The Blood Angels Space Marines walk the line between art and annihilation in some of Warhammer 40k’s richest yet darkest lore. Here’s why.
Originally published in March 2024. Updated August 18th, 2025, by Rob Baer with new information and links to relevant content.
The Blood Angels 40k chapter walks a fine line between art and annihilation, carrying one of Warhammer’s richest and darkest legacies into battle. They’ve got the angelic looks, the tragic backstory, and the kind of tabletop punch that makes opponents sweat before the first dice roll.
From their noble Primarch Sanguinius to the grim warriors of the Warhammer 40k Blood Angels Death Company, this chapter mixes elegance with ferocity in a way no other Space Marines Blood Angels force can match.
Here’s why the Blood Angels Warhammer 40k army remains a fan favorite for both hobbyists and competitive players.
The Blood Angels in a Nutshell
The Blood Angels 40k army is more than just another chapter in red power armour. They’re noble warriors cursed by their own genetics, torn between beauty and brutality. In lore, they’re artists, poets, and sculptors… until the Red Thirst kicks in and they become the galaxy’s most terrifying close-combat specialists.
They’re defined by three things:
- Striking visuals – gold trim, angelic wings, and ornate armor that makes them stand out from other Space Marines.
- Tragic flaws – the Red Thirst and Black Rage, which push them into uncontrollable berserker fury.
- Tabletop dominance – the ability to close the distance and smash enemies in melee before they can react.
If you want a faction with depth, style, and raw tabletop power, the Blood Angels 40k chapter is hard to beat.
Origins and the Legacy of Baal
Blood Angels Sanguinary Priest
The Blood Angels hail from Baal, a radioactive wasteland crawling with mutants. Surviving there isn’t easy, which is why the chapter’s recruits are already hardened fighters before they even get their first taste of gene-seed implantation.
Their Primarch, Sanguinius, was a warrior-poet with angelic wings and a gift for inspiring loyalty. He foresaw his own death during the Horus Heresy and still marched to meet it, holding Horus at bay so the Emperor had a chance to strike. His sacrifice shaped the chapter and the Imperium forever, giving them their noble ideals and their tragic flaws.
The homeworld and the Primarch aren’t just lore points; they influence everything from 40k Warhammer Blood Angels iconography to the way hobbyists paint their models. From Baal’s barren desert tones to the ornate gold of Sanguinius’s armor, it all ties back to their history.
The Cursed Flaw: Red Thirst & Black Rage
The Blood Angel Space Marines aren’t just artistic warriors; they’re cursed.
- Red Thirst – An overwhelming hunger for blood that turns them into savage killers in battle. In game terms, it gives them bonuses to charges and melee attacks, rewarding aggressive play.
- Black Rage – Some Blood Angels lose themselves completely, believing they’re reliving Sanguinius’s final battle. These warriors form the Warhammer 40k Blood Angels Death Company, clad in black and fighting until death.
The 40k Blood Angels Death Company isn’t just for show. On the table, they’re a terrifying melee hammer, especially when supported by a Chaplain to keep them focused.
Famous Campaigns & Eternal Glory
From the Siege of Terra to the Devastation of Baal, the Blood Angels have faced the galaxy’s worst and kept fighting. Their most famous recent stand was against Hive Fleet Leviathan, where Chapter Master Dante led the defense of Baal against impossible odds.
They’ve earned their reputation as heroes of the Imperium not just through victories, but through the sacrifices they make to protect humanity. That sense of noble tragedy runs through their lore, their miniatures, and their battlefield presence.
Blood Angels Characters That Define the Chapter
The Blood Angels ranks are filled with legendary heroes, each bringing unique abilities to the tabletop.
Dante: The Eternal Chapter Master
Oldest living Blood Angel 40k warrior, still leading from the front. On the battlefield, Dante buffs jump pack units, turns charges into guaranteed mayhem, and still kills enemy leaders with style.
Mephiston: The Lord of Death
Once claimed by the Black Rage, Mephiston somehow conquered it, becoming Chief Librarian and a psychic powerhouse. His combination of psychic abilities and combat skills makes him a must-have in many 40k Blood Angels army lists.
Tycho: The Fallen Hero
Captain Tycho’s fall to the Black Rage is one of the chapter’s most tragic stories. While no longer a playable powerhouse in modern rules, his lore shapes how we view the Death Company’s sacrifice.
Captains & Chaplains
Blood Angel Space Marines captains lead from the front, buffing units and swinging thunder hammers like wrecking balls. Chaplains keep the Red Thirst in check and make melee units hit even harder. Together, they form the backbone of any 40k Blood Angels force.
Playstyle: All Gas, No Brakes
If you’re fielding a Warhammer 40k Blood Angels army, you’re not here to sit back and trade pot shots. You’re here to close the distance fast and smash the enemy in hand-to-hand combat.
Key points for the tabletop:
- Red Thirst makes charges more effective; set up turn-two assaults that hit like a freight train.
