Space Marines are the poster boys of Warhammer 40,000. They are the elite cadre of the toughest, fastest, and most ruthless warriors in the galaxy. And in the new Leviathan Box you can get a handful of them to start or add to your next Army.
These soldiers of the Imperium have been forged to perfection through ancient gene-science and are clad in formidable armor. They are humanity's mightiest warriors, and they once again are looking to live up to the legend on the tabletop in the latest edition of Warhammer 40,000 - Leviathan.
Many units – such as Terminators, Centurions, and those wearing Mk X Gravis armor – now have higher Toughness, while the game-wide reduction in Armor Penetration will make power armor feel as tough as it should be.
In this article we will try to explore the new rules in the new edition that focus particularly on Space Marines and why they are the best choice for your next Warhammer 40K army.
Space Marines have always been the toughest warriors around, and they continue to be so in the latest edition.
Re-rolls to hit and wound are much rarer now, so being clad in power armour means Space Marines have more opportunity to reflect their elite status – chiefly through the Oath of Moment faction ability. Your warriors may be few, but they're terrifyingly efficient Angels of Death.
Faction Rules
Space Marines are organised into self-contained Chapters, which must be highly self-sufficient in the field.
The standard doctrine of the Codex Astartes emphasizes flexibility – as exemplified by the Gladius Task Force Detachment.
This battle-tested formation is available to every Space Marine Chapter, whether they're slavish adherents of the Codex Astartes or slightly more eccentric. The Detachment rule for the Gladius Task Force is Combat Doctrines, which gives players the choice of three powerful disciplines to focus on at the start of their Command phase.
These can really turn the tide at a critical moment.
The Combat Doctrines that Space Marines have access to are Devastator Doctrine, Tactical Doctrine, and Assault Doctrine. Each of these Combat Doctrines only works once per battle, so choose wisely.
Combined with the Oath of Moment that all Space Marine armies get, you can rally and unleash a hellacious strike on dangerous foes at the critical moment. Sudden decapitating strikes are a Space Marine speciality, and they're now so good at it that your opponent won't even have time to ask how your Terminators got so far up in their grill.
Unit Spotlight
One of the most impressive units in the Space Marine roster is the Land Raider.
This venerable transport is to regular tanks what a Space Marine is to regular humans – a huge, impregnable demigod of a machine that protects its passengers just as well as it fights back, ferrying heavy weapons and heavier troops into battle.
The Assault Ramp is back, dropping cargos of Terminators, Aggressors, or whatever else you choose right into the thick of things, ready to charge.
The Primarch of the Ultramarines, Roboute Guilliman, is as tough as a tank and twice as deadly. Even before we factor in his superhuman spreadsheet skills, the Lord Commander of the Imperium is a strategic genius par excellence.
He can switch up his abilities every turn to make sure he's always supporting his men as best he can. Another great way to support the troops is by turning your enemies to paste, a fate Guilliman is only too happy to mete out with the Hand of Dominion and Emperor's Sword.
Weapon Spotlight
In addition to the devastating weapons available to the Adeptus Astartes, they also have access to a range of powerful Stratagems. One such Stratagem is "Only in Death Does Duty End," which allows a Space Marine to fight even after being destroyed in battle. This exemplifies the Space Marines' tenacity and willingness to fight until the bitter end.
The Warhammer Design Studio has emphasized the adaptability of the Adeptus Astartes, which allows them to take on any opponent they may face. This adaptability is exemplified by the Oath of Moment ability, which provides a targeted tactical choice with a powerful impact. The Gladius Task Force Detachment further enhances this adaptability, providing unparalleled flexibility on the battlefield.
With such a broad range of units, characters, and vehicles, the Adeptus Astartes are sure to be a formidable force in the new edition of Warhammer 40,000. As we continue this series of articles covering the factions, players can look forward to discovering what’s being done to make each one unique. Hopefully, that will help you decide what army will give you the edge you need for next year’s Arc40k.
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