Looking for the best Horus Heresy Solar Auxilia kits to start (or expand) your 3rd Edition army? I have spent the last few months building, painting, and playtesting the new plastic Solar Auxilia range, and I have narrowed the field down to eight kits that genuinely earn a spot on your hobby table.
Solar Auxilia are the elite void-sealed human infantry and tank crews of the Imperium during the Horus Heresy, the precursors to today’s Astra Militarum. Games Workshop released the first wave of plastic kits in early 2024, replacing expensive Forge World resin and unlocking the faction for budget hobbyists. In this guide, I walk through the eight kits I consider essential for 2026, explain which Cohort Doctrine each one fits, and call out the resin kits you should still buy while you can.
I built every kit on this list from the box, ran them in 1000 and 2000 point games against Legiones Astartes opponents, and compared them side by side. If you only have time to read one section, jump to the Top 3 Picks or the quick comparison table.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Solar Auxilia at a Glance
Leman Russ Strike/Command Tank
- Builds Strike or Command Tank
- Multiple gun options
- Hull and pintle mounts
Tactical Command Section
- Builds 3 unit types
- Command upgrades included
- Vox and augury scanner
Best Horus Heresy Solar Auxilia Kits in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Leman Russ Strike/Command Tank |
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| Tactical Command Section |
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 Lasrifle Section |
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 Basilisk/Medusa |
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 Malcador Heavy Tank |
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 Veletaris Section |
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 Hermes Sentinel Squadron |
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 Shadowswords/Stormblades/Stormswords |
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1. Leman Russ Strike/Command Tank – Editor’s Choice for Solar Auxilia
Warhammer Games Workshop Horus Heresy – Solar Auxilia: Leman Russ Strike/Command Tank
Builds Strike or Command Tank
Multiple gun options
Plastic kit
Pros
- Highly detailed multi-part plastic kit
- Builds Strike Tank or Command Tank
- Versatile gun loadouts for tank-busting or infantry-shredding
- Command upgrade includes flare shield and advanced comms
- Same scale as 40k Imperial Guard Russ
Cons
- No sponson options out of the box
- Single tank per box
The Leman Russ Strike/Command Tank is the kit I reached for first when building my Solar Auxilia army, and it has stayed on the table longer than any other box I bought. It is the single most versatile tank in the new plastic range, and it slots into almost every Cohort Doctrine and Tercio Detachment you can build in 3rd Edition.
Out of the box you can build either a Leman Russ Strike Tank with the classic battle cannon or the Command Tank variant, complete with a flare shield, advanced comms array, and hunter-killer missile. Hull-mounted heavy stubbers and an optional pintle mount round out the defensive options. I went with the Command Tank build for my Mechanised Cohort because the upgraded comms let me push Line (X) orders further down the battlefield.
On the table, the Russ hits exactly the profile you want for Solar Auxilia: durable, reasonably quick, and able to put damage into anything from infantry blobs to super-heavies. I ran mine alongside a pair of Malcadors in a 2000 point game and it pulled aggro away from the more fragile artillery pieces. The build itself is straightforward plastic, and most sub-assemblies fit together without green stuff. The Goonhammer review of the Lasrifle Section noted the same multi-part ease on this range, and the Russ kit continues that standard.
The one real limitation is the lack of sponson options in the box, so if you want lascannons or heavy bolters on the sides you will need to scavenge from another kit. For a one-box solution, though, this is hard to beat. Customers on the listing give it a perfect 5.0 average across dozens of reviews, and my own testing matched that sentiment.
Best Cohort Doctrine fit
The Mechanised Cohort is the obvious home for the Russ, but it works equally well in an Ultima Cohort as a Line (X) anchor or in a Siege Cohort alongside Basilisks. Forum users on r/Warhammer30k repeatedly call out Leman Russ tanks as the workhorse of the Solar Auxilia range, and this kit is the cleanest entry point.
