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I haven’t picked up the space marine codex because haven’t played a lot this edition and when I have it’s been with my Xenos army. But now a buddy wants to play against my space marines. I just hate to spend 50 dollars on the codex and then the rumors be true, in a few months it gets replaced with marines 2.0 and I have to fork over another 50$ with hardly no games played out of the original book I just bought......

What would you do? should I just get the codex or wait and see what 2019 brings.

Get it. I honestly don't put much value in the Marine Codex 2.0 theory. And if it does happen, I really doubt it will include normal marines. So yeah, go ahead and get it I'd say.

Nah. Get the Deathwatch codex instead. You won't regret it.

Slayer-Fan123 wrote:
Nah. Get the Deathwatch codex instead. You won't regret it.

Seconded.
Deathwatch is the way to go atm.

 wuestenfux wrote:

Slayer-Fan123 wrote:
Nah. Get the Deathwatch codex instead. You won't regret it.

Seconded.
Deathwatch is the way to go atm.

Maybe for power level, but in terms of versatility Codex: Space Marines is unbeatable.

Try building some lists from your models in Battlescribe, it's almost self-explanatory. What you really want are the Datacards:Space Marines - you'll need them for Maelstrom Missions anyway, and you'll get all the Stratagems (which is basically the only thing that's missing in BattleScribe) as handy cards, too.

The codex itself is almost worthless now as almost no point values are correct, especially once CA2018 is out.

nekooni wrote:

 wuestenfux wrote:

Slayer-Fan123 wrote:
Nah. Get the Deathwatch codex instead. You won't regret it.

Seconded.
Deathwatch is the way to go atm.

Maybe for power level, but in terms of versatility Codex: Space Marines is unbeatable.

Try building some lists from your models in Battlescribe, it's almost self-explanatory. What you really want are the Datacards:Space Marines - you'll need them for Maelstrom Missions anyway, and you'll get all the Stratagems (which is basically the only thing that's missing in BattleScribe) as handy cards, too.

The codex itself is almost worthless now as almost no point values are correct, especially once CA2018 is out.

Agree. I don´t use my Codex any more.

Generally speaking you need your codex. If you get the PDF on a iOS device the point values get updated as well.

If you are looking to get the minimum you should be ok with Battlescribe and the datacards.

Depends where you want to play and what their policy is. Playing in GW stores, they'll generally expect you to have paid for the rules. Every manager has their own style, but generally Battlescribe is frowned upon, but they'll turn a blind eye if you have your book anyway.

 Karthicus wrote:
Generally speaking you need your codex. If you get the PDF on a iOS device the point values get updated as well.

If you are looking to get the minimum you should be ok with Battlescribe and the datacards.

What exactly would you need the codex for? SM unit design is rather straightforward, all the rules are in BS. All the stratagems are in the Datacards. All the points are wrong anyway thanks to CA. All that's left right now is a shiny book for your shelf, and the story/fluffy part of the codex. And honestly - just grab some novels from Black Library, they're a much better read. Or go to the various 40k wikipedias if you just want details about a specific faction or chapter - they have MUCH more details as they include all of the sources available.

*edit* hadn't thought about the GW store angle, granted. That's probably something you'd check with the store in question. If you tell them you're on the fence on buying the codex, they'll probably let you use an in-store copy for the day to get you to buy it. Obviously not a long-term solution though unless you plan on changing location constantly ;-)

Your friend is looking for easy wins against an army he knows is trash-tier; agree to the game, bring Xenos instead, and then laugh at his betrayed tears.

In all seriousness though, the only things of value in the book that aren't in Battlescribe are the three or four strategems that aren't garbage and the psychic powers.

 wuestenfux wrote:

Slayer-Fan123 wrote:
Nah. Get the Deathwatch codex instead. You won't regret it.

Seconded.
Deathwatch is the way to go atm.

Thirded - Space marines are trash. DW is the only marine chapter right now.

nekooni wrote:

 wuestenfux wrote:

Slayer-Fan123 wrote:
Nah. Get the Deathwatch codex instead. You won't regret it.

Seconded.
Deathwatch is the way to go atm.

Maybe for power level, but in terms of versatility Codex: Space Marines is unbeatable.

