Warhammer 40K's iconic Death Korps of Krieg gets some big upgrades in a new army box, although the jumbo-sized product is meant to help grow an existing army rather than start a new one. The new Army Box contains several fantastic centerpieces for an Astra Militarium army and, more importantly, expands the availability of the iconic Death Korps.

Still, this might not be the best choice for total newcomers to Warhammer 40K, as some miniatures are surprisingly fiddly to build and there are better entry points for the Astra Militarium faction. However, if you're a Warhammer 40K veteran, this box is a great addition to grow an existing army.

The Death Korps is one of several iconic factions within Warhammer 40K that feels a tad underrepresented compared to their popularity. Outside of a Kill Team unit, the gas-mask-wearing troops had few non-resin options even though they're part of a faction typically known for needing a large number of minis. Games Workshop worked to rectify this with a new line of Death Korps units, including mounted cavalry, a massive artillery gun, and a brand-new hero. While the line isn't enough to create an army built entirely of Death Korps units, it expands their selection significantly for the first time in years.

Who Are The Death Korps of Krieg?

The Death Korps Are Iconic Gas-Masked Soldiers From A Broken World

The Death Korps of Krieg are an iconic regiment within the Astra Militarium, the Imperium of Man's rank-and-file army. The Death Korps hail from a toxic world and are known for wearing gear specifically meant to help them survive the most inhabitable of conditions. This includes special gas masks, helmets, and trenchcoats reminiscent of World War I German soldiers. Within the lore of Warhammer 40K, the Death Korps are known for their penchant for taking on the most deadly missions and completing them, no matter the cost.

Of course, this being Warhammer 40K, the Death Korps have their own dark secrets. Building an army of soldiers willing to lay down their lives to gain even an inch of ground requires a constant supply of bodies. It's rumored that Krieg uses cloning techniques to constantly grow new soldiers, which is why the soldiers tend to be undersized (as they haven't naturally aged to adulthood) and emotionless save for their desire for self-sacrifice. The Death Korps also have a demoralizing reputation, as their presence almost guarantees a high casualty rate.

What's Included In The Death Korps of Krieg Army Box?

Death Korps Box Contains Eighteen New Miniatures, Plus Codex And Datacards

The new Death Korps of Krieg Army Box contains 18 brand-new miniatures, including two signature pieces, the commander Lord Marshal Drier, and a new artillery team that's more diorama than traditional Warhammer 40K miniature. The set also includes a set of new combat engineers and two units of Death Riders, a new kind of cavalry unit. It might seem strange for a futuristic army to include horse units, but the Death Riders ride genetically modified creatures with the bodies and faces of horses but with taloned feet instead of hooves. Of course, the horses are wearing gas masks and respirators as well, which is a delightfully grim touch.

Other than the new miniatures, the new box contains the new Astra Militarium codex and individual datasheets for all Astra Militarium units. There's also a transfer sheet to add iconography to the various Death Korps units, providing some additional personal touches if so inclined. In total, the box has a retail price of $460, which is a pretty hefty price, but more understandable when considering that the artillery unit alone will cost around $200 individually. Assumably, the box will provide a bit of a discount for Warhammer 40K players, although how much of one remains to be seen.

Is The Death Korps of Krieg Army Box Worth Buying?

Army Box Is A Great Addition For Existing Army, But Isn't Enough To Start New Warhammer 40K Box

Having built some Death Korps units before thanks to their appearance in a Warhammer 40K: Kill Team Starter Set, I knew that the Death Korps had some fiddly and small accessories. Sure enough, the Combat Engineers minis had tiny grenades, pouches, and extra ammo that took some extra patience to correctly glue into place. There's nothing that an experienced miniature builder can't handle, but newer hobbyists might get a touch frustrated.

I particularly enjoyed building the new Lord Marshal Drier miniature, as it's a dynamic, detailed, but not particularly frustrating kit that should become one of the best miniatures of the year. I also like the customization options in the Death Riders units, with the horses being interchangeable with their riders, so you can mix and match poses.

As for the artillery set, it's more of a diorama than a traditional miniature, which comes with some distinct advantages and drawbacks. I loved that the various turret options are interchangeable, with players able to swap out gun parts after assembly. I haven't seen that before with Games Workshop builds (although my experience building artillery is ittedly limited) and they should be more of an option as Warhammer 40K moves from rules that require specific builds to rules that promote creativity and customization. However, builders should probably do some of their painting of individual figures for this unit in advance as placement can make things a bit tricky.

The biggest issue with the new Army Box (and this is a common issue with similar Games Workshop products) is that the boxes are made to enhance an existing army rather than to start a new one. Even with two fantastic centerpieces for the army, the reality is that this box only contains a fraction of the models needed for 2,000 point Astra Militarium army. That doesn't mean that people should be deterred from buying an army box, but be sure to have exact expectations as to what you are and aren't getting in this new Warhammer 40K product.

This reviewer was sent the Warhammer 40K: Death Korps of Krieg Army Box by Games Workshop, and the product was used for the purposes of this review.

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