Leagues of Votann Combat Patrol & Army Guide 2026
Leagues of Votann Combat Patrol: Building the Kin in Warhammer 40K
The Leagues of Votann Combat Patrol has become one of the most useful starting points for players interested in the Kin. Compact, heavily armed and technologically advanced, the Leagues of Votann combine durable infantry with powerful short-range weapons, elite exo-armoured warriors and an expanding collection of unusual vehicles and Ironkin constructs.
The current Combat Patrol, known as Vynn Bane-slayer's Bulwark, provides an especially strong infantry foundation. Rather than trying to represent every branch of the Votann range in one box, it concentrates on Hearthkyn Warriors, Einhyr Hearthguard and Brôkhyr Thunderkyn under the command of an Einhyr Champion.
That makes it useful for two different players. A newcomer gets a complete force for Combat Patrol games, while someone building toward a larger Warhammer 40,000 army gains several units that can continue serving useful battlefield roles as the collection expands.
Explore the Leagues of Votann collection at TistaMinis for the current Combat Patrol, infantry, vehicles, characters and related sets for building a Kinhost.
Best starting approach: use the Combat Patrol to establish your infantry core, then add mobility before simply buying more heavy troops. A Sagitaur, Kapricus, Hernkyn unit or other fast element can solve battlefield problems that another squad of Hearthguard may not.
Who Are the Leagues of Votann?
The Leagues of Votann are a civilization of Kin who inhabit much of the dangerous galactic core. They are descendants of an ancient human lineage, but generations of adaptation, cloning and technological development have created a society very different from the wider Imperium of Man.
At the centre of their civilization are the Votann themselves: vast Ancestor Cores containing accumulated knowledge and intelligence from countless generations. These machines are revered as sources of guidance, history and cultural continuity, although their immense age has increasingly slowed their ability to process information.
The Kin are practical, industrial and intensely protective of their own. They mine worlds, establish claims, honour contracts and pursue resources with a determination that can appear brutally indifferent to other civilizations. If an entire planet must be stripped because the Kin require what lies beneath its surface, objections from the existing inhabitants may carry very little weight.
What Is in the Current Leagues of Votann Combat Patrol?
The modern Combat Patrol is called Vynn Bane-slayer's Bulwark. It contains 19 multipart plastic miniatures and is built around a durable infantry formation rather than the faster Pioneer-heavy structure of the older Votann Combat Patrol.
| Unit | Models | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Einhyr Champion | 1 | Armoured melee character and leader |
| Einhyr Hearthguard | 5 | Elite exo-armoured infantry |
| Brôkhyr Thunderkyn | 3 | Heavy ranged fire support |
| Hearthkyn Warriors | 10 | Core infantry and objective control |
This composition gives the box a clear structure. Hearthkyn Warriors handle ordinary battlefield work, the Hearthguard become the elite centre of the force, Thunderkyn provide heavier shooting and the Einhyr Champion gives the army a character capable of joining the fighting directly.
The Leagues of Votann Combat Patrol at TistaMinis can therefore function both as a self-contained small game force and as the first layer of a larger Kin army.
The Einhyr Champion Leads From the Front
The Einhyr Champion gives the Combat Patrol a suitably durable commander. Encased in advanced exo-armour, the Champion fits naturally alongside the Einhyr Hearthguard and visually establishes the elite technological character of the Leagues.
The kit provides a choice between the mass hammer and darkstar axe, along with alternate heads, crests and RAM shield designs. That makes the model a useful opportunity to establish the look of the army before painting the rest of the force.
In a larger collection, the Champion remains most comfortable supporting elite units rather than wandering the battlefield alone. The Votann generally reward units working together, and a powerful leader becomes more useful when attached to a squad that can help deliver that combat power where it matters.
Einhyr Hearthguard Are the Elite Core
The five Einhyr Hearthguard are arguably the centrepiece infantry of the Combat Patrol. They wear heavy exo-armour and combine strong ranged weapons with meaningful melee options, making them suitable for taking and defending important positions.