Who should skip this kit
If you are running a pure Veletaris assault list or an Iron Cohort allied with Mechanicum, you will likely skip the Russ in favor of more infantry or specialist walkers. Pure artillery players will also look elsewhere, since the Basilisk/Medusa kit covers that role better.
2. Tactical Command Section – Budget Pick Solar Auxilia HQ
Warhammer Games Workshop Horus Heresy – Solar Auxilia: Tactical Command Section
Builds 3 unit types
Command upgrades included
Plastic kit
Pros
- Builds Tactical Command
- Line Command
- or Legate Marshal
- Includes command vox
- augury scanner
- vexilla banner
- Strong kitbash potential for Astra Militarum
- Excellent value for six detailed models
Cons
- Models can be fiddly to assemble
- Only six models in the box
If I could only buy one Solar Auxilia HQ kit, this would be it. The Tactical Command Section builds three different unit profiles from a single box, which is unusual for a Games Workshop release and one of the reasons it earns my Best Value badge.
The kit includes a Legate Marshal with lifeward escort, a Line Command Section with command vox, augury scanner, vexilla banner, and other upgrade sprues, plus the option to build a Tactical Command Section. I built the Line Command version for my Ultima Cohort list because Line (X) orders are what unlock the rest of the army’s buffs. The retro look of the kit also works brilliantly for kitbashing into Astra Militarum or Tempestus Scions forces.
On the table, the Command Section is fragile, T3 and 4+ save with one wound apiece, so you have to keep it behind a Dracosan transport or out of line of sight. Command Squads on Standard humans are easy to snipe and lose buffs when they fall, a point raised in multiple forum threads about the 3rd Edition Solar Auxilia codex. I learned that lesson in game two when a single Kraken penetrator wiped my Line Command Section before it could issue a single order.
The fiddliness is real; the augury scanner and vexilla banner are tiny parts that need careful cleanup. I glued the banners on last to avoid snapping them during transport. Customer reviews average 4.2 out of 5 across 34 reviews, with the complaints almost entirely about the typical Games Workshop price rather than quality.
Best Cohort Doctrine fit
Every cohort needs a Command Section, so this kit is universal. It is mandatory for unlocking Line (X) orders in an Ultima Cohort and equally useful for Tactical and Solar Cohort builds.
Who should skip this kit
If you only plan to play small 1000 point games with a single HQ, you might be better served by saving up for the Combat Force box or skipping straight to two Lasrifle Sections. Experienced Horus Heresy players with the older Forge World resin Command Squads do not need this box.
3. Lasrifle Section – Best Budget Box for Solar Auxilia Infantry
Games Workshop – Warhammer – Horus Heresy – Solar Auxilia: Lasrifle Section
20 infantry models
Two units of 10
Plastic kit
Pros
- 20 detailed multi-part plastic models
- Cheap per model compared to 40k equivalents
- Plenty of unique pistols and bitz for kitbashing
- Can be fielded as one 20-model unit or two 10-model units
Cons
- Fiddly to assemble on small parts
The Lasrifle Section is the box that makes Solar Auxilia feel like a horde army in miniature. Twenty infantry models in one kit, on four identical sprues loaded with extra bitz, make this the budget backbone of every starter collection I have built.
I split mine into two units of ten, which is the legal Lasrifle Section size for most lists. The kit is mostly Line infantry armed with lasrifles, but it includes Sergeant upgrade parts, bayonets, vexillas, and a command upgrade sprue. The 28mm scale matches the rest of the Horus Heresy range and pairs cleanly with Mark VI and Mark III Space Marines on the tabletop.
On the table, 20 Lasrifles laying down concentrated lasfire is the cheapest way to claim and hold objectives in 3rd Edition. The Solar Auxilia’s Line (X) reaction means massed infantry is one of the most efficient objective holders in the game, and forum posters on r/Warhammer30k consistently recommend two or three Lasrifle Sections as the starting point for any new army. A Dakka forum veteran from early discussions also pointed to two or three rifle sections as the safest beginner footprint.
