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How to Play Leagues of Votann in Warhammer 40K

5 Minute Read
Dec 11 2025
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Today let’s take a look at some basics of how to play and get started with Warhammer 40k 10th Edition Leagues of Votann.

The Leagues of Votann are a sophisticated abhuman empire based around the Galactic Core. Tough and squat, we all know they are the Space Dwarves of old. On the tabletop, Leagues of Votann are slow, resilient, and wield overwhelming firepower.

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So below we offer some tips on how to play Leagues of Votann and get started with the army.

Who Are The Leagues of Votann?

The Leagues of Votann are a prominent Squat civilization based around the Galactic Core. For thousands of years, they have exploited the riches of the core and overcome the dangers of the perilous region. Over these many millennia they have battled many of the galaxy’s races, while just as frequently trading or acting as mercenaries.

The Votann are a rugged survivalist culture, having derived their society from the dangerous merchant-fleets of the Dark Age of Technology. They find strength and unity in the endless quest to acquire the resources they need to endure. While many judge them as selfish hoarders, they see these actions as necessary to ensure the survival of their race. Few other races can match the cloned Kin of the Leagues of Votann in the resilience of mind, body, and spirit.

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Why Play Leagues of Votann

The Leagues are a great reimagining of the absolutely nostalgia-inducing Squat range. Trikes, Exo-suits, and Land Trains are all here. On the table, the Leagues act in a somewhat similar fashion to Tau, with their strategy pinned on overwhelming firepower. If you like dwarves and blasting your opponent off the table, the Leagues of Votann may just be for you!

Strengths of the Army

  • Firepower superiority.
  • Amazing ranged weapon profiles and synergies.

Weakness of the Army

  • Speed. Nothing in this army is too spry.
  • Somewhat low model count due to high points cost.

Leagues of Votann Army Rule

  • Prioritised Efficiency– whole army has either Hostile Acquisition or Fortify Takeover based on number of Yield Points army has.

Featured Leagues of Votann Detachment Rules- Needgaârd Oathband

  • RulesMartial Leverage gives you a Yield Point each time you destroy an enemy unit..
  • Enhancements: These are all about manipulating or using Yield Points
  • Stratagems: Many of these impact Yield Points, but Void Hardened is plain old utility.

Key Votann Units To Know

Warhammer 40K Votann have a brand new unit roster and knowing what units to take can be tricky. Here are some suggestions to get you off on the right track.

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Leaders

Buri Aegnirssen

This Lone Operative Epic Hero has a taste for vengeance, and for Tyranids, with a massive melee profile. Not only that, but he comes back to life thanks to Grudge-fuelled Fortitude.

Kahl


This  is a standard “Captain” type- giving lethal hits to the unit he leads with Kindred Hero and a decent combat profile himself. Seized Opportunity is another good source of Yield Points.

Grymnyr


The Grimnyr offers some plain utility to the unit he leads in the form of the psychic power Fortify.

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Brokhyr Iron-master


The Multispectral Visor of the Iron-Master will greatly benefit either Thunderkyn or Hearthkyn.

Einhyr Champion


This character greatly enhances Hearthguard, giving them re-rolls to charge (very important for these short-legged fellows). In addition, he hits like an absolute unit.

Battleline

Hearthkyn Warriors


The solid Battleline of the Leagues of Votann. Slow, hearty, and shooty- everything a dwarf should be.

Other Units

Hearthguard


Hearthguard are especially in need of a Leader because of how strong the Oathband Bodyguard rule is for them when they have one.

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Cthonian Beserks


Feel No Pain and high damage combat weapons make the Beserks purpose-built to get up close and personal.

Thunderkyn


Space dwarves in big stinkin’ exo-suits with heavy weapons. These somewhat static, heavy troops look absolutely beautiful.

Hernkyn Pioneers


The trikes float now! Hernkyn Pioneers are the most mobile unit in the Leagues, and you’ll rely on them to quickly reach far parts of the board.

Hekaton Land Fortress


The land train in glorious 3D. This moon cruiser is one of the coolest models in the range. In addition, it is a transport and packs serious firepower!

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Ironkin Steekjacks

There are two varieties of Steeljacks, one for melee and one for shooting. They bring some similar traits to the table not found in other units, including high wounds, toughness, and a 2+ armour save.

Dedicated Transports

Sagitaur


The Sagitaur is a mini-transport that can hold a half squad and a character. This can greatly increase your limited mobility.

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Sample Starter Leagues of Votann Army

Army: Leagues of Votann

Leaders

Kahl. 1 Model. He is equipped with: Mass Gauntlet, Rampart Crest.

Battleline

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Hearthkyn Warriors. Ten Models. One model is equipped with a Magnarail Rifle.

Hearthkyn Warriors. Ten Models. One model is equipped with a Magnarail Rifle.

Hearthkyn Warriors. Ten Models. One model is equipped with a Magnarail Rifle.

Other Units

Ironkin Steeljacks with Melee Weapons. Three Models.

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Ironkin Steeljacks with Melee Weapons. Three Models.

 

How to Play Leagues of Votann

Slowness, toughness, and punishing firepower define the Votann. The Leagues play best as a counter-defensive juggernaut, pouring out fire, then countercharging with your slow combat troops once the enemy has closed the gap. If your opponent does outgun you decidedly, you may just be in trouble.

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For the Ancestors!

Author: Allen Campbell
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