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I feel like I'm still relatively new to the hobby, even though I started just before Dark Vengeance was released. Currently I'm running a Nurgle force for AoS and want to dip into 40k by starting up a Kreig army. I know that I'll have to start by selling any non-vital organs, that's a given. But where do I begin? Where are the most up-to-date rules available, and what would form a solid base for an army? I've toyed with the idea of just buying a Command HQ squad and winging it, but fortunately I have more sense than money (at least.. I hope I do..). I honestly have no idea how army building works in 40k, especially for Kreigers, so any help would be really appreciated. Thanks guys, and keep on hobbying!

You'll find the current rules for DKoK in Imperial Armor Index: Astra Militarum . I'd also buy the Astra Militarum Codex.

There are some things you should consider before you get started with Death Korps:

1. Forgeworld has made vague promises to update the DKoK rules. We have no idea when that will be or what those updates will look like so advice that you get here right now might not be the same advice you'd get after the update.

2. Most DKoK players would probably agree that the rules for the army aren't as optimized or even as fluffy as they could be. For example, we don't have any doctrines. Instead, we have special rules that we pay points for. We also don't have access to all of the artillery or vehicle options that any other regiment does, which is weird for Death Korps. To get around this, some people run their DKoK models in multiple detachments, each with a different regiment. So, for example, I run a Valhallan detachment filled with regular Astra Militarum units like infantry squads, Leman Russes, and artillery and then I run a DKoK detachment with specific DKoK units like Death Riders and Engineers. This way, I get access to units that DKoK normally don't get access to (for some reason) and the cool DKoK fluffy units that I like. If you do this, just make sure it's really clear which unit is in which detachment and I'd advise not using the same type of unit in multiple detachments to avoid confusion.

As far suggestions for a good backbone to your DKoK force: Marshal Karis Venner is great (most people use the Marshal model that comes in the Command HQ squad). Leman Russes always do work - I like Punishers and Executioners. Death Riders are excellent for killing elite infantry with multiple wounds or bullying backlines. Heavy weapons squads are excellent - mortar squads are stupid cheap and a lot of them working together will do a ton of damage to infantry. Lascannons are also a great choice. Make sure to also get yourself a solid amount of infantry - I usually run at least 3 squads. I also like Hades Breaching Drills for the fun factor, but YMMV.

Hope that helps!

Yeah, cheers, this helps massively!

I'll pick up the Imperial Armour Index right away, and I'll pick up a Command HQ Squad and a Infantry Squad tomorrow to start me off. When you say you run a Valhallan detachment, do you run them as allies w/ valhallan models, or do you use DKoK models w/ Valhallan rules? If you do the first, do you reckon it would be possible to do the latter say, with a different colour scheme to differentiate the detachments?

As for bulking out after that, do you reckon a few mortars and another infantry squad would be a good choice? Anything specific I should aim for for a lower point cost list? Say 1000pts?

When you say you run a Valhallan detachment, do you run them as allies w/ valhallan models, or do you use DKoK models w/ Valhallan rules?

The second one - I run my DKoK models with Valhallan rules. The different color scheme is basically what I do to differentiate detachments. If I'm running a unit with DKoK rules, I give them red shoulder pads. If I'm running them as Valhallans, I don't paint their shoulder pads any particular colors. Here's an example:

My Engineers are in a DKoK detachment and use DKoK rules so they have red shoulder pads


Whereas my infantry squads are in a Valhallan detachment and use regular AM rules so they have regular metal shoulderpads.


Can't go wrong with at least 2 infantry squads to start off. After that, I'd go for like 1-2 Leman Russes (if it's worth getting 1, it's worth getting 2). That's a pretty good base for a force. After that, you can get whatever units you like.

1000 points is a good target for a low-points game list.

Thanks again! Makes a lot of sense.. I did think some valhallans with some DKoK would looka bit odd.. Good work with the painting by the way, they've just got me more hyped!

Did somebody say 'Die for the Emperor'?

All the above is good advice. I would add the following:

1) If you are going to do FW, get some of their tanks. Malcador Defender has 7 heavy bolters and firing arcs are not an issue anymore.

2) Engineers. Gas grenades and carcass shells with demo charge. Enough said.

3) Vulture gunship. Ow!

As for painting them. Recommend the first book in the FW masterclass series. Has a few DKoK schemes and definitive for tank painting.

Also highly recommend First Rank Fire, Second Rank Fire website. Great tutorial for painting DKoK in the traditional faux French WW1 scheme. Google it.

Good luck with the army.

I think millions said 'Die for the Emperor' haha!

I know things are sketchy with DKoK in 8th edition, so are the majority of models still able to be used? Because I would love an artillery carriage, but I heard something about them not being usable? Same goes for the Malcador, is everything a-okay?

Noted! Engineers and the Vulture will be put on my list too then!

I'll check out FRF, SRF right now, see if they can make the scheme appeal to me. The majority I've seen are too bright for my liking, I'm thinking about doing more of a WW2 German Gray scheme, but I could be swayed! As for the book, I'll see how much it costs first haha