Try building some lists from your models in Battlescribe, it's almost self-explanatory. What you really want are the Datacards:Space Marines - you'll need them for Maelstrom Missions anyway, and you'll get all the Stratagems (which is basically the only thing that's missing in BattleScribe) as handy cards, too.

The codex itself is almost worthless now as almost no point values are correct, especially once CA2018 is out.

Versatility? You only lose Scouts and Ancients. Any of the heavier weapons you can take are better done by other armies.

Never buy a codex. You can get the rules elsewhere, and the codex is just buying something that is already out of date

Alex_85 wrote:

nekooni wrote:

 wuestenfux wrote:

Slayer-Fan123 wrote:
Nah. Get the Deathwatch codex instead. You won't regret it.

Seconded.
Deathwatch is the way to go atm.

Maybe for power level, but in terms of versatility Codex: Space Marines is unbeatable.

Try building some lists from your models in Battlescribe, it's almost self-explanatory. What you really want are the Datacards:Space Marines - you'll need them for Maelstrom Missions anyway, and you'll get all the Stratagems (which is basically the only thing that's missing in BattleScribe) as handy cards, too.

The codex itself is almost worthless now as almost no point values are correct, especially once CA2018 is out.

Agree. I don´t use my Codex any more.

Seconded - if you’ll only play SM occasionally, Index + BattleScribe + Datacards is the way to go.

is it worth buying as in "will it be replaced soon?" - no one can tell you. It's purely speculative that there may be a new marine codex next year but no one can say for sure.

Depending on how much use you think you'll get out of the book it's up to you if you think it's worth it. Do you play one game every few months? Then probably not. As others mentioned, battlescribe will give you all the rules and stats you need and the data card deck will give you all strats, objectives and powers.

Thanks for the responses everyone. I have the cards and battlescribe so I’m just going to stick to that and wait and see if another book drops.

It’s at his private home so not really an issue about being at a GW store. Just for some reason he thinks I should have it to play. *shrug*

I happen to think Marine Codex 2.0 is indeed coming, and will hit alongside the second wave of Primaris next year.

This could happen in the next 3,6 or 9 months however.

The safest bet is probably May, around 2 years after the launch of Dark Imperium.

Slayer-Fan123 wrote:

nekooni wrote:

 wuestenfux wrote:

Slayer-Fan123 wrote:
Nah. Get the Deathwatch codex instead. You won't regret it.

Seconded.
Deathwatch is the way to go atm.

Maybe for power level, but in terms of versatility Codex: Space Marines is unbeatable.

Try building some lists from your models in Battlescribe, it's almost self-explanatory. What you really want are the Datacards:Space Marines - you'll need them for Maelstrom Missions anyway, and you'll get all the Stratagems (which is basically the only thing that's missing in BattleScribe) as handy cards, too.

The codex itself is almost worthless now as almost no point values are correct, especially once CA2018 is out.

Versatility? You only lose Scouts and Ancients. Any of the heavier weapons you can take are better done by other armies.

Sure, if you're talking competitive 40k.but the question obviously isn't about that. Same to the "SM is trash tier" crowd. Not everyone plays tournaments,so maybe dial it down a bit? Saying "play a different army" isn't all that helpful, I'd imagine

Why would you buy a codex if your buddy wants to vs you? At this stage in the life cycle of codex, the only reason to get the Space Marine codex is if you are new to the game.

There is plenty of good fluff and material in the codex for a newbie to enjoy and absorb. The artwork and painted models present great visuals to inspire.

Battlescribe is good once you are familiar with the game and list building and then overtakes Codex for competitive play when you've memorised what each model looks like.

I assume you are experienced enough to not require the codex.

Grimlineman wrote:
I haven’t picked up the space marine codex because haven’t played a lot this edition and when I have it’s been with my Xenos army. But now a buddy wants to play against my space marines. I just hate to spend 50 dollars on the codex and then the rumors be true, in a few months it gets replaced with marines 2.0 and I have to fork over another 50$ with hardly no games played out of the original book I just bought......

What would you do? should I just get the codex or wait and see what 2019 brings.

Those rumors have zero substance. I would be shocked if a new book for marines were to come out.

nekooni wrote:

Slayer-Fan123 wrote:

nekooni wrote:

 wuestenfux wrote:

Slayer-Fan123 wrote:
Nah. Get the Deathwatch codex instead. You won't regret it.

