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Space Marine tactics, legion by legion, are a vital core to understanding how to play Warhammer 40k. In the vast, tumultuous galaxy of Warhammer 40k, the Adeptus Astartes – better known as the Space Marines – stand as the Emperor’s indomitable warriors. Each chapter of these genetically enhanced super-soldiers boasts distinct tactics and combat doctrines, shaped by centuries of warfare and tradition.

As commanders of these formidable forces, players must grasp the unique gameplay styles intrinsic to each chapter to maximize battlefield effectiveness. This deep dive serves as a tactical guide, shedding light on the nuances that distinguish each of the nine loyalist Space Marine Chapters.

Whether you’re a novice hoping to choose a chapter that aligns with your strategic preferences or a seasoned general looking to refine your tactics, this guide aims to equip you with the insights needed to harness the full might of the Emperor’s Finest.

Dark Angels (I Legion)

Gameplay:
The Dark Angels are a multifaceted force, known for their triad of specialized wings: the Ravenwing, Deathwing, and Greenwing. This division allows them to approach Space Marine tactics in a versatile manner, adapting to various battlefield scenarios. The Ravenwing emphasizes speed, the Deathwing focuses on elite Terminators, while the Greenwing encompasses the main line of battle-brothers.

Tips:

• Utilize the Wings: Maximize the distinct Space Marine tactics of each wing. Deploy Ravenwing units for fast recon and flanking maneuvers, use Deathwing for shock assaults and tough objectives, and rely on the Greenwing for versatile, sustained firepower.
• Adapt and Counter: Given the variety in their roster, Dark Angels commanders can effectively adapt to the opponent’s strategy. If facing a fast, aggressive opponent, bolster your defense with Deathwing Knights. Against a more static enemy, Ravenwing units can exploit their vulnerabilities.
• Combat Synergy: Take advantage of the synergies between the wings. For instance, Ravenwing units can mark targets for the Deathwing’s teleporting terminators, ensuring accurate and deadly deep strikes.
• Masterful Command: Characters like Sammael and Belial are not just formidable warriors; they can significantly boost the efficiency of their respective wings. Place them strategically to enhance the capabilities of your Ravenwing and Deathwing units.

Playing the Dark Angels requires a balance of tactics and a keen sense of the battlefield’s ebb and flow. By harnessing the strengths of each wing and leveraging their synergies, commanders can dominate through adaptability and strategic depth.

White Scars (V Legion)

Gameplay:
The White Scars epitomize the essence of swift, lightning-fast warfare. Renowned for their exceptional speed and hit-and-run tactics, their special Space Marine tactics emphasize rapid engagements, using their bikes and vehicles to outmaneuver and flank their enemies. This emphasis on mobility means they can quickly respond to battlefield dynamics, striking where the enemy is weakest.

Tips:

• Speed is Key: When assembling your force, prioritize units that capitalize on the chapter’s inherent speed. Biker squads, like the Outrider and Attack Bikes, should be frontline choices.
• Hit-and-Run: The White Scars’ chapter tactic promotes swift engagement followed by rapid disengagement. Strike hard and then use your superior mobility to evade counter-attacks or to reposition.
• Khan’s Command: If deploying Chapter Master Kor’sarro Khan, harness his abilities to enhance nearby units, particularly bike squads, maximizing their combat efficiency.
• Advanced Stratagems: Use the chapter-specific stratagems available to the White Scars to further accentuate their speed and fluid tactics, such as “Born in the Saddle” and “Ride Hard, Ride Fast.”

Harnessing the White Scars’ speed and adaptability will force your adversary to play defensively, giving you the upper hand in dictating the battle’s pace and flow.

Space Wolves (VI Legion)

Gameplay:
Hailing from the frigid world of Fenris, the Space Wolves are savage warriors with a unique approach to warfare. Unlike traditional Space Marine chapters, they favor aggressive close combat, bolstered by their distinctive units such as the Thunderwolf Cavalry and the ferocious Wulfen. The Space Wolves thrive when they can engage the enemy up close and personal, tearing through foes with a blend of claws, fangs, and cold Fenrisian steel.

