With the Orks set to launch many a Waaagh! across the galaxy, it’s time for the Emperor’s finest to hit back – with greater strength.
Yes, the new Codex: Space Marines is on the way, and the Adeptus Astartes are undergoing some serious improvements. Your basic warriors are becoming Strength 5 – that includes combat knives, chainswords AND bolt pistols. Meanwhile, Intercessor bolt rifles now have two fire modes – one that’s Strength 5 and the other a whopping Strength 6. Warriors in Tacticus plate are also moving to Toughness 5!
A look at the Intercessor stat line and some of the weapon profiles.
Phobos-armoured troops stay at Toughness 4, but get a movement boost to 8 inches, making it easy for them to engage isolated enemy units or claim vital objectives. That’s just a taste of the big changes that are coming to Space Marines as unit stats and weapon profiles change throughout the Codex.
Each warrior will be better, stronger, and faster, making them feel like the superhuman soldiers they are supposed to be. This will also mean an increase in points values, so armies will be smaller, playing like the elite strike forces from the lore.
Heretic Astartes and Codex-divergent Chapters will get similar boosts to bring them in line with these new rules, so everyone can enjoy Toughness 6 Terminators firing Strength 5 storm bolters. These will automatically update in Warhammer 40,000: The App when Codex: Space Marines launches in October.
As we heard, many venerable Space Marine units will be leaving the codex.
This doesn't mean that you need to stop using them in your games. Many of these units can continue to serve in your army using the rules for comparable units as “Legendary Proxies”, while other units will continue to be supported with Legends rules.
As with Legends rules, Legendary Proxies can be used at home, in stores, clubs, and campaigns, but if attending a competitive Warhammer event, these units should only be used with the permission of the event organiser.
The following units are leaving the codex and becoming Legendary Proxies.
Tactical Squad – counts as an Intercessor Squad
Devastator Squad – counts as a Desolation Squad
Suppressor Squad – counts as an Inceptor Squad
Pedro Kantor – counts as a Captain
Uriel Ventris – counts as a Captain
These units are leaving the codex, but will get Warhammer Legends rules:
Centurion Assault Squad
Centurion Devastator Squad
Razorback
Predator Destructor
Predator Annihilator
Vindicator
Whirlwind
Stormhawk Interceptor
Stormtalon Gunship
Stormraven Gunship
Hammerfall Bunker
Rules for Space Marine Legends units will also be added to the Warhammer 40,000 App alongside the codex, so it’s easier than ever to add them to your armies. This will be the pattern with Legends units in all armies as new codexes are released.
