Grey Knights 8th Edition Codex Pdf -

Grey Knights 8th Edition Codex (released August 2017) transitioned the faction from the early "index" rules into a fully fleshed-out army with unique stratagems, psychic powers, and relics. Core Gameplay & Mechanics

The 8th edition book focused on making the Grey Knights a high-mobility, elite "alpha-strike" force. Warzone Studio Teleport Strike

: Allows most units to start in reserve and deploy anywhere more than 9" from enemies, facilitating sudden, heavy assaults. Daemon Hunters

: A signature rule allowing the army to re-roll all failed wound rolls against units, making them the ultimate counter to Chaos forces. Psychic Mastery : Every unit is a psyker. The Sanctic Discipline introduced key powers like: Gate of Infinity : Essential for redeploying units across the board. Hammerhand

: Adds +1 to wound rolls in melee, crucial for their elite infantry. Astral Aim Grey Knights 8th Edition Codex Pdf

: Allows a unit to target enemies they cannot see and ignore cover. Key Units & Additions Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight

: Often considered the "star" of the 8th edition codex, providing a powerhouse character with high durability and damage. New Flyers : The codex added the Stormhawk Interceptor Stormtalon Gunship

, giving the army better air support than in previous editions. Wargear Shifts Psilencers

became a top-tier choice due to a stratagem that boosted their damage to D3, while Storm Bolters Grey Knights 8th Edition Codex (released August 2017)

were highly efficient because they doubled their shots in this edition. Community Sentiment & Resources

40K 8th Edition Grey Knights (Huge Reveal!) - Tabletop Teacher

2. The Armoury of Titan

This section is a major draw for PDF seekers. It details wargear that has since changed in later editions:

  • Nemesis Force Weapons: Swords, halberds, staves, falchions, and the massive daemon-hammer.
  • Psybolt Ammunition: Upgraded storm bolters that became a signature stratagem.
  • The Aegis: Their unique 5+ invulnerable save against all wounds, not just psychic.

3.4 The Aegis & Psychic Mastery

  • How the Aegis wards work (psychic hoods, hexagrammic wards).
  • Sanctic Daemonology – unique psychic discipline.

Reason 1: The "Index" Era Confusion

When 8th Edition first launched, GW released "Indexes" to make every faction playable. The Grey Knights Index allowed for weird combinations (like taking Land Raiders without restrictions). The Codex replaced this with more thematic but restrictive rules. Players want the PDF to compare the Index vs. Codex datasheets—something official apps no longer support. a 3+ invulnerable save

1. Lore and the Brotherhoods

The first half of the codex is a treasure trove of narrative. It details:

  • The Founding of the Chapter: Their creation by the Emperor during the Horus Heresy to fight daemonic entities.
  • Titan and the Fortress-Monastery: The moon of Saturn where they train in absolute secrecy.
  • The Prognosticars: Grey Knights who can foresee daemonic incursions.
  • The Eight Brotherhoods: From the 1st Brotherhood (The Blades of the Emperor) to the 8th (The Silver Blades), each with unique heraldry and battle doctrines.

4. Units and Stratagems

The internal balance of the Codex was excellent—almost every unit had a valid use case.

The Standouts:

  • Paladins: These became the premier heavy infantry of the edition. With a 2+ armor save, 3 wounds, and built-in protection from mortal wounds (via the "The Aegis" ability), they were incredibly durable.
  • Strike Squads: Cheap, efficient Troops that could deep strike and hold objectives. They formed the backbone of the army.
  • Dreadknights: The Nemesis Dreadknight, specifically the Grand Master variant, was a monster. It cast two powers, had a 2+ save, and could operate as a melee beatstick or a shooting platform.

Stratagems: The Stratagem list was aggressive. Highlights included:

  • Mental Endeavour: Allowed units to cast additional powers.
  • Astral Aim: Allowed shooting at units not visible to the caster (crucial for dealing with hiding characters).
  • Armor of Contempt: A "gotcha" stratagem that negated an opponent's AP modifiers, making elite Grey Knights nearly unkillable in the right circumstances.

2. Brotherhood of Psykers (Army-Wide Rule)

Every Grey Knights unit (barring vehicles like Dreadknights) had the Psyker keyword. In 8th, this meant they could deny one enemy psychic power in each phase, regardless of range. This made Grey Knights a hard counter to Thousand Sons and Chaos Daemons.

HQ Units (The Grand Masters)

  • Kaldor Draigo: The Supreme Grand Master was an absolute monster in 8th. T5, 7 wounds, a 3+ invulnerable save, and his Titan Sword did flat 3 damage. He was a "must-take" in competitive lists.
  • Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (GMNDK): Nicknamed the "Baby Carrier." With the First to the Fray warlord trait and Sanctuary psychic power, this unit could teleport turn 1, reroll charges, and had a 3++ save. It was one of the deadliest models in 8th edition.
  • Librarian: The cheap psychic battery, often taken with Warp Shaping to control the Tides.