Warhammer 40,000 weapons, equipment and vehicles

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Within the Warhammer 40,000 fictional universe, some races use weapons and equipment similar to that used by the Imperium, while others use radically different tools.

Contents

[edit] General terms

[edit] Combi-weapons

A combi-weapon is a portmanteau of the English words "combination" and "weapon". In the Warhammer 40,000 game rules, it is used to refer to a special type of weapon which is actually a fusion of two weapons, one usually the most common ranged weapon for the particular faction. For example, a Space Marine combi-plasma would be a combination of a bolter and a plasma gun while an Ork kombi weapon might be a combination of an Ork shoota and a rokkit launcha. This is similar to the way a modern day M-16 Assault Rifle could have an M203 grenade launcher attached to it.

In the second edition of the Warhammer 40,000 rules, combi-weapons had unlimited ammunition. Either weapon could be fired as many times as possible in a single game, and both weapons could even be fired simultaneously (with a slight decrease in accuracy).[1] With the release of the Warhammer 40,000 3rd edition ruleset, combi-weapons were toned down. Instead of having an unlimited number of shots, only the main weapon could be fired any number of times. The other weapon could only be fired once per game. Also, they could no longer be fired simultaneously.[2]

[edit] Master-crafted weapons

A master-crafted weapon is a type of weapon in the Warhammer 40,000 tabletop game. It is used to describe any weapon that is of particularly higher-quality than others of its kind, for example an ornate sword or a specially-made gun. In game terms, it essentially gives the bearer a greater chance of hitting an opponent with the master-crafted weapon.[2]

[edit] Chaos Forces

Chaos Space Marines are predominantly equipped with older versions of the weaponry wielded by normal (Loyalist) Space Marines, with some exceptions. Since they were separated from further technological development by the Imperium at the time of the Heresy, Chaos Space Marines do not use post-Heresy weapons such as Storm Bolters (although they have their equivalant), Assault Cannons, Whirlwind tanks, Land Raider Crusaders or Land Speeders.

Use of Plasma Cannons, Storm Bolters, and Multi-Meltas is uncommon. These were rare at the time of the Horus Heresy or captured in small amounts from loyalist Marines. Some Space Marines have defected to the Ruinous Powers since the Horus Heresy, taking their weapons with them (e.g. Red Corsairs Chapter).

To compensate for their technological gap, they utilise the help of daemons and dark magic. This has led to the development of vehicles such as the Defiler, a massive spider-like fusion of daemon and machine.

Certain Chaos Space Marines (such as the Emperor's Children) are noted for their use of sonic weaponry, which uses powerful sound waves to inflict damage.

In the Chaos forges many variations of the existing weapons are fabricated with daemonic powers. One such example is the Kai Gun, a supremely powerful bolter too large and heavy for a man to lift. The Kai Gun fires bolter shells equivalent in power to the plasma rounds used by the Tau.

Renegade Imperial Guardsmen are usually equipped with weaponry identical to their loyal counterparts, as they bring their weapons with them when they turn renegade.

It is worth noting that Chaos worship is not specific to humans, and many alien races have members who worship Chaos as well. These aliens also utilise their own weaponry. The best known of these are the Loxatl, lizard-like creatures who use exotic weapons such as torso-mounted flechette launchers.

[edit] Vehicles

The forces of Chaos have access to some of the vehicles used by the Imperium. These are those designs that they had when the Horus Heresy occurred and that they took with them into the Eye of Terror, which means they do not have access to vehicles that were, in the game background, discovered after the 31st millennium.

Some of the Space Marine vehicles that are available to Chaos Space Marine armies include the Rhino, Predator, Dreadnoughts, and the Land Raider. In addition to these iconic Space Marine vehicles, Chaos forces also have access to heavily-modified bikes. There are also a few vehicles that are only available to Chaos armies.[3]

[edit] Defiler

The Defiler is a six-legged war machine used by Chaos armies in the Warhammer 40,000 tabletop game. A fusion of daemonic entity, machinery and weaponry, it is armed with a battlecannon, heavy flamers and a reaper autocannon in addition to its two massive, crab-like claws.[3]

[edit] War engines

In siege situations and in massive battles, the forces of Chaos bring out their war machines. These are a daemonic fusion of technology and magic.

