We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

And Can You Do Any Horus Heresy Paint Schemes You Want?

The Horus Heresy boxed set is nearly upon us, and one question that I have seen cropping up again and again online is “Can I use any Horus Heresy paint schemes for my Space Marines that I want to?” This question generally comes from Warhammer 40k players who are very used to painting Space Marines in any color scheme they want. After all, in Warhammer 40k there are 1000 Space Marine Chapters, and you can really make up any chapter you want with any color scheme that you want, and you can consider it game legal.

So the question is: can you do the same thing for The Horus Heresy? Can you use anything as your Horus Heresy paint schemes?

The answer is, unequivocally, yes.

But let’s start with the basics.

What Are the “Official” Horus Heresy Paint Schemes?

Below are all of the “official” color schemes of the 18 Horus Heresy era legions. On the top is the illustration from The Horus Heresy books, and on the bottom is the paint job done by the Warhammer Studio paint team. These are the straightforward, so-called canonical color schemes.

Dark Angels

The Dark Angels Legion paint scheme during the Horus Heresy era was primarily black with green accents. The main color of the armor was Chaos Black, and the trim and other details were painted in a green color similar to Catachan Green or Dark Angels Green. The exact shade of green used may have varied between different painters or units.

Overall, the Horus Heresy-era Dark Angels Legion had a very dark and somber color scheme that reflected their secretive and mysterious nature.

Tutorials to learn to paint Horus Heresy Dark Angels:

Warhammer TV: How to Paint: Horus Heresy Dark Angels

Mediocre Hobbies: How to paint Legions! Dark Angels

The Painting Phase: Dark Angels: All 3 Armors!

Emperor’s Children

The Emperor’s Children Legion paint scheme during the Horus Heresy era was primarily purple and gold. The main color of the armor was a rich shade of purple, often achieved through a base coat of Naggaroth Night followed by layers of Xereus Purple and Genestealer Purple. The trim and other details were painted in a bright metallic gold color such as Balthasar Gold or Retributor Armour.

Overall, the Horus Heresy-era Emperor’s Children Legion had a very ostentatious and flamboyant color scheme that reflected their obsession with perfection and beauty.

Tutorials to learn to paint the Horus Heresy Emperor’s Children:

Warhammer TV: How to Paint: Horus Heresy Emperor’s Children

Midwinter Minis: Speed painting Heresy-era Emperor’s Children

JuanHidalgo Miniatures: I painted a MEME – Horus Heresy Emperor’s Children

Iron Warriors

The Iron Warriors Legion paint scheme during the Horus Heresy era was primarily a metallic gray and black. The main color of the armor was a dark metallic gray achieved by using a base coat of Leadbelcher followed by layers of Ironbreaker and highlights of Runefang Steel. The trim and other details were painted in a matte black color such as Abaddon Black.

Some Iron Warriors may have also had hazard stripes or other markings in yellow or white to denote rank or specialization. Overall, the Horus Heresy-era Iron Warriors Legion had a very utilitarian and functional color scheme that reflected their emphasis on engineering and fortification.

Tutorials to Learn to Paint Horus Heresy Iron Warriors:

Cult of Paint: How to Paint IRON WARRIORS Space Marines for The Horus Heresy and Warhammer 40k

Mediocre Hobbies: Heresy Made Easy! How to paint Legions: Iron Warriors!

Warhipster: Contrast+ How to Paint: Iron Warriors

White Scars

The White Scars Legion paint scheme during the Horus Heresy era was primarily white with black and red accents. The main color of the armor was a bright white, achieved through a base coat of Celestra Grey followed by layers of Ulthuan Grey and highlights of White Scar. The trim and other details were painted in a matte black color such as Abaddon Black, and red accents were added to denote rank or specialization.

Overall, the Horus Heresy-era White Scars Legion had a very clean and minimalist color scheme that reflected their emphasis on speed and precision.

Tutorials to Learn to Paint Horus Heresy White Scars:

Warhammer TV: How to Paint: Horus Heresy White Scars

Cult of Paint: How to Paint WHITE SCARS | WARHAMMER: THE HORUS HERESY | Space Marines |

Warhipster: Contrast+ How to Paint: White Scars

Space Wolves

The Space Wolves Legion paint scheme during the Horus Heresy era was primarily blue-gray with yellow and silver accents. The main color of the armor was a gray-blue, achieved through a base coat of Russ Grey followed by layers of Fenrisian Grey and highlights of Space Wolves Grey. The trim and other details were painted in a bright metallic silver color such as Runefang Steel, and yellow accents were added to denote rank or specialization.

