Well, now that we've had a look a some of the pros and cons of our Black Templars chapter, as well as some of the archetypes, we can dig into some of the units that will help you get the best bang for your buck for your lists.

NOTE:  Due to the sheer volume of units that need analysis, I am using a place-holder analysis from 1D4chan until I can finish them all.  I will notate in the unit name with a (ML) if it is my review and analysis.  When I am completely done, this message will disappear.  Apologies for the long wait!

The best place to start is the HQ slot, so let's get started shall we?

BT Unit Analysis:  HQ's

• Captain (ML):  The basic infantry HQ choice for our forces.  He has great stats and one source of unit buffs for our army.  Where he really shines, however, is in close combat and armed with a Power Fist/Thunderhammer where his high number of attacks can be utilized.  His aura is 6" and allows any friendly CHAPTER unit within its range to reroll any ones to hit in shooting/combat.  For 3CP, you can upgrade him to a Chapter Master and your aura will reroll any failed to hit rolls instead of just ones.  In either form, this aura is fantastic to help ensure your precious shots are going through.  Also handy to prevent plasma deaths.  He also comes with a 4+ invulnerable save, so a storm shield isn't a requirement.
  • Captain with Jump Pack (ML): All of the benefits of the standard Captain, plus the ability to FLY, deep-strike, move 12", and move over enemy models.  The last is amazing if you have him armed with close combat weapons.  A popular set up is TH/SS, with or without secondary squad support, and then assaulting over your opponent's bubblewrap to get at their tough units like Imperial Knights or Monsters.  Combo with strategic use of Honor of the Chapter (3CP) and you can seriously gimp a Knight in one turn with a single model.
  • Captain in Terminator Armor (ML): You get an additional +1W and a 2+ save at the cost of -1" movement. You also don't have as many options as your terminators do, which is strange, but you have the option of adding a grenade launcher.  Outside of specialized builds, you will likely choose other options for your Captains.
  • Captain in Cataphractii Armor (ML): This is the ultimate in protection for your Captain, rocking an automatic 3+ invulnerable save.  This frees up his other hand for more weaponry.  The cost, however, is steep.  You'll be moving at 4" and advance at half speed, so a maximum of 7" per turn.  Your enemies will likely out-maneuver you and so the only real place for this setup would be in a deep strike army.
  • Primaris Captain (ML): This is the foot-based Primaris version of our humble Captain.  This means you're getting upsized with an additional wound and attack, but with your standard ranged equipment loadout, its kind of wasted.  You can add a basic power sword to the equation, but you won't scare anyone with this HQ in close combat.  However, for a slight uptick in points, you can arm him with a Power Fist/Plasma Pistol and this will definitely get more mileage in combat.  Unfortunately, he doesn't have a great way of getting there with his only transport option being a Repulser.
  • Primaris Captain in Gravis Armor (ML): This guy is a pretty good option in close combat, with better stats (+1 toughness, wounds, and attacks) than a standard Captain.  They come with a master-crafted power sword and a Boltstorm Gauntlet.  Realistically, you'll be using that Boltstorm both ranged and in combat.  This gives you a durable body with some weight of attacks.  Too bad you cannot upgrade his equipment, to take advantage of other great options like Teeth of Terra.  You also lack a 2+ save on this guy (though Armour Indomitus fixes this) and you don't have the mobility to "hide" like a jump Captain does.  Transportation to combat is limited to a Repulser, else you are walking and this really hurts his effectiveness.  Mobility is hugely important, so a Jump Captain with TH/SS is often a better choice.
  • Primaris Captain in Phobos Armour (ML): A Primaris Captain that is armed with a basic close combat weapon and the equivalent to a sniper rifle, without the ability to cause mortal wounds.  He has a 12" aura that prevents deep strikes and his camo-cloak/concealed position lends him to join groups of Infiltrators and Eliminators for rerolls, but he really is too expensive for what he does.  His only saving grace is his access to Phobos Warlord traits, of which, Master of the Vanguard is ridiculously good for deep strike armies (Assault Terminators anyone?).  Worth the points though...?  Tough call, but probably not.
