Strike Force Variel brings fresh Space Marine Heroes to Warhammer 40k; see what makes this Dark Angels squad stand out from past releases in our review.
Games Workshop’s bringing back the blind box madness with a new entry in the Space Marine Heroes line. This time, the Dark Angels are stepping into the spotlight with Strike Force Variel, a green-plastic squad full of mystery, robes, and probably a few secrets from the Inquisition.
It’s another Warhammer 40k Heroes set that feels right at home among the faithful, but does it stack up to the waves that came before it? Let’s crack this open and find out.
What’s Inside the Strike Force Variel Box Set
Updated on October 21st, 2025, by Rob Baer with the pics of Lieutenant Variel himself.
Strike Force Variel is a blind-buy Space Marine Heroes set, meaning you never know which model you’ll pull until that foil’s off. There are seven Dark Angels miniatures in total, each with its own Kill Team data card in English, German, and Japanese. Collect them all and you’ve got a ready-to-play Kill Team force that’s fast to build and even faster to hit the table.
Each display box packs eight blind boxes, so getting a full set will take a little luck, a little trading, or a few duplicates for the bits box.
Here’s the squad lineup to collect:
- Sternguard Sergeant Ramus: the incense-sniffing commander of the bunch.
- Infernus Marine Haroth: loves setting things on fire, probably too much.
- Assault Intercessor Maphael: prefers fists to firearms.
- Infiltrator Belath: sneaks, shoots, disappears. Classic.
- Intercessor Zeradim: reliable, no-nonsense fire support.
- Reiver Nahrden: skull mask, bad poetry, perfect mix of menace.
- Lieutenant Variel: who GW was keeping in the shadows, but someone on Reddit did manage to get one (pic below).
This one is literally named Variel, so if you’re playing his strike force, you’re going to want to play with the actual mini! Luckily, someone on Reddit managed to score him and posted what the “chase” model looks like.
Building Your Space Marine Heroes Set
No glue, no stress, no excuses. These push-fit models snap together cleanly, making them a great pick for anyone who wants to build and paint without breaking out the hobby saw. The Dark Angels armor detail is sharp, and the pieces fit together tight enough that even a new hobbyist can get them table-ready fast.
Veteran players will appreciate that this Space Marine Heroes set offers quick builds and perfect paint-test subjects for that next green and bone color scheme.
Strike Force Variel Review: Are These Warhammer 40k Heroes Worth It?
Sure, the sculpts and poses are solid, and the armor design fits the Dark Angels’ brooding personality. That said, the models play it a bit safe. No wild lunging poses or over-the-top action here. Instead, the appeal lies in the clean, classic look that nails the chapter’s stoic style.
These Warhammer 40k Heroes minis might not steal the show at first glance, but once painted, the may be striking in that quiet, gothic way the Dark Angels do best.
For fans who like uniform squads that still feel characterful, Strike Force Variel may be for you.
Comparing Strike Force Variel to Previous Space Marine Heroes Sets
Looking back at earlier waves, this one lands somewhere between safe and stylish. The Death Guard set from Series 3 oozed personality, literally, and the Blood Angels reissue in red plastic had nostalgia on its side. Strike Force Variel takes a more grounded approach.
It’s a return to that old-school feel where every model looks like a hero, but not a Saturday morning cartoon character. These Dark Angels are disciplined, quiet, and built for collectors who like their heroes to look like they actually follow the Codex Astartes.
For fans of the Space Marine Heroes series, this set adds another flavor to the mix, unfortunately, with somewhat tired poses that feel a bit like a primaris rerun.
Strike Force Variel Release Date and Retail Info
Strike Force Variel was released in July 2025 at select retailers overseas. Expect the usual suspects like Target in the U.S. and local game stores in other regions. Like past Space Marine Heroes releases, boxes are sold individually or in full display cases for collectors who want the whole squad.
Final Thoughts on Strike Force Variel and Warhammer 40k Heroes
Strike Force Variel brings the Dark Angels into the Space Marine Heroes lineup with a clean, cohesive set that fits right into the Warhammer 40k Heroes collection. The sculpts may not break new ground, but they deliver solid value, fast assembly, and that unmistakable Dark Angels vibe fans love.
If you’re into Space Marine Heroes sets or looking for a quick entry point into Kill Team, this is a great pickup. Trade, collect, paint, repeat; Strike Force Variel looks to be another hit for the Warhammer 40k Heroes roster.
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