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Hello guys, very very new to Warhammer 40k I recently got my first starter set which was the introduction set in the imagine below. I want to keep exploring the spacemarine side but to build up my points can some of you point me in the best next step? Here's some of my space Marines I painted as well. [img]

there's three tiers to the intro box, so you could pick up the second or third tier of the intro box, which includes the flamethrower guys, plus many more models. I would alternately recommend picking up one of the combat patrol boxes, but in this case, all the contents of the space marine combat patrol come in those larger starter sets

beyond that, whatever looks cool. space marines are a very generous army in terms of gameplay and on a casual level, you can take whatever you have and put it into an army, then pick the most relevant detachment, and probably do fine. look through the webstore or your LGS and pick the units that look coolest to you

So I was looking at a combat patrol boxes today when picking up some paint, would getting that and maybe a apothecary and a tank do me just fine for like a 1,000 point game?

Welcome to 40k and the hobby!

Unless you are playing in a very competitive environment there is a lot of flex in marine lists. One perk of being generalists. While there are some units that are more efficient then others, they all pretty much do their jobs. So when asking where to start, ask yourself why you got into the hobby. What drew you to marines, what playstyle do you like? Pick 2-3 units. Then try to figure out what you need to shore up gaps, or leverage strengths.

There are as many ways to build marine lists as players. You want to find one that works for you.


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Prawduh wrote:
So I was looking at a combat patrol boxes today when picking up some paint, would getting that and maybe a apothecary and a tank do me just fine for like a 1,000 point game?

I think the basic marine CP is like 450 points. Havn’t done the math since they last tweaked the points, and not sure about the other marines ones, just the terminator captain/lib, infernus, terminator one. Depending on the tank, that’s another 200 points, give or take. Basic apothecary are 50.

So for a 1,000 point game you’d need 2-3 more units then that.

A combat patrol is a good core to start with. And an apothecary and tank would also be good steps.

Do be careful that leaders have restriction on what units they can join.

Nice work on the marine’s paint by the way.

Thank you @nevelon I honestly got into the hobby recently by watching a few painting videos on some DnD figures I've always known of Warhammer but never fully looked into it until recently, I think what's sucking me in more and more is the community online, and the miles this hobby can go. I think the Marines stick out to me for the fact of it's the OG faction that stuck out whenever I heard of Warhammer and some of the neglect I hear on podcasts, seems like it's hated and loved so much so why not be that guy in a future tournament that takes the win when my opponent was just talking bad on marines lmao 🤣 yeah I'm picking up a codex today for 20$ and a core rule book as well hopefully dive into my first game soon by the end of the year. And truly appreciate the feedback and acknowledgement on my painting so far, got tons of room for improvement but for now it's becoming addicting and already hearing the crys from my wallet lmao!

I would advise getting Intercessors either of the Assault or standard varieties. You'll also want some characters.

The new Terminators are pretty awesome. Combine a squad with a Terminator Captain and you have a nice annoying unit that can take hits. And they are super cool looking.

I heard about the terminators, and how you can troll your opponent with that beacon lmao! I think I'ma pick up some terminators next!

Welcome aboard! The great thing about staring with Space Marines is that there is a vast range of cool models. The tough thing is that there is a vast range of cool models! At least with the current Codex you are not locked into a Chapter with paint etc, so you can try different things.

An army should have a few “utility” units that can hold objectives, perform actions and just get in the way of your opponent’s units. You should have a few “hammers” - units that can really dish out damage. An anvil or two can also be good - durable units that can tie up the enemy.

The main Space Marine Combat Patrol has a few issues. It’s expensive for what you get - you could get the Elite starter set for less and get the same force less the Librarian. Still, you would have a Terminator Squad with a Captain (anvil with a bit of hammer) to go with two units of Infernus.

The Dark Angels Combat Patrol has its own problems, but it could be something to look at. You get two Intercessor Squads (utility units), a Hellblaster Squad (shooty hammer) and a Bladeguard Squad (melee hammer and also a bit of an anvil). The downside is that the Character cannot join any of the squads. This would be just over 400 points with your Infernus Marines. Still, you could ask your opponent if they are cool with your Gravis Captain just counting as a Captain and you then have a balanced, compact force to learn the game. No requirement to paint or play the Dark Angels Combat Patrol as Dark Angels - they are generic kits.

Add a box of Eradicators or Aggressors, though, and you have a good squad for that Gravis Captain. Add a Gladiator Lancer later on and you have close to 750 points.

I've personally been having some fun with a full Sternguard Squad with a Lieutenant and (Chief) Apothecary. Maybe swap the Apothecary for a Captain and watch the squad do all sorts of crazy things.

Man that's crazy information and yet still under 1000 points 😭🤣 but all good information because at least I'm having fun painting and collecting them until I get to finally play.

Welcome to the hobby.

Space Marine armies are incredibly flexible with the amount of kits you can get and the types of armies you can field. The best value kit you can get at the moment is the 2nd tier Start collecting box. It will give you another 5 Infernus Marines, brining your current squad up to a full 10. 5 Terminators, as well as a pair of characters to lead them (Captain and Librarian). You'll also get some more Tyranids which can be good for practice games while you're learning the rules.

