The Kroot are a race of carnivorous avian xenos, best known as the T’au Empire’s most trusted alien allies. They’re mercenaries who literally eat their enemies to steal their DNA, and they’ve been a fan-favourite part of Warhammer 40k since the T’au first showed up.
Origins on Pech
Kroot evolved on the jungle world of Pech. Thousands of years ago, an Ork Rok crashed there, and the Kroot ate the survivors. That meal changed everything: the Ork DNA let them understand and use the Mekboy tech aboard the wreck.
Within a few thousand years, they’d built hive cities, factories, and their first warp-capable ships, called Warspheres. They spread to nearby worlds, but then the Orks came back and pushed them to the brink. By M38, Pech itself was occupied and the Kroot were nearly finished.
Alliance with the T’au
The T’au rescued a doomed Kroot force on Krath during their First Sphere of Expansion. In return, the Kroot allied with them. Together they fought the ten-year War in the Place of Union and retook the core Kroot worlds, including Pech.
After the war, the legendary Shaper Anghkor Prok swore allegiance to the T’au at the Sacred Oathstone. He argued that Pech shouldn’t be rebuilt as a city world. Instead, the Kroot would return to their primal ways, wandering the galaxy as mercenaries, collecting DNA, and making pilgrimages home to share their genetic bounty.
Biology and the shaping
Kroot are tall, lean, and fast, with reflexes that make them deadly in close combat. Their defining trait is the ability to absorb genetic material from what they eat, a process called shaping. This lets them adapt to new environments and even pass traits to their offspring.
That’s why Kroot kindreds travel so much: every new creature they consume is a potential upgrade for the whole species. It also explains the weird variations you see, like psychic Kroot, green Kroot, and the bigger, tougher Alpha packs.
Culture, technology, and tabletop
Kroot society is built around kindreds, led by Shapers who guide the shaping process. They don’t build much tech themselves; they prefer to trade for it or use what they’ve scavenged. Their signature weapon is the Kroot rifle, a double-bladed gun that’s just as good for stabbing as shooting.
On the tabletop, Kroot are fast, aggressive infantry. Since Codex: T’au Empire in 2022, you can field an entire army of them, with Shapers as HQ choices and units like Krootox and Kroot Hounds backing them up. They’re great for grabbing objectives early and shredding light infantry in melee.
Key facts
- Kroot are avian xenos from the world of Pech, often called Kroot Carnivores by the Imperium.
- They can absorb DNA from their food, shaping their own evolution and adapting to new environments.
- They’re long-standing allies of the T’au Empire, fighting as mercenaries for the Greater Good (for a price).
- Their signature weapon is the Kroot rifle, a double-bladed firearm built for both shooting and melee.
- They’ve been a playable faction in Warhammer 40k since the T’au were introduced, and got a dedicated army option in 2022.
FAQ
What are Kroot in Warhammer 40k?
Kroot are carnivorous avian xenos who serve as mercenaries for the T’au Empire. They’re known for eating their enemies to absorb useful DNA, a process called shaping.
Why do Kroot fight for the T’au?
The T’au saved them from the Orks and helped reclaim their homeworld, Pech. In return, the Kroot swore allegiance, though they still expect payment for their services.
Can you play a pure Kroot army in 40k?
Yes. Since the 2022 T’au codex, Shapers became HQ choices, letting you field a full army of Kroot units, including Carnivores, Krootox, and Hounds.