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I was curious about the points efficiency of the new Primaris Marines so I decided to run a little bit of MathHammer and compare Hellblasters with a regular Devastator squad with plasma cannons. 5 Hellblasters all with Plasma Incinerators come in at 190 points while 10 Devastators with 4 plasma cannons are 214 points.

Both squads have T4, 10 wounds and a 3+ save. The Devastator squad has a marginal advantage in that it does not start to seriously lose firepower until you have taken 6 ablative wounds. The Hellblasters drop off every time a guy dies (every 2 wounds). Devastators are also better again multi-wound weapons since each hit can only kill one Marine so any overkill is wasted. Minor advantage Devastators.

Primaris Marines are more resilient to Battleshock although Devs are decent and both squads have ATSKNF to soften the blow. Minor advantage Hellblasters.

The Devastators average 8 plasma shots per turn at up to 36" range. Hellblasters get 10 at up to 15" range but only 5 at up to 30". Hellblasters get an extra point of AP and can fire better on the move. However the Devastators also get 6 bolters to back them up which can now theoretically damage even Land Raiders. Overall I think this roughly balances the firepower.

The Primaris Marines can fit in Razorback which makes mobility cheaper while the Devs require a Rhino. Minor advantage Hellblasters.

Given that the Devs are about 10% more than the Hellblasters, I think the Hellblasters probably have a slight edge in terms of points efficiency but it is a pretty close thing. Also it is clear that Devs have the advantage if you are looking for a static fire-support unit while the Hellblasters look good for mobile firepower (which is what you would expect). Overall I am quite pleased. If this pattern is repeated with other units it suggests that GW have managed to make the Primaris marines attractive without totally invalidating older Marine units.

Any thoughts or comments?

 Karhedron wrote:
The Primaris Marines can fit in Razorback which makes mobility cheaper while the Devs require a Rhino. Minor advantage Hellblasters.

Cool comparison, but I was under the impression that Primaris were not able to fit in standard sized Astartes transports? At least, that what's I saw in the leaked photos of the Index books.

In that case, I think the Devestators might actually pull ahead of the Primaris, since their mobility is cut down. Plus, with my experiences with AoS, you should also consider maximum damage when planning out units, which it sounds like the Devestators would have the advantage with the nature of Plasma Cannons.

I'd agree roughly with that analysis. I think I'd slightly prefer the Devs for the extra range, bearing in mind firing on the move will now be easier, despite the points difference.

 BunkhouseBuster wrote:
I was under the impression that Primaris were not able to fit in standard sized Astartes transports? At least, that what's I saw in the leaked photos of the Index books.

Ah, you are quite right. It is in the notes for the vehicles rather than the Primaris marines themselves which is why is missed it.

 Karhedron wrote:

 BunkhouseBuster wrote:
I was under the impression that Primaris were not able to fit in standard sized Astartes transports? At least, that what's I saw in the leaked photos of the Index books.

Ah, you are quite right. It is in the notes for the vehicles rather than the Primaris marines themselves which is why is missed it.

Yeah, it is tricky to notice, as are a few other things upon early viewings of the Index books. I remembered seeing it for Drop Pods and Land Raiders, so I assumed that it would apply to Razorbacks as well.

1. Both squads firing at a unit 30" away.
2. The devastators have not moved.
3. Target Stats: Toughness 4, 5 or 6. Save 2+.
4. Not supercharged.

Hellblaster expected wounds: 1.389
Devastator expected wounds: 1.778

And if the devastators move:

Hellblaster expected wounds: 1.389
Devastator expected wounds: 1.334

And if the save was only 3+, with the devastators not moving:
Hellblaster & devastator expected wounds both 1.667

Naturally in rapid fire range of the Hellblaster, that squad wins handily against units with strong armor.

Of course the Hellblaster squad will have less variance in its damage, because the shots aren't dictated by a D3.

But regardless, the plasma cannon devs still do ok.