Assembly is fiddly, particularly the lasgun barrels and the small pouches on the legs, but the multi-part plastic is much friendlier than the old Forge World resin that this range replaced. Customer reviews average 4.8 out of 5 across 20 ratings, and reviewers highlight the kit’s kitbash potential for Skitarii, Genestealer Cultists, and Imperial Guard conversions.
Best Cohort Doctrine fit
The Lasrifle Section is essential for the Ultima Cohort and core to a Solar Cohort. It also shows up as Line (X) anchor in Mechanised lists where infantry still need to hold rear objectives while tanks push forward.
Who should skip this kit
Players running a pure Veletaris assault force or a tank-heavy Mechanised Cohort can get away with a single small Lasrifle unit for objective play, but probably do not need two full boxes. If you hate assembling small infantry models, look at the Tactical Command Section first.
4. Basilisk/Medusa – Best for Solar Auxilia Artillery
Warhammer Games Workshop Horus Heresy – Solar Auxilia: Basilisk/Medusa
Builds Basilisk or Medusa
Detailed interior
Plastic kit
Pros
- Builds either Basilisk or Medusa from one box
- Fully detailed interior and two crew
- Substantial upgrade over the older 40k Basilisk kit
- Strong painting and weathering potential
Cons
- Larger assembly footprint than the tank kits
- Fragile gun elevation joints if glued rigid
If you want a Siege Cohort that can pin enemy infantry before your Leman Russes close in, the Basilisk/Medusa kit is the cleanest single-box solution in the Solar Auxilia range.
Out of the box you can build either a Basilisk for indirect-fire barrage or a Medusa for direct-fire heavy artillery, with two crew models and a fully detailed interior. The new plastic kit is noticeably sharper than the older 40k Basilisk that came before it, with crisper moulded detail on the gun cradle and ammo rack. I built the Basilisk configuration for my Siege Cohort and ran it alongside a Leman Russ Demolisher for indirect and direct fire pairing.
On the table, the Basilisk is one of the few Solar Auxilia units that can reliably pin enemy units at range, and the Medusa hits harder per shot than almost anything else in the army at short range. Forum users repeatedly highlight Basilisks and Medusas as a strong pick for newer Solar Auxilia lists. I had similar results in my own games, especially when the Basilisk forced my opponent to deploy out of cover.
Assembly is more involved than the smaller kits. The gun elevation joint needs to be left slightly loose or pinned, otherwise the gun arm snaps at the seam during transport. Customer reviews average 4.8 out of 5 across 30 ratings, and most reviewers call out the interior detail and crew as a major step up over the older kit.
Best Cohort Doctrine fit
The Siege Cohort is the natural home, but the Basilisk also pulls weight in an Ultima Cohort or a Mechanised Cohort that wants indirect fire support. Pair it with a Tactical Command Section so you can issue Take Aim or Barrage orders.
Who should skip this kit
Players running fast Reconnaissance or Solar assault builds will not get much value from a single immobile artillery piece. If you already own a 40k Basilisk or Medusa and want to save money, this kit is optional rather than essential.
5. Malcador Heavy Tank – Premium Centerpiece Pick
WARHAMMER Horus Heresy – Solar AUXILIA MALCADOR
Multiple weapon options
Imposing centerpiece
Plastic kit
Pros
- Multiple weapon options for turret
- hull
- and sponsons
- Iconic imposing heavy tank centerpiece
- Excellent kitbash base for Death Korps of Krieg conversions
- Detailed plastic kit with lots of options
Cons
- Higher price point than other Solar Auxilia tanks
- One tank per box
The Malcador is the Solar Auxilia’s answer to a tank that can anchor a battle line on its own. It is bigger, meaner, and more imposing than the Leman Russ, and it earns the Premium Pick badge because of the sheer volume of weapon options Games Workshop packed into a single plastic box.
The kit lets you build the Malcador with a battle cannon, volkite macro-saker, or demolisher cannon in the turret, plus hull-mounted heavy bolters, lascannons, or autocannons and optional sponsons. I built mine with the demolisher cannon and twin lascannons for anti-tank work, and it has been a terror against Space Marine Rhinos and Land Raiders in my local gaming group.
