Are Space Marines days numbered? It looks like the final resting place for our beloved old Marines has started as they pass into Warhammer Legends…
Before we jump in, it’s important to note that right now, some old Marine units are still much better than Primaris. There are still areas of 40k that old Marines just do better and are much more versatile. However, it seems that the official “cemetery” for old 40k models has started to fill up in the recent Warhammer Community announcement.
Essentially, this seems like the start of the old Space Marine “phasing out” process that everyone has been worried about since Primaris Marines hit the scene in 2017.
Our Minis Aren’t Immortal: More Units Hit Warhammer Legends
When Warhammer Legends was first introduced, GW was going easy on us only putting a Chaplain on a Bike and an Imperial Marine. However, this go-round there is more, lots more…
The Warhammer 40,000 Legends page contains datasheets and additional wargear options, definitive profiles that will live on their own dedicated page, enabling you to unleash your treasured classics in open, narrative and matched play games, with full points provided to help you balance your games.
Warhammer Legends Is Where Good Models Go to Die
As far as the official GW announcement goes, they’ve added the Chaplain on bike and Imperial Space Marine to the Warhammer Legends list. Being added to this list means that they’ll always have rules/points/power level. However, GW won’t ever touch their datasheet again. Once it’s there, it’s locked in. Meaning over time, as points and rules fluctuate, these guys will stay exactly how they were when they first got added to the list.
It’s Not Just Warhammer Legends That’s Giving the “Phase Out” Away
Looking at the new Space Marine codex, the Stratagems sheet was updated. It turns out that Predators lost their Kill Shot stratagem and Vindicators had to say goodbye to Linebreaker Assault. That’s two old Marine vehicles that lost stratagem support overnight.
But that’s not all…
Classic Chapter Characters Are Crossing the Rubicon Primaris
Non-primaris versions of recent Astartes characters, as well as the Legion of the Damned, and Honor Guard have now all been moved from Matched play, and into Legends.
We’ve slowly been seeing all of the named characters across the Chapters cross the Rubicon Primaris to stay “relevant”. This makes the old models obsolete as they gain a new datasheet. So far we’ve seen Kayvaan, Tiggy, Kor’sarro, and Marneus all make the change. We could be seeing more characters get updated as more and more codex supplements release later on.
Looking at where Primaris sit right now, a majority of their focus has been on shooting units so we’ve still got full use out of melee things like Terminators, Wulfen, Death Company, Veterans, etc. However, it looks like there’s nothing stopping GW from focusing in on them in the years ahead.
Looking Forward Years Down the Line
As far as the long-term things go, it’s been two years since the first Marine codex and we’ve just got our 2nd. We could be seeing a third Marine codex drop in another two years that tightens the squeeze on old Marines just a bit more.
Even with GW’s other games, like Warhammer Underworlds and Blood Bowl, a phase-out of old units and editions has started and they are only two and three years old respectively.
What do you think about GW bringing in more Primaris to replace older models? What do you think will make the Warhammer Legends list next?
Let us know in the comments of our Facebook Hobby Group, and sign up to get your free hobby updates newsletter (with discount coupon codes) each morning as well!
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.