- Mobility is everything. Jump pack units like the Sanguinary Guard are your scalpel and hammer rolled into one.
- Synergy is the secret sauce. Dante, Mephiston, and Chaplains work best when their buffs overlap.
Strong unit picks include:
- Sanguinary Guard – Elegant, deadly, and perfect for flanking.
- Death Company – The blunt instrument you send to erase problem units. You’ll also want Chaplain Lemartes to go with them.
- Intercessors – Midfield objective holders that can still pack a punch.
- 40k Blood Angels Dreadnought – Durable, hard-hitting, and a great distraction.
Building Your Blood Angels 40k Army
A balanced 40k Blood Angel list often starts with Intercessors and a Captain for leadership. Add in a couple of hammer units like Sanguinary Guard or Death Company, and support them with a Dreadnought or Librarian Dreadnought for versatility.
Don’t overload on melee-only units; you’ll need some ranged support to soften targets before you commit. Keep your characters close to the units they buff, and time your charges for maximum impact.
If you want to check current points and rules, Wahapedia Blood Angels is a handy resource alongside the official codex.
Blood Angels Miniatures: From Combat Patrol to Centerpieces
For new players, the Warhammer 40k Blood Angels Combat Patrol box is an ideal starting point (and plenty of Assault Intercessors). It gives you a solid mix of troops, characters, and elite units to get your first games in.
From there, popular kits include:
- Death Company: Perfect for both competitive play and hobby creativity.
- Sanguinary Guard: A visual and tactical highlight.
- Terminator Squad: Durable, objective-grabbing tanks.
- 40k Blood Angels Dreadnought: Always a crowd-pleaser.
The Blood Angels iconography, blood drops, wings, and chalices appear across all their kits, giving you endless options for customization.
Blood Angels 40k Art & Iconography
The Blood Angels 40k art is as striking as the miniatures. It’s filled with images of angelic warriors charging into battle, the gold and red of their armor offset by the darkness of their curse.
From Sanguinius facing Horus to sweeping depictions of the Death Company’s madness, the art helps inspire painting schemes and conversions.
If you want your army to stand out, lean into these visual cues: angel wings on jump packs, chalice motifs on banners, and ornate detailing on armor plates.
How to Paint Warhammer 40k Blood Angels
Painting a Blood Angel 40k army is one of the most rewarding projects in the hobby. Here’s a streamlined approach:
Priming
Skip black primer if you want vibrant reds. Go with a red or tan base to make the armor pop without ten layers of paint.
Armor
- Basecoat: Mephiston Red.
- Shade: Carroburg Crimson.
- Layer: Reapply Mephiston Red to raised areas.
- Highlight: Evil Sunz Scarlet on edges.
Details
- Helmets: Yellow for Assault Marines, Averland Sunset base, Reikland Fleshshade wash, Yriel Yellow highlight.
- Weapons: Black casing with Eshin Grey edge highlight; metallic parts in Leadbelcher washed with Nuln Oil.
- Eyes: Caliban Green base, Warpstone Glow highlight, tiny Moot Green dot for glow effect.
Bases
Contrast red armor with desert or urban rubble textures. Armageddon Dust with a drybrush of Ushabti Bone works great.
For Black Blood Angels 40k (Death Company), swap the red armor steps for Abaddon Black with dark grey highlights.
Customizing Your Blood Angels
The Blood Angels ranks (or Blood Angles if you forget where the L goes…) offer huge scope for conversions; swap weapons, add purity seals, and sculpt extra icons. Their art-heavy lore makes them a natural fit for hobbyists who want armies with narrative depth.
Many players create custom Blood Angels 1st Company schemes or successor chapters, using the same rules but tweaking the colors and heraldry.
FAQs
- Does Death Company count as Blood Angels in 40k?
Yes: Death Company are still part of the chapter, just cursed. They keep the same faction keywords and benefit from buffs. - What makes Blood Angels unique?
Aggressive melee playstyle, ornate visuals, tragic lore, and iconic characters. - Are the miniatures worth it?
Absolutely. The combination of lore accuracy, customization options, and striking designs makes the kits some of the best in the hobby. - Where can I get rules?
Check the current codex supplement, Wahapedia Blood Angels, or the official app for updates.
The Final Word on Blood Angels 40k
The Blood Angel Space Marines offer a perfect blend of style, lore, and tabletop impact. They reward aggressive players, give hobbyists endless customization options, and have one of the most visually striking armies in the Warhammer 40k universe.
From the red-and-gold glory of the Sanguinary Guard to the black-armored fury of the 40k Blood Angels Death Company, every unit tells a story. If you’re looking to build a Warhammer 40k Blood Angels army that hits hard and looks incredible doing it, the Sons of Sanguinius are ready to take the field.
A Complete Guide to Every 40k Army
What do you think about the Blood (or Bood Angels, because they don’t take L’s) Angels from Games Workshop and their kits in Warhammer 40k? Do you like their playstyle and units?
