See why Death Guard are set to keep dominating the 40K meta. Explore their strengths, strategies, and why players bet on Nurgle’s finest.
Games Workshop is no stranger to creating factions that feel overtuned in Warhammer 40K. Over the years, we’ve seen stretches where one army clearly rises above the rest, making balance an ongoing struggle. Unfortunately, it feels like we may not have seen anything quite like what the Death Guard are doing right now.
Death Guard Are the Top Army in Warhammer 40K
Currently, Death Guard are without much doubt the best army in the game. Knights—both Imperial and Chaos—might give them some competition, but Mortarion’s sons appear poised to dominate for months to come.
This became especially clear after the recent emergency points changes. While Games Workshop attempted to curb their strength, the adjustments barely slowed them down. Death Guard lists lost a few units here and there, but the core of their power remains untouched.
Why Points Hikes Haven’t Stopped Death Guard
The issue lies in their rules. Even with fewer units, Death Guard armies remain brutally effective.
Take the Plagueburst Crawler (PBC), for example. Despite a points increase, most armies struggle to deal with three of these on the table. Indirect fire that can benefit from saves at -1 and lower enemy toughness is devastating. Two PBCs can erase a chaff unit every turn, while three threaten to delete nearly anything—anywhere on the board.
And PBCs are only part of the problem.
Vehicles That Outperform the Field
Death Guard vehicles are simply unmatched right now:
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Foetid Bloat-Drones still deal massive ranged damage at just 120 points.
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Myphitic Blight-Haulers put out frightening firepower up close.
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All of these vehicles come with invulnerable saves, making them both durable and deadly.
Even if point costs rise again, Death Guard can easily pivot to Predators—another strong option that has been consistently viable throughout 10th Edition.
Infantry and Objective Play Remain Elite
It’s not just vehicles. Plague Marines remain excellent for objective play, combining resilience with close-range damage. Their ability to fight first only adds to their effectiveness.
Then there are the Deathshroud Terminators—arguably the most dangerous unit in the book.
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At 160 points for three (320 for six), they’re pricey but worth it.
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With T7, 4 wounds, and a 6-inch Deep Strike option, they’re tougher than ever.
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Their strike profile hits hard (4A, S8, AP-2, D2), while their sweep profile clears hordes (8A, S4, AP-1, D1).
These units combine durability, flexibility, and sheer killing power in a way few factions can match, and all Death Guard really need is one big blob of Deathshroud to tie you up while PBCs rain down destruction from a distance, and the rest is history.
Death Guard Detachments Are Packed With Power
On top of incredible datasheets, Death Guard also boast some of the strongest detachments in Warhammer 40K. Their stratagems and enhancements are so impactful that other factions would consider them auto-includes. This layered strength makes the faction extremely adaptable—even when points shift.
The Future of the Meta Belongs to Death Guard
Even after the emergency dataslate, it’s hard to imagine another army dethroning Death Guard any time soon. Unless Knights rise up in a big way, Mortarion and his sons look set to enjoy their time in the spotlight for the foreseeable future.
The Death Guard aren’t just strong—they’re oppressive, durable, and flexible. And that’s a dangerous combination for the rest of the Warhammer 40K community.
Final Thoughts
Death Guard are shaping the 10th Edition meta like no other faction. Their mix of resilient vehicles, lethal infantry, and powerful stratagems keeps them at the top despite Games Workshop’s attempts to slow them down. For now, they remain the army to beat.
What do you think—are Death Guard truly unstoppable, or will another faction rise to challenge them? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation!
Husband, Florida State Seminole, and fan of all things grimdark, sometimes even winning a game or two.
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