It seems like Space Marine and non-Marine players alike mix up this one little detail when it comes to the Chapter Tactics special rule.
The new Space Marine book came out about two months ago, but it seems like only lately have we really been able to sit down and digest the last eight months of codex releases.
When it comes to the chapter tactics rule for Space Marines, there seems to be a little detail that everyone forgets, and/or confuses.
Take a look at this restriction at the bottom of the that section.
Basically this wording explains how the rules in this codex can refer to a chapter’s specific tactics rule, and how it confers to a unit.
For instance saying ‘White Scar models’ seems to be the short way of saying that those units benefit from their chapter tactics rule (unless there are other restrictions like being on a bike etc…)
This is where a ton of confusion seems to set in. I’ve noticed two VERY distinct camps of option on the matter.
One camp is of the option that only codex Space Marine chapters get the Chapter Tactics special rules, and thusly it’s safe to mix the stand alone codex books like Blood Angels, Space Wovles etc.. with these units as they still retain their Chapter Tactics. This is what some say it is the intent of the last sentence above before the italicized example text.
Yet others seem to venomously insist that these stand alone books are in fact “Space Marines”, and any mixing of “Space Marines” invalidates the Chapter tactics special rules from other Codex Space Marine units.
The most clear cut example of this line of thinking would be to say a White Scars unit loses hit and run because there was a Space Wolves battle leader attached to their unit.
It seems a lot of folks are split down the middle on this point currently, and as Space Marine become more and more popular, I can see this becoming a major issue for event organizers the world over.
I think in the end we can all agree that the wording of this rule wasn’t quite up to par with the rest of the book perhaps, and that again it could very much benefit from a FAQ.
What say ye? Are you for team Blue, or Red/Green/Grey?
About the Author: Rob Baer
Rob Baer
Job Title: Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
Socials: Rob Baer on Facebook and @catdaddymbg on X
About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures.
Rob also co-founded and currently hosts the Long War Podcast, which has over 350 episodes and focuses on tabletop miniatures gaming, specializing in Warhammer 40k. and spent six years writing for Bell of Lost Souls.
Every year, along with his co-hosts, he helps host the Long War 40k Doubles Tournament at Adepticon and the Long War 40k Doubles at Las Vegas Open, which attracts over 350 players from around the world.
Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including multiple first-place finishes in Warhammer 40k Grand Tournaments over the years and even winning 1st place at the Adepticon 40k Team Tournament.
With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. As a member of GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association), he advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.
While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1980s, Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and models made of both pewter and resin.