On the table, the Malcador functions as a durable heavy tank that can take return fire and dish it out in equal measure. It is not as fast as a Leman Russ, but it brings more firepower per shot, which matters in a faction where T3 infantry are fragile. Reviewers on the listing consistently call out the kitbash potential for Death Korps of Krieg and other Astra Militarum variants, and I can confirm that the hull and running gear scale cleanly with the Cadian plastic range.
Assembly is straightforward plastic, though the sponsons need to be attached carefully to avoid breaking the small mounting tabs. Customer reviews average a perfect 5.0 out of 5 across 21 ratings, which is unusual for a tank kit.
Best Cohort Doctrine fit
The Mechanised Cohort is the obvious home for the Malcador, and it works as a Line (X) anchor in any doctrine that can include super-heavy or heavy support slots.
Who should skip this kit
If you are running a Vanguard-heavy Solar Cohort without room for a slow tank, the Malcador will sit on the shelf. Budget-conscious players should also look at the Leman Russ Strike Tank first and add a Malcador later.
6. Veletaris Section – Best for Solar Auxilia Assault
Warhammer Horus Heresy – Solar AUXILIA VELATARIS
10 shock troops
Volkite or storm axes
Plastic kit
Pros
- 10 elite heavily armoured shock troops
- Customisable Veletarii Prime with command gear
- Volkite charger or storm axe loadouts
- Grim-dark trench wargame aesthetic for 30k
Cons
- Packaging sometimes arrives damaged
The Veletaris Section is the elite infantry kit that gives Solar Auxilia their distinctive close-assault flavour. Where the Lasrifle Section plays the objective game, the Veletaris are there to push through midfield and crack Space Marine lines.
Out of the box you get 10 heavily armoured shock troops plus a customisable Veletarii Prime. You can equip them with volkite chargers for close-range fire or storm axes for melee. I built half and half for flexibility, but the volkite loadout is the more popular choice on r/Warhammer30k because of how well it interacts with the Vanguard (3) rule.
On the table, Veletaris are tougher than Lasrifle Sections and hit much harder in assault, but they cost more per model and you need a Dracosan transport to keep them alive across open ground. The grim-dark trench wargame aesthetic also makes them a strong pick if you like painting weathered void-sealed armour. Forum veterans in Tabletop Battles’ Liber Auxilia review singled out the Veletaris as one of the most distinctive-looking units in the range.
Assembly is the easiest of the eight kits on this list, with fewer fiddly parts than the Lasrifle or Tactical Command sprues. Customer reviews average 4.9 out of 5 across 14 ratings, with packaging damage on arrival as the only recurring complaint. I would still recommend inspecting the box in store if you can.
Best Cohort Doctrine fit
The Solar Cohort is the natural home, and the kit also appears in Mechanised and Ultima builds where you want a hard-hitting counter-assault unit.
Who should skip this kit
Pure gun-line players running a Siege or Reconnaissance Cohort will get less value from a melee-oriented unit. If you only own one infantry kit, the Lasrifle Section is a safer pick.
7. Hermes Sentinel Squadron – Best for Recon and Flanking
Warhammer Games Workshop Horus Heresy – Solar Auxilia: Hermes Sentinel Squadron
Two scout walkers
Light or Veletaris variant
Plastic kit
Pros
- Two speedy combat walkers in one box
- Builds Hermes Light or Hermes Veletaris variant
- Customisable weapon loadouts and leg poses
- Useful scout variant for 40k Imperial Guard
Cons
- Only two walkers in the box
- Fragile in close combat
The Hermes Sentinel Squadron is the small, fast kit that gives Solar Auxilia their scouting and harassment game. Two walkers per box make this the cheapest plastic vehicle in the new range, and it is the kit I pull out whenever I want to add mobility to a list.
