Adeptus Custodes are receiving one of their most significant miniature range expansions in years. Throughout 2026, Games Workshop has introduced new plastic Custodes infantry, Dreadnoughts, jetbikes and grav-vehicles, while bringing many of these models into both Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer: The Horus Heresy.

The biggest change is more than the miniatures themselves. For the first time, a major selection of Custodes kits is receiving packaging displaying both the Warhammer 40,000 and Horus Heresy logos. This reflects a deliberate effort to make the same models available to players collecting the Emperor's golden warriors in either the 31st or 41st Millennium.

The new Warhammer 40,000 Codex: Adeptus Custodes brings previously separate Horus Heresy units into the main faction roster, expanding it to 27 datasheets. Meanwhile, the Horus Heresy range benefits from a major transition of classic Custodes designs into multipart plastic.

For collectors, this means greater flexibility when purchasing miniatures. A Caladius Grav-tank, Telemon Dreadnought or squad of Venatari can potentially become part of two different armies, provided the models are equipped appropriately for each game's rules.

Explore the Adeptus Custodes collection at TistaMinis for the latest miniatures, vehicles, starter boxes and army expansions available in Canada.

Why Are the Custodes Important in Both Warhammer 30K and 40K?

The Adeptus Custodes are the Emperor of Mankind's personal guardians. Unlike the Space Marine Legions, which were created to conquer the galaxy during the Great Crusade, the Custodians were designed to serve the Emperor directly as warriors, protectors and trusted agents.

During the Horus Heresy, they are generally known as the Legio Custodes. They fight alongside the Emperor's other forces, including the Sisters of Silence, as the galaxy descends into civil war.

In the 41st Millennium, they are the Adeptus Custodes, still guarding the Imperial Palace and the Golden Throne. Following the Great Rift and the return of Roboute Guilliman, the Custodes have become increasingly active beyond Terra.

That shared history explains why many of their weapons and vehicles remain recognizable across both periods. The Custodes possess extraordinary technology, ancient armour and equipment that was already rare during the Great Crusade.

The new miniature range reflects that continuity. Instead of treating the Horus Heresy Custodes as a completely separate collection, Games Workshop is allowing more of their classic wargear to appear directly in modern Warhammer 40,000.

What's New About the 2026 Custodes Packaging?

Games Workshop has confirmed that 11 Custodes kits are receiving packaging displaying both the Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer: The Horus Heresy logos.

This is significant because hobbyists previously encountered some Custodes models primarily through the Horus Heresy or specialist resin ranges, while the main 40K range focused on a smaller selection of plastic infantry, characters and jetbikes.

The new packaging makes the cross-game relationship much clearer. It also accompanies the wider availability of plastic models and new rules support.

The 11 Dual-Branded Custodes Kits

These are the kits explicitly identified by Games Workshop for dual-branded packaging. Other Custodes miniatures may also have rules in both systems, but that does not mean every older box is being repackaged or that all equipment options are interchangeable.

Custodian Guard Sodality: The Foundation of the Golden Host

The Custodian Guard Sodality represents the classic image of the Emperor's personal warriors: towering golden armour, guardian spears and ceremonial details that reflect their exceptional status.

The 2026 plastic range includes a refreshed Custodian Guard kit with options for different heads and command details, including a vexilla. The guardian spear combines a powerful melee weapon with a built-in ranged weapon, allowing Custodians to fight effectively at close range and in direct assault.

In the Horus Heresy, these warriors form an important part of a Legio Custodes force. They are elite infantry capable of taking on threats that would overwhelm ordinary Imperial troops.

In Warhammer 40,000, the new codex distinguishes Custodian Guard equipped with guardian spears from Sentinel Guard carrying swords and shields. This provides a clearer relationship between the Horus Heresy kits and the modern army roster.

TistaMinis carries the Legio Custodes Custodian Guard Sodality alongside other Custodes infantry.

Sentinel Guard Sodality: Shields and Defensive Power

The Sentinel Guard Sodality uses sentinel warblades and praesidium shields rather than the guardian spears associated with the standard Guard.

Visually, these models offer one of the most recognizable Custodes configurations. Their large shields and ornate armour create an imposing defensive formation, making them especially attractive for collectors who want the appearance of an elite palace guard.

On the tabletop, their equipment gives them a different tactical identity from spear-equipped Custodians. They are naturally suited to fighting over contested ground and enduring dangerous close-range engagements.

