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Astra Militarum

The Hammer of the Emperor - Massed Infantry, Artillery, and Armored Might

Faction Overview

The Astra Militarum, also known as the Imperial Guard, represents the largest fighting force in the Imperium of Man. Composed of countless billions of ordinary humans equipped with the best (and sometimes worst) equipment the Imperium can provide, the Astra Militarum wins wars through attrition, discipline, and overwhelming firepower.

Your guardsmen are individually weak compared to Space Marines or other elite factions, but when deployed en masse with supporting artillery and armor, they become an unstoppable force that can grind down any enemy.

Playstyle

Key Strengths:

  • Numbers: You can field more units than almost any other faction
  • Firepower: Artillery and tanks provide devastating long-range fire
  • Objective Control: More bodies mean better objective holding
  • Orders: Unique Orders system lets you buff units in key moments

Key Weaknesses:

  • Low Toughness: Guardsmen die easily to enemy fire
  • Poor Melee: Most units struggle in close combat
  • Leadership: Can suffer from morale issues if not properly supported
  • Target Saturation: With many units, prioritizing targets is crucial

Core Tactics for Newcomers

1. Master the Orders System

The Orders system is what makes the Astra Militarum flexible and dangerous. Always keep a Command Squad or Officer near your key units to issue orders. Essential orders for beginners:

  • First Rank Fire, Second Rank Fire: Double shots from lasguns - devastating against hordes
  • Move! Move! Move!: Advance and charge - useful for grabbing objectives
  • Take Aim! Re-roll 1s to hit - perfect for heavy weapons teams
  • Fix Bayonets! Useful if you get caught in melee and need to fight back

2. Screen Your Valuable Units

Your artillery, tanks, and heavy weapon teams are your most valuable assets - but they're also vulnerable to being charged or flanked. Use cheap infantry squads as screens:

  • Place 10-man infantry squads in front of your tanks
  • Use conscripts (if you have them) as disposable screens
  • Keep at least one unit between your artillery and enemy assault units
  • Consider sentinels for forward screening and objective grabbing

3. Use Terrain Effectively

Your guardsmen are fragile. Terrain is your friend:

  • Deploy infantry squads in cover whenever possible
  • Use ruins to block line of sight to your tanks
  • Position heavy weapons where they have good fields of fire but are protected
  • Consider building your army with terrain placement in mind during deployment

Recommended Starter Units

Infantry Squad

Why: The backbone of your army. Cheap, numerous, and great for objectives and screening.

Tip: Give them a heavy weapon if points allow - missile launchers are versatile.

Company Commander

Why: Issues orders that make your infantry deadly. Essential for any Astra Militarum army.

Tip: Keep them behind your lines but within range of key units.

Heavy Weapon Squad

Why: Cheap firepower. Missile launchers or lascannons give you anti-tank capability.

Tip: Deploy in cover and use "Take Aim!" orders for reliability.

Leman Russ Battle Tank

Why: The iconic Astra Militarum tank. Tough, versatile, and packs a punch.

Tip: The Battle Cannon is great for general use. Consider sponsons for extra firepower.

Sentinel

Why: Fast, cheap, and great for scouting, objective grabbing, and screening.

Tip: Armored Sentinels are more durable, Scout Sentinels get pre-game move.

Basilisk

Why: Artillery that can hit enemies anywhere on the board. Great for softening up targets.

Tip: Keep it out of line of sight. Use the indirect fire capability to your advantage.

Sample 1000 Point Starter List

BATTALION DETACHMENT

HQ:

Company Commander (Power Sword, Plasma Pistol) - 60 pts

Platoon Commander (Bolt Pistol, Chainsword) - 30 pts

TROOPS:

Infantry Squad x10 (Sergeant with Plasma Pistol, Missile Launcher) - 85 pts

Infantry Squad x10 (Sergeant with Plasma Pistol, Missile Launcher) - 85 pts

Infantry Squad x10 (Sergeant with Bolt Pistol, Flamer) - 75 pts

ELITES:

Ogryn Bodyguard x3 (Fists of the Imperium, Bullgryn Plate) - 105 pts

FAST ATTACK:

Armored Sentinel (Plasma Cannon) - 80 pts

HEAVY SUPPORT:

Heavy Weapon Squad x3 (Lascannons) - 90 pts

Heavy Weapon Squad x3 (Mortars) - 60 pts

Leman Russ Battle Tank (Battle Cannon, 2x Heavy Bolter Sponsons, Storm Bolter) - 230 pts

TOTAL: 1000 pts

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Mistake: Spreading your units too thin
    Solution: Concentrate your firepower. Focus on one enemy unit at a time.
  • Mistake: Forgetting to use Orders
    Solution: Orders are the Astra Militarum's greatest asset. Make using them a habit.
  • Mistake: Moving heavy weapons when they should stay still
    Solution: Know your weapon types. Heavy weapons suffer penalties to hit if you advance.
  • Mistake: Not screening your tanks/artillery
    Solution: Always keep infantry between your valuable units and enemy assault forces.
  • Mistake: Underestimating enemy melee units
    Solution: Guardsmen are terrible in melee. Kill or avoid dedicated assault units before they reach you.

Ready to Learn More?

Check out our battle reports to see Astra Militarum tactics in action!

View Astra Militarum Battle Report Back to Faction Guides