[edit] Khorne

[edit] Brass Scorpion

The Khorne Brass Scorpions are dangerous monsters of metal, daemonically enfused, allowing the metal to become living, moving with ease as if organic. They are armed with enormous assault cannons.

[edit] Doomblaster

Mounting four daemonic cannons, the Doom Blasters are squat, wheeled daemonic artillery pieces that rumble to battle and await the command to fire their quad of gigantic mortars.

[edit] Blood Reaper

A dark creation of vile ingenuity, the Blood Reaper is a wheeled monster that towers over its targets, and bristling with turrets that spit death to those foolish enough to come close. Its design somewhat resembles a morbidly decorated siege tower.

[edit] Lord Of Battle

The Lord of Battles is a huge construct dedicated to Khorne, much larger than other daemon-engines. It resembles a great beast or gargoyle of solid steel and brass alloys, mounted on a wheeled chassis, and actually contains such a greater daemon bound within it, as a power and driving force. It howls with savage joy as it crashes into the enemy with immense guns blazing. Its tank-sized Chainfist or Hellblade is easily capable of chopping down most opponents, though the Lord of Battles thirst for war is never truly quenched, even by a veritable mountain of dead foes. It also fields a hellstorm cannon, an assault cannon variant, or a doomburner, which sprays gallons of molten brass.

[edit] Cannon of Khorne

The Cannons of Khorne are deadly wheeled monsters of metal, far larger than typical artillery, each bound to the power of pure warp energy, and each of which fires a gout of molten brass towards the enemy.

[edit] Cauldron of Blood

Rumbling into combat, the Cauldrons of Blood are a testament to the Blood God's murderous ideals. The Khorne Cauldrons of Blood are not completely daemonic but instead rely on a crew of Cultists loyal only to Khorne. They mount a huge open-topped vat of the boiling blood of daemons (so being composed of raw immaterium) which they fire in jets via a grotesque skull-faced pump.

[edit] Nurgle

[edit] Contagion of Nurgle

The main weapon of the Contagion is the plague catapult, a huge armament which bombards the enemy with chunks of Chaos-saturated stone, clusters of decaying corpses and other disease-infested filth. When these vile bombs impact they spray ichor and infected debris across a wide area. The pestilential aura that surrounds the site of these bombardments fills the air with corruption and the malaise of Nurgle's Rot spreads across the battlefield. Those who survive the initial attack soon contract a variety of virulent diseases. Their wounds turn gangrenous and they die swiftly, wracked with pain.

[edit] Plague Tower

The massive mortars of the Nurgle Plague Tower blast the foe apart as its ramshackle frame trundles across the battlefield, crushing everything in its path. Inside its protective walls, the determined followers of Nurgle howl their praises to the Lord of Plagues before launching their purulent charge.

[edit] Plaguereaper

The Plaguereaper is a mutated Baneblade Super Heavy Tank dedicated to Nurgle. Its main weapon is the Pus Cannon, which is able to completely melt enemy infantry (but not armored vehicles).

[edit] Tzeentch

[edit] Fire Lord

Many of the servants of Tzeentch possess the gift of flight to some extent. The strange Daemonic flyers of Tzeentch are no exception. The Firelord is a large Bomber, nobody knows for sure if the machine is piloted by a traditional pilot or demonic entity. It is armed with bombs and warpfire thrower.

[edit] Silver Towers of Tzeentch

The Silver Towers of Tzeentch are an unnerving sight on the battlefield. The silent elegant towers float through the air while raining a silent death of Warpfire upon the enemy.

