Discover the hidden unit redefining Emperor’s Children in Warhammer 40K. See why it’s becoming a must-have choice in competitive lists.
The Emperor’s Children have long been considered a “solved” army in Warhammer 40K. Since their codex release, their limited range of units has pushed competitive players toward highly predictable list-building. While the Sons of Fulgrim have always packed a punch, their meta archetypes rarely shifted—until recently.
The Fall of the Old Emperor’s Children Staples
For months, two units defined Emperor’s Children lists: Noise Marines and Winged Daemon Princes. Together, they accounted for half of most competitive rosters. Noise Marines provided devastating shooting and objective control, while Daemon Princes offered mobility, melee threat, and crucial buffs.
But after heavy points nerfs, the faction’s foundation began to shake. Noise Marines remain valuable in three squads of six, but the Winged Daemon Prince has lost its auto-include status. Into this void, a surprising contender has risen.
Enter the Maulerfiend: Emperor’s Children’s New Secret Weapon
The Maulerfiend is quickly cementing itself as one of the best value picks in Emperor’s Children lists. Unlike most of the faction’s fragile glass-cannon units, the Maulerfiend brings a durable platform and serious melee output that synergizes perfectly with Emperor’s Children detachment rules.
Why the Maulerfiend Works So Well
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Durability: T10, 12 wounds, a 3+ save, and a 5+ invulnerable save make it much tougher than most Emperor’s Children options.
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Speed & Threat Range: A natural 10-inch move, plus permanent advance and charge, ensures it applies pressure every turn.
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Melee Power: Six attacks at Strength 14, AP -2, and D6+1 damage, with easy access to +1 to hit rolls.
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Efficiency: At just 130 points, it costs less than a squad of Noise Marines while hitting nearly as hard as Fulgrim himself.
Fulgrim or Three Maulerfiends?
Competitive players are beginning to ask the question: why bring a single centerpiece like Fulgrim, who often struggles with terrain and survivability, when you can field nearly three Maulerfiends for the same investment?
Three daemon engines on the battlefield create multiple must-answer threats that force opponents to spread their firepower thin. This flexibility is exactly what the Emperor’s Children competitive meta has been missing.
The Future of Emperor’s Children Lists
With their durability, speed, and efficiency, expect to see Maulerfiends becoming a staple in Emperor’s Children rosters going forward. In fact, running two (or even three) may soon become the competitive norm, redefining how the faction is played in Warhammer 40K’s evolving meta.
If you’re building for the best Chaos army in 40K, don’t overlook the Maulerfiend. Whether you’re refining a competitive Emperor’s Children list or just looking to dominate your local scene, this unit is quickly proving itself as a must-have.
Husband, Florida State Seminole, and fan of all things grimdark, sometimes even winning a game or two.
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