The grenade launcher is a simple, reliable tube weapon that lobs explosive shells further and more accurately than any trooper could throw one. In Warhammer 40k it’s the Imperial Guard’s answer to dug-in enemies, light vehicles, and targets hiding behind cover.
What it is and how it works
Grenade launchers are tubular weapons that fire grenades using compressed gas or an electromagnetic charge. Nothing fancy, which is exactly why they’re everywhere.
Their real trick is the arcing shot. Because rounds travel on a curve, gunners can drop shells over walls, trenches, and ruins onto foes they can’t even see, which makes them ideal for suppressive fire.
- Almost always loaded with frag or krak grenades
- Specialist rounds include smoke, stun, blind, hallucinogenic, plasma, virus, anti-plant, and xeno-filament
- Used to pin infantry, crack light vehicles, and demolish buildings
Why the Imperial Guard loves it
For an Astra Militarum infantry squad, the grenade launcher is a cheap way to punch above its weight. It reaches further than a thrown grenade and lands far more accurately.
The weapon’s job is straightforward: keep enemy heads down and deal with the soft targets that lasguns struggle against.
Patterns and variants
The Imperium fields a huge spread of patterns, from the Cadian pattern used by standard infantry to the Voss pattern automatic launcher and the Mezoa, Gorge, and Subjugator patterns. Space Marines get their own versions too, including the Astartes grenade launcher, the fragstorm and krakstorm launchers, and the wrist-mounted type.
Chaos forces use many of the same designs, plus corrupted variants like the blight launcher.
Grenade launchers beyond the Imperium
Other races have their own takes on the idea. Eldar Swooping Hawks carry grenade packs strapped to their legs, and Harlequin Shadowseers mount a launcher on their shoulders. Tau Pulse Carbines often carry an underslung launcher for EMP grenades.
The list goes on: Dark Eldar phantasm launchers and torment launchers, Ork stikkbomb chukkas, and Leagues of Votann mole launchers on Cthonian Beserk exo-armour.
| Faction | Example |
|---|---|
| Astra Militarum | Cadian pattern, Voss pattern |
| Space Marines | Astartes, fragstorm, krakstorm |
| Eldar | Swooping Hawk grenade pack |
| Tau | Underslung Pulse Carbine launcher |
| Orks | Stikkbomb chukka |
Key facts
- Grenade launchers fire via compressed gas or an electromagnetic charge
- Arcing trajectories let them hit targets behind cover and lay down suppressive fire
- Standard loads are frag and krak grenades, with many specialist rounds available
- The Cadian pattern is the standard Astra Militarum infantry version
- Eldar, Tau, Orks, Dark Eldar, and Leagues of Votann all field their own designs
FAQ
What grenades does a grenade launcher fire?
Most are loaded with frag and krak rounds. Specialist loads include smoke, stun, blind, hallucinogenic, plasma, virus, and anti-plant grenades.
Why do Imperial Guard squads carry grenade launchers?
They throw grenades further and more accurately than a trooper can by hand, and the arcing shot lets them hit unseen enemies behind cover.
Do Space Marines use grenade launchers?
Yes. They field several patterns, including the Astartes grenade launcher and the fragstorm and krakstorm launchers.