Ultramarines (Warhammer 40,000)

Ultramarines are the most recognisable Space Marine chapter in Warhammer 40,000, and one of the easiest armies to start. They suit collectors who want a disciplined, flexible force with a clear blue-and-gold look and a large pool of characters and kits to draw on. If you like the idea of a well-drilled army that can adapt to almost any plan, they are a safe and rewarding choice.

This guide explains what the Ultramarines are, how they play, what to buy first and how to paint and field them. If you are new to the wider game, the Warhammer 40,000 guide is a good companion.

What are the Ultramarines in Warhammer 40,000?

The Ultramarines are one of the original Space Marine chapters, genetically enhanced warriors of the Imperium of Man. They are known for following the strategic teachings of their primarch, Roboute Guilliman, and for their home world of Macragge in the realm of Ultramar. Of all the Space Marine armies, they are the one most associated with the tactical, textbook approach to war.

That reputation matters for collectors because the Ultramarines are the baseline against which many other Space Marine chapters are described. Learning them teaches you how Space Marines work in general.

How do Ultramarines play?

Ultramarines are a versatile, all-round army. Space Marines are tough, reliable and able to fight at range or up close, and the Ultramarines are best known for flexibility rather than a single gimmick. You can build a force around infantry squads, add fast bikers, bring in heavy armour or deliver units straight onto the table from orbit.

This makes them forgiving for beginners. You are rarely locked into one style, so you can change your list as you learn what you enjoy. Armies of elite warriors also have fewer models than swarm armies, which keeps painting manageable.

Where should I start an Ultramarines army?

Start with a character and a few troops you will enjoy painting, then add specialist units one at a time. Because Ultramarines share most of their kits with the wider Space Marine range, you can build a collection gradually without committing to a large box set.

1. A leader. Roboute Guilliman, the Ultramarines Primarch is the centrepiece model for the chapter and a natural focus for a first army. If you prefer a more modest start, Cato Sicarius, the Ultramarines Captain is an iconic named character with a strong chapter identity.
2. Fast support. The Outrider Squad adds mobile bikers, which gives your force a different feel from a purely on-foot list.
3. Chapter transfers. Ultramarines Upgrades and Transfers let you mark your models as Ultramarines, which is the simplest way to make a generic Space Marine kit look like part of the chapter.

Choose models that you are excited to paint. A small, finished and well-painted force is more satisfying than a large unbuilt pile.

Which Ultramarines characters and kits are worth knowing?

Primarch and named characters

Characters give an Ultramarines army its personality. Guilliman is the obvious leader, and the Victrix Honour Guard are his ceremonial bodyguard, so they work as a thematic escort if you field him. They also make an interesting painting project, since they are a small unit that rewards attention to detail.

Cato Sicarius and Kaius Konorius, the Ultramarines Champion are chapter figures who suit players wanting named heroes with a clear identity. Both are good practice models for learning how to paint the blue and gold of the chapter on a single figure before tackling a squad.

Psykers and elite infantry

The Librarian in Terminator Armour brings a psychic leader in heavy armour to your force. Librarians are common in Space Marine armies, so this is a useful model whichever chapter you choose, and it is easy to paint in Ultramarines colours.

Fast units and deployment

Besides the bikers mentioned above, Space Marines Drop Pods are for delivering units directly into the fight from orbit. They are a distinctive part of how Space Marines wage war and add dramatic scenery to your side of the table.

How do I paint Ultramarines?

The classic Ultramarines look is deep blue armour with gold trim. It is a clean scheme, which makes it a good choice for newcomers, though the large blue areas reward smooth, thin coats and patient layering.

If you have never painted a miniature, start with how to start painting Warhammer miniatures. When you are choosing blues, golds and washes, the Citadel and Warhammer Colour paints guide explains the paint types and how they fit together.

A sensible workflow is to paint one character first, such as Sicarius or Konorius, to settle on your recipe. Then repeat it across a squad. Apply your transfers last, once the armour is finished and sealed, so they sit cleanly.

What rules and books do I need?

Ultramarines are played with the Space Marine rules for Warhammer 40,000, so you generally need the current Space Marines publication and the core rules rather than a dedicated Ultramarines book. Named characters often have their own datasheets, so check that the model you buy is supported in the edition you are playing before building a list around it.

Rules change over time, so we do not quote specific rules here. Check the current publication and any official updates before you finalise an army.

Ultramarines FAQ

Are Ultramarines good for beginners?

Yes. They are a flexible Space Marine army with simple, sturdy models and a straightforward paint scheme. You can start small and grow in any direction.

What is the difference between Ultramarines and other Space Marines?

Ultramarines are one chapter among many, and they share most of their kits with the wider Space Marine range. What sets them apart is their colours, their named characters and their reputation for disciplined, adaptable warfare.

Can I use generic Space Marine kits for Ultramarines?

Yes. Most Space Marine kits, including bikers and drop pods, work for any chapter. Painting them blue and adding Ultramarines transfers is usually all that is needed.

Which model should I buy first?

Buy the one you most want to paint. For many collectors that is Roboute Guilliman or Cato Sicarius, followed by a squad of troops or the Outrider Squad.

Does Universe TCG ship Warhammer worldwide?

Yes. Universe TCG ships from Spain to customers around the world, and has physical shops in Mollet del Vallès, Barberà del Vallès and Segovia. For a wider overview of what we cover, see the Warhammer buying guide.

Thinking of another army?

If the Ultramarines are not quite right, the other faction guides below cover armies with very different play styles, from the elite golden warriors of the Adeptus Custodes to the swarming Tyranids.

Related guides

• Warhammer at Universe TCG: the complete buying guide
• Warhammer 40,000
• World Eaters (Warhammer 40,000)
• Adepta Sororitas (Warhammer 40,000)
• Adeptus Custodes (Warhammer 40,000)
• Tyranids (Warhammer 40,000)
• Thousand Sons (Warhammer 40,000)
• Citadel and Warhammer Colour paints: the complete guide
• How to start painting Warhammer miniatures