A comprehensive guide to mastering the blood-soaked berzerkers of Khorne on the battlefield.
Introduction: The Blood-Soaked Berzerkers
The World Eaters are the embodiment of Khorne's fury on the battlefield - a force dedicated to close combat prowess and bloodshed in the name of the Blood God. In 10th edition, they've undergone significant changes from their index incarnation, moving from a one-dimensional army reliant on advance and charge abilities to a more diverse faction with multiple viable playstyles.
Currently, World Eaters stand as a mid-to-high tier competitive choice with several strong builds possible. The army has lost some of its crutch mechanics from the index (armywide Feel No Pain and advance+charge abilities), but gained tactical depth through multiple potent detachments and improved shooting capabilities. The army excels at overwhelming opponents in combat through powerful units like Berzerkers, Eightbound, and Demon Princes, while new shooting options provide surprising firepower.
Key Strengths
- Exceptional melee damage output, especially on the charge
- Strong reactive abilities like Blood Surge
- Improved shooting capabilities on vehicles
- Multiple viable detachment options for different playstyles
- Surprising mobility through increased base movement characteristics
Key Weaknesses
- Reduced defensive capabilities without Feel No Pain
- Limited long-range firepower
- Vulnerability to shooting before reaching combat
- Relative fragility of key units like Eightbound
- Need for careful positioning and timing
Core Mechanics: Blessings of Khorne
Army Rule: Blessings of Khorne
At the start of each battle round, roll 8D6. The results can be used to activate up to two blessings, based on the combinations you roll. Unused dice are discarded.
Available blessings (note that these are all melee-only effects):
- Unbridled Bloodlust (Any Double): Reroll charge rolls for World Eaters units
- Rage-Fuelled Invigoration (Double 2+): Increase pile-in and consolidate moves to 6" instead of 3"
- Total Carnage (Double 3+): When a World Eaters model is destroyed by a melee attack, it can fight on death on a 4+
- Martial Excellence (Double 4+ or any Triple): Add Sustained Hits 1 to melee attacks
- Warp Blades (Double 5+ or Triple 2+): Add Lethal Hits to melee attacks
- Decapitating Strikes (Double 6+ or Triple 3+): Add Devastating Wounds to melee attacks against Infantry units
Tactical Considerations
- The pile-in and consolidate 6" blessing is extraordinarily powerful, allowing units to reach enemies they couldn't otherwise engage and chain combats together
- Sustained Hits and Devastating Wounds against infantry provide excellent damage multiplication
- If facing Space Marines or similar infantry-heavy armies, prioritize Devastating Wounds
- Against vehicle-heavy armies, Sustained Hits paired with Lethal Hits is often optimal
- The reroll charges blessing is situationally useful but generally less impactful than other options
Pact of Blood
The secondary army rule is "Pact of Blood," which allows World Eaters to include Khorne Daemon units in the Khorne Daemonkin detachment. Up to 1000 points of "Blood Legion" units (Khorne daemons) can be included in this detachment.
Detachment Analysis
Berzerker Warband
Offensive powerhouse with strength and attack bonuses
Khorne Daemonkin
Daemon synergy with Blood Tithe mechanics
Goretrack Onslaught
Transport-focused with enhanced disembarkation
Cult of Blood
Horde-based with powerful aura abilities
Possessed Slaughterband
Reactive movement with Eightbound focus
Each detachment offers a distinct playstyle and tactical approach, allowing World Eaters players to adapt their strategy based on personal preference and meta considerations. The following sections will analyze each detachment in detail, highlighting their unique strengths, weaknesses, and optimal unit compositions.
Berzerker Warband Detachment
Core Rule: Relentless Rage
World Eaters units that make a charge move gain +1 Attack and +2 Strength to their melee weapons until the end of the turn.