Some Space Wolves may have also had red or black markings or details to denote rank or unit affiliation. Overall, the Horus Heresy-era Space Wolves Legion had a very rugged and weathered color scheme that reflected their barbaric and independent nature.

Tutorials to Learn How to Paint Horus Heresy Space Wolves:

Warhammer TV: How to Paint: Horus Heresy Space Wolves

Brushstroke Painting Guides: HOW TO PAINT 30K SPACE WOLVES: A Step-By-Step Guide

Pete the Wargamer: Games Workshop Tutorial: How To Paint Horus Heresy Space Wolves

Imperial Fists

The Imperial Fists Legion paint scheme during the Horus Heresy era was primarily yellow with black and silver accents. The main color of the armor was a bright yellow, achieved through a base coat of Averland Sunset followed by layers of Yriel Yellow and highlights of Flash Gitz Yellow. The trim and other details were painted in a matte black color such as Abaddon Black, and metallic silver accents were added to denote rank or specialization.

Some Imperial Fists may have also had red or white markings or details to denote rank or specialization. Overall, the Horus Heresy-era Imperial Fists Legion had a very bold and striking color scheme that reflected their determination and resilience in battle.

Tutorials to Learn to Paint Horus Heresy Imperial Fists

Duncan Rhodes Painting Academy: How to paint Horus Heresy Imperial Fists Legionary | Duncan Rhodes

Cult of Paint: How to Paint IMPERIAL FISTS | WARHAMMER 30k: THE HORUS HERESY | Space Marines |

Warhammer TV: How to Paint: Horus Heresy Imperial Fists

Night Lords

The Night Lords Legion paint scheme during the Horus Heresy era was primarily midnight blue with silver and gold accents. The main color of the armor was a dark blue, achieved through a base coat of Kantor Blue followed by layers of Caledor Sky and highlights of Alaitoc Blue. The trim and other details were painted in a bright metallic silver color such as Runefang Steel, and gold accents were added to denote rank or specialization.

Some Night Lords may have also had red or white markings or details to denote rank or unit affiliation. They also had white lightning bolts highlighting parts of their armor. Overall, the Horus Heresy-era Night Lords Legion had a very ominous and eerie color scheme that reflected their ruthless tactics and terror tactics.

Tutorials to Learn How to Paint Horus Heresy Night Lords:

Warhammer TV: How to Paint: Horus Heresy Night Lords

Mediocre Hobbies: Heresy Made Easy! How to paint Legions: Night Lords!

Bluufrog: Painting Night lords for the Horus Heresy

Blood Angels

The Blood Angels Legion paint scheme during the Horus Heresy era was primarily red with gold and black accents. The main color of the armor was a deep red, achieved through a base coat of Mephiston Red followed by layers of Evil Sunz Scarlet and highlights of Wild Rider Red. The trim and other details were painted in a bright metallic gold color such as Balthasar Gold or Retributor Armour, and black accents were added to denote rank or specialization.

Some Blood Angels may have also had white or yellow markings or details to denote rank or unit affiliation. Overall, the Horus Heresy-era Blood Angels Legion had a very regal and imposing color scheme that reflected their noble and heroic nature as warriors.

Tutorials to Learn How to Paint Horus Heresy Blood Angels:

Duncan Rhodes Painting Academy: How to Paint Heresy era Blood Angels Legionaries for Warhammer | Duncan Rhodes

Warhammer TV: How to Paint: Horus Heresy Blood Angels

Hobby with Oli: The Horus Heresy: Age of Darkness Box to Battlefield – Painting a BLOOD ANGELS ARMY in 1 WEEK

Iron Hands

The Iron Hands Legion paint scheme during the Horus Heresy era was primarily black with silver and red accents. The main color of the armor was a deep black, achieved through a base coat of Abaddon Black followed by layers of Eshin Grey and highlights of Dawnstone. The trim and other details were painted in a bright metallic silver color such as Runefang Steel, and red accents were added to denote rank or specialization.

