As a grizzled veteran guardsman, I‘ve wielded all manner of weapons against the Archenemy. Each battle-tested implement has unique traits to empower guardsmen to confront the horrors ahead. New recruits often feel overwhelmed deciding which arms to wield, so I‘ve compiled this guide covering the versatile ranged and melee weaponry you‘ll have access to as a veteran.
I‘ll provide key stats plus personal insight into each weapon‘s niche to help you pierce the veil! Now let‘s dig in – the Emperor protects!
Trusty Lasguns – Reliable Backbone of the Imperial Guard
The lasgun may seem humble next to a roaring lascannon or crackling power sword, but never underestimate these stalwart weapons! Their laser-based shots may lack raw power, but are easy to produce and maintain. This allows us to saturate battlefields with high rates of suppressive fire. I always carry a lasgun as my trusty fallback.
Kantrael MG XII Infantry Lasgun
"An Adeptus Mechanicus-approved lasgun variant. Features improved damage and accuracy over standard models with an extended charge pack for sustained fire." – Regimental Standard
- Damage: 8
- Accuracy: 9
- Range: 55m
- Rate of Fire: Semi-automatic
- Magazine Size: 40
This is my go-to lasgun for reaching out and touching enemies at range. Upgraded damage and tight accuracy place shots accurately downrange. The integrated flashlight brightens dingy tunnels which helps spot horrors early.
While the Kantrael lacks full-auto fire, I use the large magazine for rapid follow up shots. Piercing salvos shred distant enemies while conserving ammo. It handles nicely thanks to the weight and balance improvements by Mars‘ engineers. A superb mid-range anchor for my loadout when I need to thin the herd!
Accatran MK II Recon Lasgun
"A lightweight model favored by recon teams for its maneuverability and sustained firing capacity."
- Damage: 5
- Accuracy: 7
- Range: 55m
- Rate of Fire: Fully Automatic
- Magazine Size: 60
Don‘t let the lower damage fool you – the blistering full-auto fury of the Accatran makes up for its lack of punch! I frequently pair this featherweight with a powerful melee implement, using the Accatran to clear paths through chaff at mid-range. Minimal recoil means I can hose enemies with laser fire, specially against loosely grouped hordes. The high capacity magazine only needs to be reloaded occasionally. Overall, the Accatran brings versatile automatic firepower to the table!
Pint-Sized Plasma Power
While vulnerability to overheating keeps plasma weapons rare, their shear armor penetrating trauma makes them priority targets when available. These high-tech terrorizers turn heretics into oozing husks!
M35 Magnacore MK II Plasma Gun
"An ancient STC variant plasma gun uncovered on the world of Magnacor. Features improved plasma containment and cooling allowing for devastating sustained fire."
- Damage: 275
- Armor Penetration: 60
- Range: 45m
- Rate of Fire: Automatic
- Magazine Size: 40
Simply put, the M35 brings the pain! It rips through practically any target with sun-hot plasma. The sheer kinetic power bowls over survivors in its improved blast radius. Yet its true strength lies in RELENTLESS fire projection – I can rain superheated death for ages thanks to advanced cooling systems.
Just be ready to manually vent it if things get too hot! Proper barrel positioning avoids catastrophically dangerous overheat backlash. Use short, controlled bursts against priority threats then switch to auxiliary weapons as the M35 cycles. Master this immensely lethal relic and enemies will learn to cower from you!
Vicious Veteran Melee Weapons
While ranged weapons efficiently eliminate threats from afar, the brutal truth is that fighting often comes down to close quarters slaughter. That‘s where these vicious melee implements shine! Wield them with pride as you fight up close against the Archenemy.
Rashad MK II Combat Axe
A balanced axe that provides strong attacking power against armor with wide slashing motions. Its special attack charges up a forceful downward strike that can crumple enemies. Simple yet brutal.
Stats:
- Damage (Quick): 16
- Damage (Heavy): 26
- Damage (Special): 45
The Rashad is my trusty go-to melee choice. I favor its simplicity and strength in close quarters combat. The quick swings efficiently mow down hordes while heavy attacks and special crunches deal with tougher enemies. It rewards aggression, as you can rapidly chain combos by seamlessly swapping between light and heavy strikes. The Rashad may lack flair, but it CANNOT be underestimated on the battlefield!
Orestes MK IV Assault Chainaxe
"This combination axe and chainsword finds its origins on the cemetery worlds of the Calixis Sector, where it was often carried by grizzled veteran guardsmen tasked with preventing the dead from rising again."
Stats:
- Damage (Quick): 9
- Damage (Heavy): 40
- Damage (Special): 60
Now THIS is a weapon with some real bite! Orestes chainaxes are rare outside the Calixis Sector, but I managed to claim one after a skirmish against heretics there. It tears flesh with each strike of its unique chain/axe hybrid teeth.
The sheer damage and armor negation of heavy and special attacks make it DEVASTATING against tougher enemies. Bursting from a corpse in a fountain of gore never gets old! Its lackluster quick strikes mean its better suited against elites rather than hordes though. I break out the Orestes when big game needs hunting!
Closing Thoughts
While merely a sampling, these weapons demonstrate the diverse tools you will have access to as a veteran guardsman. Each has strengths and drawbacks, rewarding experience with optimal pairings and engagement tactics. I suggest branching out early on to learn their nuances rather than sticking to comfort picks!
The road ahead is dark, but take solace that the Emperor has provided mighty weapons to strike back with! Continue honing your skills and stand as a bulwark so that mankind may endure. Now quit lollygagging recruit – destiny awaits!
For the Imperium!