- Berzerkers become strength 6 on the charge, wounding most infantry on 3s
- Eightbound reach strength 10 on the charge, wounding even Knights on 3s
- Characters like Ka'Bandha and the Daemon Prince hit at exceptionally high strength values
- Units already with high attack characteristics multiply their output dramatically
Best Units
- Eightbound (regular): Their +1 to hit aura combined with +2 strength makes them deadly
- Berzerkers (20-man units): Mass of attacks at strength 6
- Daemon Prince (on foot): Becomes a monster with 9 attacks at S10 on charge
- Ka'Bandha: Nine attacks at strength 9, devastating against most targets
- Spawn: Fast and surprisingly deadly with enhanced strength
Key Enhancements
- Berzerker Glaive: Adds +1 Attack and +1 Damage to a character's melee weapons
- Helm of Brazen Ire: -1 Damage taken, excellent on a Daemon Prince
- Favored of Khorne: Reroll up to two dice for Blessings of Khorne rolls
Key Stratagems
- Blood Offering (1CP): Unit that dies on an objective keeps it under your control
- Hack and Slash (1CP): Improve AP of melee weapons by 1 for a unit
- Frenzied Resilience (2CP): -1 Damage in combat phase for a unit
- Apoplelectic Frenzy (1CP): Berzerker unit can advance and charge
- Berzerker's Wrath (1CP): Berzerker unit makes an automatic 8" blood surge move
Cult of Blood Detachment
Core Rule: Idols of Khorne
At the start of your command phase, select one of the following aura abilities to affect all World Eaters Titanic and Monster units (each can only be selected once per battle):
Idol of Infinite Rage
Friendly Jackals and Goremongers within 6" (9" for Titanic) get +1 to hit and wound
Idol of Burning Wrath
Friendly Jackals and Goremongers within 6" (9" for Titanic) get +1 to Move and +1 to Advance/Charge rolls
Idol of Blessed Blood
Friendly Jackals and Goremongers within 6" (9" for Titanic) get a 4+ invulnerable save
Best Units
Daemon Princes (foot): Provide auras and benefit from defensive enhancements
Jackals (20-man units): Benefit most from the auras and provide objective control
Goremongers: Infiltrating capability combined with aura benefits
Lord of Skulls: Massive model with large aura and significant firepower
Key Enhancements
Chosen of the Blood God: +3" to aura range for a Monster model
Brazen Form: +1 Toughness and 5+ Feel No Pain for a Monster model
Strategic Slaughterer: Redeploy up to three Jackals/Goremonger units after deployment
Key Stratagems
Drawn to the Slaughter (2CP): Return a destroyed Jackals unit to your army in reserves
Shadows of the Brass Idols (1CP): Jackals/Goremongers get 5+ Feel No Pain near a Monster/Titanic unit
Bloodthirsty Horde (1CP): All models in a Jackals/Goremonger unit can fight if within 3" of enemies
Khorne Daemonkin Detachment
Core Rule: Blood Tithe
Gain points when units are destroyed to unlock powerful abilities
Warpbane Armour (2 points)
5+ Feel No Pain vs. psychic attacks and mortal wounds
Demonic Rage (3 points)
Blood Legion units get Lance on melee weapons
Boon of Blood (4 points)
Blood Legion units get 4+ invulnerable saves
Might of Khorne (5 points)
Blood Legion units get the Blessings of Khorne ability
Best Units
- Blood Letters: Excellent with the summoning stratagem
- Bloodcrushers: Devastating with a Lord on Juggernaut
- Scar Brand: More cost-effective than Angron
- Daemon Prince: Provides CP reduction and benefits from enhancements
- Slaughterbound: Good for killing units to gain Blood Tithe points
Key Enhancements
- Icon of War: Blood Legion units within 6" gain Blessings of Khorne
- Disciple of Khorne: Lord on Juggernaut can join Bloodcrushers/Flesh Hounds
- Blade of Endless Bloodshed: +1 Attack, Strength, and Damage; auto-gain Blood Tithe point when destroying a unit
Key Stratagems
- Summoned by Slaughter (1CP): Set up a Blood Letters unit from reserves within 9" of where a unit was destroyed
- Demonic Fury (1CP): World Eaters unit gains Lance and Twin-linked near a daemon
- A Worthy Skull (1CP): Gain D3 Blood Tithe points after killing a character/monster
- Demon Tide (1CP): Return D6 infantry or D3 beast models to a daemon unit
- Murder Call (1CP): Remove a daemon unit from the battlefield and put it in strategic reserves
Possessed Slaughterband Detachment
Core Rule: Brazen Fury
Possessed units can make a D6" move (Brazen Fury) when enemy units shoot at them and destroy models. Must move toward the closest enemy unit and can move into engagement range.
Key Synergies
Eightbound units surging forward when shot at
Slaughterbound leading Eightbound units for enhanced damage output
Combining with Blessings of Khorne for devastating offensive power
Best Units
Regular Eightbound: Better offensive profile than Exalted against infantry
Slaughterbound: Character support for Eightbound units
Exalted Eightbound: Anti-vehicle/monster specialists
Key Stratagems
- Demonic Resistance (2CP): -1 to wound rolls against a Possessed unit
- Demonic Strength (1CP): +1 Damage for a Possessed unit's attacks
- Immortal Fury (2CP): Fight on death for a Possessed unit
- Warp Stalkers (1CP): Move through enemy units and terrain
Goretrack Onslaught Detachment
Core Rule: Rush to the Fray
World Eaters units that disembark from a transport gain +1 to charge rolls and Lance on melee weapons until the end of the turn.
