40k’s Dark Vengeance isn’t anything new, as it’s actually had multiple releases over the years, but the real question is: is the latest MTO release worth it?
Updated February 5th, 2025, by Rob Baer with new links and information.
Warhammer 40k’s Dark Vengeance is like that band that keeps going on reunion tours—same hits, different decade. First launched in 2012, re-released in 2014, and now making (in 2019) another appearance as a Made-to-Order (MTO) set, it’s back once again. But with a higher price tag and missing some of the extras (like the books and supplements) that made the original stand out, is it still a solid pickup or just a nostalgia trap?
If you’re thinking about adding this box to your collection, you’ll want to know exactly what’s inside, what’s missing, and whether the value holds up in today’s hobby market. We’ll break it all down for you!
40k’s Dark Vengeance—Back Again, But Is It Worth the Hype?
Dark Vengeance has been around the block. This isn’t its first rodeo, and Games Workshop has dusted it off and put it back on shelves more than once. So, now that it’s back as a Made-to-Order (MTO) release, the big question is: does it still hold up?
If you’re eyeing this set, let’s go over what’s in the box and whether it’s a solid grab or just nostalgia bait.
2012 Dark Vengeance Release – The OG Box With Extras
2012 Dark Vengeance release with book & “exclusive” Chaplain model
Way back in 2012, Dark Vengeance hit the scene with all the minis we’re about to go over, plus a limited edition Dark Angels Chaplain and a mini rulebook, all for $107. GW brought it back again in 2014, but that version ditched the extra goodies.
During its initial release, GW tried to keep it under wraps with the codename Project Mars: Special Edition. And surprisingly, it actually worked (at least for a bit).
The set itself packed two small armies:
Chaos Side:
- 20x Chaos Cultists
- 6x Chosen
- 1x Chaos Lord
- 1x Hellbrute (Chaos Dreadnought)
Dark Angels Side:
- 1x Company Master
- 1x Librarian
- 10x Tactical Marines
- 5x Terminators
- 3x Ravenwing Bikes
- 1x exclusive Chaplain (if you were lucky)
If you got the version with the Chaplain, he came with a datasheet that made him extra nasty against Chaos.
The books in this set were also a cut above other releases at the time. The rulebook and guides were printed in full color and actually felt like they had some weight to them—rare for the era.
2019 Dark Vengeance MTO Release – Same Box, Fewer Perks, Higher Price
Fast forward to 2019, and Dark Vengeance makes another return. This time, it’s priced at $140. What’s different? No Chaplain model. No mini rulebook. Just the core plastic kits. So let’s break down the actual contents of the 2019 version:
What Comes in the Dark Vengeance Box Set?
Dark Angels:
- 1x Company Master
- 1x Librarian
- 10x Tactical Marines (with a Veteran Sergeant)
- 5x Deathwing Terminators
- 3x Ravenwing Bikers
Chaos:
- 1x Chaos Lord
- 6x Chosen
- 20x Cultists
- 1x Helbrute
Also included: a construction guide (which is not the same thing as the rulebook from 2012) and a pile of bases:
- 19x 32mm round bases
- 5x 40mm round bases
- 20x 25mm round bases
- 3x bike bases
- 1x 60mm round base
The price bump from the original release is $36, and considering it’s missing a model that could easily be worth $35, plus a $35 rulebook, the value starts to look a little questionable.
And let’s be real—GW has been slowly pushing classic Marines out of the picture. Just weeks before this re-release, they straight-up erased HQ Marine Biker units from the game. Non-Primaris Marines haven’t gotten any real support since 8th edition dropped.
2012 Unboxing:
2014 Unboxing:
Worth It or Nah?
At the time of its first release, Dark Vengeance was a solid deal. Now? It’s harder to justify, especially with the price hike and missing extras.
The Dark Vengeance MTO release brings back a classic, but not without some trade-offs. The price is higher, the Chaplain and mini rulebook are gone, and with standard Marines getting phased out, long-term value is questionable. If you’re after nostalgia or need these models for your collection, it might be worth grabbing. If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck in today’s game, there are stronger options out there.
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What are your thoughts on the 2019 MTO Dark Vengeance release? Did you get your hands on the Box with the Chaplain model from back in the day?
