Grand Cathay is easily one of the most exciting additions to Warhammer: The Old World – It’s great to see Games Workshop supporting the game with new factions.
Following on from our previous faction guides covering Bretonnia, Tomb Kings of Khemri, Beastmen Brayherds, Dwarfen Mountain Holds and the Empire of Man, we are now heading east to explore one of the most visually striking and tactically unique armies in the setting.
For years, Grand Cathay existed mostly in Warhammer lore, briefly mentioned in maps, background books and of course in the ever popular Total War: Warhammer III video game. Now, the faction has finally stepped fully into the spotlight, bringing with it disciplined armies, dragon rulers, powerful war machines, celestial magic and one of the most distinctive aesthetics in all of Warhammer Fantasy.
What makes Grand Cathay so interesting on the tabletop is its balance. The army combines disciplined infantry, ranged firepower, flying war machines, cavalry, monsters and magic into a force that feels incredibly co-ordinated and thematic.
If you enjoy armies that reward positioning, battlefield planning and combined-arms tactics, Grand Cathay is an absolute joy to play.
Who Are Grand Cathay?
Grand Cathay is a vast empire located far to the east of the Old World, ruled for centuries by the immortal Celestial Dragon Emperor and the Moon Empress.
Unlike many other human civilisations in Warhammer, Cathay is ancient, stable and remarkably sophisticated. Massive fortified cities, well disciplined armies, a sprinkling of celestial bureaucracy and finally mystical harmony define the Grand Cathay empire.
One of the faction’s central themes is around balance.
This philosophy defines:
- Their military formations
- Their magical traditions
- Their battlefield tactics
On the tabletop many Cathayan units benefit from fighting in coordinated formations that support one another. Positioning and co-ordination between units are incredibly important making the faction rewarding for tactical players.
The army blends:
- Defensive infantry
- Accurate ranged firepower
- Flying war machines
- Elite cavalry
- Magic
- Characters
The result is a faction that feels disciplined, elegant and is truly devastating when used correctly.
Why Play Grand Cathay in Warhammer: The Old World?
Grand Cathay offers one of the most visually unique armies in Warhammer: The Old World.
The faction combines:
- East Asian-inspired aesthetics
- Mythological creatures
- Gunpowder weaponry
- Ordered military formations
- Celestial theme
- Imposing centrepiece models
From a gameplay perspective Cathay rewards careful planning rather than player who like to charge-in using reckless agression.
Many units gain bonuses through the faction’s mechanics, encouraging players to keep units supporting one another instead of charging ahead independently, cordination is the name of the game.
For hobbyists, the range is incredible to paint. Rich colours, ornate armour, banners, dragons and sky lanterns all make the army stand out massively on the tabletop.
If you enjoy thematic armies with a strong identity, Grand Cathay is one of the most exciting factions currently available.
Core Units of Grand Cathay
Jade Warriors
Jade Warriors form the core of Grand Cathay’s armies.
Clad in sturdy armour and fighting in organised formations, these soldiers are designed to hold the line while the rest of the army supports them with ranged firepower and magic.
Jade Warriors are reliable, tough and highly flexible – depending on how you equip them.
They are excellent for:
- Holding objectives
- Forming defensive battlelines
They perfectly capture the faction’s battlefield philosophy – organised, defensive and coordinated.
The Grand Cathay Jade Warriors are an excellent starting point for any Cathayan force.
Iron Hail Gunners and Crane Gunners
The Grand Cathay’s ranged infantry plays a major role in how the army play on the tabletop and few units perform better in this role than Iron Hail Gunners and Crane Gunners.
Iron Hail Gunners unleash devastating close-range volleys capable of shredding the advancing enemy infantry. When positioned behind Jade Warrior lines they can punish opponents who get too close and create extremely dangerous defensive formations.
Crane Gunners take a more specialised role. They are armed with long-range Cathayan firearms and they excel at targeting elite infantry, characters and heavily armoured threats. Their precision makes them one of the faction’s more tactically interesting ranged units.
Together, they give the Grand Cathay a flexible, ranged core – that fits with the faction’s combined-arms playstyle.
They are particularly effective at:
- Supporting defensive battlelines
- Eliminating elite units
- Controlling key battlefield areas
- Punishing enemy advances
The Grand Cathay Iron Hail Gunners and Grand Cathay Crane Gunners are excellent additions for players wanting to maximise Cathay’s ranged potential.
Cathayan Sentinels
Few models in the faction are as visually impressive as the Cathayan Sentinel.
These enormous animated constructs tower above the battlefield and provide Grand Cathay with a terrifying frontline monster unit capable of smashing through enemy formations.