Key Synergies
Multiple Rhinos carrying Berzerkers for rapid deployment
Land Raiders carrying Eightbound for stronger armor and capacity
Master of Executions leading Berzerker units for additional surge rerolls
Best Units
Chaos Rhinos: Primary transport for Berzerkers
Berzerkers: Main offensive punch
Master of Executions: Character support for Berzerkers
Land Raider: For carrying Eightbound units
Key Enhancements
Murderous Onslaught: Unit cannot be overwatched when disembarking
Aggressive Deployment: Transport gets Scout 9"
Infernal Infusion: Once per battle, unit gets Fight First
Endless Pursuit of Violence (1CP)
Infantry unit can embark within 6" of a transport at the end of the fight phase
Smash Through (1CP)
Vehicle can move through terrain features
Aggressive Disembarkation (1CP)
Unit can disembark up to 6" from a Rhino and into engagement range
Full Throttle Assault (1CP)
Unit can charge after disembarking from a moved Rhino
Fury Unleashed (1CP)
Berzerkers can disembark and make a blood surge move when their Rhino is shot
Key Units Analysis: HQ Options
Daemon Prince of Khorne (on foot)
Role: Offensive powerhouse, buff provider, CP reducer
Optimal Loadout: Hellforged sword for higher strength attacks
Key Strengths: Lone Operative against infantry, 10" move, high damage output, CP reduction ability
Best Detachments: Excellent in all detachments, particularly Berzerker Warband and Cult of Blood
Enhancements: Berzerker Glaive, Helm of Brazen Ire, or Blade of Endless Bloodshed
Points Efficiency: Exceptional value at 200 points
Ka'Bandha the Betrayer
Role: Combat specialist, unit enhancer
Optimal Loadout: Gorechild (standard)
Key Strengths: Rerolls 1s to hit and wound for his unit, fights on 2+ when slain, 8" movement
Best Detachments: Berzerker Warband or Goretrack Onslaught
Enhancements: None needed as his profile is already optimized
Points Efficiency: Good value at 85 points
Lord on Juggernaut
Role: Unit enhancer, terrain navigator
Optimal Loadout: Standard loadout
Key Strengths: Provides 10" movement and 3" fight range to units he leads, can move through terrain
Best Detachments: Khorne Daemonkin (attached to Bloodcrushers) or Berzerker Warband
Enhancements: Disciple of Khorne in Daemonkin detachment
Points Efficiency: Solid value at his points cost
Slaughterbound
Role: Unit enhancer, resurrection support
Optimal Loadout: Standard loadout
Key Strengths: Restores models to units, gains +3 attacks and Devastating Wounds once per battle
Best Detachments: Possessed Slaughterband or Khorne Daemonkin
Enhancements: Berzerker Glaive or Blade of Endless Bloodshed
Points Efficiency: Good at 85 points
Master of Executions
Role: Character hunter, Berzerker support
Optimal Loadout: Standard loadout
Key Strengths: Rerolls advances and Blood Surge moves for his unit, generates CP when killing characters
Best Detachments: Goretrack Onslaught or Berzerker Warband
Enhancements: Berzerker Glaive
Points Efficiency: Excellent at 60 points
Core Battleline Units: Khorne Berzerkers
Optimal Unit Size
Maximum effectiveness in larger units
Attack Count
Per 10-man unit on the charge
Strength
When charging in Berzerker Warband
Role
Khorne Berzerkers serve as the main infantry combat force for World Eaters armies. They excel at overwhelming opponents with a high volume of attacks and benefit greatly from the army's various combat enhancements. Their Blood Surge ability allows them to counter-attack when targeted by enemy shooting, making them a reactive threat even when not in your turn.
Optimal Loadout
Chain axes and chainblades provide the optimal attack volume. This combination gives each Berzerker two attacks with the chainaxe (S+1, AP-1, D1) and one with the chainsword (S User, AP0, D1). When charging in a Berzerker Warband detachment, they'll be swinging at Strength 6, making them effective against most infantry targets.
Equipment Strategy
Take the maximum number of chainswords possible to maximize attack volume. Add a power weapon to the champion for dealing with higher armor targets. The icon of Khorne is worth taking for the additional blessing dice it provides.
Tactical Usage
Run Berzerkers in units of 20 for maximum effect. This size allows them to absorb casualties while still maintaining combat effectiveness. Use their Blood Surge ability to counter-attack when shot, potentially catching enemy units off-guard. In the Berzerker Warband detachment, they become particularly deadly on the charge with their enhanced strength and attack characteristics.
Best Detachments
Berzerker Warband or Goretrack Onslaught provide the best synergies for Berzerkers. The former enhances their offensive output, while the latter allows for protected delivery via transports with enhanced disembarkation abilities.
Core Battleline Units: Jackals & Eightbound
Jackals
Role: Objective holders, screening units
Optimal Loadout: Standard loadout
Equipment Strategy: Take the icon for additional blessing dice
Tactical Usage: Use in 20-man units in Cult of Blood for maximum aura benefit and staying power
Best Detachments: Cult of Blood
Points Efficiency: Excellent when supported by the Cult of Blood detachment
Jackals serve as the horde option for World Eaters armies, providing cheap bodies for holding objectives and screening more valuable units. While individually weak, they become surprisingly resilient when supported by the Cult of Blood detachment's aura abilities, particularly the 4+ invulnerable save option.
