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While Warhammer 40K is best known for aliens species like Orks, Aeldari, Tyranids and Necrons, the fact is there are countless other xenos operating in the fringes of the galaxy. One of these often overlooked races is the Kroot, fearless mercenaries and allies of the T’au Empire who blend prowess in battle with bizarre genetic abilities.
Now, after years in the shadows, these deadly green-skinned warriors are stepping back into the spotlight with the upcoming Warhammer 40K Kroot Hunting Pack box set, which was recently announced by Games Workshop at the annual Las Vegas Open gaming convention and is available for pre-order now.
So just what can fans expect from the return of the Kroot? Below we break out all the details.
What’s included in the new Kroot Hunting Pack box set?
It’s been almost 25 years since the Kroot first appeared in Warmhammer 40K, and while they haven’t had much attention in the past few years, they remain a fan favorite.
The new Hunting Pack box set brings the Kroot into the 10th edition of the game and, according to Games Workshop, will consist of the following models:
- 20 Kroot Carnivores: The backbone of this new force, Kroot Carnivores bring rustic yet sophisticated weaponry to the table, including a new tanglebomb launcher which adds explosive firepower to their already impressive arsenal.
- 1 Krootox Rider: These hulking beasts serve as powerful weapons platforms, carrying repeater cannons and tanglecannons with ease.
- 3 Krootox Rampagers: Younger and more aggressive Krootox make up the ranks of Rampagers, which can smash through enemy lines with devastating charges.
- 1 Flesh Shaper: A revered spiritual figure who oversees the Kroot’s carnivorous rituals and ensures only the finest genetic material makes it into their pack’s evolutionary heritage.
- 1 War Shaper: A seasoned battlefield commander who is adept in a variety of strategies when leading his pack into battle.
The box will also contain the Codex: T’au Empire, which contains all of the rules for the miniatures in the box as well as T’au Empire’s forces. In addition, the box includes 44 printed cards which cover army rules, combat patrols and datasheets. Notably, the Codex and cards come in a special cardboard slipcase that features new art.
Who are the Kroot?
The Kroot are a xeno species that evolved from flying reptilian creatures on the vast forest planet of Pech. Renowned for their warlike culture and skill in the battle, they also possess a unique biological characteristic: the ability to absorb the DNA of their consumed prey, incorporating beneficial traits into their own genetic makeup.
This carnivorous evolutionary advantage has allowed the Kroot to adapt to various environments and has helped them become a powerful mercenary force across the galaxy, with the T’au Empire in particular often employing them in battle.
Kroot are organized into clans known as “Kindred” and members are known for their skills in tracking, hunting and combat. Their society is guided by the wisdom of the Shapers, powerful spiritual leaders who determine the direction of their clan’s evolution by selecting the prey their kindred consume.
Technologically speaking, the Kroot are a seemingly simple pre-industrial society, yet they wield advanced weapons and equipment scavenged from other races and have been able to achieve interstellar travel and develop new technologies thanks to consuming the genetic material (and therefore the knowledge) of species including Orks and Imperial humans.
When is the Kroot Hunting Party Box Set Coming Out?
The Kroot Hunting Party Box Set was available for pre-order on March 16th, 2024 and will have an official launch date of March 30th, 2024. Recent manufacturing issues have lead to Games Workshop to begin plans for a new Warhammer Factory and to retool their IT infrastructure in the wake of ecommerce slowdowns on their website and accusations of scalpers taking advantage of their queue system.
The Kroot Hunting Pack box set expected to be a limited release, so once it’s gone it likely won’t be available anytime again in the future. The product will, however, be available online and in-store both from GW and third-party retailers, so you should act quickly if you want to grab yours, once the official release date has been announced.
How much is the new Kroot Hunting Pack Box Set?
The Kroot Hunting Pack box set retails for $220 USD (£135.00) if you order it directly from Games Workshop.
Third-party retailers, however, typically knock 15 to 20% off GW’s standard price, so you can likely expect to pay less if you are able to get your hands on it from your local hobby or game store.
Final Thoughts
It’s great to see the Kroot back in action for 10th edition, and these minis look absolutely amazing. You can pre-order it from March 16th to 30th directly from Games Workshop.
Below is also a reveal video, which shows the new Kroot models in action.
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Zachary Birch lives in Medford, Massachusetts and has been a dedicated war gamer for over 15 years, playing pretty much ever system under the sun. Orks remain his favorite Warhammer 40K army (because nothing beats stomping gits into the ground). He also enjoys playing video games, reading, playing the guitar and shouting “WAAAGH!” at inappropriate times.
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