While much is still subject to change with the upcoming dataslate and official points release, it isn’t too early to see how the Leagues of Votann will shift in Warhammer 40k.
Based on the new rules previews and early datasheet leaks, it’s already clear that the Kin will look very different once their new codex arrives. Here are the three units most changed by the update.
Einhyr Hearthguard – From Rock to Fragile
This is the most obvious—and disappointing—change to any single unit in the book. The Einhyr Hearthguard, once a staple of the meta, are about to fall hard.
Their toughness dropped for unclear reasons, bringing them down to T5, the same as Hearthkyn Warriors. They still keep two wounds, but now trail behind many Terminator equivalents in a meta stacked with damage 2 weapons.
The once-crucial -1 to wound ability changed into an AP buff. That helps offset nerfs to grenade launchers and the new army rule, but it does little to make up for the lost toughness. Defensively, Hearthguard went from stone walls to brittle twigs.
Offensively, the picture is mixed. Volkites gained range. Grenade launchers dropped from D6 to D3 shots. Plasma guns finally became a real choice with rapid fire, but at the cost of overall volume. In melee, Concussion gauntlets lost a point of strength, making them no better than standard power fists.
Overall change: Massive nerf. Plasma guns might find a role in close range, but that leaves Hearthguard dangerously exposed.
Ûthar the Destined – A Must-Take Leader
Ûthar shifts from “solid option” to “must-take” thanks to the new army rules.
The Leagues of Votann lost the CP boost they once enjoyed under Oathband. Ûthar’s new datasheet ability helps fix this. Like other named characters across factions, he lets nearby units reduce the CP cost of stratagems.
It isn’t as thematic as his old “damage reduction” gimmick, but in an army starved for CP, it’s crucial.
Overall change: Buff. Ûthar is now a near auto-include for competitive lists.
Brôkhyr Thunderkyn – Fresh Firepower
The Thunderkyn sit in a strange spot. They lost a wound, but kept their toughness, and their unit rule switched from 5+ Overwatch to strips cover. On paper, that’s a downgrade—but the weapon changes tell another story.
- Bolt cannons gained sustained hits 2.
- Graviton blast cannons dropped random D6 shots for blast with flat damage, anti-vehicle/monster bonuses, and steady output.
- SP conversion beamers gained shots, lethal hits, and now score lethal on 4+.
The conversion beamer loadout looks especially deadly. A six-model squad in a Land Fortress can unleash 12 shots with lethal and sustained hits on 4s, -2 AP, and 3 damage each. That makes them both versatile and threatening.
Overall change: Buff. The Thunderkyn may now be the tankiest infantry unit in the army, while also laying down serious ranged firepower.
Final Thoughts
The Leagues of Votann are changing in dramatic ways. The Hearthguard feel gutted, Ûthar rises as a resourceful leader, and the Thunderkyn step up as versatile killers.
As a Votann player, I’m cautiously optimistic. The army’s identity may shift, but change keeps Warhammer 40k fresh. Once the codex drops, we’ll know whether these rules create a balanced, competitive faction—or leave the Kin struggling.
Have you seen the codex release yet? Which unit excites or disappoints you the most? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and check out our earlier breakdown of the Votann rules for more details.
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Husband, Florida State Seminole, and fan of all things grimdark, sometimes even winning a game or two.
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