Some Iron Hands may have also had white or yellow markings or details to denote rank or unit affiliation. Overall, the Horus Heresy-era Iron Hands Legion had a very austere and utilitarian color scheme that reflected their dedication to logic and efficiency over aesthetics.

Tutorials to Learn How to Paint Horus Heresy Iron Hands:

Warhammer TV: How to Paint: Horus Heresy Iron Hands

Cult of Paint: How to Paint IRON HANDS Space Marines for Warhammer 40k and the Horus Heresy

Hellstorm Gaming: Games Workshop MADE us paint IRON HANDS for The Horus Heresy Age of Darkness

World Eaters

The World Eaters Legion paint scheme during the Horus Heresy era was primarily white and blue with gold accents. The main color of the armor was a dull white, achieved through a base coat of White Scar followed by a wash of Apothecary White. The trim and other details were painted in a gold color such as Balthasar Gold or Retributor Armor, and red accents were added to denote rank or specialization.

Some World Eaters may have also had black or white markings or details to denote rank or unit affiliation. And they were almost always speckled in Blood for the Blood God. Overall, the Horus Heresy-era World Eaters Legion had a very brutal and savage color scheme that reflected their violent and bloodthirsty nature in battle.

Tutorials to Learn How to Paint Horus Heresy World Eaters:

Pete the Wargamer: How I Painted A Horus Heresy World Eaters Army For a WARHAMMER WORLD Display

Sonic Sledgehammer: Horus Heresy-era World Eaters – Fast! [How I Paint Things]

Warhammer TV: How to Paint: Horus Heresy World Eaters

Ultramarines

The Ultramarines Legion paint scheme during the Horus Heresy era was primarily blue with gold and white accents. The main color of the armor was a bright blue, achieved through a base coat of Macragge Blue followed by layers of Calgar Blue and highlights of Lothern Blue. The trim and other details were painted in a bright metallic gold color such as Balthasar Gold or Retributor Armour, and white accents were added to denote rank or specialization.

Some Ultramarines may have also had red or black markings or details to denote rank or unit affiliation. Overall, the Horus Heresy-era Ultramarines Legion had a very clean and disciplined color scheme that reflected their strict adherence to what would be the Codex Astartes and their focus on tactical flexibility in battle.

Tutorials to Learn How to Paint Horus Heresy Ultramarines:

Warhammer TV: How to paint: Horus Heresy Ultramarines

Cult of Paint: How to Paint ULTRAMARINES | WARHAMMER: THE HORUS HERESY | Space Marines |

Mediocre Hobbies: Heresy Made Easy! How to paint Legions: Ultramarines!

Death Guard

The Death Guard Legion paint scheme during the Horus Heresy era was primarily a sickly green with brass and bone accents. The main color of the armor was a green-gray hue, achieved through a base coat of Death Guard Green followed by layers of Nurgling Green and highlights of Ogryn Camo. The trim and other details were painted in a brass color such as Balthasar Gold or Brass Scorpion, and bone accents were added to denote rank or specialization.

Some Death Guard may have also had black or white markings or details to denote rank or unit affiliation. Overall, the Horus Heresy-era Death Guard Legion had a very decayed and putrid color scheme that reflected their allegiance to Nurgle, the Chaos God of Decay and Pestilence.

Tutorials to Learn How to Paint Horus Heresy Death Guard:

Mediocre Hobbies: Heresy Made Easy! How to paint Legions: Death Guard!

Warhammer TV: How to Paint: Horus Heresy Death Guard

Sonic Sledgehammer: Scaling Up Simple Methods – Death Guard Terminator Speed Painting [How I Paint Things]

Thousand Sons

The Thousand Sons Legion paint scheme during the Horus Heresy era was primarily red and gold. The main color of the armor was a bright, shining red, achieved through a base coat of a metallic like Retributor Armor followed by layers of Mephiston Red and highlights of Wild Rider Red. The trim and other details were painted in a bright metallic gold color such as Balthasar Gold or Retributor Armour.

The Thousand Sons also featured intricate patterns of red and white, known as Osirian symbology, painted onto their armor to reflect their arcane nature and devotion to the Thousand Sons’ Primarch, Magnus the Red. Overall, the Horus Heresy-era Thousand Sons Legion had a very regal and mystical color scheme that reflected their obsession with knowledge and sorcery.

