Unleash the angels with our ultimate guide to the new Blood Angels codex in 10th Edition Warhammer 40k: how to play, rules, tips, strategies, and review!
The Blood Angels Codex 10th Edition isn’t just another Space Marine chapter entry; it’s a glorious mix of noble warriors, raging berserkers, and some of the flashiest jump pack action in Warhammer 40k. If you’re looking to command an army that hits hard, moves fast, and throws down in style, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ll break down everything you need to know about how to play Blood Angels in 10th Edition. From the latest Warhammer 40k Blood Angels codex updates to core strategies, unit breakdowns, and key rules, it’s all covered here.
Whether you’re looking to sharpen your tactics, get the most out of the iconic Death Company, or figure out how to counter the biggest threats in the current meta, this is your battlefield manual. Let’s get into it!
Blood Angels Codex Rules Review and Army Guide for 10th Edition
Originally published in October 2024. Updated on October 29th, 2025, by Rob Baer with the latest Warhammer 40k Blood Angels Codex 10th Edition rules, leaks, and information.
You know, there’s nothing quite like watching a bunch of noble, rage-fueled space vampires fly across the battlefield, slicing and dicing with the precision of a surgeon who’s had one too many cups of caffeine.
Welcome to the world of the Blood Angels in Warhammer 40k, a chapter defined by equal parts grace and fury and a whole lot of cool red armor.
Why Play Blood Angels: Warhammer 40k Blood Angels Codex Overview
Because no one does righteous fury quite like the sons of Sanguinius, the Warhammer 40k Blood Angels Codex 10th Edition turns every battle into an operatic bloodbath (and still throws around the Oath of Moment), blending noble sacrifice with over-the-top melee carnage. This is a decent change from the Blood Angels index.
With updated Blood Angels rules and a slick new Blood Angels PDF, this isn’t just a codex, it’s a letter to players who charge first and ask questions never. If you’ve ever wondered how to play Blood Angels, the answer’s simple: hit fast, hit hard, and look glorious doing it.
Blood Angels Strengths and Weaknesses in 10th Edition
Blood Angels are all about one thing: getting up close and personal. If you enjoy smashing through the enemy with blades, claws, and the occasional giant fist, this is the army for you. The hallmark of Blood Angels gameplay is their fast, hard-hitting assaults, combining speed with devastating melee power.
The Red Thirst ability, which gives them a bonus on charges, perfectly encapsulates the Blood Angels’ aggressive nature. It encourages players to throw their units into the fray at every opportunity, turning ordinary Space Marines into absolute monsters in close combat.
Of course, this playstyle has its risks. If your assault fails, you’re left exposed and potentially vulnerable. Blood Angels players must balance their thirst for blood with the tactical awareness to time their charges correctly.
Strengths:
- Brutal in melee: Few armies can match the Blood Angels in hand-to-hand combat, especially once they’ve charged into battle with their Red Thirst-fueled attacks.
- Speed: Units like Jump Pack-equipped Sanguinary Guard and Death Company Marines give Blood Angels incredible mobility, letting them close the gap with the enemy in no time.
- Resilience: With characters like Mephiston or Dante leading the charge, Blood Angels can shrug off blows and keep fighting long after other units would have fallen.
Weaknesses:
- Reliance on melee: If a Blood Angels army fails to engage in close combat early, they can struggle against more shooty armies, leaving them vulnerable at range.
- High-risk strategies: The aggressive playstyle often means committing your best units into combat, which can leave you open to counter-attacks if things go wrong.
Sons of Sanguinius: Core Blood Angels Rule Explained
When it comes to rules, the Blood Angels 10th Edition Codex doesn’t just bring a few tweaks; it redefines how these iconic, rage-fueled space vampires fight in the grim dark future. At the heart of it all is a solid focus on aggressive, melee-heavy gameplay that’s both fast and furious. If you’re a fan of warriors in ornate red armor tearing across the battlefield to bring divine wrath upon their foes, this codex is for you.