Tips:

• Forward Assault: When strategizing, these Space Marine tactics involve units that can close the gap swiftly. Thunderwolf Cavalry and Blood Claws are perfect for rapid engagements, allowing you to pressure your opponent from the onset.
• Harness the Wulfen: The Wulfen are a force multiplier. Beyond their melee prowess, their aura boosts nearby Space Wolves, making them invaluable in central assault roles.
• Rune Priests’ Power: Space Wolves have unique psykers called Rune Priests. Use their abilities, such as storm caller or jaws of the world wolf, to control the battlefield and hinder enemy strategies.
• Lone Wolves: If your units fall, remember the Lone Wolf stratagem. Transforming a surviving model into a Lone Wolf can turn a seeming setback into a new threat for your adversary.

To truly embrace the Space Wolves’ tactics, commanders should cultivate an aggressive mindset. Engage fast, hit hard, and utilize the chapter’s unique units and abilities to keep the enemy on the back foot, all while channeling the wild spirit of Fenris.

Imperial Fists (VII Legion)

Gameplay:
Masters of siege warfare and stalwart defenders, the Imperial Fists are experts at both fortifying positions and tearing them down. Their intrinsic affinity for bolter weaponry and static defense makes them formidable opponents in scenarios where holding or contesting critical points is paramount. With their siege-centric focus, they can establish formidable defensive lines and equally breach entrenched enemy positions.

Tips:

• Fortify and Defend: When setting up, focus on securing key points and leveraging terrain. Units equipped with heavy and special weapons, like Devastator Squads, can create impenetrable kill zones.
• Bolter Drills: Given their unique chapter’s Space Marine tactics, the Imperial Fists extract added lethality from bolt weapons. Ensure a significant portion of your army wields some form of bolter, capitalizing on the bonus damage against buildings and improved hit chances.
• Siege Breakers: If your objective is to breach enemy lines, consider fielding specialized units and vehicles like Centurion Assault Squads and Vindicators to exploit the Imperial Fists’ siegecraft skills.
• Tor Garadon’s Leadership: If you’re including the formidable Captain Tor Garadon, position him to support frontline units. His ability to enhance nearby troops and his personal prowess in both shooting and melee can tip the balance in critical engagements.

With the Imperial Fists, patience and strategic positioning are crucial. Establish a robust defense, and when on the offense, methodically dismantle your opponent’s fortifications, embodying the spirit of siege warfare.

Blood Angels (IX Legion)

Gameplay:
The Blood Angels are a force to be reckoned with in close-quarters combat. Their chapter’s Space Marine tactics involve fierce melee capabilities, combined with a proclivity for jump-pack assault units, make them a terror on the battlefield. The Blood Angels often rely on deep strike tactics and rapid assaults to catch their enemies off guard, overwhelming them with sheer force and fury.

Tips:

• Assault is Paramount: When assembling your army, units like Assault Terminators, Death Company, and Sanguinary Guard should be staples. These troops can leverage their jump packs and enhanced melee abilities to strike quickly and devastatingly.
• Deep Strike Dominance: Utilize the Blood Angels’ penchant for deep striking. Position units like the Death Company in reserves and deploy them strategically, catching your enemy unaware and out of position.
• Red Thirst Advantage: Remember the “Red Thirst” chapter tactic, which grants additional strength and improved charge capabilities. Time your charges well to maximize this benefit and enhance the lethality of your melee units.
• Leverage Heroes: Characters like Lemartes and Commander Dante can greatly augment your assault squads. Use their aura abilities and combat prowess to turn the tide of skirmishes and larger engagements alike.

With the Blood Angels, the key is aggression. Close the distance rapidly, strike hard, and maintain the momentum, leveraging their exceptional melee skills to leave adversaries reeling in their wake.

Iron Hands (X Legion)

Gameplay:
The Iron Hands are synonymous with resilience and mechanized warfare. They merge the indomitable spirit of the Astartes with the cold efficiency of machinery, leading to a playstyle that heavily emphasizes durability and superior firepower. Their affinity for vehicles and technology means they often field armies with numerous tanks, dreadnoughts, and augmented troops, making them a force that can both absorb and deliver devastating blows.

Tips:

• Armor Up: When curating your army, invest in armored units like Predators, Repulsors, and Dreadnoughts. The Iron Hands’ chapter tactic enhances vehicle survivability, making them even tougher to take down.
• Overwatch Efficiency: Thanks to their unique stratagems, Iron Hands can make their overwatch fire more potent. Position your units in a way that punishes aggressive enemies trying to charge.
• Harness the Machine: Use Techmarines and the Iron Father, Feirros, to maintain and repair your vehicles. Their ability to restore wounds ensures your armored column remains operational longer.
• Steady Advance: Remember the “Methodical Firepower” ability, which allows a unit to count as stationary even if it moved. This ensures maximum firepower without compromising on mobility.

