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Leviathan is out now and a lot of people have all these new Space Marines: what nee Space Marine chapter should they paint their Leviathan set?

Warhammer 40,000 is a universe filled with epic battles and heroic warriors. Among the many forces, Space Marines stand tall. They are humanity’s mightiest defenders. Space Marines are split into different Chapters–originally twenty, but now close to a thousand. Each Chapter has its own history, colors, and tactics. Picking the right Chapter for your new Space Marine chapter can shape your victories.

What Should I Paint My New Space Marine Chapter As?

This article is here to help. We’re going to focus on one enemy, the Leviathan enemy – the Tyranids. The Tyranids are horrifying alien monsters. They are known for their swarming attacks and fearsome creatures. To face them, you need a Space Marine army that can stand strong.

We will take a peek into the lore, or history, of each Chapter. This can help you understand their motivations. We’ll also discuss their playstyle. This is how they fight in the game. Each new Space Marine Chapter also has a unique paint scheme. We’ll talk about those colors. And finally, we’ll tell you why each Chapter is fun to play on the tabletop.

So, whether you are a seasoned player or a newcomer, this guide is for you. By the end of this article, you’ll have a good idea of which Space Marine Chapter to choose to face the Tyranids.

What are the Tyranids? How Do They Play and What Are Their Weaknesses?

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.“

― Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Before we look into Space Marine Chapters, let’s get to know the Tyranids. Understanding your enemy is key to victory. So, who are Leviathan’s Big Bad: the Tyranids? They’re a race of aliens from outside our galaxy. They live to consume all life. They move from planet to planet, eating everything in their path. Each Tyranid is part of a collective mind known as the Hive Mind. They are a swarm that acts as one.

Tyranids come in all shapes and sizes. They have tiny creatures like Termagants and massive beasts like the Carnifex. Some fly, some crawl, and some are armored like tanks. What they all share is a monstrous look, with clawed limbs, spiked tails, and razor-sharp teeth. The Leviathan box has further evil monsters in the forms of the massive Screamer Killer, the nasty Von Ryan’s Leapers, or–my favorite–the Neurotyrant.

How Tyranids Fight

Let’s talk about how they fight. Tyranids are known for their numbers. They can overwhelm enemies with waves of small creatures. But they also have big monsters. These beasts can tear through the toughest enemies. Tyranids don’t use traditional guns or weapons. Instead, they evolve bio-weapons. These can shoot acid, spawn more creatures, or just smash things. It’s like every Tyranid is a living weapon. So your new Space Marine chapter has to be able to deal with all of these things.

Tyranid Strengths

So, what are their strengths? First, their numbers. They can outnumber most enemies. Second, their adaptability. The Tyranids can evolve to meet any threat. Lastly, they have a mix of units. They can fight at range or up close, in the air or on the ground.

Tyranid Weaknesses

But they have weaknesses too. Tyranids rely on Synapse Creatures to control the swarm. These are bigger, smarter Tyranids. If they are killed, the smaller Tyranids can panic. Also, while Tyranids adapt, they’re not specialized. An army that’s ready for them can exploit this. Lastly, Tyranids can struggle with heavily armored foes. Their big creatures can break armor, but their smaller ones can’t.

How Can You Make a New Space Marine Chapter for Leviathan that Beats Tyranids?

So how can a Space Marine Chapter beat them? It’s about exploiting these weaknesses. Space Marines are heavily armored, so they can endure the swarm. Killing Synapse Creatures can disrupt the Tyranid plan. And preparing for both small and large creatures is key.

In the next section, we’ll look at different Space Marine Chapters. We’ll see how they can each bring something unique to this fight. Each has its own strengths, its own strategies. By understanding these, you’ll be ready to face the Tyranid threat.

Remember, the goal here isn’t just to win. It’s about the story you tell as you play. It’s about painting your models in the colors you like. It’s about choosing a Chapter that fits your style. Winning against Tyranids is just the icing on the cake. So let’s dive in and find the right Chapter for you.

The Best New Space Marine Chapters for Leviathan

Ultramarines and the Codex Astartes

Now, let’s dive into our first Space Marine Chapter – the Ultramarines. They’re a Chapter known for their discipline and strategy.

The Ultramarines have a rich history. They’re the descendants of Roboute Guilliman, one of the Emperor’s greatest generals. Guilliman wrote a book called the Codex Astartes. This book lays out tactics and structures for Space Marine Chapters. Many Chapters follow it, but none as closely as the Ultramarines. They are the model of a Codex-compliant Chapter.

