If you're looking to beef up your Kin army, the warhammer 40000 leagues of votann einhyr hearthguard miniature is easily one of the coolest kits Games Workshop has released recently. There's just something incredibly satisfying about these chunky, high-tech dwarves in their massive suits of exo-armor. They manage to capture that classic "space dwarf" vibe while feeling completely fresh and distinct from anything else in the 41st Millennium. I've spent some quality time with these models on my hobby desk lately, and I figured it was worth breaking down why they're such a standout addition to the Votann range.
Why the Hearthguard Look So Good
The first thing you notice about the Einhyr Hearthguard is their silhouette. They aren't just "short space marines." They have this dense, industrial aesthetic that screams durability. The armor is rounded and bulky, giving off a bit of a "NASA-punk" meets high-fantasy vibe. When you line up a squad of five, they look like a literal wall of ceramite and stubbornness.
The detail on each warhammer 40000 leagues of votann einhyr hearthguard miniature is surprisingly crisp. Even though they're small, the panels of the exo-armor have plenty of recessed areas for washes and edge highlights. You've also got a great mix of materials to play with—the soft suits underneath the plates, the mechanical joints, and of course, the glowing power cells of their weaponry. Honestly, they look just as good in a dark, gritty paint scheme as they do in the bright, "toy-like" colors of the Greater Thurian League.
Customization and Weapon Options
One of the best parts about this kit is the sheer amount of stuff you get in the box. You aren't just stuck with one loadout. You get options for the Eta-carn plasma guns or the Volkanite disintegrators. If you're a fan of rolling a handful of dice and fishing for those mortal wounds, the Volkanite is probably going to be your go-to. On the melee side, you've got those wicked-looking concussion gauntlets or plasma blades.
I'm a big fan of the shoulder-mounted grenade launchers, too. It's a small detail, but it adds to that "walking tank" feel. The kit also comes with enough head options to give everyone a unique look, whether you want them fully helmeted up for battle or showing off some of that classic Kin facial hair.
Building the Hearthguard Kit
I'll be honest, building these wasn't nearly as fiddly as I expected. Sometimes, modern GW kits can feel like a puzzle with fifty tiny pieces for a single arm, but the Hearthguard are pretty straightforward. The torso and legs come together in a way that feels very solid.
That said, if you're planning on doing a really high-end paint job, you might want to consider sub-assemblies. The way the arms cross over the chest can make it a bit of a nightmare to reach the inner details of the armor once the model is fully glued together. I usually leave the heads and the weapon arms off until I've finished the main body. It takes a little more patience, but your brush will thank you later.
Another thing to watch out for is the teleport crest on the unit leader. It's a gorgeous piece of gear, but it's a bit delicate. If you're a bit clumsy like me and tend to drop your models, you might want to be extra careful with that part. It's the centerpiece of the squad and really helps the Hesyr stand out from the rest of the pack.
Painting Tips for Your Kin
When it comes to painting the warhammer 40000 leagues of votann einhyr hearthguard miniature, you can really go wild. Because the armor is so prominent, this is a perfect opportunity to practice your blending or even some battle damage.
- The Slapchop Method: If you want to get these guys on the table fast, the "slapchop" technique (gray and white drybrush over a black primer, followed by Contrast paints) works wonders here. The rounded armor plates catch the drybrushing perfectly, and the Contrast paint flows into the recesses to do all the shading for you.
- Weathering: These are industrial warriors. Don't be afraid to add some sponge chipping or some pigment powder to their boots. It makes them feel like they've been fighting in the mud and grime of a core world for months.
- Glow Effects: The plasma weapons and the sensors on the armor are perfect for a bit of object-source lighting (OSL). A little bit of bright blue or neon orange in the coils of the guns really makes the model pop against the flatter colors of the armor.
I personally went with a deep teal armor and copper trim for my squad, and the contrast looked fantastic. The Einhyr Hearthguard are small enough that you can finish a whole squad in a weekend, but detailed enough that you won't get bored halfway through.
On the Tabletop: More Than Just Pretty Faces
We can't talk about these miniatures without mentioning how they actually play. In the current state of Warhammer 40,000, the Einhyr Hearthguard are the absolute backbone of a competitive Votann list. They are incredibly tough to shift, especially if you have a character like an Einhyr Champion or a Kahl leading them.
Their ability to deep strike—thanks to those teleport crests—is a total game-changer. There's nothing quite like dropping a brick of ten Hearthguard into your opponent's backline and watching them panic. They have the firepower to thin out infantry and the melee punch to finish off whatever is left. They're essentially the Votann equivalent of Terminators, but with a bit more of a high-tech edge.
If you're playing them, remember that they thrive on the "Ancestors are Watching" tokens. When you've got a couple of Grudge tokens on a target, the Hearthguard become terrifyingly efficient. Their Volkanite disintegrators start melting through elite infantry like butter, and their concussion gauntlets can even threaten light vehicles if they get a good charge off.
Final Thoughts on the Kit
At the end of the day, the warhammer 40000 leagues of votann einhyr hearthguard miniature kit is a must-have for anyone collecting Kin. It's one of those rare boxes where the models are fun to build, great to paint, and genuinely powerful in the game. Whether you're a hardcore competitive player or someone who just likes the look of "angry space dwarves in power armor," you really can't go wrong here.
The Leagues of Votann might be a newer faction compared to the likes of the Space Marines or Eldar, but models like the Hearthguard show that they have a very clear, very cool identity. Every time I look at my finished squad on the shelf, I'm tempted to go out and buy another five. There's just something about that chunky armor that's hard to resist. If you haven't picked up a box yet, do yourself a favor and grab one—just be prepared to spend a lot of time deciding which cool weapon option you want to use!