In the 2026 Warhammer 40,000 codex, the distinction between Guard and Sentinel Guard is now reflected directly in the unit names. This is an important change for existing collectors because Games Workshop has confirmed that older appropriately equipped Custodian Guard models remain usable.

The updated Sentinel Guard Sodality is also represented in the TistaMinis Custodes catalogue.

Venatari Sodality: Airborne Custodes

Not every Custodian advances slowly behind an enormous shield. The Venatari are specialized airborne warriors who use advanced flight equipment to rapidly engage enemy positions.

Their distinctive wing-like equipment gives them one of the most striking silhouettes in the Custodes range. They also provide something particularly useful to an elite army: mobility.

The new plastic Venatari kit supports two main weapon configurations, each represented in the modern Warhammer 40,000 codex.

Venatari with Kinetic Destroyers

This configuration combines kinetic destroyers with protective bucklers. It offers a mobile fighting style that can pressure enemies while maintaining the ability to engage at close range.

Venatari with Verutum Lances

The Verutum lance configuration emphasizes aggressive, mobile combat. These warriors are ideal for collectors who want their Custodes force to include fast-moving assault units rather than relying entirely on heavily armoured infantry.

For both 30K and 40K, Venatari expand the tactical options of the army by providing a way to threaten areas that slower units may struggle to reach.

The Legio Custodes Venatari Sodality is listed at TistaMinis as part of the expanded range.

Custodian Dreadnought: Contemptor-Achillus and Galatus

One of the most exciting plastic additions is the Custodian Dreadnought, which can be assembled as either a Contemptor-Achillus or a Contemptor-Galatus.

Both represent powerful war machines piloted by Custodians who have been grievously wounded but continue serving the Emperor.

Contemptor-Achillus Dreadnought

The Achillus carries a distinctive dread spear and is designed for devastating close combat. Its imposing weapon and aggressive silhouette make it particularly well suited to attacking heavily armoured targets.

For collectors, the spear also gives the miniature a distinctly Custodes appearance compared with more conventional Imperial Dreadnoughts.

Contemptor-Galatus Dreadnought

The Galatus uses a warblade and praesidium shield, creating a more defensive close-combat configuration. Its appearance echoes the Sentinel Guard, but on the scale of a towering Dreadnought.

Both versions are represented in the new Warhammer 40,000 codex and are also part of the Horus Heresy Custodes range.

Telemon Heavy Dreadnought: A New Plastic Centrepiece

The Telemon Heavy Dreadnought is one of the largest and most imposing models in the Custodes range.

Where the Contemptor variants provide specialized combat roles, the Telemon represents a heavier class of war machine. Its enormous armoured body and substantial weapons make it a natural centrepiece for an elite Custodes army.

The Telemon was previously associated with the specialist Horus Heresy range, but the new plastic version gives players a more accessible route to adding one of these impressive machines to their collections.

Its inclusion in the 2026 Warhammer 40,000 codex is especially important. Custodes players now have another major heavy-support option directly integrated into the main army roster.

TistaMinis lists the Custodes Telemon Heavy Dreadnought individually, alongside the Support Battle Group that includes one.

Gyrfalcon Jetbike Sodality: Speed Across Two Eras

The Gyrfalcon Jetbike Sodality expands the range of Custodes mounted units with a distinctive design from the Age of Darkness.

Custodes have long been associated with advanced jetbike technology, and the Gyrfalcons reinforce their ability to combine exceptional speed with devastating weapons.

For Horus Heresy players, these bikes provide a mobile element capable of operating ahead of the main infantry formation. In Warhammer 40,000, they offer an additional mounted unit alongside the existing Vertus Praetors.

It is important not to confuse the two kits. Gyrfalcon Jetbikes and Vertus Praetors are separate units with different models and rules, even though both fill broadly similar mobility roles.

Four Gyrfalcon Jetbikes are included in the Custodes Support Battle Group, while the Gyrfalcon Sodality also forms part of the dual-branded standalone range.

Pallas Grav-attack: Mobile Fire Support

The Pallas Grav-attack is a compact anti-gravity combat vehicle used by the Custodes.

Unlike a large battle tank, the Pallas emphasizes mobility. Its role is to reposition quickly and bring supporting firepower to areas where elite Custodian infantry may need assistance.

In the Horus Heresy, it complements the advanced grav-vehicle technology of the Legio Custodes. In Warhammer 40,000, its inclusion in the new codex gives players a mobile vehicle option within the main faction rules.

The Pallas is particularly attractive for collectors who want to expand beyond infantry but do not yet want to commit to a large Caladius or Coronus vehicle.