On the tabletop, the Ultramarines are a balanced force. They can handle almost any situation. They can fight up close or at a distance. They can move fast or hold their ground. They can even cast psychic powers. This makes them a good choice against the Tyranids. They can adapt to whatever the Tyranids throw at them.

What about their colors? The Ultramarines are known for their blue armor. It’s a royal blue, paired with gold details. It’s a classic look, one that stands out on the tabletop. Plus, it’s a good contrast to the Tyranids’ often dark and organic colors.

Why are Ultramarines Fun to Play?

So why are Ultramarines fun to play? Well, it’s their flexibility. You can build your army in different ways and try different strategies. You can field a balanced force, or focus on one aspect. Maybe you want lots of fast units. Or maybe you want a wall of heavy armor. With the Ultramarines, you can do that.

Playing Ultramarines also means being a part of their rich history. You’re not just a Space Marine Chapter. You’re the Chapter that many others look up to. You’re the defenders of Ultramar, a realm of humanity in a dark universe. And against the Tyranids, you’re the wall that stands against the swarm. That’s the Ultramarines for you.

Blood Angels and the Frenzy of the Red Thirst

Let’s move on to our second Space Marine Chapter – the Blood Angels. They are a Chapter of nobility, but also a Chapter cursed with a tragic flaw.

The Blood Angels are descended from the Primarch Sanguinius, one of the Emperor’s sons. Sanguinius was known for his nobility, bravery, and also his angelic wings. But Sanguinius was killed in the final showdown with Horus, and his death left a mark on his Chapter. They suffer from the Black Rage, a battle madness that can drive them into a frenzy.

On the tabletop, the Blood Angels are all about close combat. They’re one of the best Chapters at this. They like to move fast, hit hard, and get into the enemy’s face. This makes them a risky choice against Tyranids, but also a rewarding one. They can cut through the Tyranid swarm with their power weapons. And their armored units can stand up to the bigger Tyranid beasts.

The Blood Angels wear red armor. It’s a deep, rich red, often with black and gold details. This gives them a striking look on the tabletop. It’s also a nice contrast to the Tyranids. Their red stands out against the Tyranid’s chitinous bodies.

Why Are Blood Angels Fun to Play?

So, why are Blood Angels fun to play? It’s the thrill of the charge. It’s the rush of getting into combat and seeing if your units can cut through the enemy. It’s also the drama of the Black Rage. In the game, this can make your units fight harder, but also riskier. And on top of all this, there’s the lore. When you play Blood Angels, you’re not just playing a Space Marine Chapter. You’re playing a Chapter with a tragic history, a noble spirit, and a deadly curse. And against the Tyranids, you’re the angels descending on the alien swarm. That’s the Blood Angels.

The Dark History of the Dark Angels

Next on our list is the enigmatic Dark Angels. They’re a Chapter steeped in mystery, bound by secrets. (They’re also getting their moment to shine as their Primarch has returned in 10th Edition.)

The Dark Angels are the first Legion, founded by Lion El’Jonson. They’re known for their secrecy, as they carry a heavy burden. In their past, half of their Legion turned against the Emperor in a tragic event called the Fallen. They have since been on a secret and unending mission to capture and redeem these Fallen.

In the game, the Dark Angels have a unique focus on heavy weaponry and elite units. They have potent squads of Terminators, heavily armed and armored warriors. They also have skilled bikers, able to move fast and hit hard. Against the Tyranids, this can be a strength. Their firepower can take down large Tyranid creatures, and their bikers can outmaneuver the Tyranid swarm.

As for their colors, the Dark Angels wear dark green armor. They often have cream or bone-colored robes too. This gives them a unique and striking look on the tabletop. Against the often brightly colored Tyranids, they provide a cool contrast.

What Makes Dark Angels Fun to Play?

What makes Dark Angels fun to play? It’s the combination of firepower and speed. You can field an army of powerful gunners, or swift bikers, or a mix of both. And then there’s the lore. Playing Dark Angels means diving into their secrets. You’re not just a Space Marine Chapter, but a Chapter on a quest for redemption. Against the Tyranids, you’re the stalwart wall of fire against the oncoming horde. That’s what makes the Dark Angels special.