  • Captain on Bike (ML)​: This is an unit that is quickly growing on me.  Not only do you gain the bulk of a bike (+1 toughness and wound), you gain 14" of mobility.  If you arm him with a Storm Bolter or Combi-weapon, you will have tons of firepower coming from his direction.  Especially if he's your warlord and you've taken the Storm of Fire trait.  Have him ride with some Company Veterans on bikes with similar weaponry and you will appreciate the death coming from their direction.  You can also arm him with TH/SS to make a hugely durable and deadly close combat monster.  Jump packs will still make bubblewrap useless and obviously, bikes don't have FLY...so you have to weigh your pro's and con's there.​
• Chaplain: The guy for melee support. His aura, unlike the Captain's, only affects melee hits, but provides full rerolls without having to buy a full Chapter Master. Useful for any melee squad, especially those with Power Fists and Thunder Hammers. Also mitigates morale damage by sharing his Ld9 (L10 to Ultramarines). His Crozius Arcanum is now somewhere between a Power Axe and Maul at +1S AP-1 2D. While he can swap his Bolt pistol for a plasma one or Combis, swapping it for a Power Fist instead might be more useful than a Combi to this melee specialist, as it's better than his Crozius.
  • Chaplain with Jump Pack: Much like the Captain, to keep up with Vanguard Vets, deepstrike, jump over units, punch Airborne models and the like. Definitely not for falling back to shoot, unless he's a White Scar and can charge back again.
  • Chaplain in Terminator Armor: +1W 2+ armour, at the cost of 5" movement, but can deepstrike. Take this when you want resilience over damage in a deepstrike-capable model, as he cannot swap the Storm Bolter for a Power Fist.
  • Chaplain on Bike: If you're looking for both survivability and the mobility then this is for you. Bikes got a massive buff as they move farther than before, giving the rider an extra wound and a toughness bonus. Lacks the Jump Pack's Fly & deepstrike shenanigans, but can still cover massive amounts of distance per turn.
  • Primaris Chaplain: As you'd expect, the Primaris Marines get their own spin on the Chaplain. He gets the usual Primaris buff (+1W +1A) at the cost of reduced mobility options (Repulsor only) and a price hike. Cannot change his wargear, but his Absolvor Bolt pistol hits like a pocket Heavy Bolter at 16" S5 AP-1 Pistol.
  • Chaplain Dreadnought: The Chaplain Dreadnought is the go-to answer for players wishing to run an all dreadnought army. This is one of the best models space marines can currently use in 8th, arguably the best outside of special characters. Being a Character makes this a Dreadnought that CANNOT BE SHOT AT except by snipers, who usually have pitiful AP. It has a 5++ save and also buffs the strength of friendly models fighting the same unit as it, and has heroic intervention and 6+ FNP. It's also reasonably priced, considering its many advantages; 204 points vanilla, but can be cheaper or more expensive depending on wargear choices (taking an assault cannon makes it cost 174, as an example). Despite its strengths, ultimately its buff is weak, more a bonus than something your army can rely on. If you want an HQ that buffs, then the Chaplain Dreadnought is a bad choice; however, if you were planning to bring a dreadnought and/or want a tough and killy HQ, then the Chaplain is a fantastic option that also saves you an elite or heavy support slot.
• Techmarine: Vehicles may be tougher this edition, but their performance diminishes with wounds, and this guy repairs them for D3 Wounds a turn, no roll required! Being a character he can work in relative safety, so he doesn't need Servitors either, provided you keep at least something between him and the enemy. He also holds the distinction of being able to become your cheapest HQ (45pts with a chainsword), though you shouldn't pick him as a tax HQ if you're just going to have him stand around. You're playing Space Marines, it's not like you're short on vehicle options for him to keep up and running. Beyond just going as cheap as possible, he can generally can be built one of two ways, and they are sadly mutually exclusive. For a more shooty build, he can ditch his pistol for any other Pistol or Ranged weapon and replace his Servo-arm with something very useful indeed: a Conversion Beamer. This tasty bit of gear functions as a Multi-laser with only D3 shots when at close range, but turns into an Overcharged Plasma Cannon that trades 2 AP for no exploding on a roll of a 1 when over half it's rather impressive 42" range. The other path is more of a close combat monster; (and the cheaper option, ty Chapter Approved 2018) by taking the Servo-harness, you give yourself an extra servo-arm, a Flamer and a Plasma Cutter, which is basically an Assault 1 Plasma Pistol, and all for only 60 points! Quite brutal, but you should generally build your Cogmarine for where he's going to be hanging out. If he'll be humping the leg of a Deredeo in your backline, take the Beamer and maybe a Storm Bolter if you have points left over. If he's going to be running around in the thick of things keeping your melee dreads from getting splattered, strongly consider the Harness, which carries all Assault weapons and you can repair even after Advancing!
