What Is Combat Patrol: Adeptus Custodes?
Combat Patrol: Adeptus Custodes is Games Workshop's entry-level box for the Emperor's golden-armoured bodyguard in Warhammer 40,000. Priced at £105, it gives you 14 elite miniatures — each worth more on the table than a whole squad from most other factions. Custodes are one of the smallest-model-count armies in 40k, so every miniature here genuinely matters.
Box Contents: What Do You Get?
- 1x Blade Champion — a fast duelist warlord who excels at hunting enemy characters
- 3x Allarus Custodians — Terminator-equivalent shock troops with deep strike capability
- 5x Custodian Guard — standard Custodians with guardian spears; each worth several Space Marines in combat
- 5x Custodian Wardens — a defensive variant of the Custodian Guard with different wargear options
Playstyle: How Do Adeptus Custodes Play?
Custodes are a true elite army: few models, each fighting like ten Space Marines. They are slow, heavily armoured, and devastating in melee. Key mechanics:
- 2+ armour plus invulnerable saves — Custodians shrug off firepower that would delete other elite infantry.
- Blade Champion: Mobile duelist — ideal for killing enemy characters or carving through elite squads.
- Allarus Wächter: Deep strike behind enemy lines to break key targets or lock down objectives.
- Guard vs Wardens: Guard are more offensive; Wardens are more durable. Mix based on mission type.
The challenge is model count. Losing a single Custodian is significant. Screen carefully, control your deep strike timing, and never expose your elites to focused fire.
Value: Is the Custodes Combat Patrol Worth It?
At £105, this box is excellent value. Allarus Custodians and Custodian Guard kits are among GW's more expensive infantry individually. For new Custodes players, this box contains exactly the units needed to learn the faction.
Recommended Paints for Adeptus Custodes
- Retributor Armour spray for the gold base coat
- Reikland Fleshshade for warm gold shading
- Liberator Gold for edge highlights
- Mephiston Red or Khorne Red for cloaks
- Leadbelcher for weapon shafts and metal details
Growing Your Custodes Army
Natural next steps: a Shield-Captain for additional HQ options, more Allarus Custodians for deep strike saturation, or Vertus Praetors (jetbike cavalry) for fast objective coverage. Custodes armies stay small — you'll never need dozens of boxes for a competitive list.
See all Combat Patrol factions in our Warhammer 40k Combat Patrol complete guide.