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I was gonna get into 40k and was interested in playing space marines. I just wanted some ideas as to what I should start out with. This was what I had in mind:

1x tactical marine squad w/ melta and rocket launcher

2x devastator squads (heavy bolters n plasma cannon)

1x assault squad (bolt n chain)

1x ironclad dreadnought (not sure with what yet)

1x stormraven.

I also have an unpainted predator with lasscannons but sadly I cannot find it . I was going to paint star phantoms hence lots of plasma n melta.

Well, don't mix and match heavy weapons in Dev squads. That leads to squads that may at first seem versatile, but will in all actuality end up wasting half their shots at any given target. You didn't clarify what you wanted for each Devastator squad so I don't know what the spread of plasma to heavy bolters is, but I'm just throwing that out there!

You actually have an illegal army right there, as you have only one Troops choice (the Tactical Marines) and no HQ. The Space Marines codex comes out at the beginning of September, so things may change, but it's safe to assume that the basics of the army will generally function the same way. Tactical squads work best in Rhinos (making for a mobile 10-man unit) or Razorbacks (with half the squad sticking around in the backfield with a heavy weapon on an objective) and these vehicles give the unit a boost in mobility and survivability. Either way, adding some armor to your army wouldn't be a bad idea, since as is you're going to get all an opponent's anti vehicle fire directed at your dreadnought and Stormraven. Dreadnoughts aren't great this edition, but they're fun.

Well, first off you're missing one of the minimum 2 troops choices and the manditory HQ choice. Adding a second tactical squad or a scout squad and your choice of a captain, chaplain or librarian will solve that. Devastators are expensive, but can give good firing support. The assault squad, especially if just a 5 man unit on its own, will have difficulties doing anything before getting shot up. I've read that dreadnoughts aren't doing so well now, but it may be fun to bring the ironclad, especially if you're going for casual play. I can't speak for the Stormraven, though.

So, barring the manditory additions, this could be a decent force for casual play. Perhaps consider giving one devastator squad a missile launcher or two, just because you're lacking a bit of ranged anti-tank.


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Drop pods are another decent idea, as they let your squads get right into combat withlittle risk of mishap. If you take them, having 3 would be best, so they can support each other. They cost the same as a rhino in both points and $, but I think they may fit your having the stormraven better.

I agree with Brother SRM.You could leave it a few weeks until the new 'dex drops ( i am looking forward to it myself very much ) and then look into adding another troop choice plus rhino's and an HQ.

As to the Ironclad,how about the base loadout of DCCW and Seismic Hammer ( you get a storm bolter and meltagun on them respectively and you can swap them out if you like ).

Ok thank for the suggestions I didn't know that there was a certain army structure. As for the codex then I will wait till September as see whats new. In the mean time ill re organize my army list.