The Grey Knights are one of the most elite and mysterious factions in Warhammer 40,000, known for their unwavering devotion to the Emperor of Mankind and their sole purpose: to hunt down and destroy the forces of Chaos. They are a secretive chapter of Space Marines, specifically bred and trained to combat the daemonic entities that infest the galaxy. Their Combat Patrol reflects their nature as a small, but highly specialized, force designed to exterminate threats with surgical precision and overwhelming psychic power.
In a Grey Knights Combat Patrol, players can expect an army focused on elite units, powerful psykers, and heavy close combat capabilities. They are incredibly effective in taking on Chaos forces, including Daemons and Corrupted enemies, thanks to their psykers, sanctified weaponry, and powerful armor. The Grey Knights are not just a force of warriors, but a dedicated arm of the Inquisition, combating the forces of Chaos in the name of the Emperor.
Lore and Background
The Grey Knights were founded after the Horus Heresy to be the Emperor’s personal daemon hunters. They are psychically-gifted Space Marines who have undergone intense training and trials to wield their psychic abilities. They operate in absolute secrecy, with their existence hidden from most of the Imperium of Man to protect the people from the horrors of Chaos. The Grey Knights are the first line of defense against Chaos and the Daemonic, standing as an ever-vigilant force ready to banish the demons and purge the Imperium from the taint of Corruption.
Their Combat Patrol reflects their highly specialized nature, with a focus on elite warriors, psykers, and close combat prowess. Grey Knights are designed for precision strikes and targeted removal of demonic threats, making them formidable on the battlefield, particularly against any force with ties to Chaos.
The Grey Knights Combat Patrol
A Grey Knights Combat Patrol is usually a small but extremely elite force that is highly effective at eliminating Chaos threats through precision attacks and psionic powers. Their strength lies in their elite units and their ability to use psychic powers to influence the battle. This is not a horde army—each unit is highly skilled, well-armored, and capable of taking down massive threats.
Grey Knight Strike Squads:
- The Strike Squad is the backbone of any Grey Knights force, even in a Combat Patrol. They are highly-trained, heavily armored warriors armed with storm bolters and force swords, and can be equipped with halberds, psybolts, or incinerators for close-quarters fighting or ranged support.
- Grey Knight Strike Squads are elite and can carry out a range of missions, from holding objectives to providing support fire. Their psychic powers can enhance their effectiveness, making them one of the most dangerous infantry units in the game.
- In a Combat Patrol, the Strike Squad is a perfect balanced unit, capable of engaging both infantry and light vehicles with their ranged weapons, while also being able to take on Daemons and Chaos forces in close combat.
Grey Knight Terminators:
- Terminator Squads are heavily armored elite warriors that can withstand the most devastating fire and still deliver devastating attacks. Armed with storm bolters and power fists, Grey Knight Terminators are able to engage enemies in both close combat and ranged. They are often the tip of the spear in a Grey Knights Combat Patrol, able to push forward into the heart of enemy forces and destroy key targets.
- These elite warriors also have access to psyker abilities, making them more than just powerful warriors—they can unleash psychic attacks and use warp-based abilities to manipulate the battlefield.
Grey Knight Grand Master:
- The Grand Master is the commander of the Grey Knights and represents the highest level of psychic and martial skill within the Chapter. They are powerful psykers and can issue commands that enhance the effectiveness of their troops.
- The Grand Master can be equipped with psychic weapons like the Nemesis Daemon Hammer or Force Sword, giving them the ability to destroy Daemons with devastating force. They are central figures in the Combat Patrol, bringing leadership and psychic powers to guide their forces in battle.
Paladins (Optional):
- Paladins are the most elite warriors in the Grey Knights Chapter, equipped with artificer armor, Nemesis weapons, and advanced psychic abilities. While not always included in a Combat Patrol due to their high point cost, Paladins are incredibly effective against large enemy units, tough targets, and Daemonic entities.
- These warriors excel in close combat but can also dish out powerful psychic damage to disrupt enemy plans. Paladins are nigh invincible, with a high level of protection and offensive capability.
Grey Knight Dreadnought (Optional):
- The Grey Knight Dreadnought is a heavily armored walker capable of heavy fire support and close combat. In a Combat Patrol, it can provide a strong presence on the battlefield, delivering powerful ranged attacks with heavy incinerators or psybolt ammo while supporting Grey Knight infantry in close combat.
- While Dreadnoughts are typically reserved for larger battles, in a Combat Patrol, they offer a tough and versatile support unit to help counter heavier enemies or provide suppressing fire.
Tactics and Playstyle
The Grey Knights are an army of elite warriors, psychic powers, and precision strikes. Their Combat Patrol reflects their role as a specialized force designed to take on the most dangerous foes with surgical precision. They are elite troops, and while they may be fewer in number, their individual power is unmatched.
Elite Units: The Grey Knights are not a horde army. Each unit is highly specialized and elite, with advanced weaponry, psychic abilities, and armor. Every model is designed to fight against Chaos, banish Daemons, and purge corruption.
Psychic Powers: The Grey Knights are master psykers. Their ability to use psychic powers like hammerhand, smite, and sanctuary makes them highly effective at dealing with both infantry and heavy targets. The Grand Master or Strike Squads can wield psychic abilities that disrupt the battlefield and provide extra support to your forces.
Close Combat: Grey Knights are also incredibly strong in melee combat, especially with their Nemesis Force weapons. Units like Grey Knight Terminators and Paladins excel at close-range fighting, able to tear through enemy lines with ease. They are particularly effective against Daemons and Chaos forces, with force swords and demon hammers that are perfect for slaying their supernatural enemies.
High Mobility: The Grey Knights are mobile, thanks to their ability to deploy quickly and respond to threats. Their Deep Strike capability allows them to rapidly teleport into enemy territory and take out key targets or reinforce weak points in their own lines.
Conclusion
The Grey Knights Combat Patrol is all about elite, psychic-powered warriors who can take on the most dangerous enemies in the galaxy. They excel at close combat, psychic warfare, and targeted strikes, making them an excellent choice for players who enjoy tactical, elite armies that can punish their enemies with precision and power. Whether you’re dealing with Daemons, Chaos, or other threats, the Grey Knights are a powerful force that can overcome even the most horrifying enemies with faith, skill, and strength.