Dominating the Melee: Unveiling the Best Close Combat Army in Warhammer 40k

The grim darkness of the far future is a brutal landscape where battles are fought not only with ranged firepower but also with the primal fury of close combat. While guns blaze across the galaxy, some armies thrive on the visceral clash of steel and bone. But which faction reigns supreme in the deadly dance of melee? While many factions have powerful units, the consensus is that the World Eaters currently hold the title of the best close combat army in Warhammer 40k.

Fueled by their patron god, Khorne, the World Eaters are an unrelenting tide of blood and aggression. They epitomize the pure, unadulterated savagery that melee combat represents. Their armies are designed to close the distance as quickly as possible, tearing apart enemies with chainaxes, power fists, and sheer, unbridled rage. Their unique rules and abilities, such as the “Blessings of Khorne”, further amplify their combat prowess, making them a terrifying force on the tabletop.

Other armies are certainly not lacking in melee potential. Factions like Orks bring a horde-based, choppy, and unpredictable style to combat. Harlequins are the most agile melee fighters in the game, utilizing speed and precision to slice through enemy formations, but suffer from having little resilience to being hit back. Chaos Daemons of Khorne, similarly to the World Eaters, are also designed for melee, with powerful daemonic creatures, such as Bloodthirsters, cutting a terrifying swathe through anything that gets in their path. The Custodes, with their unmatched individual power, can dominate in close range, but suffer from having very few numbers on the field.

However, the sheer dedication to melee and the synergy of their rules and units give the World Eaters the edge. Their every unit, from the humble Khorne Berzerkers to the mighty Angron, is geared towards overwhelming enemies in a furious melee assault. Their ability to advance quickly, ignore damage, and gain strength in the fight makes them a truly devastating force to face in close combat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Makes the World Eaters so Good at Close Combat?

The World Eaters excel in close combat due to several key factors:

• Blessings of Khorne: This army rule allows World Eaters to generate extra attacks and increase their damage output based on how many models have died on the field. This creates a snowball effect as the battle rages, making them even more deadly as it goes on.
• Khorne Berzerkers: These are the staple infantry of the World Eaters and are explicitly designed for melee combat. They possess a high number of attacks and deal considerable damage.
• Powerful Characters: The World Eaters possess mighty characters like Angron and Khârn the Betrayer, who are combat monsters, capable of tearing through almost any unit.
• Dedicated Melee Units: Many units in the World Eaters codex are melee focused, giving a lot of options.
• Fast Movement: The World Eaters can move quickly across the battlefield, allowing them to engage enemy units early in the battle.

How Do Other Factions Compare in Melee?

While the World Eaters are currently considered the best, several other factions have strong melee capabilities:

• Orks: Orks rely on sheer numbers and brute force. While they are not as technically skilled as other factions, their “Waaagh!” ability makes them incredibly dangerous in large numbers.
• Harlequins: These Aeldari are highly skilled fighters with incredible speed and agility. However, their units are generally fragile, making them rely on surgical strikes rather than prolonged engagements.
• Chaos Daemons (Khorne): These daemons are dedicated melee forces. Bloodthirsters and other daemonic creatures can cause significant damage in close range.
• Custodes: The Emperor’s personal guard are amongst the best individual fighters in the game. However, their high cost means you will have fewer models on the field.

What Are the Weaknesses of a Melee-Focused Army?

Melee armies can be strong, but they also have weaknesses:

• Vulnerable to Ranged Fire: Before they get into close combat, melee armies are often vulnerable to ranged attacks. Being shot at can weaken units before they can close the distance.
• Terrain Dependent: Melee armies need clear paths to charge the enemy, which can be challenging in terrain-heavy boards.
• Difficult Against Shooting Armies: Against a gunline army, closing the distance without being severely weakened can prove difficult.

Are All World Eaters Units Melee Focused?

While the World Eaters are heavily focused on close combat, they do have a few units that provide ranged support. However, these are generally limited, and the core of their army is built around melee combat.

How Do the World Eaters Fare Against Psychic Armies?

The World Eaters are not particularly strong against psychic armies. While they have some abilities to resist psychic attacks, they lack dedicated psykers and are therefore vulnerable to psychic abilities.

Are Harlequins the Most Agile Melee Fighters?

Yes, Harlequins are widely regarded as the most agile melee fighters. Their combination of speed, acrobatics, and deadly weapons makes them extremely dangerous in close combat.

Why Aren’t Space Marines Considered Top Melee Army?

While Space Marines are strong in many aspects, they do not specialize in melee combat as much as other factions. They are more of an all-around force, with strong shooting, melee, and psychic capabilities. While Space Marines have strong individual fighters, like Captain in Terminator Armor, they do not have the same focus on a close-quarters fight as the World Eaters.

What is the Role of Elite Units in a Melee Army?

Elite units play a crucial role in a melee army. These units are usually equipped with powerful weapons and abilities, allowing them to break through enemy lines, engage powerful targets, and lead charges. The Eightbound and Exalted Eightbound are excellent examples of elite units in the World Eaters roster.

How Important is Movement for a Melee Army?

Movement is paramount for a melee army. They need to be able to close the distance with their opponents, get within range of their weapons and engage them in close combat. The ability to quickly close the distance is essential for the success of melee-focused forces.

What Terrain is Advantageous for a Melee Army?

Terrain that blocks line of sight is extremely advantageous for melee armies. This allows them to advance without being targeted by ranged fire. Ruins and densely placed terrain features are good for melee forces.

Can a Melee Army Win Against a Ranged Army?

Yes, a melee army can definitely win against a ranged army. However, it requires careful planning, good positioning, and effective use of terrain. Closing the distance quickly while minimizing casualties is the key to victory.

How do the World Eaters Fare Against a Tyranid Swarm?

The World Eaters do well against Tyranid Swarms. Khorne’s units excel in close combat, and are often able to outmatch their Tyranid opponents.

What are the Most Effective Melee Weapons?

Effective melee weapons vary by faction, but common examples include chainaxes, power fists, lightning claws, and various energy weapons. It is worth noting that Angron’s mighty sword, Samni’arius, is arguably the strongest melee weapon in the game.

Is it Better to Go First or Second with a Melee Army?

Going first with a melee army can be advantageous, as it allows them to get the charge on their opponents first. However, the World Eaters are often able to excel regardless of who goes first, thanks to their abilities.

How Often is the meta in 40k changed?

The meta in Warhammer 40k changes often with each new release and balancing update. Factions often get changed, either by receiving new rules or their points being changed, which can significantly affect their performance on the tabletop.

In conclusion, while many factions bring unique strengths to close combat, the World Eaters, with their focus on aggression and unique abilities, are the best melee army in Warhammer 40k, epitomizing the brutal nature of the grim darkness of the far future. Their ability to deliver a devastating blow in close range is unrivaled, making them a force to be reckoned with on the tabletop.