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OK, I've said it. I thought it might be nice to have a thread to talk about what we like about the NuMarines. For me, it's most of it. I never liked OldMarines, so have never had any before, but I am slowly building up my Primaris only Deathwatch force (converted Primaris Watchmaster and all). I really like the look of the Intercessors and Hellbalsters, in particular, but I have to admit that Aggressors have really grown on me and are becoming a much-loved model. I also like the Vanguard Marines. Whilst I do head swaps on everything I should point out I don't actually like the Incursors helmets much, but the rest of the model is great. I also have a particular fondness for Eliminators and I like the concept of suppressors, but am converting mine to be standing rather than on flight stands.

I also enjoy their rules, they play more like the Marines I would have wanted over the years and look more like them as well.



There's a couple of my lads, not finished yet, and I don't paint very well, but I like them! What things about the Primaris do you think are awesome?

I salute your positivity.

I like Primaris too, the post gathering storm era is more and more intreasting with every novel etc written about it. and I like the over all look of them. there's the odd primaris unit that doesn't quite work for me, but even of those they've begun to grow on me (I used to dislike agressors until I saw more and more examples of them looking nice)

BrianDavion wrote:
I like Primaris too, the post gathering storm era is more and more intreasting with every novel etc written about it. and I like the over all look of them. there's the odd primaris unit that doesn't quite work for me, but even of those they've begun to grow on me (I used to dislike agressors until I saw more and more examples of them looking nice)

Pretty much the same for me. Until I got my hands on them and could mess witht he posing a little to get them to look how I wanted I wasn't a fan.

I liked Marine lore for yonks, but painting them was just a slog I couldn't enjoy.

Primaris have changed that with their larger surface areas (great for decals too) and cleaner detail (though some of that is likely attributable to the molds being even better than ever).

Best of all they -feel- like Marines on the table now and it's great.

I will echo a recent vid I saw on Youtube, and it definitely resonates with me.
They all just feel the same, there is no variation for chapters, and therefore the chapters lose their identity.
If just playing Primaris currently, what's the difference between Dark Angels, Ultramarines, White Scars, Blood Angels and Space Wolves? Absolutely nothing, and to me that is a tragedy.

ClockworkZion wrote:I liked Marine lore for yonks, but painting them was just a slog I couldn't enjoy.

Primaris have changed that with their larger surface areas (great for decals too) and cleaner detail (though some of that is likely attributable to the molds being even better than ever).

Best of all they -feel- like Marines on the table now and it's great.

Playing like marines is a big part of it. I'm an Eldar player at heart, but I'm really liking playing with and against Primaris, not a sense I get from regular marines.

bullyboy wrote:I will echo a recent vid I saw on Youtube, and it definitely resonates with me.
They all just feel the same, there is no variation for chapters, and therefore the chapters lose their identity.
If just playing Primaris currently, what's the difference between Dark Angels, Ultramarines, White Scars, Blood Angels and Space Wolves? Absolutely nothing, and to me that is a tragedy.

That's what you like about them? Odd.

Intercessors are as differentiated as Tactical squads between the different chapters and unit selection should play a large role, just as it always has in making things feel different. It's the trait and what units you mix together that makes them feel different, just the same as old marines. Expecially for Codex chapters like Ultramarines and White Scars.

Drager wrote:

ClockworkZion wrote:I liked Marine lore for yonks, but painting them was just a slog I couldn't enjoy.

Primaris have changed that with their larger surface areas (great for decals too) and cleaner detail (though some of that is likely attributable to the molds being even better than ever).

Best of all they -feel- like Marines on the table now and it's great.

Playing like marines is a big part of it. I'm an Eldar player at heart, but I'm really liking playing with and against Primaris, not a sense I get from regular marines.

bullyboy wrote:I will echo a recent vid I saw on Youtube, and it definitely resonates with me.
They all just feel the same, there is no variation for chapters, and therefore the chapters lose their identity.
If just playing Primaris currently, what's the difference between Dark Angels, Ultramarines, White Scars, Blood Angels and Space Wolves? Absolutely nothing, and to me that is a tragedy.

That's what you like about them? Odd.

