Review: Leagues of Votann Ironkin Steeljacks, Kapricus, Cthonian Earthshakers & characters

Time to return to the rugged expeditions of the Leagues of Votann, as we jump into a mega review covering no less than six new releases. From heavy-hitting Ironkin Steeljacks to stoic heroes like Buri Aegnirssen, and the imposing ordnance of the Cthonian Earthshakers, the latest release wave has it all. In classic Tale of Painters fashion, this review is packed with crisp high-res sprue photos and a comprehensive list of every single build option.

The new Leagues of Votann releases will be available for pre-order starting Saturday, 9 August 2025. The pre-order period lasts two weeks, with the official release date set for 23 August 2025.

All the 2025 Leagues of Votann models reviewed & unboxed

The release of the 10th Edition Warhammer 40,000 Leagues of Votann codex is being accompanied by a second wave of model releases. In this mega review, we’ll take a look at all the new kits. Alongside this, a Combat Patrol box is also being released, which provides a solid core of 1 Einhyr Champion, 5 Einhyr Hearthguard, 3 Brôkhyr Thunderkyn, and 10 Hearthkyn Warriors. We’ve already reviewed most of the models from the Combat Patrol here, where you can also find sprue images.

Ironkin Steeljacks model review

The Ironkin Steeljacks box contains three models on 40 mm bases, spread across three small sprue segments. Also included are a full-colour transfer sheet and an assembly manual. The RRP is a steep £37 / 47.50 € / $60.

The kit includes three distinct torsos/poses, along with arm pairs for either volkanite desintegrators or melee weapons.

Patreon bonus content: Ultra high-res, uncompressed versions of these sprue images (and backsides of the sprues) can be downloaded here.

Build options

• Steeljack 1 comes with a right arm holding an autoch-pattern bolter, a left outstretched arm, a bent arm with a plasma sword, and a left arm with a concussion gauntlet. You also get a choice of an empty pistol holster, an empty sword scabbard, and a belt pouch with two compartments. Alternatively, there’s a two-handed volkanite desintegrator arm pair, plus a sheathed dagger and a small belt pouch. A banner top is included to mark the model as a Theyn.
• Steeljacks 2 and 3 each feature a right arm with autoch-pattern bolter, and left arms with either a plasma sword or a concussion gauntlet. Also included are an empty pistol holster and a belt pouch with two compartments. As with Steeljack 1, there’s the option for a two-handed volkanite desintegrator loadout, a sheathed dagger, and a belt pouch.
• The 3 (very similar) heads are mounted on ball joints and fully interchangeable.
• The shoulder joints are flat connectors, meaning the arm pairs can be swapped around. However, the poses are sculpted to match the specific bodies, so not every combination will look natural.

The Steeljacks are undeniably cool models. Tall, imposing Ironkin wielding heavy rifles or brutal melee weapons – yes please. However, the high price point is extreme. Despite coming on 40 mm bases, the models aren’t any larger than a Primaris Marine, and with only three miniatures per box – instead of five or even ten – you don’t get a lot for your money. Extra bits or alternative build options beyond the two loadouts are also missing.

Kapricus Defender / Carrier review

The Kapricus kit comes on two medium-sized sprues and includes a 105 mm oval base, a transfer sheet, and an assembly guide. The RRP is £37.50 / 50 € / $60. The model can be built either as a heavily armed Defender or a lightly armed Carrier, which has a transport capacity for five Hernkyn Yaegirs.

Patreon bonus content: Ultra high-res, uncompressed versions of these sprue images (and backsides of the sprues) can be downloaded here.

Build options

• For the Kapricus Defender, you fit a turret onto the rear platform, manned by a small Ironkin. You can choose between a magna-rail cannon or a HYLas rotary cannon.
• For the Kapricus Carrier, you place a gunner on the rear platform operating a pintle-mounted magna-coil autocannon.
• There are optional twin magna-coil autocannons.
• The kit includes 3 male heads, 1 female head, and 2 Ironkin heads for the driver and gunner.
• There are also optional stowage items and pouches that can be attached to either side of the platform.

For me, the Kapricus might just be my favourite model from this new wave. I already loved the anti-grav trikes of the Hernkyn Pioneers, and the Kapricus feels like a natural evolution of that design. It also provides another transport option alongside the Land Fortress. That said, aside from the weapons loadout, the two configurations don’t really differ much. The Defender still has just as much free space on the platform as the Carrier, so I don’t quite understand why it doesn’t have a transport capacity as well. Price-wise, I think the model is still reasonable – though with its 105 mm oval base, it’s already on the more compact side in terms of physical size.

Cthonian Earthshakers model review

The Cthonian Earthshakers kit includes three small sprue segments. From these, you can build two models on 80 mm bases and two optional breacher ordnance tokens on 25 mm bases. Decals and an assembly guide are also included. The RRP is £35.50 / 44 € / $58. There are enough parts to equip both Earthshakers with either breacher ordnance or tremor shells.

Patreon bonus content: Ultra high-res, uncompressed versions of these sprue images (and backsides of the sprues) can be downloaded here.

Build options

• 4 crew bodies, plus 2 (identical) outstretched right arms, 1 left arm with console, 1 right arm with shell, 2 (different) right arms with axes, 1 arm pair with console, 4 heads
• 2 Ironkin, each with unique right arms for handling both ammunition types, 2 heads
• Loading hatches can be built open or closed
• Optional bits: 1 closed ammo crate, 1 open ammo crate (which can be fitted with either shell type), 1 axe

As the crew can be freely positioned on the base, and the arms and heads of the non-Ironkin are interchangeable, the kit offers a good degree of variety. This allows for some lovely mini dioramas to be created.

Buri Aegnirssen unboxing

Buri Aegnirssen comes in a small box that includes a single small sprue, a 40mm base, and a manual. The RRP is £26 / 34 € / $42. Aegnirssen is a new named character model for the Leagues of Votann – the rage-fuelled sole survivor of the Emberg-Aegnir Bloc, which was consumed by Hive Fleet Leviathan. Fittingly, the 20-part model is adorned with Tyranid remains and comes with a scenic base. As is often the case with special characters, the model is monopose with no build options.

Arkanyst Evaluator & Memnyr Strategist review

Both models come in the recently introduced cardboard clampacks, which have replaced the old plastic packaging. You get a small clampack-sized sprue, a 32mm base, and building instructions each. The RRP is £24 / 31.50 € / $38 for either model, not cheap for their small size.

The Arkanyst Evaluators are members of the Science Guild who bring experimental weapons like the transmatter inverter to the battlefield. The model is monopose but has a helmeted and unhelmeted head. The unhelmeted head kind of gives me Dr. Wily vibes, or is it just me?

The Memnyr Strategist is the first Ironkin character model, a strategic and tactical genius who can, for example, buff Ironkin Steeljacks. The model is monopose and has no further build options.

Where to get

You can find the latest GW releases at our 🇬🇧/🇪🇺 partner stores Wayland Games, Element Games, and Firestorm Games, at 🇩🇪 Taschengelddieb and PK-Pro, and at 🇺🇸 Noble Knight Games with a welcome discount of up to 20% over RRP. Using our links helps to support Tale of Painters at no additional cost to you, so thank you very much for using them!

I hope you found this review helpful, feel free to leave a reaction or comment below, or post your questions here or discuss on our Discord channel.