[edit] Doomwing

The Doomwing is a smaller interceptor. As deadly and maneuverable as an Eldar fighter these machines are a dreaded throughout the sectors near the Eye of Terror.

[edit] Disc of Tzeentch

This circular item is host to a daemon of tzeentch that allows a rider when mounted on it to hover a few feet off the ground. This allows the user to cast spells over friendly units and if needed escape from the enemy. However in game terms the disc cannot hold a model in terminator armor.

[edit] Slaanesh

[edit] Hell Knight

The Hell Knight was a heavy walker with one purpose to its creation. Styled in Slaanesh designs it appears to be a mockery of the Eldar knights which were small one man titans. It was armed primarily with the castigator cannon, a gatling gun style cannon designed to mow down infantry.

[edit] Questor

The Questor gallops towards its foe with its long, powerful legs, the daemonic spirits inside chattering and screaming with the sensations that battle brings. As the Castigator cannons are brought to bear, these shrieks turn to howls of elation as the foe are pummelled into dust by an unceasing torrent of shells.

[edit] Subjugator

The Subjugator embodies the essence of Slaanesh: lithe, swift and deadly. Its Hellslicers rip apart foes many times its own size while the psychically-charged cannon leave a trail of charred wrecks and ashen corpses wherever they are fired.

[edit] Hellscourge

Like the Hell knight, the Hell Scourge was a heavy walker with one purpose. Styled in Slaanesh designs it appears to be a mockery of the Eldar knights, small one man titans. It was armed with a thermal lance, to destroy enemy tanks and armour.

[edit] Hell Strider

Similar in design to the Eldar war walker, allows its one crew member to stride above the battlefield on robotic legs. Armed with anti vehicle weaponry in each shoulder mount

[edit] Eldar

Main article: Weapons, equipment and vehicles of the Craftworld Eldar (Warhammer 40,000)

[edit] Dark Eldar

See the Dark Eldar main page for more information.

[edit] Imperium

The Imperium of Man is represented by several armies in Warhammer 40,000. Most weapons and equipment are common across the different armies of the Imperium.

[edit] Vehicles

While weapons and equipment are generally uniform and widespread throughout the forces of the Imperium, each army and/or faction usually has access to specific vehicles that are usually fielded by that particular army.

This includes vehicles used by the forces of the Imperium, such as the Inquisition's Witch Hunters and Daemonhunters, the Adeptus Arbites and the Adeptus Mechanicus. In addition, this list covers the aircraft used by the Imperial Navy.

The Vehicles of the Imperium article is a comprehensive list of the vehicles used by the Imperial Guard.

The Vehicles of the Space Marines article is a comprehensive list of the vehicles used by the various chapters of Imperial Space Marines.

[edit] Orks

The Orks are one the most widespread races in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. It is a mystery to the Imperium, and to most other intelligent civilizations, how these primitive, savage and bloodthirsty aliens have managed to spread to almost every corner of the known Galaxy. Orks are thought to have been genetically engineered for warfare by an extremely old and extinct race (possibly the Old Ones), owing to their tendencies for combat.[4]

Their weaponry is crude in build, but very effective, with very little to no standardization. A weapon or vehicle's name is determined by its use, rather than any specific configuration. The Ork Slugga, for example, is any gun an Ork can fire with one hand, typically a stolen Imperial bolt pistol or a large-bore pistol firing a solid slug. Something large enough to be carried in two hands is called a Shoota, and if bigger than that (roughly equivalent to a light machinegun), a Big Shoota. The Orkish philosophy leads to quantity beating quality. For close combat they favour massive cleavers ("choppas") which work because of their weight and the incredible strength of an average Ork.

In addition, due to the scavenging nature of Orks, they have access to many looted vehicles (notably the Leman Russ) salvaged from battle, given a new coat of paint, and given a "fix-up".

Although apparently crude, their technology produces vehicles and equipment that can be the equal of other more advanced races (eg Mega-Armour suits, Killa Kan walkers or Dreadnoughts) with ease.