Intercessors are as differentiated as Tactical squads between the different chapters and unit selection should play a large role, just as it always has in making things feel different. It's the trait and what units you mix together that makes them feel different, just the same as old marines. Expecially for Codex chapters like Ultramarines and White Scars.

No, it's what I don't like about them. And to be honest, no, there should be a lot more that differentiates them, otherwise, what's the point of all the supplements? Just go pure primaris and drop Ultras, WS, BAs, DAs, SWs, plus all the other first finding that will get books. A different trait is not enough, the models need to be different.

I also don't like the loss of tactical flexibility. They should have stuck with a similar theme to the Astartes. tactical sqd, with option for 1 special or heavy weapon. Dev sqd with 4 special or hvy weapons etc. It just doesn't feel like marines anymore.
I get that they feel better on the table, better weapon, 2 W, more attacks, etc, and I'm great with that, but they lost so much flavour and are simply vanilla across the board.

 bullyboy wrote:
I will echo a recent vid I saw on Youtube, and it definitely resonates with me.
They all just feel the same, there is no variation for chapters, and therefore the chapters lose their identity.
If just playing Primaris currently, what's the difference between Dark Angels, Ultramarines, White Scars, Blood Angels and Space Wolves? Absolutely nothing, and to me that is a tragedy.

This is my main complaint.

I have no issue with the concept of Primaris, I don't mind the models, and the rules are bland, but fine.

The problem is that they have no chapter identity currently. I'm not sure if it's lack of weapon options, or model/unit range, or just they way they've been put forward, but Primaris feels like a whole new army more than it feels like an addition or compliment to the existing space marine range.

I mean, go look at 3 different Primaris lists from 3 different chapters. They will be 95% the same, with most of the difference being the paint scheme.

Now look at 3 different "old marines" lists. You can really get some flavor for the different chapters in there.

There have been a lot of threads about what people don't like about Primaris. Take your complaints into those. This was about what you like about them.

If you can't help yourself but complain get out of this topic!

As for myself - I love Primaris. The models are amazing, they finally look imposing next to other factions.

I like how they play, I just wish the Repulsors were cheaper - by 70 or so points.

I love my Primaris, especially now that I got transfers on all of them.

I initially didn't like aggressors since they just had access to S4 weapons, but after witnessing how much they can actually put out they are now a core unit in my army. I'm pretty excited to have more units available to swap out to mix things up!

 Crimson wrote:
There have been a lot of threads about what people don't like about Primaris. Take your complaints into those. This was about what you like about them.

Wasn't obvious in the title thread, so perhaps he should change/edit it.
If all you want is pro-primaris fanboyism, then make it clear in the title.

Hard to say what you like without adding what you don't like if you're not 100% gooey over them (which I'm not).
So if all you want is big thumbs up talk. I like the Intercessors, Redemptor, look of hellblasters, Infiltrators and Phobos Librarian/Lt. You can garner what I don't like about them by what's left off that list. All good now?.

Ignoring the off topic posts.

I'm really liking the three troop choices now as well, by selecting different ones you get a different feel. Incursors supported by Inceptors, Eliminators and the new dread givesa very Raven guard feel, whilst Repulsors carrying Aggressors supported by Intercessors and hellblasters feels much more Iron Hands.




Automatically Appended Next Post:

 bullyboy wrote:

 Crimson wrote:
There have been a lot of threads about what people don't like about Primaris. Take your complaints into those. This was about what you like about them.

Wasn't obvious in the title thread, so perhaps he should change/edit it.
If all you want is pro-primaris fanboyism, then make it clear in the title.

Hard to say what you like without adding what you don't like if you're not 100% gooey over them (which I'm not).
So if all you want is big thumbs up talk. I like the Intercessors, Redemptor, look of hellblasters, Infiltrators and Phobos Librarian/Lt. You can garner what I don't like about them by what's left off that list. All good now?.

Pretty obvious from the OP though if you read it. A mix of like and don't like is fine, but trying to focus on the positives as what people don't like is everywhere and boring.

Drager wrote:
Ignoring the off topic posts.

I'm really liking the three troop choices now as well, by selecting different ones you get a different feel. Incursors supported by Inceptors, Eliminators and the new dread givesa very Raven guard feel, whilst Repulsors carrying Aggressors supported by Intercessors and hellblasters feels much more Iron Hands.