Eightbound
Role: Elite infantry killers
Optimal Loadout: Standard loadout (chain blades)
Equipment Strategy: Standard loadout only
Tactical Usage: Use scout move for early board control, target infantry units, leverage aura abilities
Best Detachments: Berzerker Warband or Possessed Slaughterband
Points Efficiency: Good value at 50 points per model
Eightbound are elite melee specialists that excel at hunting infantry. Their +1 to hit aura against non-vehicle/monster units makes them excellent support units as well as combat threats. Their scout ability allows them to establish early board control, while their high strength and attack characteristics make them deadly in combat, especially in the Berzerker Warband detachment.
Standout Elite, Fast Attack and Heavy Support Choices
Forge Fiend
Anti-infantry and anti-vehicle firepower with full rerolls to hit against closest target within 18". Exceptional value at 150 points with ectoplasma cannons and Hades autocannon loadout.
Chaos Spawn
Fast objective grabbers with 10" move, Scout 8", Advance and Charge, 5+ Feel No Pain, and D6+4 attacks. Outstanding points efficiency for their capabilities.
Mauler Fiend
Fast attack anti-vehicle unit with 12" movement, high damage output in melee, and bonuses against damaged units. Very good value at 150 points with lasher tendrils.
Predator Annihilator
Anti-tank firepower with rerolls for wounds and damage against closest vehicle/monster. Good value with twin lascannon and lascannon sponsons configuration.
Chaos Rhino
Essential transport that allows units to disembark when enemies approach, triggering reactive abilities. Particularly effective in the Goretrack Onslaught detachment.
Tactical Approach: Berzerker Tide
Strategic Focus
Overwhelming melee pressure with large units of Berzerkers supported by elite units
- 2-3x 20-man Berzerker units
- 1-2 Daemon Princes
- 3x Eightbound
- 2x Forge Fiends
- Ka'Bandha
Deployment Guidelines
Position your forces for maximum effectiveness
- Place Forge Fiends with clear firing lanes toward likely enemy positions
- Deploy Berzerkers within Rhinos or in positions to advance onto midfield objectives
- Position Eightbound to scout forward and threaten early pressure
- Keep characters protected but ready to support your main advancing force
Turn-by-Turn Priorities
Execute your battle plan with precision
Turn 1:
- Move Berzerkers toward midfield objectives while maintaining protection
- Use Eightbound's scout move to apply early pressure and threaten enemy deployment
- Use Forge Fiends to target enemy screening units or key threats
Turn 2:
- Charge with Berzerkers and Eightbound onto objectives and into enemy units
- Apply pressure across multiple fronts to split enemy response
- Use Blood Surge reactively to punish enemy shooting
Turn 3:
- Consolidate control of objectives with remaining units
- Continue to apply pressure while recycling units from combat using stratagems
- Begin focusing on secondary objectives
Tactical Approach: Daemonic Legion
Strategic Focus
Combined arms approach with daemons providing mobility and World Eaters providing firepower
- Daemon Prince (Warlord)
- Lord on Juggernaut with Bloodcrushers
- 2-3x Blood Letter units
- 1-2x Forge Fiends
- Berzerkers in Rhinos
Deployment Guidelines
Position your forces for maximum effectiveness
- Deploy Bloodcrushers with Lord aggressively
- Keep Blood Letters in reserves for summoning
- Position Forge Fiends for optimal firing lanes
- Protect Rhinos with terrain where possible
Turn 1 Priorities
Establish board presence and begin accumulating resources
- Move Bloodcrushers aggressively to apply early pressure
- Use Forge Fiends to eliminate key threats
- Begin accumulating Blood Tithe points
Turn 2 Priorities
Launch your main assault and utilize daemon abilities
- Charge with Bloodcrushers and Berzerkers
- Use Summoned by Slaughter stratagem to bring Blood Letters into key positions
- Spend Blood Tithe points on crucial buffs based on matchup
Turn 3 Priorities
Consolidate your position and maintain pressure
- Maintain objective control with summoned units
- Continue to accumulate and spend Blood Tithe points
- Focus on eliminating remaining threats
Tactical Approach: Tank Shock
Strategic Focus
Rhino-driven assault with enhanced disembarkation abilities
Core Units
4-6x Rhinos, 2-4x Berzerker units, Master of Executions, Land Raider with Eightbound, Forge Fiends
Deployment
Deploy Rhinos in protected positions but ready to advance, use Aggressive Deployment enhancement for Scout 9" on a key transport
Turn 1
Advance Rhinos toward midboard objectives and enemy positions, use Scout 9" Rhino to establish forward position
Turn 2
Disembark Berzerkers and charge, benefiting from +1 charge and Lance, use Aggressive Disembarkation and Fury Unleashed stratagems
Turn 3
Use Endless Pursuit of Violence to re-embark units and reposition, maintain objective control, continue pressure with fresh assault waves
The Tank Shock approach leverages the Goretrack Onslaught detachment's unique abilities to create a highly mobile and reactive force. By using transports to protect your units until they're ready to strike, you can mitigate the World Eaters' vulnerability to shooting while setting up devastating multi-pronged assaults. The ability to re-embark units after fighting allows for unprecedented tactical flexibility, letting you strike, reposition, and strike again where the enemy least expects it.