The kit also offers meaningful weapon choices. Their ranged loadout can emphasize EtaCarn plasma guns or volkanite disintegrators, while melee options include concussion gauntlets or plasma blade gauntlets. The squad leader can carry a graviton hammer.
Hearthguard are particularly appealing because they embody what many players expect from the Votann: compact warriors in extremely sophisticated armour who can absorb pressure while delivering dangerous firepower of their own.
Expansion principle: Hearthguard are powerful, but a new player should resist turning every early purchase into another elite unit. The Combat Patrol already gives you durability. Your first expansion should often increase mobility, board coverage or long-range options instead.
Hearthkyn Warriors Do the Everyday Work
The ten Hearthkyn Warriors are the least glamorous models in the box, but they are among the most useful. Expensive elite troops cannot be everywhere at once, so the Kin still need ordinary infantry capable of securing ground, interacting with objectives and supporting heavier units.
Hearthkyn also have a wide selection of equipment available in their kit, including bolters, ion weapons and several specialist options. Their versatility lets players experiment with the technological flavour of the faction without making the squad overly specialized.
In Combat Patrol, the Hearthkyn can also be divided into smaller groups where the scenario demands wider board coverage. This is particularly useful because the rest of Bane-slayer's Bulwark contains relatively few units.
Brôkhyr Thunderkyn Add the Heavy Weapons
Three Brôkhyr Thunderkyn provide the force with dedicated ranged fire support. Their mechanical exoframes allow them to carry weapons that ordinary infantry would struggle to operate, reinforcing the Votann theme of industrial technology being adapted directly for warfare.
The models can be equipped with bolt cannons, graviton blast cannons or SP conversion beamers. In the dedicated Combat Patrol rules, the Thunderkyn use conversion beamers, encouraging them to operate farther from the enemy while the Hearthkyn and Hearthguard move into contested areas.
This creates useful battlefield separation. Not every model needs to stand in the same central group. Thunderkyn can threaten targets from behind the main line while the rest of the patrol advances.
Why This Combat Patrol Is a Better Foundation Than It First Appears
The box does not contain a transport or fast reconnaissance unit, and that may initially look like a weakness. For Combat Patrol games, however, the included rules are built around the exact contents of the set. For a larger collection, the missing mobility creates an obvious and useful expansion path.
That is better than receiving several disconnected units that leave a new player unsure what to buy next. The Patrol establishes a strong core and then effectively asks one question: how do you want to move that core around the battlefield?
Your answer can lead toward Sagitaurs, Kapricus vehicles, Hernkyn units or a heavier armoured formation. Different choices produce noticeably different versions of the same army.
Best First Expansion: Add a Sagitaur
A Sagitaur is one of the most natural additions to the Combat Patrol because it introduces something the box lacks: fast vehicle-based mobility. Votann infantry can be extremely capable once they reach the right position, but getting there at the correct moment is part of the challenge.
Sagitaurs can help move portions of a Kin force while also providing useful firepower. They fit especially well in armies that want to divide their infantry between several objectives instead of advancing as one compact block.
This also makes them relevant to the 11th Edition Armoured Trailblazers concept, which emphasizes the vehicular side of the Leagues. A player who enjoys the first Sagitaur can gradually continue toward a much more mechanized Kinhost.
The Kapricus Offers Another Mobile Expansion
The newer Kapricus broadens the Votann vehicle range beyond the Sagitaur and Hekaton Land Fortress. Suspended by magna-coils, it has a visually distinctive hovering design that gives the Kin another form of fast battlefield support.
The Kapricus can be configured around different battlefield jobs. The Defender functions as a mobile weapons platform with choices suited to engaging infantry or harder targets, while the Carrier version trades heavier firepower for transport capability.
Players interested in expanding beyond the Combat Patrol can find the Kapricus in the Leagues of Votann range alongside the newer generation of Kin releases.
For an infantry-heavy starter force, the attraction is obvious: the Combat Patrol gives you warriors capable of taking ground, and the Kapricus gives parts of the army another way to reach it.