Is that how you plan to play them? A couple or 3 different chapters capitalizing on a certain feel that the models give? That might actually look pretty decent, going all Phobos Ravenguard (although I think that it actually hurts their trait since they want to be close, not over 12"). I don't know if there is enough variation just yet to completely tailor the lists for chapter feel, but they may get there at some point.

 bullyboy wrote:


Is that how you plan to play them? A couple or 3 different chapters capitalizing on a certain feel that the models give? That might actually look pretty decent, going all Phobos Ravenguard (although I think that it actually hurts their trait since they want to be close, not over 12"). I don't know if there is enough variation just yet to completely tailor the lists for chapter feel, but they may get there at some point.

Super doctrines are looking to be game changers. White scars promotes a very aggressive in your face playstle (AP1, D2 punches anyone?), while conversely the Smurfs are exquisite at flexible mobile shooting. Its not really fair to the First Founding chapters that havent gotten their super-doctrines yet to knock them for GWs release schedule.

I love their updated Mk IV aesthetic. It is my favorite armor type. The weapons actually look formidable too. I also like how they are more of a blank slate compared to the OldMarines that were often overloaded with molded on trinkets. Now I can put my own trinkets on to really make the Marines *mine*. Add on the fact that the models are so much easier to paint now (less trinkets but also larger with better stances), I am going more and more toward Primaris only in my primary Marine army.

In terms of play, I really like those additional wounds and attacks. That is how Space Marines should have been all along. My Primaris units always get a lot of work done. I am almost completely Primaris at this point (Pedro Kantor will be the only remaining OldMarine once I get my Las Fusil Eliminators to replace my Lascannon Devastators. If Pedro gets a Rubicon'd model, I will be 100% Primaris). I also REALLY like the fact the squads are, for the most part, single weapon. It harkens back to Heresy era, but also helps in a tactical sense since the squads are all doing one thing internally. It has sped gameplay up significantly.

 bullyboy wrote:

Drager wrote:
Ignoring the off topic posts.

I'm really liking the three troop choices now as well, by selecting different ones you get a different feel. Incursors supported by Inceptors, Eliminators and the new dread givesa very Raven guard feel, whilst Repulsors carrying Aggressors supported by Intercessors and hellblasters feels much more Iron Hands.

Is that how you plan to play them? A couple or 3 different chapters capitalizing on a certain feel that the models give? That might actually look pretty decent, going all Phobos Ravenguard (although I think that it actually hurts their trait since they want to be close, not over 12"). I don't know if there is enough variation just yet to completely tailor the lists for chapter feel, but they may get there at some point.

Personally I plan to play a battalion to backup my Dethwatch. Probably Ravenguard successors with Incursors as troops and Eliminators. Not sure on the HQs or what other units I'll include yet, still planning. I think should complement the Death Watch Kill Teams nicely. Las-fusile Eliminators look amazing and taking the -1 to be hit whilst in cover tactic and the Master Artisans tactic makes them pretty much completely independant from character support and very efficient.

I think it’s a neat idea even if the only purpose is to have real scale astartes.
Kinda sucks and ruins a lot of it to me we’re not seeing half of every named loyal Astarte have the surgery done, and have a better model released.

I like that they've upscaled marines and that's about the height of it (haw haw), they've effectively ruined marines for me with the lack of customisation and leaves marines of all flavours feeling very much the same. Some of the models are cool, but they're a far cry from the iconic marine visage.

Sorry I can't embrace the fan boying but there are some things which are hard to overlook.

Some of the bare heads from primaris kits are awesome, as are the sword bits from the DA upgrade sprue and the DA lieutenant.

Maybe not awesome as such, but the vehicles are cool.

Thats it.

 ThePrimordial wrote:
I think it’s a neat idea even if the only purpose is to have real scale astartes.
Kinda sucks and ruins a lot of it to me we’re not seeing half of every named loyal Astarte have the surgery done, and have a better model released.

Apparently the new codex says countless Astartes are crossing the Rubricon everyday, so it seems like every release tips the scale more towards Primaris and moving on with our lives instead of this internet drama.

