Space Marines (Warhammer 40,000): the faction guide

Space Marines are the most approachable army in Warhammer 40,000. They are genetically enhanced armoured warriors who are tough, flexible and easy to learn, which is why so many players choose them first. If you want a small elite force, a wide choice of kits and a faction you can grow in any direction, they are a safe and rewarding place to start.

This guide explains what Space Marines are, how they play, which kits make good first purchases and how to build an army from there. It sits alongside our Warhammer 40,000 overview and our complete Warhammer buying guide.

What are Space Marines in Warhammer 40,000?

Space Marines, also called the Adeptus Astartes, are the Emperor of Mankind's elite super-soldiers. They are organised into Chapters, each with its own colours, traditions and personality. The Ultramarines are the best-known, and Chapters such as the Space Wolves have such a distinct identity that they get their own Space Wolves guide.

One thing makes them a good first army: you can paint them as an existing Chapter or invent your own, and the same kits work either way.

How do Space Marines play?

Space Marines are an elite army. You field fewer models than most factions, but each one is hardy and capable. That keeps the army small to paint and quick to set up, and it makes games easy to follow.

The faction is also known for versatility. Between infantry, heavy weapons, jump troops, stealth units and walkers, you can build a gun line, a close-combat strike force or something in between. Compared with more specialised armies such as the T'au Empire, Necrons or Orks, Space Marines forgive mistakes and let you change direction as your collection grows.

What should I buy first for a Space Marines army?

Start with a leader, a solid core of infantry and one or two units that show off what you enjoy. A sensible first order looks like this:

1. The rulebook. The Codex: Space Marines (English) covers the faction's background, army options and how its units fit together.
2. A leader. Marneus Calgar in Armour of Antilochus is a striking centrepiece and a natural fit for an Ultramarines-style force. A more mobile option is the Captain with Jump Pack.
3. A core squad. The Heavy Intercessor Squad gives you sturdy, bolt-weapon infantry that holds ground.
4. One specialist unit, chosen from the sections below.

Resist buying everything at once. A leader, a squad and a Dreadnought or specialist unit make a good first stage, and you can add to it as you learn what you like.

Which Space Marines infantry kits are worth knowing?

Core and heavy infantry

The Heavy Intercessor Squad is the backbone of many armies. For firepower at range, the Desolation Squad is a heavy weapons kit that supports your line from a distance. The Aggressor Squad brings large, imposing infantry with a lot of presence on the table.

Anti-armour and close-range specialists

The Eradicator Squad is designed to deal with heavily armoured targets. There is also an Eradicator Squad with Heavy Bolters listing if you want to see that option. For clearing enemies out of cover, the Infernus Squad is built around flame weapons.

Stealth and reconnaissance

If you like precision and flanking over a head-on fight, look at the Incursor Squad and the Eliminator Squad. The Eliminator listing is the Spanish-language edition, so check that the packaging suits you before ordering.

Which Space Marines Dreadnoughts should I choose?

Dreadnoughts are walking war machines that give an army a heavy centrepiece. Three kits stand out:

• Redemptor Dreadnought: a large, versatile walker and a good first big model.
• Brutalis Dreadnought: a close-combat-focused walker with an aggressive look.
• Ballistus Dreadnought: a firepower-focused walker that suits armies built around shooting.

Pick the one whose silhouette and role you like most. All three are rewarding builds and painting projects.

Which Space Marines characters and command kits are available?

Characters give your army direction. Besides the captains and chapter masters above, the Chaplain in Terminator Armour and the Chaplain on Bike bring the Chapter's spiritual leaders to the table, one slow and heavily armoured, the other fast. The Company Heroes kit builds an honour guard that makes a handsome command group for a leader.

How do I paint a Space Marines army?

Space Marines suit beginners because large armour panels are forgiving to paint. Pick a Chapter colour scheme, and aim for a clear, consistent look across the army rather than perfect detail on each model.

Our guide on how to start painting Warhammer miniatures covers the basic tools and techniques, and the Citadel and Warhammer Colour paints guide explains how the paint ranges work so you can choose a sensible starter set. Paint a single squad first, check you enjoy the process, then repeat the recipe across the rest.

Which books should I read for Space Marines?

The Codex: Space Marines is the essential reference for building and playing the army. For background and atmosphere, Raptors: War and Shadow is a hardback worth reading if you want to explore the Chapter's story and find inspiration for your own colour scheme.

Space Marines FAQ

Are Space Marines good for beginners?

Yes. They are durable, have a clear identity and come with a wide range of kits, so mistakes cost you less than in many armies. Their small model count also makes the painting workload manageable.

How many models do I need to start a Space Marines army?

You can begin with a leader, one core squad and one specialist unit or Dreadnought. That is enough to learn the basics and decide how to expand. Check the current rules and your local group's preferred game size before planning a larger force.

Do I need the codex to play Space Marines?

You need the current rules for your units, and the codex is the main place to find the army's options and background. It is worth having before you commit to a larger list.

Can I paint my own Chapter?

Yes. Many players create their own Chapter with a custom colour scheme and name. The kits are the same whichever colours you choose.

Which Space Marines kit is best for a first big model?

The Redemptor Dreadnought is a good all-round choice. If you prefer a close-combat or a shooting-focused style, the Brutalis or Ballistus may suit you better.

Does Universe TCG ship Space Marines worldwide?

Yes. We ship worldwide from Spain, and we also run physical shops in Mollet del Vallès, Barberà del Vallès and Segovia. We are an independent hobby store and not an official Games Workshop partner.

Related guides

• Warhammer at Universe TCG: the complete buying guide
• Warhammer 40,000
• Space Wolves (Warhammer 40,000)
• T'au Empire (Warhammer 40,000)
• Thousand Sons (Warhammer 40,000)
• Orks (Warhammer 40,000)
• Necrons (Warhammer 40,000)
• Citadel and Warhammer Colour paints: the complete guide
• How to start painting Warhammer miniatures