Iron Hands (Warhammer 40,000): Army Guide and What to Buy

Iron Hands are a Space Marine chapter in Warhammer 40,000 known for replacing flesh with machinery and trusting technology over instinct. They suit collectors who like a black-armoured, industrial look, tough infantry and a strong vehicle presence. You build them from the standard Space Marine range, with Iron Hands-specific characters and transfers for the chapter identity.

What are the Iron Hands?

The Iron Hands are one of the First Founding Space Marine chapters, descended from the primarch Ferrus Manus. Their culture rests on the belief that flesh is weak and the machine is pure, so many of their warriors carry bionic limbs and implants. Their leaders include Iron Fathers, who combine command with the work of maintaining the chapter's war machines.

On the tabletop, Iron Hands are a Space Marine force with a chapter theme. That means you can build them with the same core units as any other Space Marine army, then lean into the characters, vehicles and look that make them distinct. If you are new to the game itself, our Warhammer 40,000 guide explains the basics.

How do Iron Hands play?

Iron Hands armies are usually thought of as durable and methodical. They tend to reward players who like a solid battle line, heavy support from vehicles and walkers, and steady advances rather than fast, fragile strikes. Space Marines as a whole are a good first army because the models are well-sculpted, the army is small in model count compared with many others, and the units are easy to understand.

Because Iron Hands are built from the main Space Marine range, you can start with almost any Space Marine kit and add the chapter's identity later. That flexibility is one of the best reasons to choose them.

Where should I start an Iron Hands army?

The most economical way in is a boxed starter, then add characters and a few key units. A sensible first sequence looks like this:

1. A starter box. The Warhammer 40,000 Introductory Set gives you models and a way to learn the game together. It is a good fit if you are brand new or buying for a pair of players.
2. A leader. The Space Marine Captain kit is a flexible command choice you can paint as Iron Hands.
3. A core squad. The Bladeguard Veteran Squad is a sturdy close-combat unit with a strong visual identity.
4. The chapter transfers. The Iron Hands Primaris Upgrades and Transfers turn standard Primaris models into recognisable Iron Hands.

If you are still deciding between factions, the complete Warhammer buying guide compares the options.

Which Iron Hands characters are worth buying?

Named characters give an army personality and are often the easiest way to anchor a collection around a theme.

• Iron Father Feirros is the chapter's technology-minded leader and the clearest expression of the Iron Hands outlook.
• Caanok Var is another Iron Hands character with a strong, battle-worn look, good for a centrepiece model.
• Librarian in Phobos Armour gives you a lighter, more agile support character painted in the chapter's colours.

Check the current rules for each character before you buy, since how a model works in the game can change between editions and updates.

What are the best Iron Hands units and vehicles?

Once you have a leader and a core squad, it helps to add models that match the chapter's reputation for machines and heavy firepower.

Heavy support and walkers

• Repulsor Executioner is a large armoured vehicle that works as the centrepiece of a Space Marine army and looks right in an Iron Hands scheme.
• Invictor Tactical Warsuit is a walker that suits the chapter's fondness for machine-assisted warfare.

Veteran infantry

• Bladeguard Veteran Squad remains a good choice for a durable melee unit.
• Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs adds a mobile, aggressive element if you want something less static.

Building around a theme rather than buying everything at once keeps your army cohesive and your painting queue manageable.

How do you paint Iron Hands?

Iron Hands are usually painted with black armour, with metallic and red details that suggest their bionics and machinery. The look rewards neat edge highlighting, clean metallics and a bit of weathering, but it is forgiving of beginners because black armour hides small mistakes.

If you have never painted a miniature before, start with how to start painting Warhammer miniatures. When you are ready to choose paints, the Citadel and Warhammer Colour paints guide explains the ranges and what each type is for.

A practical approach is to paint one squad to a high standard first, then reuse the same recipe across the rest of the army so everything looks consistent.

What rules and books do Iron Hands use?

Iron Hands are a Space Marine chapter, so their rules come from the current Space Marine publications and any chapter-specific material that Games Workshop releases. We do not list a dedicated Iron Hands book here, so check the current Space Marine rules material and the datasheets for the models you buy. Rules are updated from time to time, so confirm what is current before you commit to a list.

Iron Hands FAQ

Are Iron Hands a good army for beginners?

Yes. Space Marines are one of the most approachable ways into Warhammer 40,000, and Iron Hands use the same core range. You can start small, learn the game and add to the army gradually.

Do I need special models to play Iron Hands?

You can use standard Space Marine kits and paint them as Iron Hands. The chapter transfers and named characters add the distinct look, but they are not required to start.

What is the best first Iron Hands purchase?

A starter box or a character plus one core squad is a good first step. The Introductory Set suits newcomers, while a Captain and a Bladeguard squad suit someone who already knows the basics.

What colours are Iron Hands?

They are known for black armour with metallic detailing and red accents. You can choose your own balance of weathering and highlights to suit your painting skill.

Can Universe TCG ship Iron Hands models abroad?

Universe TCG ships worldwide from Spain. Check the product pages for the items you want and the shipping options at checkout.

Related guides

• Warhammer at Universe TCG: the complete buying guide
• Warhammer 40,000
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• Citadel and Warhammer Colour paints: the complete guide
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