Space Marines

Space Marines are the classic and arguably most iconic army in Warhammer 40,000. Space Marines are genetically modified elite soldiers who fight for the Empire in the grim future. They are heavily equipped with thick armor and powerful weapons, primarily using few but powerful units.

You can read about all the other factions in Warhammer 40k here.

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Thousands of years ago, in the earliest days of the Empire, the Emperor of Mankind created genetically modified warriors who laid the foundation for all future Space Marines. Space Marines are protectors of the human race and are the Empire's most powerful warriors. They are physically stronger and far more robust than ordinary humans. A Space Marine is immune to poison and disease and can survive massive damage that would have wiped out others... and still continue to fight! They know no fear.

Weapons and Equipment
Space Marines have a vast arsenal of powerful weapons, armors, and war machines at their disposal. Most iconic is their power armour. A close-fitting combat armor made of adamantium and plasteel. Each armor is technically advanced, with targeting technology, built-in first aid, and features that allow a Space Marine to survive in even the most unthinkable environments.

Most Space Marines carry bolt firearms of various calibers, from the compact bolt-pistol to the massive heavy-bolters. Bolters are some of the most powerful handheld weapons in the Empire. The ammunition consists of rocket-propelled cartridges that explode on contact with the target. For a Space Marine, this means that each shot equals a dead opponent!

Of course, Space Marines also have a plethora of war machines. Motorcycles, tanks, and not least the cybernetic Dreadnoughts; massive war machines powered by fallen Space Marines, who despite their near-immortality, have been too severely wounded to fight in the traditional way.

Chapters
Space Marines are divided into different factions, called "chapters". Each chapter has its own unique theme, colors, and play style. Each chapter has its own genetic quirks and their own rules and traditions. The blue Ultramarines are said to be the prototype of a Space Marine chapter. With a Roman theme, they are the Empire's most loyal warriors. Blood Angels in their corresponding blood-red armors, focus on high speed and close combat. But they carry a dark secret; a genetic flaw makes them prone to go berserk in an unstoppable blood frenzy! The mysterious Dark Angels are shrouded in secrets, and many doubt whether they are loyal to the Empire at all. But they have plasma weapons. Lots of plasma weapons! There are many more chapters yet, and you can always invent your own chapter with your own unique colors and backstory.

Space Marines Play Style
Space Marines are an army that can be played in many different ways. There isn't one particular thing this army does exceptionally well, but it is good at everything, and generally a well-balanced army. A large part of this is due to their massive Codex (rulebook), which is the largest compared to all other armies. Many of the different chapters even have their own codex, so you can further specialize your army in a specific direction. Combined with a wealth of Stratagems, the result is an army that can be adapted to many different play styles. If you like variation, this is an army for you. Space Marines can also be played in Kill Team, which you can read more about here.