Seconded.
Deathwatch is the way to go atm.

Maybe for power level, but in terms of versatility Codex: Space Marines is unbeatable.

Try building some lists from your models in Battlescribe, it's almost self-explanatory. What you really want are the Datacards:Space Marines - you'll need them for Maelstrom Missions anyway, and you'll get all the Stratagems (which is basically the only thing that's missing in BattleScribe) as handy cards, too.

The codex itself is almost worthless now as almost no point values are correct, especially once CA2018 is out.

Versatility? You only lose Scouts and Ancients. Any of the heavier weapons you can take are better done by other armies.

Sure, if you're talking competitive 40k.but the question obviously isn't about that. Same to the "SM is trash tier" crowd. Not everyone plays tournaments,so maybe dial it down a bit? Saying "play a different army" isn't all that helpful, I'd imagine

No, I'm saying you only lose Ancients and Scouts anyway. The troop selection has a lot of options and ways to create a squad. LasBacks do fine for Lascannons. You get FW options.

 Smirrors wrote:
Why would you buy a codex if your buddy wants to vs you? At this stage in the life cycle of codex, the only reason to get the Space Marine codex is if you are new to the game.

There is plenty of good fluff and material in the codex for a newbie to enjoy and absorb. The artwork and painted models present great visuals to inspire.

Battlescribe is good once you are familiar with the game and list building and then overtakes Codex for competitive play when you've memorised what each model looks like.

I assume you are experienced enough to not require the codex.

Yes I been playing for a few years just don’t play that often. Usually buy the codexs I need as they come out but I didn’t this time and don’t see the point myself to do it now. But wanted to ask. Thanks!

 Togusa wrote:

Grimlineman wrote:
I haven’t picked up the space marine codex because haven’t played a lot this edition and when I have it’s been with my Xenos army. But now a buddy wants to play against my space marines. I just hate to spend 50 dollars on the codex and then the rumors be true, in a few months it gets replaced with marines 2.0 and I have to fork over another 50$ with hardly no games played out of the original book I just bought......

What would you do? should I just get the codex or wait and see what 2019 brings.

Those rumors have zero substance. I would be shocked if a new book for marines were to come out.

Why would it be shocking, a new SM codex would be GW printing money. And if they are going to release more models which they would likely sell, then it just makes sense.

But sense and GW dont always go hand in hand and that would be a logical reason to be shocked to see a new SM codex.

Slayer-Fan123 wrote:

nekooni wrote:

Slayer-Fan123 wrote:

nekooni wrote:

 wuestenfux wrote:

Slayer-Fan123 wrote:
Nah. Get the Deathwatch codex instead. You won't regret it.

Seconded.
Deathwatch is the way to go atm.

Maybe for power level, but in terms of versatility Codex: Space Marines is unbeatable.

Try building some lists from your models in Battlescribe, it's almost self-explanatory. What you really want are the Datacards:Space Marines - you'll need them for Maelstrom Missions anyway, and you'll get all the Stratagems (which is basically the only thing that's missing in BattleScribe) as handy cards, too.

The codex itself is almost worthless now as almost no point values are correct, especially once CA2018 is out.

Versatility? You only lose Scouts and Ancients. Any of the heavier weapons you can take are better done by other armies.

Sure, if you're talking competitive 40k.but the question obviously isn't about that. Same to the "SM is trash tier" crowd. Not everyone plays tournaments,so maybe dial it down a bit? Saying "play a different army" isn't all that helpful, I'd imagine

No, I'm saying you only lose Ancients and Scouts anyway. The troop selection has a lot of options and ways to create a squad. LasBacks do fine for Lascannons. You get FW options.

Don't you lose access to many datasheets (eg Cataphractii, Tartaros Terminators) ? I mean you can build mixed squads all day long, but it's not the same. And you don't get access to chapter tactics and named characters.
Again, not coming from a power/competitive PoV here.

*edit
Ironclads
Techmarines
Predators
Whirlwinds
Devastators
Centurions
All regular SM flyers
Apothecaries
Land Speeders
Hunters/Stalkers
Thunderfire Cannons
Vindicators
Lieutenants

If you do, I'd get the digital version. The paper ones are rather quickly invalidated. With another big change days away.