Liber Imperium PDF: A Comprehensive Overview (as of 01/23/2026)
Liber Imperium, a 176-page hardback, details army rules for Custodes, Sisters of Silence, Solar Auxilia, and Assassins.
It’s an essential resource for players, offering comprehensive rules and background information.
What is Liber Imperium?
Liber Imperium represents a pivotal codex within the Warhammer 40,000 universe, specifically focusing on the forces directly and solely loyal to the Emperor of Mankind. Unlike codices dedicated to Space Marine Chapters or other broad Imperial organizations, this volume concentrates on the elite, specialized units that answer only to the Emperor’s will.
This 176-page compendium serves as the primary army book for factions such as the Legio Custodes – the Emperor’s personal guard – the enigmatic Sisters of Silence, the stalwart Solar Auxilia representing the pinnacle of Imperial soldiery, and the shadowy Divisio Assassinorum, the Emperor’s instruments of targeted elimination.
Essentially, Liber Imperium doesn’t expand upon the core rulebook; instead, it is the book containing the dedicated army rules for these unique and powerful forces. It provides players with the necessary information to field and command these armies on the tabletop, offering a distinct playstyle compared to other Imperial factions.
The Core Content: Forces of the Emperor
The heart of Liber Imperium lies in its detailed presentation of the forces personally commanded by the Emperor. Beyond the vast armies of the Imperium, these units represent a direct extension of His will and power. The book meticulously outlines the organization, wargear, and tactical doctrines of each featured faction.
Players will find comprehensive rules for constructing armies centered around the golden-clad Legio Custodes, masters of close combat and unwavering defense. The Sisters of Silence, with their void-warding abilities, are equally detailed, alongside the Solar Auxilia’s disciplined formations and the Divisio Assassinorum’s diverse array of operatives.
Liber Imperium doesn’t merely provide rules; it immerses players in the lore and history of these forces, explaining their unique roles within the Imperium and their unwavering devotion to the Emperor. It’s a deep dive into the most elite and secretive warriors of the 41st millennium.
Relationship to Other Liber Books
Liber Imperium exists within a broader series of “Liber” books designed to expand upon the core rules of Warhammer 40,000. These companion volumes each focus on specific factions, providing dedicated rules and lore not fully covered in the main rulebook.
Notably, Liber Astartes details the loyal Space Marine Legions, while Liber Hereticus covers their traitor counterparts. Liber Mechanicum focuses on the Knights and Adeptus Mechanicus. Liber Imperium complements these by detailing forces loyal only to the Emperor, outside of the Space Marine Chapters and the Cult Mechanicum.
Each “Liber” book offers a self-contained ruleset for its featured factions, but they are designed to be used in conjunction with the core rulebook. Players can mix and match armies from different “Liber” books to create diverse and engaging battles, expanding the strategic depth of their games.
Liber Astartes and its Significance

Liber Astartes, a dedicated army book, profoundly impacts how players field and utilize the loyal Space Marine Legions within Warhammer 40,000. It’s a cornerstone resource alongside Liber Imperium, though focusing on a different set of forces.
Both Liber Astartes and Liber Imperium share a structural similarity; they both present detailed army rules and lore. The initial sections of both books are, in fact, identical, establishing a common framework for army construction and gameplay. This shared foundation allows for seamless integration between Space Marine and Imperial forces on the battlefield.

