Not a lot is actually known about one of the biggest Space Marine vehicles out there: the Mastodon Heavy Assault tank. Come see what we DO know.
In fact it only appears in two Horus Heresy Books, and they only reveal is only a basic outline of the tank and what it does. It almost feels like the mysterious ‘Stormbird ” from years ago that took 20+ Horus Heresy novels to finally get the full feel of it…
Both are set to get their own vehicles this year from Forge World, and they look to be HUGE hobby undertaking for anyone that picks them up.
Here is what we do know about the Mastodon via our friends at Lexicanum (pictures via Recalcitrant Daze)!
Mastodon (Vehicle)
The Mastodon is a Space Marine Heavy Tank used during the Horus Heresy and likely the Great Crusade.
History
The Mastodon was in use by the Iron HandsSpace Marine Legion during the early stages of the Horus Heresy and most likely before. It is likely that other Space Marine Legions used the Mastodon as well. For example, at the outset of the One-Five-Four-Six ‘Kharaatan’ Campaign, the Salamanders had enough Mastodons to transport the entire Legion force present – approx 6000 Legionaries.
Technology
The Mastodon is a heavy-duty tank far larger than the Land Raider Battle Tank. It is described as being quad-tracked and capable of carrying up to forty Space Marines into combat. It is equipped with power-fields to protect it and its occupants from harm; these power-fields are powerful enough to block Autocannon shells and even Lascannon blasts.
Look for this behemoth by the end of the year, model wise. Fluff wise, well maybe we’ll get a treat in the new Horus Heresy rulesbook from Forge World as well?
Just when you thought a Spartan tank was all you needed…
About the Author: Rob Baer
Rob Baer
Job Title: Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
Socials: Rob Baer on Facebook and @catdaddymbg on X
About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures.
Rob also co-founded and currently hosts the Long War Podcast, which has over 350 episodes and focuses on tabletop miniatures gaming, specializing in Warhammer 40k. and spent six years writing for Bell of Lost Souls.
Every year, along with his co-hosts, he helps host the Long War 40k Doubles Tournament at Adepticon and the Long War 40k Doubles at Las Vegas Open, which attracts over 350 players from around the world.
Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including multiple first-place finishes in Warhammer 40k Grand Tournaments over the years and even winning 1st place at the Adepticon 40k Team Tournament.
With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. As a member of GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association), he advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.
While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1980s, Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and models made of both pewter and resin.