Caladius Grav-tank: Heavy Firepower for 30K and 40K

The Caladius Grav-tank is one of the most recognizable vehicles associated with the Legio Custodes. Its advanced anti-gravity design reflects the technological superiority of the Emperor's personal forces.

The new plastic range includes two distinct Caladius configurations, both supported in the 2026 Warhammer 40,000 codex.

Caladius Grav-tank

The standard Caladius provides a heavily armed grav-tank platform for engaging enemy formations and supporting Custodian infantry. Its combination of speed and firepower makes it a natural choice for armies that need more ranged presence.

Caladius Annihilator Grav-tank

The Caladius Annihilator emphasizes heavier anti-armour weaponry, including the Arachnus blaze carronade. It is particularly suited to the role of engaging enemy vehicles and other substantial targets.

The distinction matters for collectors building both 30K and 40K forces because the two versions have separate rules identities. Check the appropriate datasheet and weapon options before committing to a particular build.

TistaMinis lists both the Legio Custodes Caladius Grav-tank and Caladius Annihilator Grav-tank in its Custodes range.

Coronus Grav-carrier: Transporting the Emperor's Finest

The Coronus Grav-carrier provides the Custodes with a dedicated armoured transport built around the same advanced technology as their other grav vehicles.

This is an important addition to the 40K range because elite Custodes infantry benefit from being delivered safely to key battlefield positions. A transport can help reduce the amount of time expensive infantry spend exposed while crossing open ground.

In the Horus Heresy, the Coronus is part of the classic Legio Custodes vehicle collection. Its inclusion in the new 40K codex makes it an important option for collectors who want to use the same armoured transport in both periods.

The Coronus is also particularly appealing as a modelling project. Its long, sweeping hull gives it a very different silhouette from the more conventional Imperial transports used by Space Marines and other factions.

Aquilon Terminators: New Elite Reinforcements

Another major 2026 development is the arrival of new Aquilon Terminators.

These warriors wear exceptionally advanced Terminator armour and represent some of the most formidable infantry available to the Custodes.

The new miniatures support two distinct weapon configurations:

• Solarite Power Gauntlets: powerful close-combat weapons associated with a heavier assault role, paired with adrathic combi-destructors.
• Solarite Power Talons: fast, lethal close-combat weapons paired with lastrum storm bolters.

Both configurations receive separate entries in the 2026 Warhammer 40,000 codex, and the new models can also be used in Horus Heresy armies.

They provide a more specialized alternative to Allarus Custodians. Rather than replacing Allarus Terminators, the Aquilon range broadens the choices available to players who want an army built around heavily armoured elite infantry.

Custodes Support Battle Group: What's in the Box?

The Custodes Support Battle Group is one of the most attractive releases for players interested in both systems because it combines three of the newly expanded vehicle and jetbike options.

Included Unit	Quantity	Primary Role
Telemon Heavy Dreadnought	1	Heavy combat and fire support
Pallas Grav-attack	1	Fast vehicle support
Gyrfalcon Jetbikes	4	Mobile attack
Total	6 models	Heavy support and mobility

The box contains 536 plastic components and two Custodes transfer sheets, with assembly and weapon options for the included models.

It is especially appealing for players who already own Custodian infantry and want to add more mobile and heavy units. It is less complete as a first standalone army purchase because it does not include the infantry and character selection found in a traditional starter.

View the Custodes Support Battle Group at TistaMinis for current Canadian pricing and availability.

The New 2026 Adeptus Custodes Combat Patrol

The updated Combat Patrol: Adeptus Custodes offers a different starting point. Instead of concentrating on vehicles, it combines a command character, elite infantry, airborne troops and a Dreadnought.

Confirmed Contents

• 1 Shield Captain
• 6 Sentinel Guard
• 3 Venatari
• 1 Contemptor-Achillus Dreadnought

Total: 11 miniatures.

For Warhammer 40,000 players, this is a practical way to experience several of the updated Custodes units in one purchase. The box combines defensive infantry with mobile airborne troops and a heavy close-combat walker.

Players building the miniatures for standard Warhammer 40,000 or Horus Heresy games may have alternative assembly options. However, anyone planning to use the box specifically in Combat Patrol should follow the prescribed Combat Patrol unit configurations.

TistaMinis lists the new Combat Patrol among its Games Workshop preorder products, alongside the updated codex and other Custodes releases.

Which Existing Custodes Units Are Staying in Warhammer 40K?

The expanded codex does not remove the established identity of the Adeptus Custodes. Many familiar units remain part of the army alongside the newly integrated Horus Heresy models.

