Warhammer 40K Astra Militarum Bullgryns
review by Sebi
Lore
In the grim darkness of the 41st millennium, the Astra Militarum relies on more than just rank and-file guardsmen. Among the most fearsome of their support units are the Bullgryns. Recruited from the Abhuman Ogryn strain, Bullgryns are physically massive and mentally simplistic, but what they lack in tactical subtlety they make up for with unwavering loyalty and an unbreakable will to protect their comrades. Armed with heavy armor and slab shields, Bullgryns are often deployed at the front of assaults, shielding guardsmen and absorbing devastating enemy firepower. Their devotion to commanding officers is absolute; they'll walk through hails of gunfire if ordered to, and often do. In the sprawling theaters of war across the Imperium, they are the ultimate shock troopers: blunt instruments of the Emperor’s justice.
Model
The Bullgryn models are versatile. The kit comes with several customization options, from weapon choices (slabshields and mauls vs. brute shields and grenadier gauntlets) to head and armor variants that let you mix thematic militarism with the brutal, industrial aesthetic of the Guard. The slabshield builds exude the look of walking bunkers while the brute shield versions lean more toward aggressive frontline brutality. The sculpts strike a strong balance between Imperial uniformity and the crude, brutish look expected of Ogryns. Painting them is rewarding due to the sharp detail in the armor, flesh, and weaponry.
Gameplay
On the tabletop, Bullgryns play a unique role within the Guard. In an otherwise fragile, melee force army, these units are your anvil. Their durability comes from a combination of high Toughness, a solid number of Wounds, and their shield options. The slabshield grants improved saves and synergizes well with stratagem-based defense making Bullgryns one of the most resilient units available to the Imperial Guard. The brute shield loadout sacrifices some defense for increased melee output, giving you flexibility depending on the role you want them to fulfill. With a 4+ invulnerable save and -1 to the damage characteristics on incoming damage, a 6-man squad of Bullgryns can be borderline unkillable.
While not elite melee units like Space Marine Terminators or Custodes, Bullgryns hit hard enough to threaten elite infantry and light vehicles, especially when supported by orders or character buffs. They also shine in scenarios where board control and durability matter: holding objectives, screening vulnerable tanks, or forming the tip of a hammerblow assault. However, they suffer from limited speed and lack ranged options, making proper deployment and support crucial to get the most value from them.
Conclusion
Bullgryns are a flavorful and effective addition to any Astra Militarum force. They bring both visual heft and tactical utility to the table, providing a reliable wall of muscle and steel to shield your more fragile forces or punch through enemy lines. While they require proper support and placement, a well-used Bullgryn squad can be the difference between holding the line and being overrun. These brutes are a must have for Guard commanders looking to add staying power to their ranks.
Bullgryns are available now from our webstore.
