Custodes Counter Guide: How To Defeat The Emperor's Guard

So, you're facing down the Emperor's personal guard, huh? The Adeptus Custodes. These golden-clad warriors are no joke. They're tough, resilient, and hit like a freight train. But don't worry, guys, all is not lost! There are ways to take them down, you just need the right strategy and a bit of luck. This guide will give you a breakdown of what makes Custodes so formidable and, more importantly, how to effectively counter them on the tabletop. Get ready for a deep dive into the tactics and strategies you'll need to emerge victorious against these golden giants. This isn't going to be a walk in the park, but with the right planning and execution, you can definitely give them a run for their money. Let's get started!

Understanding the Golden Threat: Adeptus Custodes Strengths and Weaknesses

Before we jump into specific tactics, it's crucial to understand what makes Custodes so tough. These aren't your average Space Marines; they're genetically engineered super-soldiers, even more so than their Astartes cousins. Custodes boast incredible stats, durable armor, and devastating weaponry. Their low model count armies are incredibly elite, meaning each individual warrior is worth a significant chunk of points and packs a serious punch. Think of them as walking tanks, capable of dishing out and absorbing insane amounts of damage. Their statlines are impressive across the board, with high Strength, Toughness, and Armor Saves making them incredibly resilient to a wide range of attacks. They also often have abilities that allow them to shrug off mortal wounds, making them even harder to kill with psychic powers or other specialized attacks. However, like any army, they have weaknesses.

One of their primary weaknesses is their low model count. While each Custodian is a powerhouse, their armies tend to be small, meaning they can struggle to control large areas of the board or deal with hordes of enemies. They also tend to be relatively slow, relying on durable infantry and transports to move around the battlefield. This lack of speed can be exploited by faster armies that can outmaneuver them and dictate the terms of engagement. While they are incredibly tough, Custodes aren't invincible. Concentrated firepower, especially from weapons with high AP (Armor Piercing) values, can bring them down. They also have a relatively high points cost per model, so losing even a few Custodes can be a significant blow to their overall fighting power. Understanding these strengths and weaknesses is the first step in formulating a winning strategy against them. Knowing what they excel at and where they are vulnerable allows you to tailor your tactics to exploit those weaknesses and minimize their strengths.

Key Strategies to Counter Custodes: From Firepower to Maneuvers

So, how do we tackle these golden behemoths? Let's break down some key strategies. First and foremost, you need firepower. Custodes are tough, so you need weapons that can cut through their armor. High AP weapons, such as Lascannons, Plasma Cannons, and Melta weapons, are your friends. Focus fire is essential. Don't spread your shots around; concentrate your fire on one unit at a time to ensure you actually kill something. Custodes armies often rely on auras and buffs to enhance their units, so removing key units quickly can disrupt their synergy and weaken their overall force. Secondly, mobility is key. Custodes armies are generally slow-moving, so use this to your advantage. Outmaneuver them, flank them, and try to engage them on your terms. Fast-moving units, such as Bikes, Skimmers, and Transports, can be used to harass their flanks, capture objectives, and tie up their valuable units. Consider using units with the Fly keyword to bypass their lines and strike at their backfield. This can force them to react and potentially split their forces, making them more vulnerable.

Thirdly, hordes can be effective. While Custodes can shred individual units, they struggle against large numbers of enemies. Throwing waves of cheap units at them can tie them up in combat, preventing them from shooting and allowing your more powerful units to maneuver into better positions. Think of it as a swarm tactic; overwhelming them with bodies can be just as effective as brute force. Cheap infantry units, such as Guardsmen or Cultists, can be used to screen your more valuable units, absorb charges, and contest objectives. Finally, psychic powers can also be a valuable tool. While Custodes have some defenses against psychic powers, they aren't immune. Powers that debuff their stats, deal mortal wounds, or control the battlefield can be incredibly effective. Smite is always a reliable option for dealing mortal wounds, and powers that reduce their movement or prevent them from charging can further exploit their lack of mobility. The key is to combine these strategies. Don't rely on just one tactic; use a combination of firepower, mobility, hordes, and psychic powers to create a multi-faceted attack that the Custodes will struggle to counter.

Army-Specific Tactics: Exploiting Faction Strengths Against the Golden Host

Now, let's get down to specific army tactics. Each faction in Warhammer 40,000 has its own strengths and weaknesses, and understanding how to leverage those against Custodes is crucial. For example, if you're playing Astra Militarum, you'll want to lean into your horde potential. Guardsmen squads, supported by heavy weapons teams and tanks, can provide a wall of bodies and a hail of fire that even Custodes will struggle to ignore. Use orders to buff your units and focus fire on key targets. Catachan units, with their ability to advance and charge, can be particularly effective at tying up Custodes in melee combat. If you're fielding Chaos Space Marines, your access to powerful psychic powers and melee units can be a game-changer. Slaanesh units, with their speed and ability to fight twice in combat, can overwhelm Custodes in close quarters. Characters like Chaos Lords and Daemon Princes can be equipped with powerful weapons and psychic abilities to tear through even the toughest Custodes units. Use stratagems to disrupt their formations and exploit their weaknesses.

