Cadian Shock Troops vs Celestian Sacresants: Which Unit to Build?
By GUNNZO | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: Comparisons
Compare the Cadian Shock Troops and Celestian Sacresants for your Warhammer 40k army. Find out which unit fits your playstyle and painting goals.
Quick answer
Choose Cadian Shock Troops if you want a versatile, customizable infantry squad for your Astra Militarum army. Choose Celestian Sacresants if you prefer elite, characterful models for your Adepta Sororitas force.
Army Role and Playstyle
Cadian Shock Troops are the backbone of an Astra Militarum army—disciplined, well-drilled soldiers who hold the line and provide reliable firepower. They excel in numbers and can be tailored with special weapons to fit different battlefield roles.
Celestian Sacresants are elite Adepta Sororitas warriors who leave bodyguard duty to hunt heretics, recover relics, and strike at key targets. They fight with shields, maces, and blades, making them a durable, close-combat choice.
Customization and Assembly
The Cadian Shock Troops box builds 10 troopers with a wide range of special weapons and wargear options, letting you customize your squad to match your regiment's theme. Expect more assembly time due to the variety of choices.
Celestian Sacresants come with fewer models per box but feature highly detailed, characterful sculpts that are a joy to paint. Their options are more focused, making assembly quicker but still rewarding for hobbyists who love intricate details.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Model count vs. detail: Cadian Shock Troops give you 10 models with lots of options, ideal for building a larger army. Celestian Sacresants offer fewer but highly detailed models, better for a centerpiece unit.
- Customization vs. focus: Shock Troops have loads of wargear options to tailor your squad. Sacresants have a more focused loadout, making them easier to assemble but less flexible.
- Painting time: Painting 10 Shock Troopers can take longer due to numbers, but they are forgiving for batch painting. Sacresants' intricate details demand more care per model, but the result is highly rewarding. If you enjoy painting detailed characters, Sacresants are more satisfying. If you prefer building a cohesive force quickly, go with Shock Troops.
Product facts
- Warhammer 40000: Astra Militarum: Cadian Shock Troops: Builds 10 Shock Troopers with a swathe of special weapons and wargear. Loads of options to tailor your squad and add variety to your regiment. You can create a unique squad that fits your tactical needs and visual theme, making each model feel personal.
Warhammer 40000: Astra Militarum: Cadian Shock Troops - Warhammer 40000: Adepta Sororitas Celestian Sacresants: Celestian Sacresants are elite members of the Adepta Sororitas who quest across the Imperium, fighting with shield, mace, and blade. These models are perfect for players who want a small, elite unit that stands out on the tabletop and in their collection.
Warhammer 40000: Adepta Sororitas Celestian Sacresants
Which one should you build?
Best for
- Astra Militarum players who want a versatile, customizable infantry squad
- Hobbyists who enjoy batch painting and building a large army
Not for
- Players who want a small, elite close-combat unit for their Adepta Sororitas army
- Hobbyists who prefer painting highly detailed, characterful models over assembling many troops