When collecting beyond that, there are a 3 basic ways to collect pretty much any army in 40k. Value, Generalist, and Specialist.

Value: If your primary focus is spending as little on the hobby as possible while still getting fun out of it, you're going to want to focus on any of the discount boxes that are out. The easiest is the aforementioned Tier 2 starter set, but fortunately, Space Marines have a lot more to choose from. Pretty much each chapter gets a Combat Patrol that can be used in any generic Space Marine force, it just comes with additional upgrade bits for the Chapter in question. Here are some options:
- Blood Angels: This is a good one to start with since you get a solid spread of various other infantry. A standard Intercessor squad that can focus on objectives, an phobos recon squad (infiltrators or incursors) with a Librarian that can join them, a more heavily armoured Aggressor squad, and an Impulsor Transport to ferry them around in. (Personally I think this is the best one for a newer player)
- Space Wolves: Unless you are getting into Space Wolves specifically, I wouldn't recommend this one as the Lieutenant is a specific Space Wolf sculpt and the Reivers this kit comes with have been notoriously underwhelming for the last several editions.
- Dark Angels: While you do get some good units out of this kit: 10 Battleline Intercessors to handle your objectives, 5 Hellblasters to take on Elite Infantry, 3 Bladeguard for close combat, and 1 Gravis Captian. The Captain in the kit, can't actually lead any of the units inside it, so it does require an additional purchase to be usable. (This is a decent second pick after the Blood Angels one though, as the Gravis Captain can lead the Agressors from that kit.)
- Black Templar: This is very much a subfaction specific set, as it comes with their specialist units. Don't get this one unless you want to go with that subfaction.

Generalist: This army is often the rule of cool armies. Just get whatever kits you think look cool and throw them together in a list. Over time, you'll discover what units you like and don't and can tailor your future purchases to whatever your style is.

Specialist: There is a lot of internal synergy between certain types of units in any 40k army and if you know what kind of subfaction or playstyle interests you, you can focus primarily on those kits and build your army around doing that specific thing. Most factions that have received a codex have between 4-7 of these, but Space Marines being the poster child have lost more. Here's what your specialist options are:
- Gladius Strike Force: This is the all rounder option that goes well with a generalist army. It's a good one to practice with if you don't know what you want to focus on.
- Anvil Siege Force: This army likes the big guys with big guns. This force focuses on holding their ground against their enemies and gets buffs based on remaining stationary. So if you like the style of the slow moving but highly durable Gravis armoued infantry, this style focuses on them and anything else that uses weapons with the Heavy keyword.
- Ironstorm Spearhead: If you like Vehicles and Walkers, this is the playstyle for you. Grab a couple Techmarines for support, and whatever vehicles that strike your fancy and you'll have a good time.
- Firestorm Assault Force: This subfaction focuses on getting in close range for shooting and using transports to do it. If you like the flamethrower and melta style weapons and keeping your units safe in transports and popping out at key moments, this is a great subfaction for that. The Blood Angels box plays well with this as you get a transport and the Agressors can be built with flamers.
- Stormlance Task Force: This one is all about bikes and mobility. If you like the look of the Outrider bikes and the ATV's, this is a great pick. Grab some of those with a Bike Chaplain as well as some Jump Pack Intercessors with a Jump Captain and you'll be racing circles around your opponents in no time.
- Vanguard Spearhead: If you like the look of the Phobos units this is the subfaction for them. It's a much more sneaky and tactical take on the army that requires a fair bit of planning and forethought to work. You want lots of the Phobos style recon units backed by Scouts and Invictor Warsuits. This is a tougher style of army to play, so might not be the easiest learning curve for a new player, but it's a lot of fun when you get it down.
- First Company Task Force: This is the best of the best army, the elitest of the elites. You'll focus on the Terminator style units backed by Sterngauard and Vanguard Veteran squads. The Tier 2 start collecting is a great way to get into this as you get 2 terminator characters and a squad, though you will need more to support them.
- Sons of Sanguinius: While most of the specialist factions tie heavily into their own units and builds, Sons of Sanguinius is a good generalist one as well. All your melee units get a big buff. If you like close combat to the exception of all else, this is a great pick. Go for anything that moves fast and hits stuff, with a preference for Jump Infantry and you'll do well here.

Hope that helps you with considering what direction you want to take your initial army in. Keep us posted with what you end up deciding, it's always a good time seeing a new players first army take shape.

Prawduh wrote:
Man that's crazy information and yet still under 1000 points 😭🤣 but all good information because at least I'm having fun painting and collecting them until I get to finally play.

Building an army can seem like a big hill to climb. Buying a 2000 point army all at once can be daunting in many respects (cost, assembly and painting time)! Adding a Combat Patrol or Elite Starter (whatever it is called now) to your current force gives you a group of models at a bit of a discount. You can then assemble and paint that element before moving on. I can't speak for your local scene, but around here folks are happy to play 500 point games for people getting started.

The Leviathan Box itself is also great value for someone starting out if you know you want to be Marines.