Meta Considerations: Favorable Matchups
Astra Militarum
Advantage: Low toughness infantry are vulnerable to World Eaters' high volume of attacks
Maximization Strategy: Use Blood Surge to counter shooting, target character units to break synergy chains
Key Units: 20-man Berzerker units will devastate Guard infantry, Forge Fiends excel at clearing screens
The Imperial Guard's reliance on large numbers of T3 infantry makes them particularly vulnerable to the World Eaters' high volume of attacks. While Guard vehicles can be threatening, your anti-tank options like Forge Fiends and Exalted Eightbound can effectively counter them. Focus on disrupting their command structure to reduce their offensive output.
Orks
Advantage: Similar toughness profile but superior weapon skill and strength
Maximization Strategy: Counter-charge tactics, use superior movement and Blood Surge to control engagements
Key Units: Daemon Prince and Eightbound can cut through Ork units efficiently
While Orks can match your numbers, your superior Weapon Skill and Strength (especially on the charge) gives you the edge in combat. Use your reactive abilities to counter their advances and focus on eliminating key support characters to reduce their effectiveness. Your elite units will consistently outperform theirs in direct confrontations.
Tyranids
Advantage: Can match their melee output while having better armor saves
Maximization Strategy: Target synapse creatures to disrupt army cohesion, control engagement timing
Key Units: Forge Fiends provide crucial anti-monster firepower, Exalted Eightbound excel against larger creatures
While Tyranids are formidable in melee, your superior armor saves and specialized anti-monster units give you an advantage. Focus on eliminating synapse creatures to disrupt their army cohesion and use your reactive abilities to counter their advances. Your Forge Fiends can effectively target their larger monsters from a safe distance.
Chaos Space Marines
Advantage: Better specialized melee capabilities
Maximization Strategy: Focus on Blessings of Khorne to outperform in melee, target key support characters
Key Units: Berzerkers outperform standard CSM units in combat, superior dedicated melee units
Against your chaotic brethren, your specialized melee capabilities give you the edge. While they may have more diverse options, your focused combat prowess allows you to dominate in close quarters. Target their support characters to reduce their effectiveness and use your Blessings of Khorne to ensure your units consistently outperform theirs in melee.
Meta Considerations: Challenging Matchups
T'au Empire
Challenge: Long-range firepower can decimate World Eaters before they reach combat
Mitigation Strategy: Use terrain aggressively, Rhinos for protection, and deploy from reserves
Key Units: Rhinos and Land Raiders provide crucial protection, Forge Fiends can counter-shoot effectively
The T'au's exceptional firepower presents a significant challenge for World Eaters. Focus on using terrain to block line of sight and advance under cover whenever possible. Transports are essential for protecting your units until they can reach combat. Consider using deep strike and reserve deployment to bypass their firing lines entirely.
Imperial Knights
Challenge: High toughness, wounds, and damage output
Mitigation Strategy: Focus on Exalted Eightbound with anti-monster abilities, use volume of attacks with Berzerkers
Key Units: Exalted Eightbound, Forge Fiends with ectoplasma cannons
Knights present a formidable challenge with their high toughness and wound count. Your Exalted Eightbound are crucial for dealing with them, as their anti-monster abilities can effectively bypass some of the Knights' defenses. Forge Fiends with ectoplasma cannons can also contribute significant damage from range. Consider using large units of Berzerkers to overwhelm Knights with sheer volume of attacks.
Adeptus Custodes
Challenge: High toughness, invulnerable saves, and damage reduction abilities
Mitigation Strategy: Use Devastating Wounds blessing against infantry, focus fire with Forge Fiends
Key Units: Daemon Prince with enhancements, 20-man Berzerker units with combat buffs
Custodes' exceptional durability makes them difficult to remove. Prioritize the Devastating Wounds blessing to bypass their invulnerable saves, and use large units of Berzerkers to overwhelm them with attacks. Your Daemon Prince with appropriate enhancements can also effectively challenge Custodes characters and elite units.
Drukhari
Challenge: Superior mobility and high damage potential
Mitigation Strategy: Use Blood Surge defensively, focus on board control rather than chasing units
Key Units: Forge Fiends can clear Raiders, Spawn provide mobile threats
The Drukhari's exceptional mobility allows them to dictate the terms of engagement. Rather than chasing their units across the board, focus on controlling key objectives and using your reactive abilities to punish their advances. Forge Fiends are excellent for targeting their transports, while Spawn can provide the mobility needed to contest objectives.