Ironkin Steeljacks Add an Entirely Different Kind of Muscle
The expansion of the Votann range has also given Ironkin a much more visible battlefield role. Ironkin Steeljacks use larger artificial bodies designed specifically for warfare and can be assembled for either ranged or close-combat duty.
Ranged Steeljacks carry heavy volkanite disintegrators, while melee versions combine close-combat weapons with Autoch-pattern bolters. That gives players a choice between reinforcing the gunline or adding another unit capable of contesting difficult areas.
They also fit naturally beside the Combat Patrol visually. Hearthguard represent heavily armoured Kin, Thunderkyn use industrial exoframes, and Steeljacks continue the theme by showing how sophisticated Ironkin bodies can become dedicated military platforms.
Cthonian Earthshakers Take the Army Underground
Cthonian Earthshakers are one of the stranger additions to the modern Leagues of Votann range. Rather than simply adding another conventional gun platform, they bring the industrial and mining heritage of the Kin directly onto the battlefield through subterranean siege technology.
This makes them an appealing expansion for players who want their army to look distinctly Votann rather than simply like another collection of futuristic infantry and tanks. Their design ties warfare directly to the engineering culture of the Leagues.
TistaMinis carries Cthonian Earthshakers within the current Votann range, making them another option once the basic Combat Patrol force is established.
Cthonian Prospect Is the Alternative Expansion Box
Players who want a larger leap beyond the Combat Patrol can also consider Cthonian Prospect. Rather than repeating the same units found in Bane-slayer's Bulwark, this boxed force explores another side of the faction.
The set is built around a Brôkhyr Iron-master and includes Cthonian Beserks, Brôkhyr Thunderkyn and Cthonian Earthshakers. This gives the force a much stronger industrial and heavy-support identity.
There is some overlap through the Thunderkyn, so it is not automatically the ideal second purchase for every collector. However, players who enjoy Brôkhyr technology, mining equipment and Cthonian units can combine the two boxes into a varied collection remarkably quickly.
The Leagues of Votann Cthonian Prospect is particularly worth considering for players who want a boxed expansion rather than adding individual kits one at a time.
What About the Older Votann Combat Patrol?
Players shopping online may still encounter the previous Leagues of Votann Combat Patrol, so it is important to know that the contents are different. The older box was built around a Kâhl or Ûthar the Destined, Cthonian Beserks, Hernkyn Pioneers and Hearthkyn Warriors.
Those miniatures are still useful models, but the old box should not be confused with the current Bane-slayer's Bulwark Combat Patrol. The dedicated current Combat Patrol rules are designed around the Einhyr Champion, Hearthguard, Thunderkyn and Hearthkyn composition.
| Current Combat Patrol | Previous Combat Patrol |
|---|---|
| Einhyr Champion | Kâhl / Ûthar the Destined |
| 5 Einhyr Hearthguard | 5 Cthonian Beserks |
| 3 Brôkhyr Thunderkyn | 3 Hernkyn Pioneers |
| 10 Hearthkyn Warriors | 10 Hearthkyn Warriors |
| Infantry-heavy foundation | Mixed infantry and mobile reconnaissance |
If you already own the previous box, there is little reason to treat it as obsolete. In fact, combining portions of the old and new collections can provide Hearthkyn, Pioneers, Beserks, Hearthguard and several characters without excessive duplication.
The Hekaton Land Fortress Is the Big Centrepiece Upgrade
Eventually, many Votann players are drawn toward the Hekaton Land Fortress. It is one of the faction's signature vehicles and gives a growing Kinhost a much heavier battlefield presence than anything contained in the Combat Patrol.
The important word is eventually. A Hekaton can be an exciting addition, but it does not automatically solve every weakness in a new force. Players may benefit more from adding mobility and another scoring unit before committing a large portion of their army to one vehicle.
Once the infantry core is established, however, the Hekaton makes an excellent visual centrepiece and helps push the collection from a small expeditionary force toward a genuine armoured Kinhost.