Obtaining the Codex is a good choice. Let's you read through at your leisure and see what grabs your fancy. Army construction rules are pretty loose this edition, which gives you lots of flexibility.

I just picked up a box of devastators for a good price of 50$ instead of $60+ so I'ma get these guys painted and then keep shopping around hopefully get a 500 point game started soon! Central valley California has some players but I haven't met any yet

 Tawnis wrote:
Welcome to the hobby.

Space Marine armies are incredibly flexible with the amount of kits you can get and the types of armies you can field. The best value kit you can get at the moment is the 2nd tier Start collecting box. It will give you another 5 Infernus Marines, brining your current squad up to a full 10. 5 Terminators, as well as a pair of characters to lead them (Captain and Librarian). You'll also get some more Tyranids which can be good for practice games while you're learning the rules.

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When collecting beyond that, there are a 3 basic ways to collect pretty much any army in 40k. Value, Generalist, and Specialist.

Value: If your primary focus is spending as little on the hobby as possible while still getting fun out of it, you're going to want to focus on any of the discount boxes that are out. The easiest is the aforementioned Tier 2 starter set, but fortunately, Space Marines have a lot more to choose from. Pretty much each chapter gets a Combat Patrol that can be used in any generic Space Marine force, it just comes with additional upgrade bits for the Chapter in question. Here are some options:
- Blood Angels: This is a good one to start with since you get a solid spread of various other infantry. A standard Intercessor squad that can focus on objectives, an phobos recon squad (infiltrators or incursors) with a Librarian that can join them, a more heavily armoured Aggressor squad, and an Impulsor Transport to ferry them around in. (Personally I think this is the best one for a newer player)
- Space Wolves: Unless you are getting into Space Wolves specifically, I wouldn't recommend this one as the Lieutenant is a specific Space Wolf sculpt and the Reivers this kit comes with have been notoriously underwhelming for the last several editions.
- Dark Angels: While you do get some good units out of this kit: 10 Battleline Intercessors to handle your objectives, 5 Hellblasters to take on Elite Infantry, 3 Bladeguard for close combat, and 1 Gravis Captian. The Captain in the kit, can't actually lead any of the units inside it, so it does require an additional purchase to be usable. (This is a decent second pick after the Blood Angels one though, as the Gravis Captain can lead the Agressors from that kit.)
- Black Templar: This is very much a subfaction specific set, as it comes with their specialist units. Don't get this one unless you want to go with that subfaction.

Generalist: This army is often the rule of cool armies. Just get whatever kits you think look cool and throw them together in a list. Over time, you'll discover what units you like and don't and can tailor your future purchases to whatever your style is.

Specialist: There is a lot of internal synergy between certain types of units in any 40k army and if you know what kind of subfaction or playstyle interests you, you can focus primarily on those kits and build your army around doing that specific thing. Most factions that have received a codex have between 4-7 of these, but Space Marines being the poster child have lost more. Here's what your specialist options are:
- Gladius Strike Force: This is the all rounder option that goes well with a generalist army. It's a good one to practice with if you don't know what you want to focus on.
- Anvil Siege Force: This army likes the big guys with big guns. This force focuses on holding their ground against their enemies and gets buffs based on remaining stationary. So if you like the style of the slow moving but highly durable Gravis armoued infantry, this style focuses on them and anything else that uses weapons with the Heavy keyword.
- Ironstorm Spearhead: If you like Vehicles and Walkers, this is the playstyle for you. Grab a couple Techmarines for support, and whatever vehicles that strike your fancy and you'll have a good time.
- Firestorm Assault Force: This subfaction focuses on getting in close range for shooting and using transports to do it. If you like the flamethrower and melta style weapons and keeping your units safe in transports and popping out at key moments, this is a great subfaction for that. The Blood Angels box plays well with this as you get a transport and the Agressors can be built with flamers.
- Stormlance Task Force: This one is all about bikes and mobility. If you like the look of the Outrider bikes and the ATV's, this is a great pick. Grab some of those with a Bike Chaplain as well as some Jump Pack Intercessors with a Jump Captain and you'll be racing circles around your opponents in no time.
- Vanguard Spearhead: If you like the look of the Phobos units this is the subfaction for them. It's a much more sneaky and tactical take on the army that requires a fair bit of planning and forethought to work. You want lots of the Phobos style recon units backed by Scouts and Invictor Warsuits. This is a tougher style of army to play, so might not be the easiest learning curve for a new player, but it's a lot of fun when you get it down.
- First Company Task Force: This is the best of the best army, the elitest of the elites. You'll focus on the Terminator style units backed by Sterngauard and Vanguard Veteran squads. The Tier 2 start collecting is a great way to get into this as you get 2 terminator characters and a squad, though you will need more to support them.
- Sons of Sanguinius: While most of the specialist factions tie heavily into their own units and builds, Sons of Sanguinius is a good generalist one as well. All your melee units get a big buff. If you like close combat to the exception of all else, this is a great pick. Go for anything that moves fast and hits stuff, with a preference for Jump Infantry and you'll do well here.

Hope that helps you with considering what direction you want to take your initial army in. Keep us posted with what you end up deciding, it's always a good time seeing a new players first army take shape.

Thank you so much for the information.