Tutorials to Learn How to Paint Horus Heresy Thousand Sons:

Cult of Paint: How to Paint THOUSAND SONS | WARHAMMER: THE HORUS HERESY | Space Marines |

Warhammer TV: How to Paint: Horus Heresy Thousand Sons

Warhipster: Contrast+ How to Paint: Thousand Sons

Sons of Horus

The Sons of Horus Legion paint scheme during the Horus Heresy era was primarily green-turquoise and black accents. The main color of the armor was a turquoise color such as Sotek Green or Temple Guard Blue, The trim was deep black, achieved through a base coat of Abaddon Black followed by layers of Eshin Grey and highlights of Dawnstone. At times, however, their paint scheme was white and black.

Some Sons of Horus may have also had white or red markings or details to denote rank or unit affiliation. Overall, the Horus Heresy-era Sons of Horus Legion had a very striking and ominous color scheme that reflected their loyalty to Horus and their willingness to use any means necessary to achieve victory.

Tutorials to Learn How to Paint Horus Heresy Sons of Horus

JuanHidalgo Miniatures: How to Paint SONS OF HORUS armour like the BOXART!

Warhammer TV: How to Paint: Horus Heresy Sons of Horus

Cult of Paint: How to Paint SONS OF HORUS | WARHAMMER: THE HORUS HERESY | Space Marines |

Word Bearers

The Word Bearers Legion paint scheme during the Horus Heresy era was primarily a dark crimson with black and gold accents. The main color of the armor was a deep red, achieved through a base coat of Khorne Red followed by layers of Word Bearers Red and highlights of Evil Sunz Scarlet. The trim and other details were painted in a matte black color such as Abaddon Black, and metallic gold accents were added to denote rank or specialization.

Some Word Bearers may have also had white or bone markings or details–often long scrollwork writing–to denote rank or unit affiliation. Overall, the Horus Heresy-era Word Bearers Legion had a very ominous and fanatical color scheme that reflected their zealous devotion to the Chaos Gods and their willingness to do whatever it takes to spread their twisted gospel.

Tutorials to Learn How to Paint Horus Heresy Word Bearers:

Warhammer TV: How to Paint: Horus Heresy Word Bearers

Broadsword Wargaming: Painting the New Horus Age of Darkness Heresy Boxed Set for Warhammer World | Word Bearers

Bluufrog: How To Paint The Arch Heretics! The Word Bearers – Horus Heresy

Salamanders

The Salamanders Legion paint scheme during the Horus Heresy era changed often, depending on the painter or artist. One scheme was primarily black with flame-inspired accents of red, orange and yellow. The main color of the armor was a dark charcoal black, achieved through a base coat of Abaddon Black followed by layers of Mechanicus Standard Grey and highlights of Dawnstone. The trim and other details were painted in a bright metallic silver color such as Runefang Steel, and the flame-inspired accents were painted in a blend of red, orange and yellow colors to resemble the flickering flames of a fire.

Overall, the Horus Heresy-era Salamanders Legion had a very distinctive and striking color scheme that reflected their connection to the elemental forces of fire and their emphasis on craftsmanship and artistry.

Tutorials to Learn How to Paint Horus Heresy Salamanders:

Warhammer TV: How to Paint: Horus Heresy Salamanders

Warhipster: Contrast+ How to Paint: Salamanders

Cult of Paint: How to Paint SALAMANDERS | WARHAMMER: THE HORUS HERESY | Space Marines |

Raven Guard

The Raven Guard Legion paint scheme during the Horus Heresy era was primarily black with white and silver accents. The main color of the armor was a dark black, achieved through a base coat of Abaddon Black followed by layers of Eshin Grey and highlights of Dawnstone. The trim and other details were painted in a bright metallic silver color such as Runefang Steel, and white accents were added to denote rank or specialization.

Some Raven Guard may have also had red or green markings or details to denote rank or unit affiliation. Overall, the Horus Heresy-era Raven Guard Legion had a very shadowy and stealthy color scheme that reflected their tactics of surprise and deception in battle.

