fbpx JOIN LOGIN JOIN

Top 30 Changes: Codex Space Marines Review

Codex Space Marines Post

The Codex: Space Marines is out and you will find a lot of changes inside. From point values to datasheets, you may be surprised by what’s inside.

Our previous post on the Codex: Space Marines provided an overview of what you would find inside. We were very impressed with how easy it is to jump in and read, both in clarity of rules and content layout. We also gave a list of what was not included in the port over from the Index: Imperials 1 . After pouring over the datasheets and point values tables, some questions were answered and a few surprises were found. We made a list of what changes you will see in this 208-page monster of a codex. Here is a quick and dirty review to give you the lowdown on those changes.

For our complete tips and tactics breakdown, be sure to scroll down and press play on the full video below.

Codex Changes

We did make a list and checked it twice. Also, if you can make out Rob’s handwriting, you get bonus Command Points!

Now, models not in this codex, datasheet-wise, include Tyrannic War Veterans, Terminus Ultra, Marneus Calgar in power armor, Khan on Moondraken, several units on bike, Rhino Primaris, and Land Raider Excelsior. A total of 14 model datasheets are not to be found in the Codex: Space Marines.

One datasheet that was added: Space Marine Lieutenant.

Also, Chief Librarian Tigurius has the new version of Master of Prescience which has enemy units subtracting 1 from hit rolls that target an Ultramarines unit chosen by Tigurius at the start of the enemy’s shooting phase. The chosen unit must be within 6″ of the Librarian. Techmarines no longer have access to the Conversion Beamer and the standard Librarian can no longer equip a stormshield.

Oh, and no bikes for both. We did say there are a lot of changes.

Tigurius and Calgar

Point value changes, for the most part, show a lowering of point costs for many units. Some units saw noticeable point cost reductions, such as the Ironclad Dreadnought: 80 from 120; Centurion Devastator Squad: 80 from 105; and the Vindicator: 135 from 160. Most of the Named Characters remained the same or saw a cost reduction. The only two that did see an increase were Sergeants Chronos and Telion.  Another unit that did increase in cost was the Thunderfire Cannon: 55 from 28.

Point value changes

 

Codex: Space Marines (Hardback): $50

Codex Space Marines

The 41st Millennium is an age of war and darkness. The Imperium is assailed from all sides, but standing between civilisation and annihilation is a warrior brotherhood. Forged through forgotten science and strengthened by duty and training, they are the Angels of Death – the Space Marines – and they were made for battle. By their heroics does Humanity endure. They are few – there are but a thousand Chapters, numbering a thousand each – yet through bravery, consummate skill and unceasing dedication, they are sufficient. Space Marines launch thunderbolt strikes into the heart of the foe, battling constantly against overwhelming odds to ensure the continued survival of Mankind itself.

Codex: Space Marines is a 208-page hardback containing a wealth of background and rules – the definitive book for all Space Marines collectors. Within its pages, you’ll find:

Background

– The Emperor’s Finest: the origin of the Space Marines, with a guide to the original Legions and their successor Chapters, a detailed breakdown of the methods, technology and rituals behind the creation of these superhuman soldiers and an explanation of how their Chapters are organised, with guides to heraldry and markings;
– Imperius Dominatus: an annotated map of the galaxy, showing the full, dreadful extent of the Cicatrix Maledictum’s reach, and the Chapter homeworlds it has cut off;
– A Brotherhood at War: a timeline featuring some of the most important battles and events in the Space Marines’ struggle against the darkness, leading up to the faint glimmer of hope that is the Indomitus Crusade;
– Chronicles of Ultramar: an in-depth guide to the Ultramarines, their homeworld Macragge, the composition of their infamous 2nd Company, a timeline of their heroic history and a brief overview of their successor Chapters;
– Guides to the White Scars, Imperial Fists, Crimson Fists, Black Templars, Salamanders, Raven Guard and Iron Hands Chapters, with timelines of major battles, as well as descriptions and colour schemes of their successor Chapters;
– Explanations of the fighting forces available to all Space Marine Chapters including heroes, squads, vehicles and special characters.

Also included is an inspiring showcase of beautifully-painted Citadel miniatures, depicting Space Marines of every type doing battle in the colours of each founding Chapter.

Rules

This book contains everything needed to get a Space Marines army ready for war! A huge collection of rules content is within:

– 85 datasheets covering the entire Space Marines range – including the Primaris Space Marines;
– Points values for all miniatures, weapons and wargear for use in Matched Play games;
– Army abilities and wargear lists, alongside a brief explanation of their use and the use of keywords;
– Rules profiles for every piece of wargear and every weapon in the Space Marines’ arsenal;
– Rules for Battle-forged armies, including abilities for Space Marines armies and specific Chapter Tactics for Ultramarines, White Scars, Imperial Fists, Black Templars, Salamanders, Raven Guard and Iron Hands Chapters, reflecting their unique fighting styles;
– 26 Stratagems for Battle-forged armies, reflecting the varied tactics used by Space Marines commanders on the battlefield;
– 6 Warlord Traits, for use with any Space Marine Warlord, with Chapter-specific Warlord traits for Ultramarines, White Scars, Imperial Fists, Crimson Fists, Black Templars, Salamanders, Raven Guard and Iron Hands;
– Chapter Relics: special weapons and wargear wielded in battle by Space Marines characters;
– the Librarius psychic discipline: 6 psychic abilities for use by Space Marines Librarians;
– 6 Tactical Objectives for use by Space Marines armies.

Codex: Space Marines is available now online and in local Games Workshop stores. Be sure to press play on our Tips and Tactics Changes video below for the full review.

For more on the Codex: Space Marines and all things Warhammer 40k, visit Games Workshop!

About the Author: Juan Lopez