However, Liber Astartes’ significance lies in its granular detail regarding Space Marine Chapter Tactics and unique unit configurations. It allows for highly customized armies, reflecting the diverse nature of the Adeptus Astartes, complementing the broader Imperial forces detailed in Liber Imperium.
Liber Hereticus: The Traitor Legions
Liber Hereticus serves as the counterpart to Liber Astartes, but focuses entirely on the forces of the Traitor Legions during the Horus Heresy and beyond. Like Liber Imperium, it’s a dedicated army book, providing comprehensive rules for fielding these corrupted Space Marine forces;
While Liber Imperium details the Emperor’s loyal servants, Liber Hereticus delves into the dark rituals, mutated forms, and chaotic war gear of the nine Traitor Legions. It offers a contrasting playstyle, emphasizing aggressive tactics and daemonic pacts.
Similar to the shared introductory sections of Liber Astartes, Liber Hereticus mirrors this structure, establishing a parallel framework for army building. However, its rules and lore diverge significantly, reflecting the Legions’ descent into chaos. Both books, alongside Liber Imperium, create a rich and diverse Warhammer 40,000 experience.
Liber Mechanicum: Knights and Adeptus Mechanicus
Liber Mechanicum distinguishes itself by focusing on the Adeptus Mechanicus and the towering war machines known as Knights. It’s another dedicated army book, complementing Liber Imperium by offering specialized rules for these technologically advanced forces.
Unlike the Space Marine focus of Liber Astartes and Liber Hereticus, Liber Mechanicum emphasizes the intricacies of technology, the worship of the Machine God, and the battlefield dominance of Imperial Knights. Players can construct armies centered around heavily armored walkers and the relentless march of cyborg soldiers.
This book provides detailed rules for customizing Knights, fielding diverse Mechanicus cohorts, and utilizing powerful binary code abilities. Alongside Liber Imperium and the other ‘Liber’ series, it expands the tactical depth of Warhammer 40,000, offering unique army compositions and playstyles.
Key Factions Detailed in Liber Imperium

Liber Imperium primarily details forces loyal only to the Emperor, existing outside the standard Space Marine Legions and the Adeptus Mechanicus. This book serves as the core resource for players wishing to command the Legio Custodes, the Sisters of Silence, the Solar Auxilia, and the shadowy Divisio Assassinorum.
Each faction receives comprehensive rules for army organization, unit profiles, wargear options, and unique strategic doctrines. The book allows players to build diverse armies reflecting the specialized roles of these elite Imperial forces. It’s a departure from the broader scope of other army books, focusing on highly specialized units.

Understanding these factions is crucial, as they represent the Emperor’s direct instruments of power. Liber Imperium provides the necessary tools to effectively deploy these forces on the tabletop, offering a distinct play experience.
Legio Custodes: The Emperor’s Guard
Within Liber Imperium, the Legio Custodes receive extensive coverage, detailing their role as the Emperor’s personal guard and the pinnacle of Imperial warriors. The book outlines their unique wargear, including guardian spears and sentinel blades, alongside detailed rules for their elite units like Wardens and Sagittaron.
Players will find comprehensive guidance on constructing Custodes armies, emphasizing their small but incredibly potent force organization. Strategic doctrines reflecting their unwavering loyalty and unmatched combat prowess are also included. Liber Imperium showcases their ability to operate independently, swiftly responding to threats against the Emperor.
The rules allow for recreating the Custodes’ tactical flexibility and resilience on the battlefield, making them a formidable and rewarding army to command. Their profiles and abilities are meticulously presented within the book.
Sisters of Silence: Guardians of the Black Ships
Liber Imperium dedicates significant detail to the Sisters of Silence, enigmatic warriors tasked with guarding the Black Ships and suppressing psychic threats. The book delves into their unique physiology, rendering them undetectable to psykers, and their specialized training in close combat and silent assassination.
Players will discover rules for fielding various Sister squads, including the Vigilators, who hunt down rogue psykers, and the Subclusors, masters of stealth and infiltration. The text outlines their distinct unit abilities, emphasizing their effectiveness against armies reliant on psychic powers.