[edit] Vehicles

Ork Vehicles amount to anything with a motor, wheels and a stick to make it move left and right, and sometimes not even that. With many scavenged or looted at their disposal orks often utilize a varied amount of Vehicles

[edit] Warbike

A large and bulky motorcycle that has guns mounted on it, these bikes are the common choice for ork speed freeks as they are mobile and well armed, allowing easy movement and closer engagement with the enemy. These bikes are well known and feared throughout the galaxy.

[edit] Wartrak/buggy

A light vehicle built for high-speed fire support. These range from anything like a dune buggy, to motorcycles with a huge engine, caterpillar treads, and a gun attached onto the back. Typically armed with a pair of Big Shootas, but may also carry Rokkits (missiles) or a Skorcha (flamethrower). Some have launching platforms for a "Grot Bomb", a large missile steered to its target by a Gretchin.

[edit] Wartrukk

The Ork equivalent to a Technical, Wartrukks are made to get Boyz to the fight faster. They make up for their light armour with speed. They are the main transport for all orks carrying about 12 orks, they are also commonly used to take ork warbosses and their bodyguards into battle. The wartrukk also mounts a big shoota, which will occasionally be replaced by a different weapon.

[edit] Guntrukk

A vehicle similar to a Wartrukk except in use as a mobile gun platform. Its main uses are for getting the ork artillery out and into the battlefield quickly while supplying armour to protect the gun and crew, it also will commonly haul orks into battle in the empty space available.

[edit] Gunwagon

A combination of a Wartrukk and a Guntrukk, a Gunwagon is much larger, able to mount heavy weaponry and still be able to transport infantry into combat.

[edit] Battlewagon

The only real difference between a Gunwagon and a Battle Wagon is sheer size. Battle Wagons are much larger, and are often used as personal transports by Warbosses. Some Battlewagons are so extensively armed and armoured that they are classified as Battlefortresses

[edit] Hop Splat gun

A catapult used to launch Gretchins covered in explosives at enemy formations, sometimes used to "eject" unwanted soldiers from the vehicle.

[edit] Mekboy Pulsa Rokkit

The Pulsa Rokkit carries a special "Pulsa generator" The pulsa generator isn't very destructive in itself however the force field it generates can be very disruptive to the enemy lines, however as with most ork weaponry it is unreliable

[edit] Gut Rippa

The Gutrippa is a close combat specialized tank with a couple of fearsome mechanical claws mounted on the front.

[edit] Spleen Rippa

A more specialized version of the gut ripper. A rotating pillar covered in all manner of ripper objects used to eviscerate close-combat troops

[edit] Lungbursta

A battletank with a flame kannon. Often crewed by orks who obsess over "da fia".

[edit] Bowel Burna

A larger version of the Lung burster. Almost the matching of a battlewagon in size.

[edit] Gobsmasha

A high speed battering ram. often sent to hit bottle neck points.

[edit] Speedsta

Mobile Rocket launcher

[edit] Bone Breaka

Mobile gun platform, the gun mounted on these is sometimes noted as being too large for the Vehicle to effectively carry it

[edit] Brain Crusha

The Braincrusha is a special type of Ork Gunwagon best classified somewhere in between heavy artillery or a tremendous assault gun. The Braincrusha carries an absolutely enormous cannon with tremendous range which can blast through the tough fortifications.

[edit] Heavy vehicles

[edit] Skull Hamma

A looted tank with a pneumatic hammer on the front.

[edit] Giblet Grinda

A giant Grot-manned war wagon. Used to carry vast amounts of grechtins into combat to serve as "cannon fodder"

[edit] Gargants

A Gargant is the Ork equivalent of a Titan to the Imperium, fashioned out of scrap metal. They are often unreliable. While mostly invulnerable, due to the poor quality of materials they often suffer from weak points which can be taken advantage of by a cunning opponent

[edit] Aircraft and airborne weapons

In a similar fashion to Ork ground vehicles Ork aircraft tend to be unreliable and built from inferior products, yet they are still formidable aircraft nonetheless.