Let’s break it down, piece by piece, starting with the core rules and faction abilities that define the Blood Angels’ playstyle in Warhammer 40k.
Sons of Sanguinius: Key Rule for Blood Angels
Every Blood Angels player knows that the Sons of Sanguinius rule is where the magic (or should we say bloodbath) begins. This rule perfectly encapsulates the chapter’s identity: aggression, speed, and downright ferocity in close combat.
The Sons of Sanguinius rule grants Blood Angels units +1 to their wound rolls when they charge, get charged, or heroically intervene. In other words, Blood Angels are born to strike first, strike hard, and strike true.
Imagine your army zooming across the battlefield like avenging angels, landing precise hits that will leave your enemies reeling. It’s not just about damage, it’s about doing maximum damage when it counts. This rule means you don’t have to second-guess a charge; once your units are in, they hit with the strength of Sanguinius himself.
Blood Angels Codex 10th Edition Detachments Explained
Now, where things really get spicy are the detachments. The 10th Edition Codex offers a variety of Blood Angels detachments, each with its own flavor of warfare. Whether you want to lean into the fury of the Black Rage or opt for the calculated strikes of the Sanguinary Guard, there’s something here for every Blood Angels player.
Death Company Detachment: Harnessing the Black Rage
Let’s talk about the Death Company; the poor souls who’ve fully succumbed to the Black Rage, seeing visions of Sanguinius’ final moments. This detachment embodies unrestrained fury. Death Company units in this detachment hit harder, fight longer, and gain buffs when they charge into combat.
But beware: with all that power comes a high-risk, high-reward playstyle. They will die, but they will die gloriously.
Sanguinary Guard Detachment: Precision and Power
For those looking for a more refined approach, the Sanguinary Guard detachment is your golden ticket (literally). These angelic warriors, adorned in their gilded armor, bring elegance and devastation in equal measure.
With enhanced precision and survivability, the Sanguinary Guard can carve through enemy elites with surgical strikes, making them ideal for taking out high-value targets while looking good doing it.
Liberator Assault Group: Mobility and Shock Tactics
If mobility is your game, then the Liberator Assault Group is the detachment you want. This detachment specializes in hit-and-run tactics, combining speed with relentless assault.
With units that can advance and charge and stratagems that allow them to dart across the battlefield, the Liberator Assault Group is for players who like to keep their opponents guessing. Think of them as your perfect blend of versatility and aggression.
Top Units in the Warhammer 40k Blood Angels Codex 10th Edition
The Blood Angels 10th Edition Codex brings exciting updates to some of the most iconic characters and units in Warhammer 40k. From the psychic powerhouse Mephiston to the relentless Death Company, this codex reshapes how the Blood Angels tear through their enemies. Let’s dive into how these units have evolved in 10th Edition.
Mephiston: The Chief Librarian’s New Powers
Mephiston, also known as the Lord of Death, has always been a force to be reckoned with. In 10th Edition, however, he’s gone from dangerous to downright terrifying. His psychic abilities have been supercharged, letting him control the battlefield in new and creative ways.
He can now prevent enemies from falling back, keeping them locked in combat: perfect for a Blood Angels army that thrives on melee combat. Add in a 4+ Feel No Pain and a 5+ invulnerable save, and you’ve got a character that’s as tough as he is deadly.
But here’s the kicker: Mephiston can no longer lead units. Some may lament the loss of his leadership role, but let’s be real: when you’re a walking psychic blender, who needs an entourage?
Commander Dante: The Blood Angels Chapter Master
Commander Dante is not just a hero of the Blood Angels, he’s a living legend in the Imperium. And in 10th Edition, he’s stronger than ever. Dante’s stats have been beefed up, with more attacks and better survivability. His Axe Mortalis now hits at Strength 8, giving him a serious punch in combat.