Army composition guidelines within Liber Imperium highlight the Sisters’ role as a specialized force, excelling in targeted strikes and disruption. Their unwavering dedication to the Emperor and their silent efficiency are fully represented in their gameplay mechanics.
Solar Auxilia: Elite Imperial Army
Liber Imperium provides an extensive overview of the Solar Auxilia, the elite spearhead of the Imperial Army, representing the pinnacle of mortal soldiery. The book details their rigorous training, advanced weaponry, and unwavering discipline, showcasing them as exemplars of Imperial military might.
Within its pages, players will find comprehensive rules for constructing Solar Auxilia armies, featuring a diverse range of units, from heavily armored Scions to versatile Cohorts and devastating tank formations. The text meticulously outlines their tactical doctrines and battlefield roles.
Liber Imperium emphasizes the Auxilia’s ability to adapt to various combat scenarios, offering strategic depth and flexibility. Their reliance on combined arms tactics and overwhelming firepower is fully reflected in their gameplay mechanics, making them a formidable force on the tabletop.
Divisio Assassinorum: The Emperor’s Executioners
Liber Imperium delves into the shadowy world of the Divisio Assassinorum, the Emperor’s clandestine culling blade. This section unveils the intricate organization and deadly operatives tasked with eliminating threats to the Imperium, operating beyond the reach of conventional law.
The book details the various Assassin Orders – Callidus, Vindicare, Culexus, and Eclairsia – each specializing in unique methods of assassination. Players will discover detailed profiles of these agents, alongside rules for deploying them on the battlefield as swift and lethal operatives.
Liber Imperium highlights the Assassinorum’s reliance on subterfuge, precision, and overwhelming firepower. Their gameplay mechanics reflect their specialized skills, allowing for targeted strikes and the elimination of key enemy personnel. The text emphasizes their role as instruments of ultimate authority.
Rules and Gameplay Mechanics
Liber Imperium provides a comprehensive set of rules specifically tailored for the forces detailed within – the Adeptus Custodes, Sisters of Silence, Solar Auxilia, and Divisio Assassinorum. These rules expand upon the core Warhammer 40,000 mechanics, offering unique strategic options and tactical depth.

The book outlines army-specific rules, including detachment options, stratagems, and warlord traits, designed to reflect the distinct characteristics of each faction. Players will find detailed guidance on army organization, allowing for the creation of effective and thematic force compositions.
Liber Imperium also introduces specialized rules governing the unique weaponry and abilities of these elite Imperial forces. These mechanics emphasize precision, resilience, and the unwavering loyalty to the Emperor, enhancing the gameplay experience.
Army Rules and Organization

Liber Imperium meticulously details the army rules and organizational structures for each of its featured factions: the Adeptus Custodes, Sisters of Silence, Solar Auxilia, and Divisio Assassinorum. It provides clear guidelines on constructing effective detachments, allowing players to tailor their armies to specific battlefield roles and strategic objectives.
The book outlines specific unit compositions, points costs, and wargear options, ensuring balanced and competitive gameplay. Players will discover unique command structures and force organization charts, reflecting the hierarchical nature of the Imperial forces.
Furthermore, Liber Imperium introduces faction-specific stratagems and warlord traits, enhancing tactical flexibility and allowing players to customize their commanders. These rules emphasize the unique strengths and playstyles of each army, fostering diverse and engaging gameplay experiences.
Errata and FAQs
Maintaining a balanced and enjoyable gaming experience, Games Workshop regularly releases errata and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Liber Imperium. These documents address rules ambiguities, clarify interactions, and correct any identified errors within the core rule set. As of 01/23/2026, Liber Imperium Errata V1.2 is currently available, alongside updates addressing specific player concerns.
Version numbers, such as 1.1a, indicate localized amendments, typically clarifying translation issues or minor corrections within specific language editions. Players are strongly encouraged to consult these documents before each game to ensure adherence to the most current rules interpretations.
These resources are vital for competitive play and resolving disputes, fostering a fair and consistent gaming environment. Accessing the latest errata and FAQs guarantees a smooth and accurate gameplay experience with the forces of the Emperor.