 Tyranid Horde wrote:
I like that they've upscaled marines and that's about the height of it (haw haw), they've effectively ruined marines for me with the lack of customisation and leaves marines of all flavours feeling very much the same. Some of the models are cool, but they're a far cry from the iconic marine visage.

Sorry I can't embrace the fan boying but there are some things which are hard to overlook.

What makes Raptor Incursors feel the same as Ultramarine intercessors to you? If you take all the same units they will feel samey, but that's true of old marines too. Even within intercessors Imperial Fists with Stalkers feel a world away from Blood Angels with Assault bolters. As they are compatible with all the old bling and the sergeant can be customised weapon wise they look pretty different too.

 bullyboy wrote:
I will echo a recent vid I saw on Youtube, and it definitely resonates with me.
They all just feel the same, there is no variation for chapters, and therefore the chapters lose their identity.
If just playing Primaris currently, what's the difference between Dark Angels, Ultramarines, White Scars, Blood Angels and Space Wolves? Absolutely nothing, and to me that is a tragedy.

GW has said thats deliberate. They are starting with a common base. Give them time before starting to make special snowflake rules for us sm++ chapters. Thats why they also haven't done things like mega elite units, or meele units , etc...

I like the Primaris. My friend mains an Ultramarine force and he has made a conscious decision in not using Micro Marines anymore and his forces just look cool and menacing. The larger marine body is just so much better looking than the older models.

They're beautiful models. I wish they'd been 1:1 replacements of the old mini-marines, rather than come saddled with horrible fluff.

Drager wrote:

 Tyranid Horde wrote:
I like that they've upscaled marines and that's about the height of it (haw haw), they've effectively ruined marines for me with the lack of customisation and leaves marines of all flavours feeling very much the same. Some of the models are cool, but they're a far cry from the iconic marine visage.

Sorry I can't embrace the fan boying but there are some things which are hard to overlook.

What makes Raptor Incursors feel the same as Ultramarine intercessors to you? If you take all the same units they will feel samey, but that's true of old marines too. Even within intercessors Imperial Fists with Stalkers feel a world away from Blood Angels with Assault bolters. As they are compatible with all the old bling and the sergeant can be customised weapon wise they look pretty different too.

I'm talking about non-codex compliant chapters in terms of differences. Dark Angels with their plasma, Blood Angels with their assault tactics, Black Templars with their mixed blobs of crusaders and neophytes as close combatants. A tactical marine is the same no matter the colour but at least old marines had something to give chapters their niche. If you want to play a good list they're all extremely samey when it comes to Primaris. You want your DA Intercessors to tote a plasma cannon and gun? No you can't. Want Black Templar Crusader Intercessors to get stuck in with all those chainswords? No you can't. Customising a captain and a sergeant as Primaris pales in comparison to the options normal marines had/have.

 Tyranid Horde wrote:

Drager wrote:

 Tyranid Horde wrote:
I like that they've upscaled marines and that's about the height of it (haw haw), they've effectively ruined marines for me with the lack of customisation and leaves marines of all flavours feeling very much the same. Some of the models are cool, but they're a far cry from the iconic marine visage.

Sorry I can't embrace the fan boying but there are some things which are hard to overlook.

What makes Raptor Incursors feel the same as Ultramarine intercessors to you? If you take all the same units they will feel samey, but that's true of old marines too. Even within intercessors Imperial Fists with Stalkers feel a world away from Blood Angels with Assault bolters. As they are compatible with all the old bling and the sergeant can be customised weapon wise they look pretty different too.

I'm talking about non-codex compliant chapters in terms of differences. Dark Angels with their plasma, Blood Angels with their assault tactics, Black Templars with their mixed blobs of crusaders and neophytes as close combatants. A tactical marine is the same no matter the colour but at least old marines had something to give chapters their niche. If you want to play a good list they're all extremely samey when it comes to Primaris. You want your DA Intercessors to tote a plasma cannon and gun? No you can't. Want Black Templar Crusader Intercessors to get stuck in with all those chainswords? No you can't. Customising a captain and a sergeant as Primaris pales in comparison to the options normal marines had/have.

