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.
Adeptus Custodes — the Emperor’s immortal guardians, clad in auramite and unmatched in combat. Shop the full Custodes range including Vertus Praetors, Custodian Guard, and characters at Loaded Dice, Barry, South Wales.
Prefer them ready-painted? JoyToy make fully painted, articulated 1/18 scale Adeptus Custodes figures — find them in our Warhammer action figures range.
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.
Custodes are a competitive faction with elite, resilient models and strong melee capability. They reward careful positioning and suit players who prefer quality over quantity.
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.