If you're leading the Orks, your hordes of Boyz and access to powerful vehicles can provide a significant advantage. Waaagh! is an excellent ability for getting your Boyz into combat quickly, and the sheer number of attacks they can generate can overwhelm even Custodes defenses. Vehicles like Deff Dreads and Killa Kans can provide heavy firepower, while Warbikers and Stormboyz can be used to outflank and harass the enemy. If you prefer the Aeldari, your speed and maneuverability are your greatest assets. Craftworlds armies can use their mobility to outmaneuver Custodes, while Drukhari armies can use their speed and deadly firepower to deliver devastating strikes. Harlequins, with their invulnerable saves and melee prowess, can be incredibly effective in close combat. If you are playing Necrons, your durable units and access to powerful shooting can make you a tough opponent for Custodes. Necron Warriors, with their reanimation protocols, can be incredibly difficult to kill, while Destroyers and Heavy Destroyers can provide the firepower needed to take down Custodes. C'tan Shards can also be devastating against Custodes, especially if they are equipped with powers that deal mortal wounds. These are just a few examples, but the key is to understand your army's strengths and use them to exploit Custodes' weaknesses. Tailor your list and your tactics to the specific matchup, and you'll be well on your way to victory.

Deployment and Positioning: Setting the Stage for Success Against Custodes

Deployment and positioning are absolutely critical when facing Custodes. Given their relatively slow movement speed, you can use the deployment phase to gain a significant advantage. Consider the terrain and how it will affect movement. Chokepoints can be used to funnel Custodes into kill zones, while open ground can be used to your advantage if you have a faster army. Deploy your units in a way that maximizes their strengths and minimizes their weaknesses. If you have units with long-range weapons, position them in a way that allows them to fire at the enemy from a safe distance. If you have melee units, position them in cover or behind screens to protect them from enemy fire. Screening units are essential when facing Custodes. Cheap infantry units can be used to absorb charges and protect your more valuable units from being targeted. This is especially important if you are facing a Custodes army that has a lot of melee power.

Consider the objectives when deploying your units. Custodes armies tend to be durable but slow, so they may struggle to capture objectives in the late game. Position your units in a way that allows you to control key objectives and deny them to the enemy. Use terrain to your advantage. Buildings, walls, and other terrain features can provide cover from enemy fire and create chokepoints that can be used to funnel the enemy into kill zones. Think about the potential lines of sight and how they will affect your shooting. Deploy your units in a way that allows them to see and shoot at the enemy while remaining in cover. Early game positioning is crucial. The first few turns can set the tone for the entire battle, so it's important to make sure your units are in the right place at the right time. Use your first few turns to maneuver your units into advantageous positions, secure objectives, and whittle down the enemy's forces. The goal is to create a situation where you have the upper hand going into the mid and late game. By carefully considering your deployment and positioning, you can gain a significant advantage over Custodes and increase your chances of victory. Remember, a well-planned deployment can make all the difference in a game against such a formidable foe.

Adapting Your Strategy: In-Game Flexibility Against Custodes Tactics

No battle plan survives contact with the enemy, guys. You need to be able to adapt your strategy on the fly. Custodes players are often skilled strategists, and they'll likely have a plan to counter your initial moves. Be prepared to adjust your tactics based on what's happening on the battlefield. If your initial plan isn't working, don't be afraid to change it. Move your units to different positions, target different units, or even switch to a completely different strategy. Flexibility is key to victory. Pay attention to the flow of the battle and identify opportunities as they arise. If the enemy is leaving a flank exposed, exploit it. If a key enemy unit is isolated, focus your fire on it. Look for openings and take advantage of them. Don't get bogged down in a rigid plan; be ready to adapt and react. Custodes armies often rely on synergies and buffs, so disrupting those can be a game-changer. Target units that are providing those buffs, or use stratagems to disrupt their formations. For example, a well-placed deep strike can force the Custodes player to react and potentially disrupt their plans.

Keep an eye on the objectives. Victory in Warhammer 40,000 is often determined by who controls the objectives, not by who kills the most enemies. Don't get so focused on killing Custodes that you forget about the objectives. Use your fast-moving units to capture objectives and deny them to the enemy. If you're facing a Custodes army that is heavily focused on melee combat, try to keep your distance and use your shooting to whittle them down. If you're facing a Custodes army that is heavily focused on shooting, use terrain and cover to protect your units and try to engage them in close combat. Always be thinking one or two steps ahead. What is the enemy likely to do next? How can you counter that? What are your long-term goals for the battle? By anticipating your opponent's moves and planning accordingly, you can stay one step ahead and increase your chances of victory. Adapting your strategy is an ongoing process. It's not something you do once at the beginning of the game; it's something you do throughout the entire battle. By being flexible and adaptable, you can overcome even the most challenging opponents, including the formidable Adeptus Custodes.

Defeating Custodes is a tough challenge, but it's definitely achievable. By understanding their strengths and weaknesses, employing the right strategies, and adapting to the flow of battle, you can emerge victorious against these golden warriors. Remember to focus fire, utilize mobility, leverage hordes if you have them, and exploit any psychic advantages. Good luck, commander, and may the Emperor (or the Chaos Gods, or the Greater Good, or the Waaagh!, or the Silent King, or whatever powers you serve) be with you! With the right tactics and a bit of cunning, you can definitely give those Custodes a run for their money. Now go out there and show them what you're made of! Remember, the key is to be adaptable, think strategically, and never give up. The tabletop battlefield is a dynamic environment, and the best commanders are those who can adapt and overcome any challenge. So, take these strategies, tailor them to your army and playstyle, and go forth to victory! ⚔️🔥