Suggested purchase order: Combat Patrol first, then mobility, then a unit that reinforces your preferred playstyle, and only afterward consider a major centrepiece. This gives you a playable army at every stage rather than a collection of impressive models that struggle to work together.
Three Ways to Expand the Combat Patrol
The strongest feature of Bane-slayer's Bulwark is that it can develop in several directions. Instead of following one mandatory shopping list, use your first few games to decide which part of Votann warfare you enjoy most.
| Army Direction | Useful Additions | What It Emphasizes |
|---|---|---|
| Armoured Kinhost | Sagitaurs, Kapricus, Hekaton Land Fortress | Mobility, transports and vehicle firepower |
| Elite Hearthguard Force | Additional Hearthguard, Kâhl, elite characters | Durable infantry concentrated around key objectives |
| Brôkhyr Industrial Force | Iron-master, Steeljacks, Earthshakers, Thunderkyn | Heavy weapons, engineering and mechanical constructs |
There is also a fourth direction through Hernkyn Pioneers and Yaegirs for players who want a more exploratory, reconnaissance-heavy force. Their faster movement and scouting identity can compensate for the relatively slow infantry found in the Combat Patrol.
How 11th Edition Supports Different Votann Collections
Current 11th Edition support makes these expansion choices more meaningful because the Leagues have several detachment directions available. Armoured Trailblazers support the vehicle-heavy concept, Farseekers emphasize scouting units, and Hearthguard Covenant naturally appeals to players investing heavily in Einhyr Hearthguard.
The broader Codex and Faction Pack offer additional army styles beyond those three. That gives Votann players the ability to build around the models they enjoy rather than being forced into one narrow interpretation of the army.
This is especially useful for someone beginning with the Combat Patrol. The starter does not commit you to one final army. It gives you a solid infantry backbone and allows the next purchases to determine what kind of Kinhost develops around it.
Do You Need the Votann Codex?
The dedicated Combat Patrol rules can be used to play Bane-slayer's Bulwark in the smaller Combat Patrol format, but anyone moving toward regular full-size Warhammer 40,000 will want the current Codex: Leagues of Votann.
The current Codex contains lore, 21 unit datasheets, five detachments, Crusade content and the Prioritised Efficiency army rule, along with a code for accessing its material through the Warhammer 40,000 app. Current 11th Edition additions and changes should then be used alongside the latest Faction Pack and app updates.
The Leagues of Votann Codex at TistaMinis is therefore a more useful early purchase once you decide to move beyond Combat Patrol games.
Who Is the Votann Combat Patrol Best For?
The box is particularly good for players who enjoy elite-looking infantry but do not want an army consisting entirely of a tiny number of models. Hearthkyn provide conventional bodies while Hearthguard and Thunderkyn give the force the heavier technology that makes the faction visually distinctive.
It is also useful for hobbyists who like a science-fiction industrial aesthetic. Armour panels, visors, mechanical exoframes and advanced weapons can be painted cleanly for a high-tech look or weathered heavily to represent Kin returning from mining operations and hostile expeditions.
Players who primarily want bikes, vehicles and fast armies may still enjoy the box, but they should expect their next purchases to focus heavily on mobility.
Painting the Leagues of Votann
The Leagues are well suited to strong colour blocking. Their armour plates create large areas for a main League colour, while undersuits, weapons, metallic components and visors provide easy contrast.
The relatively compact model count also makes weathering practical. Chipping, dust, industrial grime and scratched armour fit a civilization of miners and explorers operating in some of the most hostile environments in the galaxy.
Basing can reinforce that theme through rocks, mineral deposits, industrial debris or alien terrain. Players can browse miniature paints, basing materials and hobby supplies when preparing a new Kinhost.
Build a Leagues of Votann Army at TistaMinis
Start with the Leagues of Votann Combat Patrol for an Einhyr Champion, Hearthguard, Thunderkyn and Hearthkyn Warriors. It provides a complete Combat Patrol force while establishing several units that remain useful as the collection grows.
