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Why are the Space Marines so good at the GTs? I’m talking about composition and tactics (painting and sportsmanship is another topic altogether). Admittedly they haven’t done well in the last few GTs (at least not in the U.S.). But it’s not uncommon for them to continuously end up on the top tables and get in the top 10 overall for example. And with great battle scores.

There are always a lot of Space Marine players. So logically you’d think that there is a good chance that one or more would be within the top 10. But most players are familiar with them since they are one of the starting armies in the core box. And they are also so common that many tournament players gear their list a little more to beat Marines than other army types. So what is it that keeps them on top?

I’ve seen great lists that dominate at local tournaments. But that’s hardly a barometer for highly competitive environments. I’m curious to know what the top Marine lists look like. Are there any GT players that can shed some light on the subject? Thanks

~Logic

You might put this in the tactics or lists section Logic.

I think last year was a shutout for SM's at the US GT's and Adepticon. Most of the SM lists that I have seen played at the GT's last year had a ton of firepower, decent hand to hand but seriously lacked in mobility.

Darrian

I agree with Darrian. Space Marines are obsolete now compared to other newer armies.

- G

Don't worry. I'm sure GW will fix this in the upcoming codex and free rhinos will now be given to every SM squad (even assault marines and terminators who can't ride in them). This should remedy this despicable situation.

It's just a numbers game really thier are so many marine players that some are bound to break into the top 10 at any given event. Currently the most competetive builds IMO are shooty with loads of assault cannons (terms and tornados) and 6 man las/plas squads with two libbys thrown in for fury and fear psych powers or one force commander with high ld for priority checks.

I agree with Darrian. Space Marines are obsolete now compared to other newer armies.

I disagree, it's just seems a lot of your top players have gone over to the Xenos scum side or the ruinous powers as of late.

I did not write that SM's are obsolete. Actually they are currently stronger than they were last year. Chaos is much weaker due to the new codex. Last codex, CSM's could do everything SM's could do only better. That is no longer the case.
While Orks are the new, most feared army, they are beatable by a shooty SM army. Expect to see SM lists with tons of heavy bolters at Adepticon.

I know that 5th ed will change things.

Darrian

In tournaments with any kind of opponent-scored comp/sports, Space Marine armies will do well. Any army designed to kill marines will score low in comp/sports, discouraging people from bringing stuff that will easily beat Marines.