a great centerpiece with a ton of firepower.
2. Knight Armiger
The diminutive (relatively) foot soldiers of Knight armies. Armigers can still smack stuff well enough, and they have Objective Secured.
3. Armiger Helverins
Theses “little” guys are pretty great ranged support, fast and lethal.
4. Knight Crusader
The “shooty” version of the basic Imperial Knight. The Crusader packs a lot of guns into a standard Questoris chassis.
5. Knight Preceptor
This Knight has a cool gun and gives some interesting tech via its Mentor ability.
Sample Starter Warhammer 40k Imperial Knights Army
Army: Imperial Knights
Noble House: Krast
Super Heavy Auxiliary Detachment
Lord of War: Knight Crusader . 1 Model. He is equipped with: avenger gatling cannon, heavy flamer, meltagun, thermal cannon, titantic feet- 490 pts
Total: 490 pts.
For the Emperor!
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