Secondary Objective Recommendations
Purge the Enemy
- Bring it Down: Excellent against vehicle-heavy armies, especially with anti-vehicle units like Exalted Eightbound
- Assassinate: World Eaters excel at targeting characters with precision attacks
- Scoring Strategy: Use Blood Surge and mobility to target isolated characters and vehicles
Battlefield Supremacy
- Engage on All Fronts: Natural fit for World Eaters' mobility and board presence
- Storm the Battlefront: Excellent with multiple fast units like Spawn and Berzerkers
- Scoring Strategy: Use Spawn, Eightbound scout moves, and Blood Surge reactively to maintain presence
No Mercy, No Respite
- Glory Kills: Perfect for World Eaters' combat prowess
- Khorne's Tribute: Faction-specific secondary that rewards killing units in melee
- Scoring Strategy: Focus on multi-charging to maximize kill potential each turn
Shadow Operations
- Recover the Relics: Can be performed by faster units like Spawn while main force engages
- Behind Enemy Lines: Good with deep striking Eightbound or summoned Blood Letters
- Scoring Strategy: Use secondary units to perform actions while combat units maintain pressure
When selecting secondary objectives, focus on those that align with your army's natural strengths. World Eaters excel at eliminating enemy units in combat, so objectives that reward this behavior are ideal. Consider your specific list composition and matchup when making your final selections, as some objectives will be more viable against certain opponents.
Key Stratagems and When to Use Them: Universal
Use when a unit dies on an objective to maintain control even after death
Optimal Timing: When you expect a unit holding a key objective to die in the opponent's turn
Best Units: Jackals or small Berzerker units
This stratagem is invaluable for maintaining objective control in close games. Use it when you have a unit on a critical objective that's likely to be eliminated in the opponent's turn. It's particularly effective in the late game when every point matters.
Improve AP of a unit's melee weapons by 1
Optimal Timing: When facing high-armor targets or units with damage reduction abilities
Best Units: Berzerkers or Eightbound attacking high-value targets
This stratagem significantly increases your damage output against armored targets. Use it when your key units are engaging high-value targets with good armor saves. The improved AP can be the difference between bouncing off armor and causing significant damage.
-1 damage in fight phase for a unit
Optimal Timing: When an important unit is about to face significant damage in combat
Best Units: Large Berzerker units or Daemon Prince
This defensive stratagem is crucial for protecting your key units in combat. Use it when facing enemies with high-damage weapons or when you need a unit to survive to hold an objective. It's particularly effective on characters or large units that represent a significant point investment.
Key Stratagems and When to Use Them: Detachment-Specific
Berzerker Warband
Berzerker unit can advance and charge
Optimal Timing: Turn 2 when you need to reach a critical objective
Best Units: 20-man Berzerker units
Berzerker unit makes an automatic 8" blood surge move when shot
Optimal Timing: When opponent shoots a unit that can threaten them on a counter-attack
Best Units: 20-man Berzerker units with a character attached
Khorne Daemonkin
Deploy a Blood Letters unit from reserves within 9" of a destroyed unit
Optimal Timing: When a unit is destroyed in a strategically valuable position
Best Units: 10-man Blood Letters units
Give a World Eaters unit near a daemon Lance and Twin-linked
Optimal Timing: Before attacking with your most important melee unit
Best Units: Berzerkers or Eightbound fighting high-toughness targets
Gain D3 Blood Tithe points after killing a character/monster
Optimal Timing: Immediately after killing a character to fast-track powerful Blood Tithe abilities
Best Units: Daemon Prince or Slaughterbound with character-hunting capabilities
Goretrack Onslaught
Infantry unit can embark within 6" of a transport at the end of the fight phase
Optimal Timing: After clearing an objective to reposition for next turn
Best Units: Berzerker units that would be exposed after fighting
Unit can disembark up to 6" from a Rhino and into engagement range
Optimal Timing: When needing to reach enemies behind screening units
Best Units: Berzerkers with a character attached
Berzerkers can disembark and make a blood surge move when their Rhino is shot
Optimal Timing: When opponent targets a Rhino but fails to destroy it
Best Units: Berzerkers with a Master of Executions attached for reroll surge
CP Management Tips
Early Game Investment
Save CPs in early turns for reactive strategies like Blood Offering and Frenzied Resilience
Consider which detachment-specific stratagems will be critical to your game plan
Daemon Prince Economy
Position Daemon Princes to reduce CP costs on key stratagems via their Lone Operative ability
Prioritize which stratagems to discount based on your battle plan
Blood Tithe Efficiency
In Khorne Daemonkin, focus on gaining Blood Tithe points early to reduce reliance on CP-intensive stratagems
Use A Worthy Skull to accelerate Blood Tithe accumulation when possible
Character CP Generation
Master of Executions can generate CP when killing characters
Plan character kills around when you'll need CP for important stratagems
Priority Allocation
Reserve CPs for defensive stratagems like Frenzied Resilience in early turns
Mid-Game Focus
In middle turns, focus on offensive stratagems like Hack and Slash
Late Game Strategy
Late game, prioritize objective control stratagems like Blood Offering
Movement and Positioning Techniques
Blood Surge Chaining
Position Berzerkers 9" from enemy shooting units to threaten with Blood Surge
When triggered, use the 8" surge to engage the closest unit first, then use 6" consolidate from Blessings to tag additional units
This technique allows you to engage multiple enemy units in a single reactive move, potentially locking down significant portions of their army.
