Warhammer 40K’s Female Custodes Spark Fierce Fan Backlash Over Lore Changes
Games Workshop’s latest preview event for 2026 has stirred up controversy among Warhammer 40,000 fans. The company unveiled new Adeptus Custodes miniatures—some featuring distinctly female faces. This change has sparked heated debates, with long-time players threatening to abandon the game over what they see as a break from established lore.
The event also showcased fresh models and rules for Age of Sigmar, Blood Bowl, and Horus Heresy, including new Custodes units compatible with both Horus Heresy and Warhammer 40,000 games.
The Adeptus Custodes have long been depicted as an all-male, genetically engineered elite guard for the Emperor. For decades, their lore remained unchanged—until 2024, when Games Workshop released studio images and updated background material confirming female Custodes. The shift immediately divided the community.
Some hardcore fans reacted angrily, vowing to sell their armies and boycott future purchases. Critics argue that introducing female Custodes weakens the uniqueness of existing all-female factions in the Warhammer universe, such as the Sisters of Battle. Others see the move as an unnecessary departure from tradition, accusing the company of pushing 'forced diversity' or 'woke' changes.
Despite the backlash, Games Workshop pressed ahead, featuring the new female-faced Custodes models prominently in its 2026 preview. The miniatures, designed for use in both Horus Heresy and Warhammer 40,000, were presented alongside other upcoming releases. The company did not directly address the controversy during the event, focusing instead on gameplay updates and new sculpts.
The dispute highlights deeper tensions within the fanbase over how far lore adjustments should go. While some players welcome the inclusion of female Custodes as a modernising step, others insist it contradicts decades of established canon.
The introduction of female Custodes has split the Warhammer 40,000 community, with some players rejecting the change outright. Games Workshop continues to expand its model ranges, but the controversy shows no signs of fading. The company’s next moves will likely determine whether the fanbase eventually accepts the update or if resistance persists.
