Warhammer 40k Introduces Female Bodyguards for the Emperor
Warhammer 40,000 is a cherished sci-fi universe that takes a unique approach to the idea of hope, often with a darkly humorous twist. Set in a dystopian future where humanity initially reached for the stars but ultimately fell into chaos and endless conflict due to its own hubris and the influence of malevolent forces, the narrative is steeped in tragedy and “grimdark” themes. In such a setting, one might assume that gender would be a secondary concern, but that’s not the case here.
In a groundbreaking move, Games Workshop has made history by introducing female options in Custodes kits after years of debate on the subject. For those unfamiliar, the Adeptus Custodes are elite guardians tasked with protecting the Emperor of Mankind, serving as his most formidable warriors and keepers of his secrets. Their combat skills are legendary, and they are essentially enhanced versions of the already powerful Space Marines, known as the Adeptus Astartes. Until recently, all Space Marines, including the Custodes, were depicted as male in the lore. This changed during a New Year Preview livestream, where the company unveiled a new line of Custodes models, revealing that some would feature female heads.
While female representation in Warhammer 40K has been limited, it hasn’t been entirely absent. The Sisters of Battle, an all-female military faction of the Ecclesiarchy, have been part of the universe since the ’90s. Additionally, the Sisters of Silence, introduced in the Seventh Edition in 2017, are an all-female order of Imperial witch-hunters who combat psychic threats across the galaxy. These groups are often seen as the female counterparts to the Custodes, although their roles differ significantly.
It’s worth noting that the introduction of female Custodes models isn’t the first instance of female Custodes in the lore; it’s simply the first time models have been created for the tabletop game. In 2024, a new Warhammer 40K rulebook introduced a female Custodes named Calladayce Taurovalia Kesh, who was the only female representation within the Custodes at that time. This was later expanded upon in the Tithes animated series, which featured another female character, Tyrith Shiva Kyrus, within the Custodes ranks.
Moreover, this isn’t the first appearance of female Space Marine miniatures. According to a Facebook post by Alan Merret, the former head of intellectual property at Games Workshop, the absence of female Space Marines stems from the poor sales of the first models produced by Citadel in the late ’80s.
In a franchise that has traditionally been male-dominated, the inclusion of even a few female figures is a significant development. However, the response has been mixed, with some misogynistic comments surfacing in reaction to Games Workshop’s latest video showcasing the female Custodes.
Despite the backlash and claims of lore inconsistencies—claims that Games Workshop has previously refuted—the introduction of these new models signals a clear message: female Custodes and female Space Marines are here to stay, regardless of differing opinions.