Pile-in/Consolidate Maximization
With the 6" pile-in/consolidate blessing, you can engage enemies far beyond normal charge range
Start a 3-model unit's base touching, then pile in with two models moving 6" around terrain to reach previously unreachable enemies
This technique effectively extends your threat range and allows you to engage units that would otherwise be protected by screening units or terrain.
Transport Positioning
Place Rhinos at angles that maximize disembarkation options
Position transports to provide cover for units that will embark later
Proper transport positioning is crucial for protecting your units until they're ready to strike and for maximizing their threat range when they disembark.
Screening Techniques
Use Jackals or Goremongers to screen important units from deep strikers
Position infiltrating Goremongers to deny enemy movement
Effective screening protects your valuable units from enemy deep strikers and can funnel enemy units into disadvantageous positions.
Charge Priority Sequencing
Declare charges in order of importance to ensure key units reach combat
Use disposable units to absorb overwatch before charging with valuable units
Proper charge sequencing ensures that your most important units reach combat safely and effectively.
Special Rules Interactions and Combos
Hellbrute Chain Reaction
When Hellbrute is attacked, it can fight back immediately
Combine with 6" consolidate to tag multiple enemy units
Each new unit that attacks the Hellbrute triggers another counter-attack
Can potentially clear entire sections of the board in a chain reaction
This powerful combo leverages the Hellbrute's ability to fight immediately when attacked, combined with the extended consolidate move from Blessings of Khorne. By tagging multiple enemy units, you can trigger a cascade of counter-attacks that can devastate enemy formations.
Lord on Juggernaut + Bloodcrushers
Use Disciple of Khorne enhancement to attach Lord to Bloodcrushers
Bloodcrushers gain the ability to move through terrain
Lord provides 3" fight range to the unit
Can deep strike the entire unit with the Lord's ability
This combination creates a highly mobile and deadly unit that can navigate the battlefield with ease. The Lord's ability to move through terrain is extended to the entire unit, while the 3" fight range allows them to engage enemies from a safer distance. The deep strike capability adds an element of surprise to your assault.
Daemon Prince + Eightbound
Position Eightbound within 3" of Daemon Prince for Lone Operative protection
Daemon Prince provides CP reduction for key stratagems
Eightbound provide +1 to hit aura against non-vehicle/monster units
This synergistic pairing combines the Daemon Prince's CP reduction ability with the Eightbound's offensive aura. By keeping them in close proximity, you can maximize their effectiveness while ensuring that your stratagems are as efficient as possible.
Slaughterbound + Eightbound Revival
Slaughterbound can revive one Eightbound model per Command phase
Position revived model to extend threat range or capture objectives
Combine with Berzerker Glaive for enhanced damage output
This combination allows you to maintain the effectiveness of your Eightbound units throughout the game. The Slaughterbound's ability to revive models can be used strategically to extend your threat range or to secure objectives that would otherwise be out of reach.
Master of Executions Blood Surge Control
Master of Executions allows reroll of Blood Surge distance
Attach to Berzerkers to ensure maximum surge movement
Use Infernal Infusion for Fight First to counter enemy charges
This combination maximizes the effectiveness of your Blood Surge ability, ensuring that your Berzerkers can reliably reach their targets when reacting to enemy shooting. The Fight First ability from Infernal Infusion provides additional tactical flexibility, allowing you to strike before enemies even when they charge you.
Tournament-Ready 2000-Point Lists
Berzerker Tide (Berzerker Warband Detachment)
HQ
- Daemon Prince (Warlord) [200pts] - Enhancement: Helm of Brazen Ire - Hellforged Sword
- Master of Executions [60pts] - Enhancement: Berzerker Glaive
- Ka'Bandha the Betrayer [85pts]
Troops
- Khorne Berzerkers (20) [360pts] - Icon of Khorne
- Khorne Berzerkers (20) [360pts] - Icon of Khorne
Elites
- Eightbound (3) [150pts]
Fast Attack
- Chaos Spawn (5) [125pts]
Heavy Support
- Forge Fiend [150pts] - Ectoplasma Cannons - Hades Autocannon
- Forge Fiend [150pts] - Ectoplasma Cannons - Hades Autocannon
Dedicated Transport
- Chaos Rhino [85pts]
- Chaos Rhino [85pts]
- Chaos Rhino [85pts]
- Chaos Rhino [85pts]
Strategy: This list focuses on overwhelming the opponent with waves of Berzerkers supported by high-damage characters. The multiple Rhinos provide protection for the Berzerkers while advancing, and the Forge Fiends offer substantial ranged firepower. Eightbound provide early board control with their scout move, while Spawn offer fast objective grabbing capability. The detachment's +2 Strength and +1 Attack on the charge substantially increases damage output across the entire army.