One of Dante’s new tricks is his ability to give +1 to advance and charge rolls to his unit. This little bonus might not seem like much, but it’s the difference between hitting your opponent like a freight train or getting stuck out in the open, waiting to be shot to pieces.
Astorath & Lemartes: Leading the Death Company
Astorath and Lemartes are back to lead the Blood Angels’ most tragic warriors: the Death Company. Astorath, with his Executioner’s Axe, has become even more dangerous in melee combat, while his ability to grant devastating wounds to his unit on a charge makes him an essential part of any Death Company detachment.
Lemartes, on the other hand, hasn’t changed much, but that’s because he was already awesome. He still buffs Death Company Marines, letting them shrug off damage and hit harder, while his personal damage output remains solid.
Death Company Marines
Death Company Marines have always been a staple of any Blood Angels army, and in 10th Edition, they’re even deadlier. They can hit harder and faster than almost any other unit, thanks to their enhanced stats and special rules that reflect their uncontrollable rage. When paired with a Chaplain, they can dish out insane amounts of damage, especially when they get bonuses for charging.
The downside? They’re still as fragile as ever. Their fury might get them into battle, but once there, they’ll be targeted hard. Still, for the carnage they can cause, it’s worth the sacrifice.
Sanguinary Guard
Sanguinary Guard are the golden boys of the Blood Angels, both figuratively and literally. These elite warriors have always been known for their high mobility and lethal power, and the 10th Edition Codex makes them even more formidable. They now come with 4+ invulnerable saves, making them much harder to shift from the battlefield.
Their weapons, the iconic blades and spears, still carve through infantry like butter, but they’re also capable of bringing down tougher targets, thanks to their updated stats. Plus, with Dante or another character leading them, they can become near-unstoppable.
Baal Predator and Other Vehicles
The Baal Predator is back, and it’s still a flamethrower on wheels. This vehicle is designed to mow down infantry, and its role hasn’t changed much in 10th Edition. However, it’s now got Assault on all its ranged weapons, allowing it to move and shoot without penalties. The Baal Predator remains the go-to choice for players who want to torch hordes of enemies while supporting their more mobile assault units.
Other vehicles like the Stormraven Gunship and Drop Pods also play crucial roles, but the Baal Predator’s versatility keeps it in the spotlight.
Death Company Dreadnought
The Death Company Dreadnought has always been a fan favorite, and it gets a facelift in 10th Edition. With Driven by Fury, this mechanical monstrosity can move after being hit, making it faster and more unpredictable than before. It’s perfect for getting into the thick of combat quickly and smashing through enemy lines with its brutal close-combat attacks.
Just like the Death Company Marines, the Death Company Dreadnought is all about going out in a blaze of glory, and with the right support, it can take out entire squads before it falls.
Final Thoughts: How to Play Blood Angels in Warhammer 40k
Winning with Blood Angels isn’t just about charging in and hoping for the best; it’s about knowing when to strike, where to position your forces, and how to keep your army fighting at full strength while your opponents scramble to keep up.
The 10th Edition Codex has refined its aggressive melee playstyle, giving players new tools to make every charge count. Whether you’re fielding the precision of the Sanguinary Guard, the reckless fury of the Death Company, or the tactical mobility of the Liberator Assault Group, success comes down to maximizing speed, timing your attacks, and knowing when to commit to all-out carnage.
The Blood Angels continue to be one of the most unique and exhilarating factions in Warhammer 40k, balancing noble heroism with uncontrollable rage. Now that you’ve got the rundown on their new rules, detachments, and best strategies, it’s time to take to the battlefield and show the galaxy why Sanguinius’ legacy still reigns supreme.
Where to Get the Blood Angels Codex PDF or Physical Book
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You can save even more on your purchase by using our exclusive list of redeemable discount codes from some of the best hobby retailers and miniature manufacturers!
If you’re looking for the Blood Angels PDF codex, Wahapedia is the go-to spot for free reference material, but if you want the full book with lore, art, and all the extras, Games Workshop’s official version is the way to go.
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