These include:

• Trajann Valoris
• Shield-Captain
• Shield-Captain in Allarus Terminator Armour
• Shield-Captain on Dawneagle Jetbike
• Blade Champion
• Custodian Wardens
• Allarus Custodians
• Vertus Praetors
• Knight-Centura
• Prosecutors
• Vigilators
• Witchseekers
• Anathema Psykana Rhino

This means existing collectors do not need to abandon their current miniatures. The new range is primarily an expansion of the available unit selection, although the codex also changes how some units are organized and supported.

Important 2026 Rules Changes: Legends and Imperial Armour

Not every previously available Custodes unit remains in the main codex. Games Workshop has confirmed several changes that collectors should understand before purchasing older kits.

Legends does not necessarily mean a miniature becomes unusable in every casual game. It does mean the unit is no longer part of the standard codex roster and may not be permitted in organized matched-play events.

For players interested in competitive 40K, checking the latest codex, digital rules and tournament requirements is especially important before buying an older specialist unit.

30K vs 40K: How Do the Custodes Play Differently?

Although many miniatures now work in both settings, the two games use different rules systems and reward different army-building approaches.

The Custodes remain an elite force in both games, but identical miniatures do not necessarily have identical weapons, unit sizes, abilities or points costs. Their battlefield performance must be evaluated within the rules of the specific system.

How to Build a Custodes Army for Both Games

Players who want a collection usable in both Horus Heresy and Warhammer 40,000 should begin with units that have confirmed support in both systems.

A practical approach is to build around Custodian Guard, Sentinel Guard and a Shield Captain. These provide the recognizable infantry core of the force while offering flexibility for different army sizes.

Venatari or Gyrfalcon Jetbikes can then add mobility, while a Custodian Dreadnought provides a substantial close-combat centrepiece.

For larger collections, the Telemon, Caladius and Coronus broaden the force with heavy support and transport options. These models also create an attractive visual contrast with the infantry.

The most important hobby consideration is weapon configuration. A model built with one weapon option may represent a different datasheet from the alternative build, especially with Venatari, Aquilon Terminators and Dreadnoughts.

Before assembling expensive dual-use models, compare the current datasheets for both systems and choose a configuration supported by the armies you intend to play.

Which Custodes Kits Should You Buy First?

The new Combat Patrol is likely to be the most convenient entry point for a 40K beginner. Players already collecting Custodes will generally get more value by identifying gaps in their current army before purchasing another boxed set.

Painting the New Custodes Miniatures

Custodes are famous for their ornate golden armour, but the expanded range gives hobbyists more opportunities to experiment with different materials and finishes.

Infantry models feature decorative armour, plumes, cloth and finely detailed weapons. Dreadnoughts and grav-vehicles add larger surfaces that benefit from shading, highlighting and weathering.

Traditional gold armour can be built using metallic basecoats, darker recess shading and bright edge highlights. Red cloth and helmet plumes create a strong contrast, while blue or white accents can help distinguish individual units.

Collectors building a Horus Heresy army may prefer a cleaner Great Crusade appearance, while 40K players can introduce more battle damage to reflect millennia of service. Both approaches suit the miniatures, and there is no requirement to repaint a shared collection between games.

Explore miniature paints, hobby supplies and basing materials at TistaMinis when planning your Custodes project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: One Golden Army, Two Warhammer Eras

The 2026 Custodes releases represent a meaningful change in how Games Workshop supports the Emperor's personal guardians. Rather than keeping much of the Horus Heresy range separate from modern Warhammer 40,000, the company has brought a substantial number of classic Custodes units into the main codex.

For 40K players, this creates more options than ever before. Telemon and Contemptor Dreadnoughts, Caladius grav-tanks, Gyrfalcon Jetbikes, Venatari and other specialist units now sit alongside established favourites such as Wardens, Allarus Custodians and Vertus Praetors.

For Horus Heresy players, the shift toward plastic kits makes it easier to build a Legio Custodes force with infantry, vehicles and imposing centrepiece models.

Most importantly, the new dual-branded packaging makes the connection between the two settings clear. A collector can build a golden host inspired by the Great Crusade and use many of the same miniatures in battles set ten thousand years later.

The key is to choose equipment carefully, understand the differences between the two rules systems and avoid assuming that every Custodes unit is automatically legal in both.

Explore the Adeptus Custodes range at TistaMinis to discover the new kits, existing favourites and army-building options available for Warhammer 40,000 and The Horus Heresy.