Cathayan Sentinels are:
- Tough
- Powerful in melee
- Excellent distraction units
- Strong against elite infantry and monsters
They also make fantastic centrepiece models for collectors and painters.
The Grand Cathay Cathayan Sentinel is easily one of the standout miniatures in the range.
Sky Lanterns
Few units in the Grand Cathay range are as distinctive as the Sky Lantern.
Suspended high above the battlefield these enormous floating war platforms serve as aerial command centres for Cathayan armies. Guided by expert crews and protected by armed defenders – Sky Lanterns provide battlefield support while reinforcing the coordination that defines Grand Cathay.
Their elevated position allows them to oversee the battlefield, all the while contributing ranged support and maintaining a commanding presence across your army.
They are especially useful for:
- Supporting infantry formations
- Extending battlefield control
- Providing ranged support
- Adding mobility to defensive armies
The Sky Lantern is one of the most eye-catching models in the Grand Cathay range and a must have for all Cathay players.
Dragons and Legendary Characters
Shugengan Lords and Cathayan Characters
Grand Cathay armies rely on discipline, coordination, and strong battlefield leadership, making their characters a hugely important part of how the faction performs in Warhammer: The Old World.
Shugengan Lords are powerful warrior-mages who help maintain the balance that Cathayan armies are built around. Supporting them are experienced Magistrates and military officers who direct formations and reinforce the army’s carefully organised battlelines.
These characters are effective at:
- Supporting nearby units
- Enhancing abilities
- Providing magical support
- Strengthening leadership
- Coordinating defensive formations
What makes Cathayan characters interesting is how naturally they fit into the faction’s combined-arms playstyle. Rather than acting as lone heroes charging ahead, they are far more calculated, and work best supporting the wider army and strengthening nearby troops.
From the hobbiests perspective, Grand Cathay’s characters are also some of the most visually striking models available in Warhammer: The Old World, featuring ornate armour, flowing robes, celestial iconography and beautifully detailed scenic bases.
You can expand your army with the Grand Cathay Shugengan Lord and Gate Masters of the Celestial Cities.
Is Grand Cathay Good for Beginners?
Grand Cathay are relatively beginner-friendly, however will be best suited to those familiar with the game. They appeal especially to players who enjoy tactical gameplay and defensive positioning, so it would probably be best to get a grasp of the rules before building a Grand Cathay army.
The faction rewards:
- Careful movement
- Proper unit support
- Battlefield co-ordination
- Balanced army construction
While the mechanics do add some additional complexity compared to simpler factions, they are also one of the most satisfying aspects of learning the army.
Players who enjoy structured tactics and synergy-focused gameplay will likely love Grand Cathay.
Building a Grand Cathay Army
If you are looking to start a Grand Cathay force, there are plenty of excellent kits available here at Bomran.
Some fantastic starting points include:
- Grand Cathay Battalion
- Jade Warriors
- Cathayan Sentinels
- Sky Lanterns
- Iron Hail Gunners & Crane Gunners
- Dragon characters
- Shugengan Lords
Mixing infantry, ranged support, and magic ina co-ordinated fashion creates the classic Grand Cathay experience that makes the faction so enjoyable to play.
Final Thoughts on Grand Cathay
Grand Cathay is the freshest and feels like the most distinct faction in Warhammer: The Old World.
The combination of disciplined armies, celestial dragons, gunpowder weaponry, mystical harmony and breathtaking miniatures gives the faction an identity unlike anything else in the setting.
Every unit feels deliberate. Every formation matters. Every battleline feels co-ordinated.
Whether you are drawn in by the lore, the tactical gameplay or the incredible miniatures – Grand Cathay is an outstanding faction to collect and play.
And honestly, seeing a perfectly organised Cathayan battleline advancing beneath floating lanterns and towering dragons feels spectacular on the tabletop.
FAQ – Grand Cathay in Warhammer: The Old World
Is Grand Cathay good in Warhammer: The Old World?
Yes. Grand Cathay is a strong combined-arms faction that rewards tactical positioning, unit synergy, and balanced army construction.
Are Cathayan Sentinels strong?
Yes. Cathayan Sentinels are durable monster units capable of dealing heavy melee damage while also acting as intimidating centrepiece models.
Does Grand Cathay use gunpowder weapons?
Absolutely. Grand Cathay uses ranged infantry as a major part of its battlefield strategy.
Where can I buy Grand Cathay models in the UK?
You can find a growing range of Grand Cathay miniatures and Warhammer: The Old World products here at Bomran.co.uk or if you are based in the South East, why not visit our store in Corringham, Essex?
