Imperium of Man · Humanity Endures
Adeptus Custodes
The Emperor's own shield company — ten thousand golden demigods, each an army in himself.
About Adeptus Custodes — Lore & How They Play
The Lore
The Adeptus Custodes are the Emperor's own guard — each one a masterwork of genetic craftsmanship beside which even a Space Marine is a rough sketch. For ten thousand years they stood watch over the Golden Throne; in the Era Indomitus they march out at last, and the galaxy is learning why that should terrify it.
Clad in auramite gold and armed with weapons from the Emperor's own vaults, there are perhaps ten thousand of them in all — and they have never needed more.
On the Tabletop
The most elite army in Warhammer 40,000: a Custodes force might be twenty models, every one of them with a hero's profile. They shrug off firepower that would flatten other armies and win fights they have no business winning.
The catch is arithmetic — with so few units you can't be everywhere, so every move matters and hordes can drown you in bodies on objectives. Superb for players who want quality over quantity, and gloriously quick to paint.
The Adeptus Custodes are the Emperor's personal guard: ten-foot golden demigods, each one worth a squad of lesser warriors. Few models, huge quality and an army that looks finished at a fraction of the size of most forces. The definitive elite army in Warhammer 40,000.
Start here
- Codex: Adeptus Custodes (2026): the latest Custodes rules
- Adeptus Custodes: Custodian Guard: the core of every Shield Host
- Adeptus Custodes: Custodian Wardens: heavily armed veterans
- Adeptus Custodes: Allarus Custodians: Terminator-armoured elite
- Adeptus Custodes: Shield Captain: the commander for your army
- All Combat Patrols: every faction's starter army in one place
Every kit here is genuine Games Workshop stock from an official stockist, supplied unassembled and unpainted, with fast UK delivery from our shop in Barry, South Wales. In-stock orders placed by 3pm on weekdays go out the same day.
Read more: Adeptus Custodes lore in Faction Files, Adeptus Custodes Army Analysis, the 40K factions hub.
Paint and browse: grab the Adeptus Custodes Paint Set – 10 Essential Colours or the five-tone Warhammer Tone Pro paints, then explore the rest of the Warhammer 40,000 Imperium range.
Prefer them ready-painted? JoyToy make fully painted, articulated 1/18 scale Adeptus Custodes figures. Find them in our Warhammer action figures range.
How many models is a Custodes army?
Very few compared to most armies, which makes Custodes a quick army to build and paint.
Are the Sisters of Silence part of the Custodes?
They often fight together, and you'll find the Sisters of Silence in this range.
Are Custodes hard to paint?
Gold armour looks intimidating but responds brilliantly to a metallic basecoat, a brown or sepia wash and a bright edge highlight. The 10-colour paint set covers the classic scheme.
Your Crusade Begins
New to the Imperium?
Start with a boxed set — miniatures, rules and dice in one go. Free UK delivery over £65, same-day dispatch by 3pm on weekdays.
Shop 40K Starter SetsFrequently Asked Questions
The Adeptus Custodes are the personal bodyguard of the Emperor of Mankind — individually created warriors who surpass even Space Marines in power. Each one is a living weapon of extraordinary capability.
Yes — Custodes are an elite, low-model-count army. You field fewer models than most factions, but each one is exceptionally durable and powerful in combat.
Yes. Custodes are an elite army of a few resilient, hard-hitting models, so they suit players who prefer quality over quantity and careful positioning. Every faction has rules for Warhammer 40,000 11th Edition, and new codexes are rolling out through the edition, so check the latest codex for your army before you build a list.
The Combat Patrol: Adeptus Custodes is the ideal starting point. A unit of Custodian Guard and a Shield-Captain on jetbike make an excellent foundation.
Custodes are painted in gleaming gold armour with red cloaks. Key paints include Retributor Armour, Reikland Fleshshade, Liberator Gold, and Mephiston Red. We stock the full Citadel range.
Yes — we stock Custodes in our Barry, South Wales shop and online at loadeddice.uk with fast UK dispatch.