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Welcome, fellow explorers, to another corner of the vast Warhammer 40K universe, where hope and horror walk side by side.
Few regiments capture the grim determination of the Imperium quite like the Death Korps of Krieg. These soldiers are not only iconic for their somber trench-warfare aesthetic, but also for their unflinching resolve in the face of impossible odds.
The miniatures of the Death Korps reflect this ethos. From the classic Forge World resin line to the modern plastic kits from Games Workshop, these models bring to life the grim warriors who embody sacrifice, attrition, and duty without end.
The Death Korps hail from Krieg, a planet scarred by centuries of civil war, atomic fire, and devastation. Their culture is built around penitence, loyalty, and absolute obedience to the Emperor.
In the lore, Krieg soldiers are bred for war, living and dying in the trenches without hesitation.
On the tabletop, their miniatures reflect that same character. The masks and greatcoats instantly distinguish them from other Astra Militarum regiments, making them one of the most unique and recognizable forces in the game.
Much like the Primarchs, the Death Korps of Krieg miniatures first arrived through Forge World. For years, Forge World’s resin line offered collectors squads of infantry, cavalry, artillery, and characters. These models were strikingly detailed but expensive and often challenging to build.
Then came the transition: Games Workshop began producing plastic Death Korps models, starting with the Kill Team: Octarius box in 2021, which introduced multipart plastic Krieg Guardsmen.
This was a turning point, as it brought the regiment into the mainstream range, with easier assembly, more durability, and greater affordability.
Today, collectors can build full Krieg armies with a mix of new plastic kits and legacy Forge World resin, combining the best of both worlds.
At the heart of any Krieg force are the infantry. Whether resin or plastic, these troopers are defined by their rebreather masks, greatcoats, and bayonets.
Plastic Infantry Squad (2021): First seen in Kill Team: Octarius, later released separately. Ten guardsmen with lasguns, bayonets, and plenty of special weapon options.
Forge World Infantry (Classic): Now discontinued, these resin squads were beloved for their trench-themed poses and accessories, including spades and mud-stained kit.
On the tabletop, they serve as Battleline, holding objectives through sheer attrition.
The Krieg Command Squad adds character and leadership.
Plastic Krieg Command Squad (2025): Includes a Lord Commissar, five Veteran Guardsmen, and a Servo-scribe, with extensive weapon and pose options. Bases range from 25mm to 32mm.
Forge World Officers and Commissars: Older sculpts with unique character models, often collected for display or narrative armies.
No Krieg army feels complete without the Death Riders, grim cavalry who charge across battlefields with explosive lances.
Forge World Death Riders: Iconic resin cavalry models, with skeletal horses clad in gas masks and riders in full trench gear.
Plastic Death Riders (rumored/limited): While not yet part of the main range, many expect plastic versions in the future as GW expands Astra Militarum plastics.
They count as Fast Attack, capable of flanking enemies or delivering devastating charges.
The Krieg aesthetic extends to their heavy weapons.
Plastic Heavy Weapons Squad: Three teams per kit, with lascannons, mortars, or autocannons. Often included in Combat Patrol sets.
Forge World Artillery (Classic): Field guns, Earthshaker cannons, and heavy mortars, which gave Krieg armies their signature siege style.
These units provide Heavy Support, anchoring the back line with long-range firepower.
For collectors, the appeal lies in the unique aesthetic. The skull-like masks and WWI trench gear make them distinct from other regiments. They also offer incredible hobby potential: weathered greatcoats, mud-splattered bases, rusted bayonets, and atmospheric dioramas.
Many painters embrace grimdark styles, using muted palettes of greys, browns, and worn metals. The models reward advanced weathering techniques like pigments, stippling, and oil washes.
The shift from Forge World to Games Workshop plastics mirrors what we saw with the Primarchs. The resin sculpts established the regiment’s identity, but plastic kits brought accessibility and durability.
Forge World: Best for collectors, display pieces, and niche units (like artillery).
Games Workshop: Better for gamers, mainstream army building, and kitbashing.
This dual legacy makes the Death Korps range one of the most fascinating in Warhammer 40K.
In matched play, Krieg units excel at durability and attrition. Rules often give them bonuses to morale, cover saves, or trench warfare mechanics. Their Command Squads bring discipline, Heavy Weapons squads deliver long-range support, and Death Riders provide surprise mobility.
In narrative play, they shine even brighter. Running a full Krieg army lets players recreate grim siege battles, complete with waves of infantry and artillery duels.
Among the Warhammer community, Death Korps of Krieg hold a special place. They are a favorite for grimdark painters, a symbol of the Imperium’s cruelty, and a challenge for collectors. Forge World models, though often expensive, remain prized by hobbyists who love rare resin sculpts.
With Games Workshop’s continued support, plastic kits now make the regiment more accessible than ever, ensuring that new players can march alongside veterans in the Emperor’s wars.
The Death Korps of Krieg are more than miniatures. They are an experience in modeling, painting, collecting, and gaming. From the resin classics of Forge World to the modern plastics of Games Workshop, they embody the grim heart of Warhammer 40K’s vision of endless war.
Whether you are drawn to their lore, their distinctive models, or the tactical style they bring to the battlefield, the Death Korps offer something unique.
For collectors, they are a chance to hold a piece of Imperial history. For painters, they are a canvas for atmospheric, weathered realism. And for players, they bring a force defined by attrition, discipline, and grim duty.
The Death Korps of Krieg remind us of the darker truths of the Imperium: victory is built on sacrifice, survival on obedience, and glory on the bones of the fallen.
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