The air crackled with anticipation as the livestream began. Every Warhammer 40K fan knew something big was coming, but nobody predicted this. On Friday, Games Workshop revealed new models for Warhammer 40K that sent shockwaves through the community—female Custodes.
During the “New Year Preview” livestream, the company displayed a range of models for the Legio and Adeptus Custodes. For the first time, some of these bore female-presenting heads. This marks a departure from previous Custodes models, which have always presented the Emperor of Man’s personal guard as male.
The introduction of female Custodes isn’t just a cosmetic change; it’s a shift in the narrative landscape. Warhammer 40K’s female equivalent to the Custodes has been the Sisters of Silence, first introduced in 40K’s Seventh Edition in 2017. As a mentor, I’ve seen similar debates unfold in other creative spaces. In 2024, Games Workshop began softening those divisions: that year’s rulebook featured a short story about a woman Custodian named Calladayce Taurovalia Kesh, then their only representative. Later, the animated series Tithes featured a female Custodian named Tyrith Shiva Kyrus in its second episode, prompting reactions from certain corners of the Warhammer community.
This isn’t just a passing trend; female Custodes are here to stay. In the stream, Games Workshop highlights the Shield Captain’s unhelmeted head having “golden leaf woven into her hair,” to silence any debate about gender. They also confirmed this isn’t a lore rewrite: first-born sons aren’t the only recruits, and “noble daughters could also have been taken. Eventually, you run out of noble houses – even after conquering Terra, the Imperium’s war machine still demands a constant supply of recruits.”
The Tip of the Spear: Representation and the Imperium
Think about your own gaming group. The conversations, the shared excitement, the collaborative stories. The inclusion of female heads here is more than just a cosmetic addition. It represents the company standing its ground against bad faith elements, and supporting the fans who’ve requested this option.
For those fans, the new Legio Custodes models—which can be used in both Horus Heresy and Warhammer 40K—will be available later this year.
Will this change affect gameplay?
No, the models are purely aesthetic. While some might see the shift as tectonic, remember that the core mechanics, the strategic depth, and the thrill of rolling dice remain constant. What changes is the visual representation, the story you tell on your tabletop.
Golden Expectations: How the Community Reacted
Every forum, every social media feed exploded. The announcement ignited a firestorm of reactions, ranging from elation to outrage. This situation is a microcosm of larger cultural currents; a cultural river finding a new bed. It shows the power of representation and the passionate connection players have with the Warhammer 40K universe.
Why did it take so long for female Custodes models to be made?
The lore surrounding the Custodes was deeply rooted in a very specific vision of genetically engineered warriors, exclusively male. Changing established lore requires careful consideration, especially when dealing with a fanbase as dedicated as Warhammer’s. Perhaps Games Workshop was waiting for the right moment, the right story, and the right models to make this leap.
Beyond the Battlefield: The Bigger Picture
Ultimately, these new models are a sign of progress. They are not a fix-all solution, but the new Games Workshop models mark the first time tabletop players will be given the option to build their Custodes units with unhelmeted female heads. For those who wanted representation, it’s a win. It’s an acknowledgement that the Imperium, like the player base, is diverse.
Are the new female Custodes models expensive?
Pricing hasn’t been formally announced (€ equivalent will depend on the set), but expect it to align with existing Custodes model kits. Monitor the Warhammer Community website and your favorite retailers for pre-order announcements. The real value, perhaps, isn’t just in the plastic, but in the possibilities they represent.
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With these new additions to the Warhammer 40K universe, how will this injection of change affect the Imperium’s future?