The Feral Fury of the Space Wolves

Fourth, we turn our attention to the fierce and ferocious Space Wolves. They’re a Chapter known for their bravery, their individuality, and their wolfish theme.

The Space Wolves come from the icy world of Fenris. They’re the descendants of Leman Russ, a warrior king and one of the Emperor’s sons. Unlike most Space Marine Chapters, the Space Wolves don’t follow the Codex Astartes. They have their own traditions, their own way of fighting. They value bravery and honor, with each warrior striving to prove his worth.

On the tabletop, the Space Wolves are close combat experts. They’re one of the most aggressive Space Marine Chapters. They have units like Thunderwolf Cavalry, warriors riding giant wolves. And they have mighty heroes like Logan Grimnar. Against Tyranids, this aggression can pay off. They can get into the heart of the Tyranid swarm and start tearing it apart.

The Space Wolves’ colors are a mix of grey and blue, often with gold and red details. They also have lots of wolf-themed decorations, like furs and talismans. This gives them a wild and untamed look on the tabletop. It’s a look that can match the alien horror of the Tyranids.

Why Are the Space Wolves Fun to Play/

Why are Space Wolves fun to play? It’s the thrill of the hunt. It’s the rush of charging into the enemy, of testing your heroes against their monsters. It’s also about their individuality. Each Space Wolf is a character, with his own story. And then there’s the lore. When you play Space Wolves, you’re not just a Space Marine Chapter. You’re a pack of warrior-wolves, hunting in a universe of threats. Against the Tyranids, you’re the wild predator against the alien swarm. That’s the Space Wolves for you.

The Xenos Exterminators of the Deathwatch

Finally we’ll look into the Deathwatch, a unique Space Marine Chapter with a specific purpose: alien hunting.

The Deathwatch are not a traditional Chapter. They’re a special force, made up of Space Marines from many different Chapters. Each Space Marine is chosen for their skills in fighting aliens, or ‘xenos’. They’re the best of the best, armed with special weapons and trained in special tactics.

On the tabletop, the Deathwatch are a flexible force. They have access to a wide range of weapons and gear, many of them tailored to fighting aliens. They can field small, elite teams of specialists. Or they can deploy larger, more diverse forces. Against the Tyranids, this flexibility is a great advantage. They can adapt to the Tyranid swarm, matching their weapons and tactics to the threat.

The Deathwatch wear black armor, with one silver arm. Each warrior also wears a personal symbol, showing their original Chapter. This gives them a unified yet diverse look on the tabletop. It’s a look that stands out against the organic shapes of the Tyranids.

Why Are the Deathwatch Fun to Play?

What makes Deathwatch fun to play? It’s the customization. You can build your force exactly how you want, choosing your warriors and their gear. It’s also the challenge. The Deathwatch are a specialized force, and they need careful tactics to win. And then there’s the lore. When you play Deathwatch, you’re not just a Space Marine Chapter. You’re an elite team of alien hunters. Against the Tyranids, you’re the tip of the spear, the first line of defense. That’s the Deathwatch.

So Which New Space Marine Chapter Will You Paint for Leviathan?

And there you have it – six Space Marine Chapters that offer unique ways to face off against the Tyranid menace. The Ultramarines with their discipline and balance, the Blood Angels with their ferocity and fervor, the enigmatic Dark Angels with their mix of heavy firepower and speed, the wild Space Wolves with their aggressive close combat, the zealous Black Templars with their unrelenting crusade, the resilient Iron Hands with their formidable technology, and the specialized Deathwatch with their alien-hunting expertise.

Now it’s time to ask yourself, which Chapter resonates with you? Think about your preferred play style. Do you prefer a balanced force, or do you lean towards specific tactics? Do you like the thrill of close combat, or the satisfaction of superior firepower?

Consider the painting aspect too. Which color scheme and aesthetic appeal to you? Remember, building and painting your army is a big part of the hobby. It’s important to choose a Chapter that you’ll enjoy crafting and looking at on the battlefield.

And don’t forget the lore. Space Marine Chapters are more than just collections of models. They’re storied parts of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, each with its own history and character. Think about which Chapter’s story pulls you in.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. Whatever Chapter you choose, you’ll be joining the ranks of the Adeptus Astartes, the Emperor’s finest. You’ll be standing against the alien, the heretic, and the daemon. You’ll be a part of the eternal war for the future of humanity. And that, in itself, is an adventure. Happy wargaming!