Discover the most cost-effective Warhammer 40K units. These bargain picks deliver maximum value on the tabletop without breaking your points budget.
Warhammer 40K is a game defined by its best units. One strong datasheet can completely change how an army or faction is played, and having the right rules paired with the right points cost is what separates good units from truly great ones.
The game has shifted in recent weeks after updates to both rules and points. Based on a mix of competitive data and the “eye test” from games being played, these are some of the best bargain units in Warhammer 40K that consistently punch well above their weight.
(Note: this isn’t an absolute ranking, but rather our perspective on which units offer the most value right now. There are dozens of armies and hundreds of units, so take this as guidance, not gospel.)
Plagueburst Crawler (210 Points)
Indirect fire is simply too strong at the moment, and Plagueburst Crawlers are one of the clearest examples of that fact. Death Guard lists often run them in trios, and it’s easy to see why.
The PBC dishes out reliable long-range damage with AP-1 weaponry, and when you add in debuffs that worsen an enemy’s save and toughness by one, they become brutally efficient. On top of that, a 2+ armor save and an invulnerable save make them incredibly resilient. For Death Guard players, PBCs offer a safe, dependable way to pressure opponents without exposing major weaknesses.
Daemon Prince of Slaanesh with Wings (Emperor’s Children) – 200 Points
While this unit no longer dominates the tabletop the way it once did, the Daemon Prince of Slaanesh is still one of the strongest bargain picks in Chaos.
It offers a free, upgraded version of Tank Shock that almost guarantees 4+ mortal wounds on a charge, while also reducing incoming damage by one. Even with a points increase, this model would still bring solid value. Whether run alone or as part of a larger Emperor’s Children detachment, the Daemon Prince remains a dangerous utility piece.
Gargoyles (75 or 140 Points)
Tyranids may be struggling overall, but Gargoyles prove that bargain units can carry a faction. At their cost, they provide some of the best utility in the game.
Their ability to shoot and then move makes them excellent for harassment, board control, and objective play. Few units at this price point bring the same mix of speed, flexibility, and role-filling utility. For Tyranids players, Gargoyles are often the glue that holds a list together.
Knight Abominant (355 Points)
The Knight Abominant took a small hit when fielded in multiples, but it remains one of the strongest knight options for its cost.
With 12 ranged shots at damage 3 (and access to Devastating Wounds), its shooting output is remarkable for the price. Add in solid melee presence and synergy with other factions’ auras—particularly Death Guard’s -1 save aura—and you have a centerpiece model that’s still priced aggressively for what it does.
Nurglings (40 Points)
If you’ve got 40 points left in a Chaos list, Nurglings are almost always the answer. Cheap, surprisingly durable, and loaded with tricks like Infiltrate and Deep Strike, they’re the quintessential filler unit.
Nurglings aren’t glamorous, but they’re effective. They show up in more Chaos lists than almost any other unit at their cost, and for good reason.
Tormentors (85 Points)
Tormentors give Emperor’s Children an absurdly efficient package: Infiltrate, sticky objectives, and precision meltaguns. For just 85 points, that combination is hard to beat.
Almost every Emperor’s Children list includes them, which says more than theorycrafting ever could. Cheap, dangerous, and utility-driven, Tormentors embody what a true bargain unit looks like.
Cultist Mob (50 points)
Sticky objectives, 10 OC, and cheap. What more could you want from a back-line unit that lives to complete secondary objectives and die?
Belisarius Cawl (175 Points)
Cawl might be one of the best deals in the game right now. For just 175 points, Adeptus Mechanicus players get access to a mini version of Oath of the Moment—a rule that most armies would gladly pay far more for.
Add in his combat utility and additional buffs, and you’re looking at a character who is practically mandatory in many Ad Mech builds. Cawl’s value isn’t subtle—it’s overwhelming.
Final Thoughts
Warhammer 40K is full of incredible units, and what counts as a “bargain” changes with every balance update. These picks represent some of the most cost-effective and impactful units right now, but that doesn’t mean they’re the only ones worth mentioning. Every faction has hidden gems that can swing games when played correctly.
At the end of the day, bargain units aren’t just about being cheap—they’re about delivering more than their cost would suggest. Whether you’re looking to optimize your competitive lists or just stretch your points further, these units are some of the best ways to get value on the tabletop.
What do you think? Did we miss a unit that you’d put in the bargain category? Drop a comment and let us know—and stay tuned to Blades and Bolts for more Warhammer 40K guides, breakdowns, and meta insights.
Husband, Florida State Seminole, and fan of all things grimdark, sometimes even winning a game or two.
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