The Empire's Defenders (The Reikland Guard)

Lore & Background

The Reikland Guard are the professional soldiers of the wealthiest and most influential province in the Empire. They are better equipped and trained than many other state troops, thanks to the resources flowing from Altdorf, the imperial capital. Their ranks include swordsmen, halberdiers, handgunners, and crossbowmen, all drilled in the art of war to defend the heart of Sigmar's realm. During the End Times, they have been stretched thin, fighting on multiple fronts against the Skaven, Chaos, and undead, often with little hope of reinforcement. A single company might hold a river crossing against a tide of ratmen one day, then face a warband of Norscans the next, their powder damp, their rations short, their faith the only thing not yet spent.

In the broader Warhammer world, the Reikland Guard are known for their discipline and the iconic blue and white uniforms that mark them as soldiers of the Emperor. They are not merely a garrison force; they have a long history of campaigning against beastmen, greenskins, and other threats that plague the Old World. Their loyalty is to the Emperor and the Elector Count of Reikland, and they are a symbol of the Empire's enduring strength, even as that strength wanes in the face of apocalyptic events. Yet in Vermintide, that symbol is often a corpse in the mud—a reminder that even the finest steel can break when the world itself is breaking.

In Their Own Story

The rain had not stopped for three days, turning the road to Helmgart into a quagmire. Sergeant Albrecht von Rauken watched his men shiver under their sodden cloaks, their blue and white uniforms stained with mud and blood. They had been ordered to hold the pass, to buy time for the refugees fleeing south. A scout came running, his face pale. 'They're coming, sir. Hundreds of them. Ratmen and worse.' Albrecht drew his sword, its steel gleaming in the gloom. 'Then we make our stand here. For the Empire. For Sigmar. For every soul that gets through.' He did not know if they would survive, but he knew they would not run.

Reader's Guide

In Vermintide 2, the Reikland Guard are primarily encountered as allied soldiers during the Helmgart campaign, particularly in missions like 'The War Camp' and 'Against the Grain.' They are often seen fighting alongside the player characters against the Skaven and Chaos forces, though they are frequently overwhelmed and serve as tragic background elements highlighting the desperate state of the war. Their role is not as a major faction with complex hierarchy, but rather as a representation of the Empire's military presence in the region.

Unlike in broader Warhammer canon, where they are a well-organized provincial army, in Vermintide they are portrayed as scattered, beleaguered remnants. You might find a lone sergeant barking orders at a handful of terrified recruits, or a handgunner firing his last shot before being dragged into the dark. They interact with other factions by fighting the Skaven and Rotbloods, but they are not a primary enemy or ally—they are simply there, fighting and dying, their last stand often the only story they get to tell. Their goals are straightforward: hold the line, protect civilians, and if possible, survive until dawn. Most don't.

Did You Know?

• The Reikland Guard's blue and white colors are derived from the heraldry of the Reikland province, which is the seat of the Emperor.
• In Vermintide 2, the Guard can be seen using a variety of weapons, including halberds and handguns, reflecting their status as a well-equipped state troop.
• The Reikland Guard are distinct from the Reiksguard knights, who are the elite heavy cavalry of the Empire, though both serve the Emperor.
• Despite their training, the Reikland Guard in the game often fall to the Skaven and Chaos, emphasizing the overwhelming odds faced by the Empire during the End Times.