Blood Angels (Warhammer 40,000): A Buying and Starting Guide

Blood Angels are a Space Marine successor Chapter in Warhammer 40,000, known for fast, aggressive close-combat armies in red power armour and a tragic, gothic-flavoured background. They suit players who like to charge forward, enjoy striking characters and want a painting project with a clear colour identity. A small group of characters plus an elite unit is a good way to begin.

What are the Blood Angels in Warhammer 40,000?

The Blood Angels descend from the Primarch Sanguinius, the winged son of the Emperor. Their home world is Baal, and they are one of the best-known Space Marine Chapters in the setting. Their story is built around nobility and a curse: the Red Thirst, a bloodlust that threatens to overwhelm them, and the Black Rage, a madness that leads some into the Death Company.

That mix of grace and fury shows in the miniatures. You get angelic golden elites, grim chaplains, psychic Librarians and black-armoured Death Company, all within one cohesive red army.

How do Blood Angels play?

In general terms, Blood Angels reward an aggressive approach. The army is built around getting into melee quickly, often with jump packs, and supporting that push with characters who make nearby units hit harder or survive longer. They still share the core Space Marine toolkit, so you can field gunlines and tactical squads too.

If you want a patient, defensive army, other Chapters may suit you better. If you like momentum, big charges and heroes who matter on the table, this is a natural fit. For a broader view of the game itself, see our Warhammer 40,000 guide.

Where should a new Blood Angels player start?

Start with one or two characters and one elite unit, then add troops around them. Characters are forgiving first purchases: each is a single model, a good painting exercise and a useful anchor for the rest of the army.

1. A leader. The Blood Angels Captain is a straightforward way to lead a force, while Commander Dante is the Chapter Master and a showpiece model.
2. A support character. The Sanguinary Priest is the Chapter's battlefield apothecary and a flavourful addition to any squad-based list.
3. One elite unit. The Sanguinary Guard are the signature golden winged veterans of the Chapter.
4. The rules. Pick up the supplement book below so your army uses the Chapter's own options.

If you are new to the hobby as a whole, our complete Warhammer buying guide explains how the different ranges and starter routes fit together.

Which Blood Angels characters are worth knowing?

The Chapter has an unusually strong roster of named heroes. Each is a single kit, so they are easy to add one at a time.

Leaders and legends

• Commander Dante: the ancient Chapter Master, a natural centrepiece for a collection.
• The Sanguinor: a winged, golden figure tied closely to the Chapter's legends and a striking model to paint.
• Mephiston, Lord of Death: the Chief Librarian, for players who want a psychic heavyweight.

Death Company and spiritual leaders

• Lemartes: leader of the Death Company, the Battle-Brothers lost to the Black Rage.
• Astorath the Grim: the Chapter's Master of Sanctity, closely tied to the Death Company and to the Chapter's grim rites.

Specialist captains and standard bearers

• Captain in Phobos Armour: a stealthier option for players who want something less obvious than the usual red wave.
• Ancient in Terminator Armour: a heavily armoured standard bearer, good for a collector who enjoys characterful detail.

How do you paint Blood Angels?

Red is the defining colour, and it rewards a little patience. Red can need several thin coats to look smooth, so plan on a solid base and then build up layers rather than trying to cover everything in one pass. Gold trim, black Death Company armour and white or bone details give you plenty of contrast to practise on.

Our complete guide to Citadel and Warhammer Colour paints explains the paint types and how they fit together, and how to start painting Warhammer miniatures covers the basic tools and techniques if this is your first army. A good plan is to paint one character first. It teaches you the red, the gold and the black before you commit to a whole squad.

What rules book do you need for Blood Angels?

The Codex Supplement: Blood Angels (Spanish Edition) is the Chapter-specific book. A supplement adds Blood Angels options on top of the main Space Marine rules, so check what your edition of the game needs before you buy, and note that this version is in Spanish.

Rules and datasheets change over time, so always confirm the current requirements against the latest official material rather than relying on a guide.

FAQ

Are Blood Angels a good army for beginners?

Yes, if you like an aggressive style. The core Space Marine models are well designed and easy to assemble, and the Chapter's characters give you clear painting goals. The main challenge is painting red smoothly, which is manageable with thin coats.

What is the Death Company?

The Death Company are Blood Angels who have succumbed to the Black Rage, a madness inherited from the Chapter's past. They are usually shown in black armour with red and bone details and are led into battle by figures such as Lemartes.

Which Blood Angels model should I buy first?

A single character is the easiest entry point. The Blood Angels Captain or Commander Dante are natural leaders, and the Sanguinary Guard make a strong first elite unit once you have one hero painted.

Do I need a codex supplement to play Blood Angels?

You can start with the general Space Marine rules, but the supplement gives you the Chapter's own options and flavour. Check the current requirements for your edition and language before buying.

How are Blood Angels different from other Space Marine Chapters?

Their background centres on Sanguinius, the Red Thirst and the Black Rage, and their play style leans towards fast, close-quarters assault. You can compare them with the brooding Dark Angels or the zealous Black Templars.

Who do Blood Angels fight?

Like any Imperial force, they can face any enemy in the game. Rivals such as the Chaos Space Marines and Death Guard make strong thematic opponents, and the Astra Militarum is a natural ally in the same Imperium.

Related guides

• Warhammer at Universe TCG: the complete buying guide
• Warhammer 40,000
• Chaos Space Marines (Warhammer 40,000)
• Dark Angels (Warhammer 40,000)
• Death Guard (Warhammer 40,000)
• Black Templars (Warhammer 40,000)
• Astra Militarum (Warhammer 40,000)
• Citadel and Warhammer Colour paints: the complete guide
• How to start painting Warhammer miniatures