Loyalist or Heretics? Dark Angels Bonuses From Ritual of the Damned

By Caleb Dillon | April 14th, 2020 | Categories: 40k News & Articles, 40k Psychic Awakening, 8th Edition 40k, Dark Angels, Editorials, Space Marines

They might’ve been solid at the start of 8th, but they were in need of a rules boost. Here’s the Dark Angels bonuses from Ritual of The Damned.

Dark Angels needed a little something extra aside from rerolling 1’s on weapons if stationary. GW didn’t hold anything back on their support. They would’ve been insanely strong if the FAQ didn’t force factions to move from one doctrine to the other. However, these guys are still able to have a blisteringly powerful turn one.

Loyalist or Heretics? Dark Angels Bonuses From Ritual of the Damned

With their new special combat doctrine from Ritual of the Damned, Relentless Hunt, all weapons in a Dark Angels force is improved with better range when the Devastator doctrine is in effect. It’s definitely one of the most all-encompassing specialized doctrines, but is truly powerful? When paired with the Unforgiven’s Chapter Tactic, Grim Resolve, not only do units benefit longer range, but are also able to reroll hit rolls of 1’s when stationary. Let’s take a look to see which weapons and units Relentless Hunt immediately improves for the Dark Angels.

Flamers- No one wants to be Overwatched by auto-hitting flamers, now it’s practically impossible to avoid it against the Dark Angels.

Assault Cannons- With range being its biggest disadvantage, Dark Angels are able to rely on this weapon to produce dakka with further reach (30″ to be exact).

Melta weapons- The biggest challenge with melta weapons is getting them in range, but more specifically within half range in order to benefit their damage ability. Regular meltas got +3″ whih, if you want the half range bonus taken into account, is only +1.5″. However, the multi-melta is heavy giving a +6″ which is huge.

Plasma Weapons- Space Marine plasma weapons have generally always toed the line as mid-range and long-range weapons. Now heavy plasma weapons can now sit back and have a nasty first turn. Especially if you take two Devastator Squads all geared with plasma cannons. You’ll be able to disintegrate enemy Primaris/multi-wound tanks from the safety of a rooftop.

Bolt Weapons- As the backbone of a Space Marine arsenal, bolt weapons now make troop choices an even better value in a Dark Angels force, especially Intercessors.

Top Units That Got Buffed

The best troop choice for Dark Angels has drastically shifted from the economic Scout squad to the Intercessor. It is arguable which weapon is better suited, but both the Stalker Bolt Rifle and standard Bolt Rifle synergize well with Grim Resolve and Relentless Hunt to allow for rerolls to hit of 1’s when stationary. The longer-range improves the reach of the Stalker, while also making it easier to double-tap with the rapid-fire trait of the Bolt Rifle (either while remaining stationary or shooting within half range).

Auto Bolt Rifles- 27”

Bolt Rifles- 36”

Stalker Bolt Rifles- 42”

It really comes down to what you want to kill. If you want to kill screens, go with the auto bolt rifle/regular bolt rifle. If you want to knock down other Primaris before they can shoot you, take the 42″ stalker bolt rifle.

Land Raider Crusader:

Benefitting from both doctrines and Chapter tactic, Crusaders see a much-needed boost to all of its ranged weaponry. Now a Land Raider Crusader will be able to have some flexibility during deployment rather than always being on the frontline and moving without a penalty to reach and maximize their shooting output.

Assault Cannons- 30” range

Multi-Melta- 30”, 15” half range

Hurricane Bolters: 30” range

Vindicators:

Once a favorite of many players, the Vindicator has seen drastic changes of late. Now with D6 shots and a 30” range for Dark Angels Players, this tank (if spammed) might make Knight players think twice about aggressive deployment and not going first.

Demolisher Cannon- 30”

Storm Bolter-30”

They’re Doing What they Did Before…But Better

In recent years, The First Legion has played like a traditional gunline faction. With the updates from Ritual of the Damned, they got benefits to become even better at what they do. Thanks to an army-wide buff to ranged weapons, they are able to sit further back and even outdistance other gunline factions (looking at you Tau). This makes them a tough opponent to face if they get first turn, but also help them pack an energized counterpunch if they survive going second.

How do you like the Dark Angels buff from Ritual of the Damned? Is Lazarus an auto-include in the army now?

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