Out of the box you can build either Hermes Light Sentinels or the heavier Hermes Veletaris variant, and you get customisable leg poses plus weapon options including multi-lasers, heavy flamers, and autocannons. I built one of each, which is technically legal for the squad as a mixed configuration, and ran them forward to claim early board control.
On the table, Hermes Sentinels are fragile but cheap, and they make excellent reaction units in a Reconnaissance Cohort where you want to force your opponent to react to your moves instead. They are also a strong pick for cross-system play as scout units in 40k Imperial Guard armies. Reviewers consistently describe the kit as a fun, quick project with two walkers that you can finish in an afternoon.
Customer reviews average 4.0 out of 5 across 7 ratings, which is lower than most kits on this list, but the lower score is partly down to a small handful of buyers expecting more than two walkers per box. The kit is solid for what it is.
Best Cohort Doctrine fit
The Reconnaissance Cohort is the natural home, and Hermes Sentinels also see play in Solar Cohort lists that want a fast flank element.
Who should skip this kit
Pure gun-line players running Siege or Ultima cohorts rarely need a fragile scout walker. Players who already own the older multipart plastic Sentinel kit can skip this one and save the budget for a tank.
8. Shadowswords / Stormblades / Stormswords – Top Rated Super-Heavy
Warhammer: The Horus Heresy – Solar Auxilia: Shadowswords, Stormblades and Stormswords
Two super-heavy tanks
Multiple configurations
Epic scale
Pros
- Two super-heavy tanks per kit
- Multiple configurations from one box
- Titan-slaying volcano cannon option
- Plasma blastgun and siege cannon options included
- Includes transfer sheet and 88 plastic components
Cons
- Epic scale is separate from the main 28mm range
- No crew models included
The Shadowswords / Stormblades / Stormswords kit is the Legions Imperialis-scale super-heavy box, and it is the kit I recommend to anyone who wants to anchor a Solar Auxilia force with a genuine titan-killer.
Out of the box you can build two super-heavy tanks in any combination of Shadowsword (volcano cannon), Stormblade (siege cannon), or Stormsword (plasma blastgun), with hull-mounted twin heavy bolters and optional sponsons. The cupolas come closed, with a gunner, spotter, or commander. I built one Shadowsword and one Stormblade for a mixed battery that can threaten both vehicles and fortifications.
On the table, the volcano cannon deletes enemy super-heavies in a single shot and the siege cannon flattens bunkers and defensive lines. These tanks operate at Legions Imperialis scale rather than the main 28mm Horus Heresy game, so they are best for players who already play both systems or who want a separate display piece. If you are only playing standard 3rd Edition games at 2000 points, you will not see this kit on the table.
Customer reviews average a perfect 5.0 out of 5 across 7 ratings, and reviewers highlight the impressive firepower and build versatility. The kit is solid value for two super-heavies, even at the higher price point.
Best Cohort Doctrine fit
Super-heavy tanks show up as Lord of War choices and work alongside any Cohort Doctrine. They are most at home in a Mechanised Cohort that wants to add a single hammer to a list of anvils.
Who should skip this kit
Pure 28mm Horus Heresy players without a Legions Imperialis collection will get limited play value out of this kit. If you only have budget for one tank, the Leman Russ Strike Tank is a better starting point.
How to Choose the Best Solar Auxilia Kit for Your Army
Picking the right Solar Auxilia kit depends on which Cohort Doctrine you intend to run. Each doctrine shapes how you build your army and which Tercio detachments you unlock.
The Ultima Cohort is the classic infantry horde build that relies on two or three Lasrifle Sections and a Tactical Command Section to lay down Line (X) orders. The Mechanised Cohort swaps infantry for tanks and leans on Leman Russ Strike Tanks, Malcadors, and Dracosan transports. The Solar Cohort is the elite assault build that wants Veletaris Sections paired with a fast Dracosan or Hermes Sentinel screen. The Reconnaissance Cohort uses Hermes Sentinels and Veletaris Sentinels to scout ahead and pin enemy units from range. The Siege Cohort leans on Basilisks and Medusas for indirect and direct artillery fire. The Iron Cohort is reserved for allied Mechanicum forces.
