[[File:DefilerDefilerArt10th.jpg|thumb|right|280px350px|Chaos Defiler{{Fn|13}}]]The '''Defiler''' is a [[Chaos]] [[Daemon Engine]] and is among the most common of their kind. They were created by the [[Dark Mechanicum]] on the [[Forge World]] of [[Xana|Xana II]] at the command of [[Abaddon the Despoiler]] in preparation for the [[First Black Crusade]].{{Fn|1}}{{Fn|8}}

[[File:40k-110-chaos-defiler.jpg|thumb|right|280px|Chaos Defiler]][[Image:Defiler6.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Defiler]]Unlike the tanks and vehicles of the [[Imperium]], which are mostly operated by [[human]]s, a Defiler is controlled by a [[daemon]]. [[Chaos Sorcerer]]s use arcane Chaos magic to draw the essence of a powerful daemon from the [[Warp]] and trap it within the rune-bound hull of the machine. Powerful spells of appeasement and pacification are utilised to keep the newly bound daemon from causing havoc among the forces of [[Chaos]].{{Fn|2}} The Defiler can sustain hits that would immobilise a battle tank without any difficulty.{{Fn|10}}

Standing on six piston-driven limbs, the Defiler's hull supports a massive turret, which houses the main armaments of the infernal machine. While Defilers are usually seen with The Defiler is capable of wielding a large arrays array of weapons, such as with its primary being a chest-mounted [[Reaper AutocannonHades Battlecannon]] or [[Ectoplasma Destructor]]. Its torso can mount twin [[Excruciator Cannon]] and a s or [[Havoc LauncherMagma Cutter]]s, while its main firepower comes in the form of a artillery-like arms can be armed with Heavy [[battle cannonReaper Autocannon]]. There are often numerous variations of the weapon systems used; in some casess, Reaper Autocannons have been upgraded to house twin-linked Hades [[heavy bolterLascannon]]s or , Heavy [[lascannonBaleflamer]]s instead, whereas there have been sightings of Defilers with [[heavy flamerHavoc Launcher]]s on multiple occasions, or an [[Electroscourge]].{{Cite ThisFn|12}}

===Close combat===In addition to being able to lay down a barrage of heavy fire, Defilers are also terrifying [[close combat]] opponents. When a Defiler arrives on the battlefield, the technosorcery keeping the bound daemon peaceful is released, allowing the daemon to truly enjoy the battle. As daemons are immortal and unconcerned for the survival of its machine host, Defilers ignore hits that would kill normal tank crews and continue on rampages of destruction that would otherwise be impossible to proceed with. Of its six limbs, Defilers use four for moving around and two arm-like appendages to crush enemies in their pincers.{{Cite ThisFn|2}}[[Image:Defiler6.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Defiler]]

Chaos Defiler.jpg|A Chaos Defiler(3rd Edition)

==Trivia=={{Trivia}}===Conflicting sources===

{{CiteCitation issues}}

*{{Endn|3}}: Death Guard Experimental Army List v1.0 ''(viewed 2007.11.26)'' / [[Fanatic_Online_090Fanatic Online 090-099#Issue: _9090|Fanatic Online #90]]

*{{Endn|8}}: [[Index Chaotica: Defilers (Background Book)]]{{cite thisCite Marker End}}*{{Endn|9}}: [[Warhammer: Visions 16]], pg. 163 — ''Blanchitsu''{{WHVisionsEnd}}*{{Endn|10}}: [[The 13th Black Crusade (Background Book)]], pg. 54*{{Endn|11}}: [https://web.archive.org/web/20260210115621/https://www.warhammer-community.com/en-gb/articles/8oknimbb/revealed-the-new-defiler-stomps-onto-the-battlefield/ Warhammer Community: Revealed: The new Defiler stomps onto the battlefield] saved page, original link: https://www.warhammer-community.com/en-gb/articles/8oknimbb/revealed-the-new-defiler-stomps-onto-the-battlefield/ (last accessed 10/2/2026)*{{Endn|12}}: [https://web.archive.org/web/20260330114035/https://www.warhammer-community.com/en-gb/articles/avczirqt/sunday-preview-into-the-eye-of-terror/ Warhammer Community: Sunday Preview – Into the Eye of Terror] saved page [https://www.warhammer-community.com/en-gb/articles/avczirqt/sunday-preview-into-the-eye-of-terror/ original link] (last accessed 30/3/2026)*{{Endn|13}}: [https://web.archive.org/web/20260331140053/https://www.warhammer-community.com/en-gb/articles/krrfctul/perturabos-grand-plan-revealed/ Warhammer Community: Perturabo’s grand plan revealed] ''(archived from [https://www.warhammer-community.com/en-gb/articles/krrfctul/perturabos-grand-plan-revealed/] 31 March 2026, last accessed 31 March 2026)''{{WHVisions}}