From there, browse the full Leagues of Votann collection for Sagitaurs, Kapricus vehicles, Ironkin Steeljacks, Cthonian Earthshakers, characters and heavier battlefield options.
Players interested in an industrial expansion can also consider the Cthonian Prospect boxed set, while the current Codex provides the lore and main army rules needed when moving into larger games.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in the current Leagues of Votann Combat Patrol?
The current Bane-slayer's Bulwark contains 19 miniatures: one Einhyr Champion, five Einhyr Hearthguard, three Brôkhyr Thunderkyn and ten Hearthkyn Warriors.
Is the current Votann Combat Patrol different from the old one?
Yes. The previous Combat Patrol contained a Kâhl or Ûthar, Cthonian Beserks, Hernkyn Pioneers and Hearthkyn Warriors. The current box is much more infantry-focused and is built around an Einhyr Champion, Hearthguard and Thunderkyn.
Is the Leagues of Votann Combat Patrol a good starting army?
Yes. It provides core infantry, elite troops, heavy fire support and a character in one box. Its main missing element is speed, which also creates a clear direction for your first expansion.
What should I buy after the Votann Combat Patrol?
A Sagitaur or another mobile unit is one of the strongest first additions because the Combat Patrol already provides plenty of durable infantry. After adding mobility, choose units that support the army style you prefer.
Are Einhyr Hearthguard good for expanding the army?
Hearthguard are one of the faction's signature elite infantry units and can become a major part of a Votann collection. However, buying too many immediately can leave a new army short on mobility and board coverage.
What are Ironkin Steeljacks?
Ironkin Steeljacks are dedicated artificial combat bodies used by Ironkin. They can be built with heavy volkanite weapons for ranged support or melee weapons for close combat.
What is a Kapricus?
The Kapricus is a fast magna-coil Votann vehicle. It can be configured as a Defender weapons platform or a Carrier intended to transport a small Hernkyn Yaegir unit.
What is the Cthonian Prospect set?
Cthonian Prospect is a larger Votann boxed force built around a Brôkhyr Iron-master, Cthonian Beserks, Thunderkyn and Cthonian Earthshakers. It is particularly appealing to players who want the mining and industrial side of the faction.
Do I need the Leagues of Votann Codex for Combat Patrol?
You can use the dedicated Combat Patrol rules for Bane-slayer's Bulwark when playing that format. For full-size Warhammer 40,000 and the wider faction, the current Codex and latest 11th Edition updates are the appropriate rules resources.
Where can I buy Leagues of Votann in Canada?
TistaMinis carries Leagues of Votann products in Canada, including the current Combat Patrol, Codex, infantry, characters and newer units depending on availability.
Final Thoughts: The Combat Patrol Is a Strong Foundation for the Kin
The current Leagues of Votann Combat Patrol succeeds because it does not try to put the entire faction into one box. Instead, it establishes the part of the army almost every Kinhost can use: dependable Hearthkyn, elite Hearthguard, heavy Thunderkyn and an Einhyr Champion to lead them.
Its greatest weakness—limited mobility—is also what makes expanding the collection straightforward. A Sagitaur or Kapricus immediately adds something new rather than duplicating what you already own. Hernkyn can push the army toward reconnaissance, while additional Hearthguard create a tougher elite force.
The newer Votann releases make that progression much more interesting than it was when the faction first appeared. Ironkin Steeljacks add dedicated artificial warriors, Earthshakers explore the Kin's mining technology, Kapricus vehicles provide another fast platform and larger boxed sets such as Cthonian Prospect can develop an entirely different part of the collection.
For a new player, the best strategy is therefore to avoid buying everything at once. Play the Combat Patrol first, identify what you enjoy and then add one battlefield role at a time. That approach produces a more coherent army and makes every new kit feel meaningfully different.
Explore the Leagues of Votann range at TistaMinis for the current Combat Patrol and related sets, or browse the broader Warhammer 40,000 collection for additional armies and battlefield options.