Unleash chaos with our ultimate guide to the new Chaos Space Marines codex in 10th Edition Warhammer 40k: how to play, rules, tips, strategies, and review!
Updated December 6th, 2024, by Rob Baer with new information and links to relevant content.
Ah, the Chaos Space Marines – the galaxy’s finest collection of backstabbing traitors, power-hungry demigods, and generally unpleasant individuals who decided that serving the Emperor just wasn’t their style. With the release of Warhammer 40k’s 10th Edition, these heretical hooligans are back with a vengeance, sporting new rules, shiny datasheets, and more ways to cause mayhem than ever before. Whether you’re a newcomer eager to taste the forbidden fruits of Chaos or a long-time devotee ready to crush the Imperium with fresh tactics, this guide has got you covered.
We’ll take a stroll through the dark corridors of the Chaos Space Marines codex, examining the new units and updates, deciphering the intricacies of their sinister weaponry, and crafting strategies to ensure your legions reign supreme.
Introduction to Chaos Space Marines in 10th Edition
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Warhammer 40k’s 10th Edition has hit the shelves, and with it comes the newly updated Chaos Space Marines codex. For those unfamiliar, Chaos Space Marines are the fallen warriors of the Imperium, turned traitors and corrupted by the dark powers of the Warp. This new codex promises a host of updates, rebalances, and shiny new rules that will have both new players and longtime fans eager to command their own legion of heretical soldiers.
- Games Workshop - Warhammer 40,000 - CODEX: Chaos Space Marines
- An infernal tome to harness the Heretic Astartes in Warhammer 40,000
- 160 pages of macabre art, rules, riveting background material, and epic photography to inspire you
- Includes Combat Patrol and Crusade rules, 48 datasheets, eight Detachments, and more
Last update on 2024-12-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Why should you care about these changes? Well, the rules updates not only tweak the gameplay but also bring fresh narrative elements that enrich the dark lore of Chaos Space Marines. Understanding these updates is crucial because they affect how you build and play your army, from the units you choose to the strategies you employ on the battlefield. The chaos within the codex now better reflects the unpredictable and malevolent nature of the forces of Chaos, making each game a thrillingly dark adventure.
Chaos Space Marines Army Rules
Dark Pacts
What are Dark Pacts?
Dark Pacts are the bread and butter of the new Chaos Space Marines army rules. Think of them as Faustian bargains, where units can gain powerful abilities at a potentially perilous cost. Essentially, a Dark Pact allows a unit to invoke the favor of the Chaos Gods in exchange for a Leadership test. Pass the test, and your unit gets to unleash hell with additional buffs. Fail, and the Gods exact their price in the form of D3 mortal wounds. It’s a high-risk, high-reward mechanic that perfectly captures the essence of Chaos.
How to Use Dark Pacts Effectively
So, how do you make the most of these sinister deals? First off, timing is everything. Use Dark Pacts at critical moments when the payoff will outweigh the risk. For instance, when you’re about to charge a particularly tough enemy unit, invoking a Dark Pact can tip the scales in your favor. Secondly, know your units’ Leadership scores. Units with higher Leadership are more likely to pass the test, making them ideal candidates for frequent pacts. And don’t forget about icons or characters that can improve Leadership or reroll failed tests. These can significantly reduce the downside of making pacts, allowing you to wield their power more confidently.
Cults of the Dark Gods
Including Berzerkers, Rubrics, Plague Marines, and Noise Marines
Chaos Space Marines aren’t just about spiky armor and evil laughs. The Cults of the Dark Gods add a flavorful variety to your army. These cult units each serve one of the four major Chaos Gods, bringing unique abilities and thematic flair. Berzerkers are bloodthirsty warriors dedicated to Khorne, excelling in melee combat. Rubric Marines, servants of Tzeentch, unleash potent psychic powers and are resilient thanks to their dust-filled suits of armor. Plague Marines, the bloated minions of Nurgle, are tough as nails and can spread debilitating diseases. Finally, Noise Marines, devoted to Slaanesh, wield sonic weapons that can melt faces (literally and figuratively).
Restrictions and Benefits
While these cult units are powerful, they come with certain restrictions. You can’t just flood your army with Berzerkers or Noise Marines; there are limits to how many you can include, ensuring a balanced and thematic force. The benefits, however, are substantial. Each cult unit brings its unique strengths to the table, allowing you to tailor your army to your preferred playstyle. Want to dominate in close combat? Load up on Berzerkers and Plague Marines. Prefer psychic shenanigans? Rubric Marines have got you covered. And if you love blasting your enemies with the power of heavy metal, Noise Marines are your band of choice.
The new Chaos Space Marines codex in 10th Edition enriches the faction with fresh rules and mechanics that stay true to their lore while offering exciting new gameplay opportunities. Whether you’re new to the heresy or a long-time worshipper of the dark gods, there’s never been a better time to pledge your soul to Chaos.
