Introduction
Space Marines, or Adeptus Astartes, are the most iconic army in Warhammer 40,000. They represent humanity's ultimate defense – genetically enhanced super-soldiers in massive power armor, armed with iconic bolters and equipped to face the galaxy's worst threats.
For new players, Space Marines are often the obvious choice: they are resilient, flexible, and relatively easy to play. At the same time, they are deep and varied enough for even experienced hobbyists and competitive players to discover new strategies.
Lore – who are the Space Marines?
Space Marines were created by the Emperor of Mankind during The Great Crusade, to lead humanity's armies in the fight for the galaxy. Each Space Marine is genetically enhanced with special implants, making him stronger, faster, and more resilient than an ordinary human.
They are organized into Chapters, independent orders with their own traditions, colors, and war doctrines. Some of the most well-known are:
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Ultramarines – the most iconic Chapter, known for their discipline and balance.
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Blood Angels – passionate warriors who carry a tragic curse.
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Dark Angels – secretive knights with dark secrets.
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Space Wolves – wild, inspired by Norse mythology and wolf symbolism.
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Black Templars – eternal crusaders who wage unending war.
Tabletop Playstyle
Space Marines are an all-round army – strong on almost all fronts:
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Shooting: Effective bolters and heavy weapons.
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Melee: Special units like Assault Intercessors or Terminators can hit hard.
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Resilience: Power armour and rules like And They Shall Know No Fear make them tough to remove from the board.
They are therefore perfect for new players but also offer complexity for more advanced strategies.
Iconic Units
Some of the most beloved Space Marine units are:
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Intercessors – the modern standard troop of the Primaris era.
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Terminators – heavily armoured veterans who can withstand almost anything.
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Dreadnoughts – fallen heroes who continue the war encased in war machines.
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Primaris Captains and Lieutenants – leaders who strengthen the entire army.
Explore our range of Space Marines at RGBKingz and start building your own army.
Painting & Hobby Tips
Space Marines are fantastic for painting because you can choose almost any colour scheme you want – each Chapter has its own unique colour scheme. Popular options:
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Ultramarines – blue armour with golden details.
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Blood Angels – red, dramatic, and iconic.
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Dark Angels – dark green and bone white.
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Space Wolves – grey-blue armour with Nordic elements.
Tip: start with Citadel Contrast paints if you're new – they provide great results quickly. We also recommend investing in a good primer spray for even base coats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are Space Marines a good beginner army?
Yes! They are resilient, flexible, and easy to understand, making them perfect for new players.
Can I mix different Chapters in one army?
Yes, but most players choose a specific Chapter to take advantage of its unique rules and lore.
Which Chapter is most popular?
Ultramarines are the most classic, but Blood Angels and Space Wolves also have huge fanbases.
Summary
Space Marines are not just the face of Warhammer 40,000 – they are also one of the most versatile and accessible armies for new players. With a huge range of models, lore, and variants to choose from, there are endless possibilities to build an army that reflects your style.
Are you ready to take your first steps as an Adeptus Astartes?
Check out our selection of Space Marines at RGBKingz and start your journey in the grim darkness of the far future today.