Crush heretics with the Black Templars in Warhammer 40k; our guide covers their righteous fury, Primarch, relentless charges, and faith-fueled battlefield tactics.
Updated October 1st, 2025, by Rob Baer with the latest information and links
The Black Templars don’t do “half-measures.” When they go to war, it’s an all-or-nothing crusade fueled by unshakable faith, righteous fury, and a complete disregard for anything resembling peace. These guys don’t sit around debating strategy in a war room; they charge headfirst into battle, swords swinging, bolters blazing, and heretics regretting every life choice that led them to this moment.
So, what happens when you mix medieval knightly traditions with power armor and a burning need to conquer everything in sight? You get some of Warhammer 40k’s most brutal and unrelenting crusades.
Who Are the Warhammer 40k Black Templars?
At their core, the Black Templars are Space Marines who took one look at the Codex Astartes and tossed it straight out the nearest airlock. Instead of sitting still with a fixed homeworld, they roam the galaxy in massive fleets, sworn to fight until humanity’s enemies are ash under their boots.
Every Black Templar sees battle as a sacred duty. They live and die by oaths sworn before the Emperor, treating each campaign as a holy war. While their parent legion, the Imperial Fists, is famous for building and defending fortresses, the Black Templars decided there’s no point in walls when the whole galaxy can be your battlefield.
Origins of the 40k Black Templars After the Horus Heresy
The 40k Templars were born in the aftermath of the Horus Heresy, when the shattered legions were broken into smaller chapters. Rogal Dorn, Primarch of the Imperial Fists, oversaw this division, but his most zealous warrior, Sigismund, had other plans. Sigismund became the first High Marshal and launched the chapter on its eternal crusade, vowing never to rest until humanity’s enemies were destroyed.
From that moment, the Black Templars were less a conventional military force and more a holy order of battle brothers sweeping across the stars. Their fleets became mobile fortresses, each one crammed with warriors ready to answer the call of battle at a moment’s notice.
Black Templars Creation, Purpose, and Crusading Fleet
Unlike other chapters capped at a strict thousand warriors, the 40k Black Templars ignore such limits entirely. Warbands numbering in the thousands rally under the banners of their Marshals, swearing personal vows before every campaign. This gives the chapter a scale and presence far larger than most Imperial commanders are comfortable admitting.
Their ships, known as crusade fleets, are cathedral-like war machines in space. Each vessel serves as home, fortress, and staging ground for the next holy war. When the Black Templars arrive, they don’t plan for occupation; they plan for extermination.
Black Templar Primarch and Sigismund’s Legacy
Technically, the Black Templar Primarch is Rogal Dorn, but the chapter’s true heart lies with Sigismund. His iron-clad devotion to the Emperor and refusal to compromise became the foundation of their identity. Every Marshal who takes the title of High Marshal follows in his footsteps, turning crusade into the only way of life worth living.
That legacy has shaped centuries of warfare, from the War of Armageddon to countless unnamed campaigns where the Templars threw themselves into the fire with absolute conviction. For collectors and lore junkies alike, Sigismund’s legend is a perfect anchor for what makes this chapter so iconic.
40k Black Templars Combat Doctrine and Zeal
The Black Templars don’t believe in subtlety. Their philosophy is simple: close the gap, swing your chainsword, and let faith carry the day. Ranged weapons are tools to push enemies into melee, not to win battles from afar. Their hatred for psykers adds another twist; they refuse to field Librarians, considering psychic powers an insult to the Emperor’s will.
This creates a chapter with a unique battlefield style. Where other Space Marines weigh precision and planning (maybe not the Space Wolves), Warhammer Black Templars throw overwhelming force into the breach. Retreat is not an option; victory or martyrdom are the only outcomes.
Black Templars Marshals, Castellans, and Sword Brethren
Leadership in the chapter is not about sitting on a throne. A Black Templars Marshal fights in the thick of combat, setting an example for every warrior under his command. High Marshal Helbrecht, one of the most famous figures in 40k, embodies this ethos with a track record of leading crusades that shook the galaxy.
Supporting the Marshals are Castellans, battlefield commanders who thrive on personal valor. Elite Sword Brethren round out the leadership structure, warriors hand-picked for their skill, faith, and absolute refusal to yield. Together, they give the Black Templars their edge: leaders who inspire by fighting shoulder to shoulder with their warriors.
The Future of the Black Templars in Warhammer 40k
With the rise of the Indomitus Crusade and Primarch Guilliman’s return, the galaxy is more fractured than ever, which only fuels the Templars’ purpose. Every new edition brings updated models, fresh artwork, and expanded lore that keep them firmly in the spotlight.
From their Combat Patrol to the latest centerpiece characters, the 40k Templars continue to embody everything fans love about zealous crusaders with chainswords. They remain a powerhouse faction both on the tabletop and in the stories that define the setting.
FAQs About the Warhammer 40k Black Templars
What are the Black Templars known for?
Unshakable faith, brutal melee combat, and a refusal to follow the Codex Astartes.
Do the Black Templars have a Primarch?
Their gene-sire is Rogal Dorn, but they honor Sigismund as their spiritual father and first High Marshal.
Are the Black Templars traitors?
No. They are fiercely loyal to the Emperor, even if their zeal can appear extreme.
Final Thoughts on the Black Templars in 40k
The Warhammer 40k Templars are a chapter like no other. They don’t just wage war; they live for it. Whether you’re painting an army bristling with relics or charging across the tabletop with Helbrecht at the front, this chapter offers a perfect blend of lore, models, and gameplay.
For hobbyists who crave aggression and faith in equal measure, the Black Templars deliver endless crusade in the purest form.
Learn How to Play Black Templars Here!
