Warhammer 40k is a tabletop wargame that has been entertaining players for over 30 years. The game is known for its rich lore, intricate models, and detailed rulesets. One of the most important components of the game is the codex, which contains rules and lore for each of the game’s factions.
With so many codexes available, it can be difficult to determine which ones are the best. In this article, we will explore the top 10 0f the best codexes in Warhammer 40k, taking into account their competitiveness, lore, and overall enjoyment factor.
10) Eldar
The Eldar codex is all about mobility and finesse. With a range of fast and agile units, the Eldar can outmaneuver their opponents and strike from unexpected angles.
The Eldar Codex contains a wealth of information on the history, culture, and tactics of the Eldar. It includes 28 datasheets, covering the units that are available to an Eldar army, as well as Warlord Traits, Relics, and much more.
With this book in hand, Eldar armies are considered to be one of the most mobile and versatile in the game, with units like the Jetbikes and Wraithknights able to move quickly across the battlefield and strike at the enemy from unexpected angles.
9) Death Guard
The Death Guard codex is all about spreading disease and rot across the battlefield. With a range of tough and durable units, the Death Guard are a formidable force that can withstand even the toughest of opponents.
The Death Guard are an army of Chaos Space Marines who have pledged their allegiance to Nurgle, and as a result, they are heavily mutated and corrupted by the power of the Warp.
They are known for their resilience and durability, as well as their ability to spread diseases and plagues across the battlefield.
8) Tau
The Tau codex is all about using high-tech weapons to pick off your enemies from a distance. With powerful ranged weapons and a range of mobile units, the Tau are a challenging and rewarding faction to play.
Overall, the Tau Codex is an essential resource for any player looking to field a Tau army on the tabletop. It provides a wealth of information on the history and tactics of the Tau Empire, as well as rules and abilities that can help players dominate their opponents on the battlefield.
7) Imperial Guard
The Imperial Guard codex, also known as the Astra Militarum codex, is a supplement for the Warhammer 40,000 tabletop miniatures wargame. It contains the rules and army lists for the Imperial Guard faction, which is humanity’s first defense against the evils of the universe.
The 9th edition Astra Militarum codex was released on November 25, 2022 as part of the ‘Cadia Stands!’ Astra Militarum army set, after a two-week pre-order period. The standalone Astra Militarum codex was released on January 28, 2023, just over two months later.1
The Imperial Guard codex also contains detailed information on the various tactics and strategies that players can use to command their armies. This includes information on how to use infantry squads, armored vehicles, and artillery to best effect, as well as advice on how to coordinate attacks and defend against enemy assaults.
6) Orks
The Orks codex is all about having fun on the tabletop. With a range of wacky and hilarious units, the Orks are a great choice for players who want to enjoy the game without taking it too seriously.
The Orks are a race of brutal, warlike creatures that are driven by their desire for battle and conquest. The Ork Codex provides players with detailed information about the Orks, including their history, culture, and tactics. It also includes detailed rules for playing the Ork army in the game, including army selection, unit profiles, and special rules.
One of the most exciting aspects of the Ork Codex is the introduction of new units, such as the Beastboss on Squiggoth and the Kill Rig, as well as new rules for existing units like the Warboss and the Boyz. The book also includes a range of new relics, psychic powers, and Warlord Traits, allowing players to customize their armies in new and exciting ways.
5) Chaos Space Marines
The Chaos Space Marines codex is all about unleashing the power of the warp on your enemies. With a range of powerful psychic abilities and a range of terrifying units, the Chaos Space Marines are a force to be reckoned with.
The book is divided into several sections, each covering a different aspect of the Chaos Space Marines. It starts with an overview of the army, including its history, organization, and the different Legions that make up the Chaos Space Marines. It then moves on to the rules for playing the army in the game, including army selection, unit profiles, and special rules.
4) Tyranids
The Tyranid Codex is a book that provides rules and lore for playing the Tyranid army in the Warhammer 40k tabletop game. According to Warhammer Community, a new Tyranid Codex was released in April 2022 that brings updated datasheets, lore, and customization options like Hive Fleet Adaptations and Synaptic Imperatives.
The new Codex has received positive reviews and is said to be better than the previous edition, with new options and units to learn and adapt to. The Codex features the iconic Tyranid unit, the Hive Tyrant, on its cover. Can You Roll A Crit? describes the Tyranids as a monstrous xenos race of infinite number from outside the galaxy that continue their quest to devour the galaxy and strip worlds of all life to fund their gigantic hive fleets.
3) Adeptus Mechanicus
The Adeptus Mechanicus codex is a unique faction that combines the power of machines with the devotion of religious zealots. With powerful shooting and melee capabilities, the Adeptus Mechanicus are a versatile and deadly force.
powerful relics and stratagems that can be used to gain an advantage on the tabletop. Additionally, the Adeptus Mechanicus have a unique mechanic known as Canticles of the Omnissiah, which allow players to modify their army’s abilities and strengths as the game progresses.
2) Necrons
The Necrons codex is a relatively new addition to Warhammer 40k, but it has quickly become one of the most powerful and competitive codexes available. The Necrons are a race of ancient robotic beings that have recently awoken from a long slumber.
With a range of powerful weapons and durable units, the Necrons are a force to be reckoned with on the tabletop. The codex also includes a range of powerful dynasty rules that allow players to customize their army to suit their playstyle.
Additionally, the Necrons have a unique ability to reanimate fallen units, making them a challenging force to defeat.
1) Space Marines
The Space Marines codex is one of the most popular and well-known codexes in Warhammer 40k. It includes rules and lore for the Imperium’s most iconic soldiers, such as the Ultramarines, Blood Angels, and Space Wolves.
With a wide selection of unit options and powerful characters, the Space Marines are a versatile and deadly force on the tabletop. The codex also includes a range of powerful relics and stratagems that can be used to turn the tide of battle in your favor. Additionally, the Space Marines codex has a range of subfactions, each with its own unique rules, allowing players to customize their army to suit their playstyle.