To command the Iron Hands effectively, a balance of offense and defense is key. Rely on the chapter’s inherent durability to shrug off enemy fire while deploying your technologically superior firepower to dismantle foes from a position of strength.

 Ultramarines (XIII Legion)

Gameplay:
The Ultramarines are the quintessential Space Marine chapter, exemplifying the teachings of the Codex Astartes. This provides them with a balanced playstyle that doesn’t overly lean towards any particular combat domain, be it ranged, melee, or psychic warfare. They shine in scenarios where adaptable tactics and a diverse unit roster are essential, benefiting from their Codex discipline, which enhances their flexibility on the battlefield.

Tips:

• Balanced Composition: Given their versatility, Ultramarine armies should incorporate a mix of infantry, vehicles, and support units to respond to a multitude of threats.
• Guilliman’s Guidance: Roboute Guilliman, the chapter’s primarch, is a potent force multiplier. If fielded, use his leadership abilities to bolster nearby units, benefiting from his rerolls and strategic buffs.
• Codex Doctrines: Rotate through combat doctrines effectively, maximizing the potential of your units during different phases of the battle.

Embracing the Ultramarines’ adaptability will serve commanders well, allowing for strategic shifts that can counter a wide range of enemy strategies.

Salamanders (XVIII Legion)

Gameplay:
Rooted in the fiery heart of Nocturne, the Salamanders are masters of flame and forge. Their combat doctrine heavily revolves around melta, flamer, and plasma weaponry, dishing out explosive bursts of damage. This affinity for incendiary and melt weapons, combined with their inherent resilience, allows them to excel in both mid-range firefights and close-quarter confrontations.

Tips:

• Fiery Arsenal: Prioritize units and loadouts that lean into the chapter’s speciality. Tactical squads equipped with flamers or meltaguns, Aggressors with flamestorm gauntlets, and Land Raider Redeemers can become the backbone of a Salamanders force.
• Vulkan’s Might: If Vulkan He’stan is leading your forces, maximize his aura. He enhances the performance of melta, flamer, and plasma weapons, amplifying the damage output of nearby units.
• Self-sufficiency: Salamanders have a unique tactic that lets them reroll a single failed hit and wound roll per unit. Use this to improve the reliability of your heavy weapons and crucial shots.
• Promethean Cult: With stratagems like “Flamecraft” and “Strength of the Primarch,” the Salamanders can further improve their flame weaponry’s efficiency or boost their melee prowess.

Guiding the Salamanders requires an understanding of controlled aggression. Maintain optimal engagement distances to unleash fiery barrages, and remember the chapter’s inherent tenacity, allowing them to hold the line when the inferno rages hottest.

Raven Guard (XIX Legion)

Gameplay:
Emerging from the shadowed realms of Deliverance, the Raven Guard epitomizes the art of covert warfare. Specializing in ambushes, surgical strikes, and guerrilla tactics, they often deploy forces behind enemy lines, using stealth and misdirection to create havoc. Their preference for jump packs and sniper units allows them to maintain a playstyle that prioritizes precision over brute force.

Tips:

• Striking from the Shadows: Utilize the Raven Guard’s unique deployment stratagems. Placing key units in concealed positions or even behind enemy lines can disrupt the opponent’s game plan from the first turn.
• Masters of Stealth: Ensure you’re capitalizing on the chapter’s tactic, which improves the survivability of units in cover and reduces the hit efficiency of long-ranged enemy attacks.
• Silent Snipers: Incorporate units like Eliminators and Scouts with sniper rifles. These can be pivotal in taking out enemy characters or softening up priority targets from concealed vantage points.
• Shrike’s Infiltration: If utilizing Chapter Master Kayvaan Shrike, employ his ability to grant deep strike to Phobos units, further enhancing the Raven Guard’s capacity for surprise assaults.

Commanding the Raven Guard is a game of cunning and patience. Avoid head-on confrontations and instead focus on surprise, misdirection, and precision strikes. By keeping the enemy off-balance and exploiting vulnerabilities, the Raven Guard can dominate even larger, seemingly more formidable foes.