So your primary complaint is that they aren't finished releasing them yet? OK, that I agree with.

I still think there are a good number of effective ways to play that feel very different. DA Hellbalsters with their custom Plasma strat are capable of displaying their DA nature. Inceptors are solid with Plasma as well. You can have Dark Angels plasma spam primaris and you can have BT with Incursors as close combatants, Blood Angels intercessors with assault bolters and a PF serg sure feel very blood angel to me. It's why I used them as an example. Having special units to differentiate is something that I can understand you wanting back, but I'd rather they flesh out some other codexs first. My Flayed Skull has exactly the same unit options as my Black Heart, but they play differently, just like BA Intercessors, BT Incursors and DA Intercessors play differently. I think this might just be a bit of being used to marines having way more than everyone else, so when you're restricted to only a bit more than everyone else it feels like losing thngs.

I remember the days when Marines were just like other codex's, and that most of the differences tended to be paint jobs and maybe some slight rules... So honestly doesn't bother me too much.

Course I'm still hoping it comes to Chaos mostly.

I am a big fan of Primaris Marines. The models are the premier quality that people often say goes along with GW prices that I often didn't see in previous models. They are a huge leap in quality that I hope all 40k factions will get in time. I already think CSM, Admech, GSC, SoB and a few others already there. I do think GW will continue to work on updating models that don't fit in with this new look. Though, I will say some models I think fit just fine even if they are fairly old (Necrons, Orks).

As someone with a more historical war gaming bent, I truly appreciate that the repulsor line of tanks can hull down better than most of the previous space marine tanks (the ones with side sponsons). I have never been one for WWI aesthetics and prefer the more modern design. I think I would have preferred tracks, but if I had to choose between what is more space marine tracks or side doors, I would probably say side doors. I say this because I would much rather have grav plates or over Land Raider style suspension-less tracks, and I don't think the model could have side doors and more modern track configurations (read: M1 Abrams tank).

As for chapter personality, I was happy enough when I played Bolt Action with National Traits largely being the only difference other than the models between armies. I actually had a German, Soviet and United States army list that was nearly identical (LMGs and BARs not withstanding) down the the tanks even sharing the same stats (Paner IV, T-34, Sherman). So maybe I only need subtle rules to differentiate differing factions. That said, I think Primaris just now have enough options (mostly just the Repulsor Executioner was needed as a MBT/TD type unit) to create a compelling 2000 point army without leaning on non-primaris. And more is likely to be released to further fill it in even more. So I won't argue that a full Primaris army is going to be able to feel like well established chapters. I think that has a lot to do with, despite all the Chicken Little's protests, that well established chapters don't just use Primaris only. Rather Primaris supplement pre-established marine units in those chapters. This makes sense as GW has seemly gone out of its way to not have Primaris share the exact same role as anything space marine unit that came before it. So if a player does make a Primaris only army, I think it is fair to say they might not feel like the chapter yet, but give it some time and I think those elements will be added.

My Primaris only space marine army is Raptors all but in name to the point I don't really point it out when it hits the table they are not. I created a custom Ultima Founding chapter for them due to the fact I didn't think it felt right calling them Raptors since I don't make use of non-Primaris marines which I feel is something that reasonable marines would do. I think this goes for all the established chapters, they aren't going to throw out their traditions just because they have Primaris. Instead, I see Primaris as they become more and more incorporated into their space marine chapter adopting those traditions and having the equipment to make the most of them (along with models to do so). It is still early-ish days both in the model line and the lore. As both expand, I see the issue of Primaris not feeling like such and such chapter fading away. And in time if and when non-Primaris are largely sunsetted I think it will be because Primaris can feel like any given well establish chapter. Maybe at that point I might retire my custom chapter and they will become full Raptors.

But I don't know what the future has in store. No one does. I am on board with Primaris so I look forward to it with optimism. Not every step if going to be something I will like (it hasn't been already) but I am sure the line will contain enough stuff that I do like to not dwell on it. I don't really see much of a desire to curse the darkness when I can either light a candle or move out of the darkness. I can understand being dissatisfied, but what is done is done. Just like the final season of Game of Thrones, GW isn't going to get rid of Primaris Space Marines no matter how much you howl you don't like them.