Expansion Priorities for New Players
First Purchase Priority
- Start with Berzerkers and a Master of Executions for HQ
- Add a Rhino for transport protection
- Get some Spawn for inexpensive, effective objective grabbers
This core set of units provides a solid foundation for your World Eaters army. The Berzerkers form your main offensive punch, while the Master of Executions offers character support and CP generation. The Rhino provides essential protection for your Berzerkers, and Spawn offer cost-effective objective control.
Second Purchase Priority
- Add a Forge Fiend for ranged support
- Expand with Eightbound for elite combat units
- Add a second Rhino and more Berzerkers
These additions expand your tactical options and address the army's need for ranged support. The Forge Fiend provides crucial firepower, while Eightbound offer elite combat capabilities and board control through their scout ability. Additional Berzerkers and a Rhino increase your offensive potential and durability.
Third Purchase Priority
- Add a Daemon Prince for powerful HQ support
- Consider a Lord on Juggernaut for expanded options
- Add more specialized units like Mauler Fiends
These purchases significantly enhance your army's capabilities. The Daemon Prince is a powerful HQ choice that provides both combat prowess and strategic benefits through CP reduction. The Lord on Juggernaut offers unique mobility options, while Mauler Fiends provide fast anti-vehicle capabilities.
Final Expansions
- Add a Land Raider for heavy transport capability
- Consider Khorne Daemons for the Daemonkin detachment
- Expand with additional specialist units like Predators
These final additions complete your collection and provide maximum tactical flexibility. The Land Raider offers heavy transport capabilities for your elite units, while Khorne Daemons open up the powerful Daemonkin detachment option. Additional specialist units like Predators further enhance your army's versatility.
Modeling/Conversion Projects
- Convert Age of Sigmar Bloodcrushers into World Eaters on Juggernauts
- Use Space Marine or Chaos Space Marine bodies for kitbashing additional Berzerkers
- Consider using 30k World Eaters models for aesthetic variety
These hobby projects allow you to personalize your army and potentially save money through creative conversions. Converting Age of Sigmar models can provide unique aesthetic options, while kitbashing allows you to expand your collection cost-effectively. Using 30k models adds historical depth and visual variety to your force.
Conclusion: Spilling Blood for Khorne
The World Eaters in 10th Edition have evolved from a one-dimensional berzerker rush army into a versatile force with multiple viable tactical approaches. While they've lost some of their previous crutch mechanics like armywide Feel No Pain and advance+charge abilities, they've gained significant tactical depth and flexibility.
The core identity of World Eaters remains intact: they are brutal melee specialists who excel at close-quarters combat and deal devastating damage on the charge. However, the addition of improved shooting capabilities, reactive movement abilities, and diverse detachment options creates a more dynamic and adaptable army.
For competitive play, World Eaters offer several strong builds, each with a distinct playstyle. The Berzerker Warband remains an excellent all-around choice for maximizing melee damage output. The Khorne Daemonkin detachment provides exceptional tactical flexibility with its summoning and Blood Tithe mechanics. The Goretrack Onslaught detachment enables a devastating Rhino-rush strategy with enhanced disembarkation abilities.
Looking forward, World Eaters are well-positioned in the current meta. They have the tools to handle hordes through mass attacks, deal with elites through Devastating Wounds and volume of attacks, and threaten vehicles with dedicated anti-tank units and stratagems. Their biggest weakness remains getting shot off the board before reaching combat, but careful use of terrain, transports, and reactive abilities can mitigate this vulnerability.
For maximum success with World Eaters, focus on:
- Mastering the Blood Surge mechanic to punish opponents who shoot at your units
- Leveraging the 6" pile-in/consolidate blessing to maximize combat reach
- Utilizing your improved shooting capabilities to soften targets before charging
- Carefully timing your charges to make the most of detachment bonuses
- Controlling the pace of the game through threat positioning
Whether you prefer a horde of blood-crazed Berzerkers, a mechanized assault force, or a daemonic legion, the World Eaters offer a blood-soaked path to victory worthy of Khorne himself. Spill blood, take skulls, and let the galaxy burn in the name of the Blood God!
World Eaters Competitive Playbook - Warhammer 40k 10th Edition