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Thousand Sons

Rubric Marines and Sorcerers of Tzeentch - Masters of the Arcane

Faction Overview

The Thousand Sons are a Traitor Legion dedicated to Tzeentch, the Changer of Ways. Once loyal Space Marines, they were corrupted by the powers of the Warp and now seek to unravel reality itself through arcane knowledge and sorcery.

What makes the Thousand Sons unique is their overwhelming focus on psychic powers. Led by powerful Sorcerers and supported by the automaton-like Rubric Marines, they manipulate the battlefield through spells while maintaining disciplined shooting formations.

Playstyle

Key Strengths:

  • Psychic Dominance: More psykers and more powerful spells than most factions
  • Durable Shooting: Rubric Marines have 2 wounds each and AP-2 bolters
  • Armor of Contempt: Excellent invulnerable saves against mortal wounds
  • Objective Secured: Rubric Marines have ObSec, making them great objective holders
  • Cabal of Sorcerers: Combine psychic powers for devastating effects

Key Weaknesses:

  • Poor Melee: Most units struggle in close combat
  • Psychic Focus: Over-reliance on psykers can be exploited by anti-psychic armies
  • Low Model Count: Tend to have fewer bodies than horde armies
  • Complexity: Managing multiple psykers and spells has a steep learning curve

Core Tactics for Newcomers

1. Master Psychic Disciplines

Thousand Sons have access to multiple psychic disciplines. Learn what each does and when to use them:

  • Change: Buffs and debuffs - "Weaver of Fates" gives invulnerable saves
  • Time: Movement and repositioning - "Doombolt" is a powerful shooting attack
  • Tzeentch: Defensive and utility - "Tzeentch's Firestorm" hits multiple units
  • Duplicitous: Deception and tricks - "Infernal Gateway" can teleport units
  • Geomortis: Control and manipulation - "Psychic Shackles" slows enemy movement

2. Use Rubric Marines Effectively

Rubric Marines are the backbone of your army. They're more durable than they look:

  • 2 wounds each makes them surprisingly resilient
  • Inferno Bolts have AP-2 - great against power armor
  • They have Objective Secured - perfect for holding objectives
  • Consider 10-man squads for maximum durability and firepower
  • Add an Icon of Flame for re-rolls of 1 to wound

3. Screen Your Psykers

Your Sorcerers are valuable but vulnerable. Protect them:

  • Keep Rubric Marines between your Sorcerers and enemy assault units
  • Consider using Scarab Occult Terminators as bodyguards
  • Use psychic powers like "Weaver of Fates" to give them invulnerable saves
  • Position them so they can see targets but are behind cover
  • Don't expose them unnecessarily - they're too valuable to lose early

Recommended Starter Units

Rubric Marines

Why: Core troops. 2 wounds each, AP-2 shooting, and Objective Secured.

Tip: Run 10-man squads with an Icon of Flame for maximum effectiveness.

Sorcerer

Why: Essential HQ. Provides psychic powers and buffs your army.

Tip: Give them a Staff of Change and Discipline of Change for versatility.

Scarab Occult Terminators

Why: Elite infantry. Tough, good in shooting and melee, and can deep strike.

Tip: Great for dropping onto objectives or supporting your main line.

Tzaangors

Why: Cheap screening and objective control. Better in melee than Rubrics.

Tip: Use 10-20 man squads to screen your more valuable units.

Defiler

Why: Versatile vehicle. Good shooting, decent in melee, and has a psychic power.

Tip: The Defiler can Smite, making it a mobile psyker platform.

Infernal Master

Why: Specialized HQ that enhances your Rubric Marines' shooting.

Tip: The "Sorcerous Facade" lets Rubrics shoot after advancing.

Sample 1000 Point Starter List

BATTALION DETACHMENT

HQ:

Sorcerer (Staff of Change, Force Stave, Discipline of Change) - 90 pts

Infernal Master (Force Stave) - 80 pts

TROOPS:

Rubric Marines x10 (Aspiring Sorcerer with Force Stave, Icon of Flame) - 140 pts

Rubric Marines x10 (Aspiring Sorcerer with Force Stave, Icon of Flame) - 140 pts

Tzaangors x10 (Icon of Enlightenment) - 60 pts

ELITES:

Scarab Occult Terminators x5 (Sorcerer in Terminator Armour, 2x Heavy Warpflamers) - 180 pts

HEAVY SUPPORT:

Rubric Marines x5 (Aspiring Sorcerer, Soulreaper Cannon) - 100 pts

Defiler (Reaper Autocannon, Twin Heavy Flamer) - 170 pts

TOTAL: 1010 pts

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Mistake: Trying to cast too many powers
    Solution: Focus on key powers each turn. Buffs like Weaver of Fates and Doombolt are usually reliable choices.
  • Mistake: Exposing your Sorcerers
    Solution: Keep them behind Rubric Marines. Use screening units. A dead Sorcerer is wasted points.
  • Mistake: Forgetting Armor of Contempt
    Solution: Your units ignore AP-1 and get 4+ invulnerable saves against mortal wounds. This makes them tougher than they look.
  • Mistake: Running too few Rubric Marines
    Solution: 5-man squads die too easily. 10-man squads are more durable and put out more firepower.
  • Mistake: Charging with Rubric Marines
    Solution: Rubrics are terrible in melee. Keep them shooting. Use Tzaangors or Scarabs if you need melee units.

Ready to See Thousand Sons in Action?

Check out our battle report where Thousand Sons face off against Orks!

View Battle Report Back to Faction Guides