Liber Imperium Errata V1.2 (and Updates)
Liber Imperium Errata V1.2, released as of January 23rd, 2026, represents the most current compilation of rule adjustments for the book. This version addresses several key points raised by the player community, focusing on clarifying ambiguous wording and resolving inconsistencies discovered during gameplay. Updates primarily concern specific wargear options and interactions between unit abilities.
The errata details corrections impacting the Legio Custodes, Sisters of Silence, Solar Auxilia, and Divisio Assassinorum, ensuring balanced and accurate representation of each faction on the battlefield. Players can find the complete document in PDF format on the Games Workshop website, alongside associated FAQs.
Regularly checking for updates is crucial, as Games Workshop continues to refine the rules based on player feedback and ongoing game balance analysis. Staying current with Errata V1.2 guarantees a fair and enjoyable gaming experience.
The Burning of Ohmn-Mat: Exemplary Battles
Within Liber Imperium, the “Burning of Ohmn-Mat” presents a compelling narrative of conflict during the Age of Darkness. This exemplary battle showcases the combined might of the Emperor’s forces – Legio Custodes, Sisters of Silence, Solar Auxilia, and agents of the Divisio Assassinorum – against a formidable xenos threat. The battle report details strategic deployments, tactical maneuvers, and the heroic actions of key commanders.
The scenario serves as an inspiring example for players, illustrating how to effectively utilize the unique strengths of each faction detailed within the book. It provides valuable insights into army composition, deployment strategies, and objective control. The narrative is richly detailed, immersing players in the grim darkness of the 41st millennium.
“The Burning of Ohmn-Mat” isn’t just a story; it’s a practical guide to mastering the forces of the Emperor on the tabletop, offering a dynamic and engaging battle scenario.
Physical Book Details & PDF Availability
Liber Imperium is primarily available as a substantial 176-page hardback volume, offering a durable and visually appealing addition to any Warhammer 40,000 collection. The physical edition boasts high-quality artwork and detailed illustrations, enhancing the immersive experience for lore enthusiasts and players alike. However, for those preferring digital access, a PDF version is also readily available.
The PDF edition mirrors the content of the physical book, providing all the rules, background information, and army lists in a convenient, searchable format. The approximate file size for the PDF is around 2MB, ensuring a relatively quick download even on moderate internet connections. This digital format allows for easy access on tablets, laptops, or desktop computers.
Both formats provide the same essential content, catering to different player preferences and accessibility needs.
Page Count and Format (176 Pages)
Liber Imperium presents its extensive content within a robust 176-page format, meticulously designed for both readability and visual appeal. This substantial page count allows for a deep dive into the forces loyal only to the Emperor, providing detailed rules and rich background lore. The book is structured to facilitate easy navigation, with clearly defined sections dedicated to each featured faction – the Legio Custodes, Sisters of Silence, Solar Auxilia, and Divisio Assassinorum.
Each page is thoughtfully laid out, incorporating artwork and diagrams to illustrate key concepts and unit profiles. The format isn’t simply a collection of rules; it’s a comprehensive resource intended to immerse players in the universe and enhance their understanding of these unique armies. The hardback binding ensures durability, withstanding repeated use during gaming sessions and lore study.
The extensive page count reflects the depth of detail provided within Liber Imperium.

Download Information and File Size (Approx. 2MB)
The Liber Imperium PDF version offers convenient access to its 176 pages of rules and lore for players preferring digital formats. With an approximate file size of 2MB, the download is relatively quick and doesn’t require significant storage space on your device. This makes it easily accessible for viewing on tablets, laptops, or desktop computers, allowing for on-the-go rule referencing during games or for convenient study.
Availability of the PDF may vary depending on official Warhammer Community channels and authorized retailers. Players should check these sources for the latest download links and any associated costs. The digital version mirrors the content of the physical book, ensuring a consistent experience regardless of format.
The compact file size ensures a smooth and efficient download process, getting you into the game faster.
Importance for Warhammer 40,000 Players
Liber Imperium is a crucial resource for Warhammer 40,000 players focusing on the unique forces directly loyal to the Emperor. It’s not merely an expansion; it provides the core rules for fielding armies composed of the Adeptus Custodes, Sisters of Silence, Solar Auxilia, and the shadowy Divisio Assassinorum – factions not fully covered in the core rulebook.
For players seeking alternatives to Space Marines or Chaos Space Marines, Liber Imperium unlocks entirely new strategic possibilities. It allows for diverse army compositions and playstyles, offering a fresh perspective on the 40k universe. Understanding the intricacies within this book is essential for competitive play with these factions.
Furthermore, it complements other ‘Liber’ series books, creating a comprehensive ruleset for a wider range of Warhammer 40,000 armies.