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Building a Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine Army
Getting Started with Warhammer 40,000 Space Marines
On the gaming table, Space Marines are one of the most rewarding armies to play with. Each individual warrior is an elite fighter, often the equal of the best warriors to be found in other forces. Of course, such prowess comes at a cost - Space Marines are frequently outnumbered and so a shrewd commander must rely on tactical play and plenty of cunning to achieve victory.
On the gaming table, Space Marines are one of the most rewarding armies to play with. Each individual warrior is an elite fighter, often the equal of the best warriors to be found in other forces. Of course, such prowess comes at a cost - Space Marines are frequently outnumbered and so a shrewd commander must rely on tactical play and plenty of cunning to achieve victory.
Elite Force
The heart of a Space Marine force is its Tactical Squads. Equipped with a versatile mix of weapons, the Tactical Squads can take on anything the enemy sends their way and are the ideal unit to take and hold objectives on the battlefield. If you need to add even more powerful warriors to your army, you can always enlist a Sternguard Veteran Squad or even a mighty Terminator Squad. One thing you can count on as a Space Marine player is that your warriors really are the best of the best.
The heart of a Space Marine force is its Tactical Squads. Equipped with a versatile mix of weapons, the Tactical Squads can take on anything the enemy sends their way and are the ideal unit to take and hold objectives on the battlefield. If you need to add even more powerful warriors to your army, you can always enlist a Sternguard Veteran Squad or even a mighty Terminator Squad. One thing you can count on as a Space Marine player is that your warriors really are the best of the best.
Lightning Strike
Specialising as they do in rapid attacks the Space Marines have a number of vehicles that allow them to plunge right into the heart of the enemy. Most famous of these are the Rhino, Land Raider and Drop Pod. By equipping your squads with one of these vehicles you help to ensure they get into the thick of the action unscathed.
Specialising as they do in rapid attacks the Space Marines have a number of vehicles that allow them to plunge right into the heart of the enemy. Most famous of these are the Rhino, Land Raider and Drop Pod. By equipping your squads with one of these vehicles you help to ensure they get into the thick of the action unscathed.
Close Combat
Space Marines also excel at close combat and boast several units capable of sweeping the enemy from objectives and clearing the way for the rest of your force. Assault Squads are the perfect spearhead for any offensive and you can always bolster them with a Vanguard Veteran Squad should you wish.
Space Marines also excel at close combat and boast several units capable of sweeping the enemy from objectives and clearing the way for the rest of your force. Assault Squads are the perfect spearhead for any offensive and you can always bolster them with a Vanguard Veteran Squad should you wish.
Long-Range Support
Space Marine armies move fast and strike hard, but that does not mean they all strike at close range, indeed the Chapters boast a number of deadly long-range weapons. Devastator Squads are squads of up to ten Space Marines, four of whom can take lethal heavy weapons, while Whirlwinds, Predators and Vindicators are all tanks that bring monstrous firepower to the battlefield. With such impressive firepower at your disposal you can match almost any foe shot for shot.
Space Marine armies move fast and strike hard, but that does not mean they all strike at close range, indeed the Chapters boast a number of deadly long-range weapons. Devastator Squads are squads of up to ten Space Marines, four of whom can take lethal heavy weapons, while Whirlwinds, Predators and Vindicators are all tanks that bring monstrous firepower to the battlefield. With such impressive firepower at your disposal you can match almost any foe shot for shot.
Key Units in a Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine army.
Tactical Space Marines
There's no squad that exemplifies the Space Marines more than a Tactical Squad - which is great considering how good they are in the game. They're tough, well armoured with a save of 3+ and capable of packing a real punch both at shooting and close combat. If you select your Tactical Squads as full-size ten man units, you also get free access to a missile launcher and flamer, which makes them even more flexible. Any Space Marine general would be well advised to take at least two squads of Tactical Space Marines as the core of his army.
Terminator and Scout Squads
These two squads stand at opposite ends of the Chapter hierarchy. Scouts are newly recruited Space Marines. They are lighter armed and less armoured than other Space Marines and only have a 4+ save, but they can infiltrate enemy lines and cost less points to bring to the battlefield. Terminators, by comparison are the best protected troops in a Space Marine army and can take a real pounding thanks to their awesome armour and 5+ Invulnerable save - always take at least one squad of each.
Drop Pods and Rhinos
Deploying your squads onto the battlefield from Drop Pods or Rhinos is not only satisfying and thematic, but it's also a great way of getting your precious squads exactly where they need to be quickly and effectively without having them pounded by enemy fire - most importantly though, they look really cool.
Deploying your squads onto the battlefield from Drop Pods or Rhinos is not only satisfying and thematic, but it's also a great way of getting your precious squads exactly where they need to be quickly and effectively without having them pounded by enemy fire - most importantly though, they look really cool.
Mighty Heroes
Every Warhammer 40,000 army needs a wise commander or a mighty warrior to lead it into battle - and that's something the Space Marines have in abundance. Space Marine forces boast characters like Chapter Masters and Captains as well as Librarians, Chaplains and the Master of the Forge. For players who really want to delve into the background of the Space Marines there are even a number of Special Characters, named heroes with exciting background and powerful special rules that can enhance how your army fights on the battlefield. With all this choice available, probably the most sensible option is to take a Space Marine Captain first. Space Marine Captains are great all-rounders and can fight and shoot excellently, a strong leader for any force.
Every Warhammer 40,000 army needs a wise commander or a mighty warrior to lead it into battle - and that's something the Space Marines have in abundance. Space Marine forces boast characters like Chapter Masters and Captains as well as Librarians, Chaplains and the Master of the Forge. For players who really want to delve into the background of the Space Marines there are even a number of Special Characters, named heroes with exciting background and powerful special rules that can enhance how your army fights on the battlefield. With all this choice available, probably the most sensible option is to take a Space Marine Captain first. Space Marine Captains are great all-rounders and can fight and shoot excellently, a strong leader for any force.