Tutorials to Learn How to Paint Raven Guard:

Warhammer TV: How to Paint: Horus Heresy Raven Guard

Cult of Paint: How to Paint RAVENGUARD | WARHAMMER: THE HORUS HERESY | Space Marines |

Mediocre Hobbies: Heresy Made Easy! How to paint Legions: Raven Guard!

Alpha Legion

The Alpha Legion paint scheme during the Horus Heresy era was primarily blue-green with silver and black accents. The main color of the armor was a blue-green hue, achieved through a base coat of Caliban Green followed by layers of Warpstone Glow and highlights of Moot Green. The trim and other details were painted in a bright metallic silver color such as Runefang Steel, and black accents were added to denote rank or specialization.

Overall, the Horus Heresy-era Alpha Legion had a very enigmatic and mysterious color scheme that reflected their secretive nature and their mastery of deception and subterfuge.

Tutorials to Learn How to Paint Horus Heresy Alpha Legion:

Mediocre Hobbies: Heresy Made Easy! How to paint Legions: Alpha Legion!

Warhammer TV: How to Paint: Horus Heresy Alpha Legion

Vince Venturella: Horus Heresy Alpha Legion – HC 346

Do All Horus Heresy Space Marines Have to Follow The Official Color Scheme?

So we’ve seen all the official color schemes, but do all Horus Heresy Space Marines have to follow these canonical color schemes? The answer is a resounding No. You can even see the difference between the canonical illustrations and the canonical Warhammer Studio paint jobs.

The truth is that there were many, many variant of the color schemes that were worn by the legions in before, during, and directly after The Horus Heresy. Sometimes the Imperial Fists were yellow and red and black and sometimes they were black and yellow and white. Sometimes the World Eaters were blue and white and sometimes they were red and white. Sometimes the Dark Angels were black and sometimes they were green and sometimes they were partially bone-colored.

The thing to remember is that, during and before the Horus Heresy, the Space Marine Legions were enormous, spread all across the galaxy with hundreds of thousands of Marines. Each individual Space Marine company could have its own color scheme just based on heraldry. They could have their own color scheme based on the fact that the supply chain was bad and they had to do the best with what they could. They could have their own color scheme if they were veterans of a specific battle and wanted to commemorate it. All of these and more are reasons why the Space Marines could look different from the “official” version and still be canonical.

And take the Traitor Legions. The further they got into the Heresy, the further they became corrupted by Chaos. Their beautiful armor was not always going to stay the same color as the Death Guard gave over to the corruption of Nurgle, for example. They would be just as likely to have tentacles toward the end of the Heresy as Warhammer 40k Death Guard do now.

So there’s nothing wrong with giving your Horus Heresy army your own unique spin.

What Are Blackshields?

The Blackshields are a perfect example of how you can do literally ANYTHING you want with your Horus Heresy Marines. The Blackshields were Space Marines that went against their own legion. Maybe they were Sons of Horus who didn’t want to turn traitor. Maybe they were Space Wolves who did want to turn traitor. Maybe they were just venturing out on their own, totally fed up with this Heresy shit.

In the instance of the Blackshields you can paint them in any color and–and this is where they’re especially different–they don’t have to be one of the 18 Legions. They can be their own thing with their own name and their own backstory. And they can fight whoever they want, on whatever side they want.

You can literally do anything you want with your Horus Heresy Space Marines.

But Isn’t The Horus Heresy the Warhammer Version of a Historical Game?

NO. The Horus Heresy is no more historical than Star Wars is just because Star Wars happened to take place “A Long Time Ago”. Anything can happen. Anyone can wear anything, as long as you justify it with some good backstory. And you can go as fanfic with the backstory as you want. I’ve read whole chapters and chapters that are the backstory of someone’s unique Horus Heresy legion, and I’ve read “They were Thousand Sons who were still in camouflage armor from a recent war, didn’t have good supplies, and decided to fight for the Emperor.” There. That’s a backstory.

(Didn’t know that there was camouflage armor? Check out the Warhammer 1st Edition Compendium and you’ll see some wild tiger stripes of camouflage armor.)

So when you get your Horus Heresy boxed set and are deciding how you want to paint your Space Marines, don’t think that you have to stick to the “official” colors. Anything can be a canonical color scheme in The Horus Heresy.

P.S. If you want to mess things up a little more…

This image was posted to Reddit with the really old school color schemes. Link to the Reddit Thread here.