Detachments in Chaos Space Marines Codex
The Chaos Space Marines codex for 10th Edition Warhammer 40k is brimming with new detachment options that cater to a variety of playstyles and strategic preferences. Each detachment brings its own flavor and tactics, making your Chaos army more versatile and deadly than ever. Here’s a closer look at the available detachments and what they offer.
Veterans of the Long War
Focus of Hatred Rule
The Veterans of the Long War detachment is all about channeling centuries of bitter rivalry and vengeful fury into precise and devastating strikes. The Focus of Hatred rule lets you choose an enemy unit each turn, granting your units re-rolls to hit against that target. This rule is perfect for picking apart key enemy units with unrelenting accuracy, ensuring no foe escapes the wrath of Chaos.
Key Stratagems and Enhancements
Key stratagems like “Let the Galaxy Burn” provide your units with the ability to ignore cover and cause maximum havoc. Enhancements such as “Warmaster’s Gift” grant your leader critical wound capabilities, making them a force to be reckoned with. These tools ensure your Veterans of the Long War can adapt to various battlefield scenarios with lethal efficiency.
Deceptors
Infiltration Abilities
The Deceptors detachment embodies the sneaky, underhanded tactics of the Alpha Legion. With their Infiltration abilities, you can deploy up to three units of Legionaries or Cultist Mobs ahead of the battle. Imagine the look on your opponent’s face when they find the battlefield already swarming with Chaos troops, setting the stage for an early and aggressive engagement.
Unique Enhancements and Stratagems
Enhancements like “Falsehood” allow a character to secretly replace a model in a unit, appearing when least expected. Stratagems such as “From All Sides” give bonuses to charge rolls based on the number of units charging, creating opportunities for devastating multi-pronged assaults. These tricks make the Deceptors masters of deception and surprise.
Renegade Raiders
Hit-and-Run Tactics
Renegade Raiders specialize in hit-and-run tactics, reflecting the chaotic nature of pirate warbands. Every ranged weapon in this detachment gains the Assault keyword, and attacks against units on objectives get an extra point of AP. This makes your raiding parties incredibly flexible and hard-hitting, perfect for seizing control of the battlefield.
Key Enhancements and Stratagems
Enhancements like “Mark of the Hound” grant units the Scouts ability, allowing them to move before the game starts. Stratagems such as “Opportunistic Raiders” let your units move after fighting, enabling them to strike and then fade away. This mobility keeps your opponent on their toes, unable to pin down your elusive forces.
Dread Talons
Leadership Manipulation
The Dread Talons detachment excels in manipulating enemy leadership. Any enemy unit within 12 inches of your models takes a Battle-shock test if they’re below starting strength. This psychological warfare can break the enemy’s morale, causing their units to falter and flee when you need it most.
Battle-shock Mechanics
Stratagems like “Screaming Terror” force enemy units to take immediate Battle-shock tests, while “Pitiless Hunters” gives re-rolls against Battle-shocked or below-half-strength units. These mechanics can disrupt your opponent’s plans, turning their disciplined troops into a panicked rabble.
How to Play Chaos Space Marines: Fellhammer Siege-Host
Durability Enhancements
The Fellhammer Siege-Host detachment is all about resilience. Your units get -1 to wound from attacks with a higher strength than their toughness, making your forces incredibly hard to bring down. This durability makes them ideal for holding key positions and enduring sustained enemy fire.
Key Stratagems and Abilities
Stratagems like “Steadfast Determination” grant a 5+ Feel No Pain in the shooting phase, and “Ironbound Enmity” gives +1 to wound on objectives. These abilities reinforce the detachment’s role as an unyielding bulwark against enemy assaults.
How to Play Chaos Space Marines: Pactbound Zealots
Enhanced Dark Pacts
Pactbound Zealots enhance the effects of Dark Pacts, adding critical hits or extra attacks based on the mark of Chaos. This detachment thrives on the power granted by the Dark Gods, making your units even more formidable in both shooting and combat phases.
Strategic Benefits and Limitations
While these pacts offer significant power boosts, failing the Leadership test means losing these benefits for the turn. Therefore, it’s crucial to balance risk and reward, using units with high Leadership or supporting characters to mitigate the downside.
How to Play Chaos Space Marines: Chaos Cults
Focus on Mortal Units
Chaos Cults bring the masses of mortal followers to the forefront. This detachment makes Traitor Guardsmen Battleline, allowing you to field large numbers of these fanatical troops. Desperate Pacts provide bonuses to movement and charges, reflecting the fervor and recklessness of your mortal followers.