[edit] Grot Bomb

A guided missile piloted by suicidal (or gullible) Gretchin. They are usually seen mounted on Orkish aircraft, and on launchers based on Ork Wartrakks. Warhammer 40000- and Epic-scale Grot Bomms have both been released by Forge World. It is not uncommon for modelers to make pop-culture references such as gretchins in cowboy hats sitting on stock bombs to compliment the theme of the weapon.

[edit] Fighta-Bomma

The typical Orkish vehicle to suit the needs of those orkoids who are obsessed with speed. These aircrafts, like most Orkish technology, feature slapped-together bits and pieces, and can usually travel at a speed close to that achieved by their Imperial counterparts. They are usually fitted with a big shoota in each of their wings, a twin-liked big shoota in their nose, and a maximum of two rockets/bombs (player's choice). Although simple and slightly prone to accidents in the hands of those "Flyboyz" who pilot them, these aircraft proved to be the workhorse of the Orks' air dominance over some worlds. Warhammer 40000- and Epic-scaled Fighta-Bommmas have both been released by Forge World. Physically speaking, the model vaguely resembles a Mig-15. A famous Flyboy, known as the "Black Baron", is mentioned a few times in some of the Imperial Armour books for its skill over piloting his distinctively coloured fighta-bomma.

[edit] Bomma

This Orkish bomber is just a bigger and more heavily armed version of the Fighta-Bomma, mounting an additional pair of shootas on its dorsal turret and four more rockets/bombs than its smaller variant (which is used primarily in dogfights). Sometimes its payload can include a "Grot Bomb". Warhammer 40,000- and Epic-scaled bommas have both been released by Forge World.

[edit] Deffkopta

This vehicle was once from the Orks Codex but has been brought back. They function similarly to jetbikes. They are a rudimentary version of a helicopter, each consisting of basically a seat, a simple control unit, a motor, two over sized rotor blades, and a weapon (usually a twin-linked big shoota). Other weapons such as saw blades and bombs can also be added. Like any other Orkish aerial weapon, they are also prone to accidents. Although no longer available in stores, older versions of the Deffkopta can still be purchased via the Internet. A new version was released with the 2008 Ork Codex.

[edit] Necrons

The Necrons are an extremely ancient, technologically advanced race that primarily relies on gauss technology in their weaponry. The Necrons' gauss weapons utilize some unknown principle by which the weapons flay the target, one layer of molecules at a time. As a result, Necron weaponry is very powerful, with even the most basic Necron warriors able to attack and destroy light, medium AND (if lucky) heavily armoured vehicles with relative ease.

[edit] Tau

The Tau are a technologically-advanced alien species native to the Eastern fringe of the Galaxy, noted for their disdain of close combat, tending to favor overwhelming ranged firepower. They are best known for their use of railguns as both man-portable and heavy weapons, as well as "pulse rifles" and several other highly advanced ranged weapons. Their vehicles hover rather than having wheels or tracks like some of the other races. The Kroot, an alien species allied to the Tau, use much more primitive ranged and melee weapons.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Priestley, Rick; Chambers, Andy (1993). Warhammer 40,000 - Wargear, 2nd Edition, Nottingham: Games Workshop, pp. 80. 
  2. ^ a b Priestley, Rick (1998). Warhammer 40,000, 3rd Edition, Nottingham: Games Workshop. ISBN 1-84154-000-5. 
  3. ^ a b Chambers, Andy; Haines, Pete; Hoare, Andy; Kelly, Phil, and McNeill, Graham (2002). Codex: Chaos Space Marines (2nd release), 3rd Edition, Nottingham: Games Workshop. ISBN 1-84154-322-5. 
  4. ^ Chambers, Andy (2001). Codex: Orks, 3rd Edition, Nottingham: Games Workshop. ISBN 1-869893-38-7. 

[edit] See also