The Chaos Predator is a battle tank fielded by the Chaos Space Marines, a corrupted version of the Space Marine Predator. It’s a heavily armed and armoured vehicle that’s been a staple of Chaos armies for thousands of years, and it matters because it brings serious firepower to the tabletop while tying into the wider lore of the Long War.
What is the Chaos Predator?
The Chaos Predator is a main battle tank used by the Chaos Space Marines. It’s essentially a Predator that’s been corrupted or captured, often dating back to the Horus Heresy. Like its loyalist counterpart, it’s based on the Rhino chassis but packs more guns and thicker armour.
In-game, it’s a solid armoured unit that can deal with infantry and tanks alike. It’s not the toughest vehicle around, but it’s cheap enough to field in numbers and fills a useful fire support role.
Variants and armament
There are two main variants: the Destructor and the Annihilator. The Destructor is the classic anti-infantry version, while the Annihilator trades that for twin lascannons to hunt heavy targets.
Some warbands also field the Deimos Pattern Predator, a relic design from the Horus Heresy. It’s less common but still seen in some Chaos armies.
- Predator Destructor: turret autocannon, heavy bolter sponsons. Good against infantry.
- Predator Annihilator: twin lascannon turret, lascannon sponsons. Designed for anti-tank.
- Deimos Pattern: older design, often used by Chaos warbands with access to relic armour.
On the tabletop
In Warhammer 40,000 10th edition, the Chaos Predator Destructor and Annihilator are separate datasheets. They have the same chassis stats: Toughness 9, 11 wounds, 3+ save. The Destructor’s autocannon is decent against elite infantry, while the Annihilator’s lascannons can punch through heavy armour.
Both benefit from the Chaos Space Marine army rules, like Dark Pacts, which can boost their shooting at the risk of mortal wounds. They’re often taken in pairs or trios to overwhelm enemy armour.
Lore and background
The Predator dates back to the Dark Age of Technology and was used by humanity long before the Imperium. During the Horus Heresy, many Predators fell into the hands of the Traitor Legions, and they’ve been used by Chaos ever since.
Chaos Predators are often ancient machines, maintained by Warpsmiths and dark tech-priests. Some are possessed by daemons or have corrupted machine spirits, making them even more unpredictable.
Key facts
- The Chaos Predator is a battle tank used by the Chaos Space Marines, based on the Rhino chassis.
- Two main variants exist: the Destructor (anti-infantry) and the Annihilator (anti-tank).
- It dates back to the Dark Age of Technology and was used during the Horus Heresy.
- In 10th edition, it has Toughness 9, 11 wounds, and a 3+ save.
- It can benefit from Chaos Space Marine rules like Dark Pacts.
FAQ
What’s the difference between the Chaos Predator Destructor and Annihilator?
The Destructor is armed with an autocannon and heavy bolters, making it effective against infantry. The Annihilator mounts twin lascannons and lascannon sponsons, designed to destroy tanks and monsters.
Can Chaos Space Marines take Predators in 10th edition?
Yes, both the Chaos Predator Destructor and Annihilator are available as separate datasheets in the Chaos Space Marines army list.
Is the Chaos Predator the same as the Space Marine Predator?
They share the same basic design, but Chaos versions are often older, corrupted, or modified. In-game, they have different rules and faction keywords.