Desperate Pacts
Stratagems like “Infernal Sacrifice” let you make Desperate Pacts in the shooting or fight phase, granting re-rolls and additional bonuses. These abilities can turn a horde of seemingly insignificant cultists into a serious threat on the battlefield.
Soulforged Warpack
Daemon Vehicle Enhancements
The Soulforged Warpack focuses on Daemon Vehicles, granting them powerful upgrades when making Dark Pacts. These vehicles can get +1 to wound or additional attacks, turning them into nightmarish engines of destruction.
Key Stratagems and Abilities
Enhancements like “Tempting Addendum” allow Daemon Engines to re-roll hits when invoking a Dark Pact, while stratagems such as “Unstoppable Rampage” let vehicles move through terrain without penalty. These abilities make your daemon engines even more fearsome and versatile on the battlefield.
New and Updated Datasheets
Chaos Space Marines are back with a vengeance in the 10th Edition, bringing with them a host of new and updated datasheets that promise to shake up the battlefield. Whether you’re a die-hard follower of the Dark Gods or a fresh recruit, the changes in the datasheets are bound to offer something exciting and deadly. Let’s delve into these updates and see what’s in store for your army.
New Units
Chaos Lord with Jump Pack
First on the list of new arrivals is the Chaos Lord with Jump Pack. Picture this: a heavily armored, sinister figure, soaring across the battlefield with a deadly combination of speed and brutality. This guy isn’t just about looking cool; he brings a lot to the table. With the ability to join Raptor squads, he adds much-needed leadership and melee prowess. His “Cruel Hunter” ability allows his unit to pile in and consolidate further, ensuring they stay in the thick of combat where they excel. Equip him with a pair of Lightning Claws, and you’ve got yourself a blender on wings.
Major Unit Updates
Abaddon the Despoiler
Abaddon, the ultimate Chaos Space Marine, has undergone some intriguing changes. He’s lost the individual marks of Chaos, now representing Chaos Undivided. This tweak simplifies his integration into various detachments but still allows him to bring his unmatched battlefield presence. His new ability to join units of Chosen makes him even more versatile. Imagine Abaddon leading a pack of elite warriors, tearing through enemy lines with re-rolls to hit and wound. His aura abilities now vary each turn, adding a layer of tactical depth to his use.
Warp Talons
Warp Talons have received a significant buff that will make them a favorite among aggressive players. These daemonic jump pack troops can now return to reserves if they’re not engaged at the end of the fight phase. This hit-and-run capability allows them to strike hard and then vanish, ready to pounce again later. Their improved melee profile makes them a serious threat to any backline unit.
Possessed
Possessed have seen both buffs and nerfs. They’ve lost the ability to revive slain models, but their mobility and combat prowess have been enhanced. Now, they can move towards units that shoot at them, potentially closing the gap faster than ever. While their once-per-game Unholy Bloodshed ability might limit their explosive potential, they remain a formidable melee unit with strategic repositioning capabilities.
Weapon Changes
Baleflamer
The notorious Baleflamer is back with a vengeance. This weapon now offers more shots and ignores cover, making it an excellent tool for clearing out infantry and light vehicles hiding in terrain. Auto-hitting with a torrent of flames ensures that anything caught in its path is reduced to ashes. If you like the idea of watching your enemies burn, then the Baleflamer is your new best friend.
Fleshmetal Guns
Fleshmetal Guns, wielded by the monstrous Obliterators, have been tweaked for better performance. Each profile now has a distinct role, making these walking armories even more versatile. Whether you need to melt vehicles with focused malice or shred hordes with warp hail, these guns have got you covered. The shorter range on the melta profile is a trade-off, but their destructive power up close more than compensates for it.
Chaos Space Marines Combat Patrol List Price: $160 CAD$190 £95 €125
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The Warhammer 40k Combat Patrol boxes are a great choice for new players who are interested in exploring a particular faction. They offer a quick and easy way to assemble a small army and jump straight into playing games.
- Released 02/07/2022
- 99120102142
- Games Workshop - Warhammer 40,000 - Combat Patrol: Chaos Space Marines
- Plastic miniatures - require assembly and painting - paints and tools not included
- Number_Of_Items: 1
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These sets are similar to the Start Collecting Sets, which were introduced by GW in 2016. They are designed to help players get a feel for the faction and start building their skills right away.
How to Play: Strategies for Playing Chaos Space Marines
Harnessing the power of Chaos Space Marines requires more than brute force; it demands cunning, strategy, and a touch of dark sorcery. Here’s a guide to building and deploying your army effectively.
Building Your Army
Key Units to Include
When assembling your force, certain units stand out as must-haves. Abaddon the Despoiler provides unparalleled leadership and combat prowess. Warp Talons are perfect for hit-and-run tactics, while Possessed deliver devastating melee damage. The Cultist Firebrand is invaluable for supporting your hordes. Don’t forget about your heavy hitters like Obliterators, who bring versatile firepower to any engagement.