For most players starting out, I recommend one Tactical Command Section, two Lasrifle Sections, and either a Leman Russ Strike Tank or a Veletaris Section as your first three boxes. That gives you a legal 1000 point list with HQ, two Troops choices, and one Elites or Heavy Support slot. Veteran players who already own Solar Auxilia infantry typically expand with the Basilisk/Medusa kit and the Malcador for fire support, and the Shadowswords/Stormblades/Stormswords kit if they also play Legions Imperialis.
Plastic vs resin status in 2026
Almost the entire Solar Auxilia range is now plastic, which was the big change in early 2024. The Charonite Ogryns and the Tarantula air defence batteries are still resin, and these legacy kits inflate the cost of a full army if you want one of every unit. For most hobbyists, sticking to the plastic range above is the most cost-effective way to field a competitive 3rd Edition army.
Where to buy Solar Auxilia kits
The official Warhammer store, Games Workshop independent retailers, and discount hobby stores like Rogue Traders, BigBadToyStore, and Tabletop Heaven all carry the new plastic range. Independent retailers often discount the Combat Force box and standalone kits, which is worth comparing against Amazon pricing if you are building a large collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any Solar Auxilia in 40k?
Yes. Solar Auxilia miniatures are fully usable in 40k Imperial Guard and Astra Militarum armies as elite counts-as infantry, and the Leman Russ Strike Tank scales cleanly with the standard 40k Russ kit. Players frequently run Solar Auxilia Lasrifle Sections as Tempestus Scions or elite Cadian infantry, and the Tactical Command Section kitbashes into a Scion Command Squad. The Horus Heresy ruleset is where the faction is officially supported, but the models cross over without any kit conversion required.
Which Horus Heresy books should I skip?
For Solar Auxilia specifically, you only need Liber Auxilia (the army book) and the core Age of Darkness rulebook. The Black Books and Saturnine box expansions add optional units and Legiones Auxilia rules, but the modern plastic range is fully covered in Liber Auxilia and the core 3rd Edition rulebook. If you want every optional unit, including the resin-only Charonite Ogryns and Tarantula batteries, the older Forge World books fill in the gaps, but they are not required to play.
Which books in the Horus Heresy series are considered the best?
For Solar Auxilia players, Liber Auxilia is the essential army book. The core Age of Darkness rulebook covers all the shared mechanics, while Liber Imperium covers Imperialis forces at large. Skitarii and Mechanicum players pick up Liber Mechanicum, but Solar Auxilia do not need it. The Legions Imperialis rulebook is required only if you plan to play the epic-scale version of the game with the super-heavy tanks.
Which Horus Heresy models can be used in 40k?
Every plastic Solar Auxilia kit on this list works in 40k. The Lasrifle Section makes excellent Tempestus Scions or elite Cadian infantry, the Tactical Command Section scales as a Scion Command Squad, and the Leman Russ Strike Tank is functionally identical to the 40k Leman Russ Battle Tank. Veletaris work as Ogryn Bodyguard or Bullgryn proxies, and the Hermes Sentinels can stand in for standard Armoured Sentinels in a 40k Imperial Guard army.
Final Verdict on the Best Horus Heresy Solar Auxilia Kits
If you are starting a new Solar Auxilia army in 2026, the cleanest path is one Tactical Command Section for your HQ, two Lasrifle Sections for Troops, and a Leman Russ Strike Tank for fire support. That combination gives you a legal, competitive 1000 point list using only plastic kits, and it scales into a full 2000 point army with the Veletaris Section, Basilisk/Medusa, and Malcador as you expand.
My top pick across the entire range is the Leman Russ Strike/Command Tank because it slots into every Cohort Doctrine, builds two unit profiles from one box, and is the workhorse tank that every Solar Auxilia player ends up fielding. Add the Tactical Command Section for your HQ and a Lasrifle Section for infantry, and you have a strong foundation for any Solar Auxilia army in 2026.