Iconic Blood Angels 40k units like the Librarian Dreadnought and Captain Tycho are moving to Legends, sparking nostalgia and debate.
Warhammer 40k is a universe where change is constant, but this time around, it feels like the Blood Angels have been hit with a particularly brutal case of the ‘old marines getting shown the door’ syndrome. With the new Codex, some of our most beloved and battle-hardened heroes are being retired to Legends status—basically Warhammer’s equivalent of putting your favorite action figures on a dusty shelf where they’re “technically” still part of the universe but not quite invited to the main event anymore.
Rest in Power: Blood Angels 40k Codex Liquidates More Units to Legends
So, the new Blood Angels Codex has dropped, and it feels like we’ve had a family reunion where some of our favorite uncles and cousins didn’t get an invite. Yes, the “Legends” update is here, and with it goes a list of beloved units, moving from front-line action to the quieter halls of nostalgia. Among these are some of the Blood Angels’ most iconic characters and units. For newer players, it’s like being told about a famous band’s greatest hits after their final tour, and for the seasoned crowd, it’s a bittersweet farewell. Let’s take a closer look at what’s going into this ‘retirement’ category and what it means for one of the most storied factions in the Warhammer universe.
New Points & Missing Units
We compared the leaked Blood Angels rules to the current Field Munitorum to see what units were missing and what were most likely going to Legends.
We won’t give too much credence to the rest of the points, as basically every single codex has had its points changed on day one of release. But it can’t hurt to look at it as a reference point for the units getting the axe.
The Librarian Dreadnought Has Died Twice.
Ah, the Librarian Dreadnought. There’s something poetic about the idea of a mighty Space Marine, well past his expiration date, encased in a sarcophagus and still throwing out psychic powers like they’re going out of style. A walking tank with the mind of a powerful psyker is peak Warhammer 40k absurdity, and we love it. The Librarian Dread perfectly captured the tragic heroism of the Blood Angels—a warrior who could’ve been laid to rest but is instead doomed to fight for eternity.
For those who’ve run their Librarian Dread in countless games, seeing it moved to Legends status feels a bit like your old dog learning a new trick only to find out it’s now too old to play fetch at the park. It’s not just the gameplay loss but the thematic punch this unit brought to the table. The blend of power, psychic abilities, and its connection to the Blood Angels’ dark lore made it a fan favorite. We may not see it in competitive lists anymore, but it’ll always be a towering figure in the heart of narrative play.
Gabriel Seth, Brother Corbulo, and Captain Tycho: Where Are They Now?
When it comes to Blood Angels’ characters, it’s like watching a soap opera where suddenly some of your favorite cast members are written off the show. Gabriel Seth, the chainsword-swinging, rage-filled chapter master of the Flesh Tearers, is out. Brother Corbulo, the very essence of Sanguinary Priesthood, carrying the Red Grail with a grim sense of hope—gone. And Captain Tycho? We lose both his shining days and his haunting decline into the Lost. If you ask us, it feels like someone decided to prune the family tree a bit too aggressively.
The absence of these figures leaves a gaping hole for narrative-driven fans who loved the lore these characters brought. They weren’t just stat sheets; they embodied key moments in Blood Angels history. Whether you were into Seth’s relentless brutality, Corbulo’s desperate hope, or Tycho’s tragic fall, there’s a sense that the Blood Angels have lost more than a few names—they’ve lost part of their soul.
The Death Company Firstborn: A Legacy Sidelined
Now, let’s talk about the Death Company Firstborn. The Death Company is the dark beating heart of Blood Angels lore—the marines who’ve succumbed to the Black Rage and fight like they’ve got nothing to lose (because they don’t). The Firstborn Death Company has been a staple of the army for decades, representing that tragic, inevitable fall that’s at the core of what it means to be a Blood Angel.
With the shift toward Primaris Marines dominating the roster, the old Firstborn Death Company seems to have been quietly shuffled off-stage. Sure, the Primaris Death Company is still around, but for those who’ve long relished the history and flavor of Firstborn units, it feels like watching your favorite band re-record a classic album with new members—it’s just not the same.
For fans of the original Death Company, this is more than just a gameplay change—it’s a fundamental shift in how the Blood Angels express their identity. The Firstborn Marines were a living embodiment of the curse that haunts every Blood Angel. Without them, the army’s narrative loses a bit of its bite.
The Furioso Dreadnought: A Veteran of Many Wars
If there’s one unit that screams “Blood Angels” with all the rage and flair of a gothic opera, it’s the Furioso Dreadnought. A walking hulk of metal and fury, the Furioso was more than just a heavy hitter—it was a symbol of the chapter’s relentless drive to keep fighting, even when death should have been the end. Armed with blood talons or massive fists, this beast was the perfect embodiment of a Blood Angel who refused to rest in peace, instead choosing to continue crushing skulls in the Emperor’s name.
But now, with the Furioso being moved to Legends status, we’re left wondering where this classic fits in the grand scheme of things. For long-time players, it’s like having that old warhorse of a friend who’s been through every battle with you suddenly told, “Thanks for your service, now enjoy retirement.” Sure, we still have the Primaris Dreadnought variants stomping around, but they don’t quite carry the same weight—both literally and metaphorically—that the Furioso did.
Community Reactions to the Blood Angels Moving to Legends: Nostalgia, Speculation, &New Beginnings
The community’s reactions to these changes have been anything but quiet. It’s like seeing a favorite sports team trade away their star players in one go—everyone’s got an opinion. Some are lamenting what they see as the ‘dumbing down’ of the faction’s rich history, while others are more optimistic, seeing this as a natural progression in the universe’s narrative. For some, it’s about holding onto the classics in narrative play or homebrew campaigns. Others are already speculating: Will we see these characters in a future supplement, or are they truly gone for good?
But let’s be real—Legends isn’t the end; it’s just another way to say, “Hey, we’re keeping this unit in the back pocket for those who love it.” There’s plenty of hope for future reappearances in campaign books, special missions, or the like. For now, though, fans of these units have to decide if they’re content with fielding them in casual games or if they’re ready to embrace (without saying the word) the newer direction of their army.
The final word on the Blood Angels Units Moving to Legends
As the dust settles on these changes, one thing is clear: the Blood Angels remain as tragic, noble, and melodramatic as ever, even if some of our favorite characters and units are being gently nudged off the main stage. Whether you’re a newcomer just getting to know the faction’s rich backstory or a long-time player lamenting the loss of old favorites, there’s no denying that this is a new chapter for the sons of Sanguinius.
Sure, seeing the likes of the Librarian Dreadnought and Captain Tycho take a step back into Legends is a bit like watching your favorite rock band announce they’re retiring their greatest hits from the setlist. But much like those iconic songs, these characters and units won’t be forgotten by the players who’ve brought them to life across countless battles. They’ll live on in narrative games, display shelves, and—who knows?—maybe even in a future release when nostalgia kicks in.
For now, we carry on, keeping that noble rage burning bright. After all, whether it’s with Primaris marines or Firstborn legends, the Blood Angels will keep doing what they do best: looking stylish while fighting a doomed battle against their inner demons. And really, isn’t that what being a Blood Angels fan is all about?
- Gabriel Seth
- Brother Corbulo
- Captain Tycho
- Librarian Dreadnought
- Furioso Dreadnought
- Firstborn Death Company
Rest in power, kings.
All the Latest Warhammer Rules & Model Rumors
What do you think about all the units Blood Angels units moving to Legends? Will you be missing any of 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!