Effective Combinations
Combining units effectively is key to maximizing your army’s potential. Pair Abaddon with Chosen to create an unstoppable force in melee. Use Warp Talons to disrupt enemy lines and force them to react to your movements. Deploy Possessed alongside units like Raptors to create a fast-moving, hard-hitting spearhead. And for a wall of fire and flesh, combine Cultists with the Cultist Firebrand for relentless pressure.
Using Detachments Effectively
Choosing the Right Detachment for Your Playstyle
Each detachment offers unique benefits tailored to different playstyles. If you prefer precision and re-rolls, Veterans of the Long War is your go-to. For those who enjoy outmaneuvering their foes, Deceptors provide infiltration and tactical flexibility. Renegade Raiders are perfect for hit-and-run tactics, while Dread Talons focus on breaking enemy morale.
Maximizing Detachment Abilities
To get the most out of your detachment, leverage their unique abilities. Use the Focus of Hatred from Veterans of the Long War to prioritize and eliminate key enemy units. Deceptors’ infiltration abilities allow you to control the battlefield from the start. Renegade Raiders excel in capturing objectives and retreating before the enemy can respond. And with Dread Talons, constant pressure on enemy leadership can cripple their effectiveness.
Tactical Tips
Leveraging Dark Pacts
Dark Pacts can be a game-changer if used wisely. Invoke them at critical moments to gain the upper hand, but always be aware of the risks. High Leadership units and support characters can mitigate the downsides, allowing you to unleash powerful abilities when needed most. Balancing risk and reward with Dark Pacts can turn the tide of battle in your favor.
Utilizing New Weapons and Units
Make the most of the new and updated units and weapons. Deploy your Chaos Lord with Jump Pack to lead rapid assaults and disrupt enemy plans. Use the Baleflamer to clear entrenched positions and Obliterators to adapt to various threats. Warp Talons should be used to harass and eliminate high-value targets, then reposition for the next strike. By understanding and exploiting these new tools, you can outmaneuver and outgun your opponents.
Chaos Space Marines Codex YouTube Reviews:
If you’re looking for reviews on YouTube, be sure to watch your favorite presenters talk about their take on how to play Chaos Space Marines and their new codex book at the links below:
Latest 40k Rules Updates For the Chaos Space Marines:
The latest updates for the Chaos Space Marines 10th Edition rules will be released in what Games Workshop calls a Balance Dataslate, sometimes along with accompanying points changes as well.
You can see all the latest Balance Dataslate updates here in our post, which breaks down the most recent changes.
How To Play Warhammer 40k Chaos Space Marines: Points
You can find the latest points for playing this faction in 10th Edition Warhammer 40k here on our Munitorum Field Manual Points Updates Page.
Is It Still Worth Playing Chaos Space Marines?
Do you like chaos? If you do, then play CSM! They are quite a decent army in terms of win rate, have a lot of really cool units, and are super fun to hobby on. Even with the recent changes, they are still strong and have a huge range of models, meaning more choices!
Conclusion
And there you have it, fellow heretics—a comprehensive look at the unholy updates and strategies to dominate the battlefield with your Chaos Space Marines in the 10th Edition. Whether you’re rallying the masses with a Cultist Firebrand, leading daring assaults with a Chaos Lord and his Warp Talons, or wreaking havoc with the new and improved Possessed, your path to glory is paved with blood and betrayal.
Remember, the Chaos gods favor those who aren’t afraid to take risks, sacrifice a few (or many) souls, and laugh in the face of the Imperium’s so-called “order.” With your newfound knowledge, go forth and spread the corruption, chaos, and carnage that our dark patrons so crave. May your enemies tremble, your allies cower, and your warbands grow ever more powerful.
In the immortal words of Abaddon the Despoiler: “Let the galaxy burn.” Happy gaming, and may the Dark Gods smile upon your campaigns!
All the Latest Warhammer Rules & Model Rumors
Do you like the Chaos Space Marines rules for 10th Edition Warhammer 40k in this how-to-play guide? Will you be playing them?
About the Author: Travis Pasch
Travis Pasch
Job Title: Head Writer & Editor
Socials: @paschbass
About Travis Pasch: Travis has been a Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the 1990s, playing the game since Third Edition. Through extensive traveling, he’s seen a lot of the miniatures hobby from across the world, giving him a unique perspective on the latest gaming topics and trends.
Travis’s brother even owns a commission painting studio, where he’s picked up a lot of good advice and techniques for painting Warhammer and tabletop miniatures over the years, as well. Travis joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the lead writer since 2020.
Currently, he’s working on converting all his 40k Adeptus Mechanicus models and becoming a true tech enjoyer, complete with both sad and happy robot noises!
