I Was Correct About New Kroot; Here’s What’s Up Next For Your Favorite Carnivores in Warhammer 40,000

There aren’t many appropriate aliens in Warhammer 40,000, which is odd for a science fiction novel set over a whole galaxy. Although T’au, Aeldari, Drukhari, and Leagues of Votann are officially extraterrestrial, they feel essentially human because of their uninteresting humanoid shape, much like Mister Spock or three kids in a trenchcoat. Tyranids and Orks are the only true aliens in 40K, as I view Daemons as infernal abominations more unholy than alien.

That comes to about 10% of 40K armies that are considered true aliens, and that’s assuming we treat all Space Marines as one force, which is obviously what Games Workshop wants us to do. More is required. Even if Kroot doesn’t add much to these figures, it is nonetheless beneficial for them to have a greater presence in the T’au Codex.

A stunning 14% of the 40K races are aliens if you include the mechsuit fishmen and company as “proper aliens.”

As I predicted, Games Workshop unveiled five new Kroot troops this past weekend at the Las Vegas Open. Although I wasn’t the only one, I still seek permission for posting my opinions online. However, gee-dubs mentioned that an additional five Kroot units would be arriving soon, so I’m going to put my prowess in the prediction game with yet another round of wild guesses.

But first, a quick glance at what’s revealed:


Not really thrilling, but necessary nonetheless—the old models of Kroot Carnivores are older than a tech priest’s Omnissian axe. Though primarily simply updated sculpts, there’s a new weapon, the tanglebomb launcher, and a baby hound that seems to come with every new release these days. Alright with me. The main focus of the release is the Krootox, but the two Shapers—a War Shaper and a Flesh Shaper, respectively—are also interesting characters with a variety of weapon possibilities.

The new Krootox Riders are constructed like brick outhouses and have an idealized grumpy appearance. With two weapon options (tanglecannon or repeating cannon), they’re now appropriate models for the monstrous monsters of T’au legend, although they’ve also been marginally eclipsed by the recently released Krootox Rampagers.


Perhaps the best models unveiled during the entire Las Vegas Open are the Krootox Rampagers. Either them or Cinderfall’s Mordheimian Saviours will prevail. With a beaked wrath, these figures charge at their enemies, brimming with movement and energy. Their riders are trying to look scary by swiping axes and machetes, firing pistols into the air, and other weapons. They are successful. I’m eager to see the second part of the army because these models are amazing. However, what’s next? We have some clues.

The first is the silhouette of the Rumor Engine, which sparked all of this conjecture. The picture appeared to show a Kroot astride a monster, but none of the Krootox appeared to be visible. It actually has a reptilian-like appearance. I’m still positive that’s a Kroot model, and I think it will be a mounted character riding a custom-built horse that has been genetically altered just for its regal highness. I’ll venture to suggest that in order to set it apart from the Shapers and provide the Kroot a Farsight counterpart, this will be a named character.

The Kroot Hounds are up next. I anticipate a second release with some new postures for the Kroot’s Kill Team, the Farstalker Kinband (who I hope keep their datasheet in the new Codex), and the swift doggos.


We’re entering the realm of crazy speculation at this point, but we still lack an army centerpiece. It’s going to be a bigger Knarloc. Something like to a chicken Hammerhead perched dangerously on its back, or perhaps a howdah manned by Kroot gunners.

I don’t see a flying unit, even though the lore mentions winged Kroot and the cannibals might theoretically mutate into almost anything if they set their minds to it. Too many Vespidian toes would be trodden on by them. Alternatively, ordinary Greater Knarlocs may be used as the final new unit, or perhaps a ranged unit to counter the Krootox Rampagers, although that would seem like a lot of mounted infantry for a single release.

I wonder if your Carnivores will engage in fight via a transport, like a homemade skiff. Though I can’t think of many better suggestions, it’s a long shot because it doesn’t really suit the animalistic extraterrestrial sense that we’re now getting. This final place is very open, although I’ll be pleased with a flyer, mounted gunner, or transport. I’m happy that aliens are now occupying the center of the 41st millenium, and these Kroot designs are among the best 40K units that Games Workshop has created in a long time.