Strike Force Variel brings Dark Angels to Space Marine Warhammer Heroes—but does this green squad match the energy of past waves like the Death Guard?
Games Workshop is back with another round of Warhammer Heroes, and this time it’s all about the Dark Angels. Strike Force Variel is stepping into the blind box spotlight, sporting green plastic and a whole lot of brooding attitude.
If you’re used to Ultramarines or Blood Angels in these sets, this squad definitely shakes things up with their darker, grittier vibe. But here’s the thing—while they’ve got that classic Dark Angels charm, they might not leave jaws on the floor the way previous waves have.
Here is what’s on the way next for Warhammer 40k.
What’s in the Box (No, Really—What’s in It?)
This is another blind buy collection, which means: surprise! You won’t know who you’re getting until you open the box. There are seven different miniatures in total, each accompanied by its own Kill Team data card (available in English, German, and Japanese).
Collect them all and you’ve got a fully playable Kill Team that’s quick to learn and fast to hit the table.
Here’s the roll call:
- Sternguard Sergeant Ramus – stoic, probably smells like incense and righteous fury.
- Infernus Marine Haroth – brings the fire, literally.
- Assault Intercessor Maphael – probably punches first and forgets questions.
- Infiltrator Belath – sneaky type, likes to ruin someone’s day from behind cover.
- Intercessor Zeradim – basic but dependable.
- Reiver Nahrden – likes skulls, probably writes poetry.
- Plus one secret lieutenant figure they’re keeping under wraps for now.
Each display box includes eight blind boxes, but there’s no guarantee you’ll get all seven in one go. Trade with friends or double up—it’s part of the fun, and the frustration.
Assembly for the Glue-Phobic
No glue, no tools, no problem. These push-fit miniatures are perfect for getting someone new into Warhammer 40k. They’re also great if you just want a quick hobby hit without committing to a 2,000-point army or a week-long assembly marathon.
So, Are They Any Good?
Let’s not sugarcoat it—this wave is solid, but a little on the safe side. The poses are nice, the sculpts are crisp, but they don’t pop quite as hard as previous sets. If you’re used to dynamic poses or bold design choices, these might feel a bit tame. Then again, they’re Dark Angels—mystery and restraint are kind of their whole deal.
Still, there’s something satisfying about having a full squad in matching green, ready to hit the Killzone with minimal fuss.
How Strike Force Variel Stacks Up Against Past Waves
If you’ve been following the Space Marine Heroes line from the start, you might notice something missing this time: drama.
The poses are more reserved, the sculpts more straightforward. For fans who love personality-packed minis, this latest wave might feel like it’s playing it safe.
Take Series 3, for example. That Death Guard set? Wild. Disgustingly dynamic. Those Chaos boys oozed character—sometimes literally—and had sculpts that practically told stories on their own. Easy to build, sure, but loaded with baroque detail, these guys stood out from across the table.
Then there’s Series 3.5—technically a rehash of the first wave in red plastic, marketed toward Blood Angels fans. Were they expensive for what they were? Yep. But the textured bases and alternate sculpts gave them a slight edge over the original run, even if the only Blood Angels flavor came from paint and decals. Nostalgic, fun to crack open, but not groundbreaking.
Wave 4 came along with a solid lineup of modern Space Marines. These had good poses, and they were far easier to get globally than some earlier releases, eventually. While not as eye-catching as the Death Guard, they did bring that Primaris-era polish.
By comparison, Strike Force Variel feels like a return to basics. There’s nothing wrong with that—but if you’ve been hoping for something as bold or grimy as the Death Guard, or even as market-savvy as the red Wave 3.5, this batch might leave you wanting a little more movement, a little more risk.
Where and When Can You Get Them?
Strike Force Variel will be available later this year at selected retailers. Which probably means the same deal; Target in the States, like last time. Keep an eye out—you might have to do a little hunting to track them down, especially if you’re hoping to complete the full squad without duplicates.
Final Thoughts
If you’re into Dark Angels, collect Warhammer Heroes, or just want a hassle-free way to dip into Kill Team, this set is a no-brainer. While it might not blow the doors off the hobby world, it does offer a clean, easy entry point with solid sculpts and practical rules integration.
They’re not super flashy—but maybe that’s the point.
See All the Previous Space Marine Heroes Here!
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