  • Techmarine on Bike: Gives your Techmarine additional staying power (+1T/W), a two shot Bolter, all of the footslogger's wargear options and, most importantly, mobility. A Techmarine on Bike can move 15-20" per turn (22" for White Scars) to keep up with your vehicles, as he can't repair them from the inside. Hilarious amount of dakka with his Servo-Harness, Combi-weapon and bike's twin bolter.
  • Along with Captains, Techmarines are the only HQ units who readily practice marksmanship and have a BS of 2+. Thus a cheap 45 point model makes good use of The Primarchs Wrath on a free bolter, and you can take the Conversion Beamer too. Configured in such a way, he adds worthy firepower while aiding in vehicle repairs and generally earning his keep in your list.
• Lieutenants: A surprising new addition with the advent of C:SM. He's got mini-Captain stats at WS2+ BS3+ W4 A3, but allows re-rolling 1s to wound instead of to hit. Since his aura is different and does good melee damage, he's an excellent complement to a Chaplain (or Captain/Chapter Master) if you can afford him. You can buy up to two Lieutenants per HQ slot, but you should be taking them separately to fill out HQ taxes on detachments. More customizable than his Primaris counterpart.
  • At 63pts base and armed with a Master-crafted Boltgun, he's the one you want as a cheap tax HQ to hang around your units and boost them. Unless you'd rather have someone repairing your vehicles.
  • The Lieutenant and Captain rerolls are mathematically identical: +16.67%. Even with the -1 to hit Unwieldy the end result is still the same. When dedicing which one to use, remember the Captain is better with effects on a hit (Gets Hot, Stratagems), while the Lieutenant is better with effects on wound (sniper Scouts) or weapons that don't roll to hit (flamers). It can also be argued that the Lieutenant provides the same boost as a Captain for cheaper, though the later is a much stronger combatant. The best option, of course, is to take both at once.
  • Lieutenant with Jump Pack: Extra mobility to put those melee skills to good use. No biker or termie variants for him.
  • Primaris Lieutenant: +10pts over the regular Lt. might very well be worth it if you want him to stand back and boost your gunline, plus +1W +1A. And with his Master-crafted Auto/Bolt Rifle he can contribute while doing so. Plus, he can ride in a Repulsor alongside a Primaris Chaplain, for which he should swap his Bolt Rifle for a Power Sword.
  • Lieutenant in Phobos Armor: Another Primaris variant, this one has a D2 boltgun that ignores cover and the standard Lt. bonus. Also has deep strike and a unique Knife Fighter ability; unmodified hit rolls of 6 count as 2 hits instead of 1. Not like it'll matter much because he only has a basic CCW.
• Rhino Primaris: One half of the Command Tank duo, the Rhino Primaris distinguishes itself from the basic Rhino by 3 things: its twin Plasma Gun, the ability to call an orbital bombardment (a 72" range monster with S10 AP-4 Heavy D3 D6 damage that becomes Heavy D6 when used on a unit with 10 or more models and doesn't need line of sight, but can only be fired once per game), and its servo-skull hub. The hub allows the Rhino Primaris to buff allies within 12" with either a +1 to hit, a -1 to morale tests, or healing a wound (for vehicles only). It only has room to transport 6 units, though that's just enough for a Captain and his Veteran Squad.
  • Never fire the plasma gun on overcharged mode; the risk of destroying the Rhino Primaris isn't worth the extra damage. Unless you use the Servo-skull hubs +1 to hit on the Rhino, in which case you can overheat without risk. Probably better spent on those Hellblasters or Plasma Cannon devastators though.
  • Positioning is important, but it's even more important with the Rhino Primaris. Rhinos are tougher now, but you don't want your light APC in harm's way. But if you camp it behind a ruin that's somewhat central, flying units and other assets fighting in the vicinity all become viable options for the servo-skull hub. Imagine an overhead Caestus flying in, getting tagged by the Rhino, and then vomiting its weapons onto an enemy. Hitting enemy targets with BS 2+ anti-tank weaponry from nowhere? That's the value of positioning.
  • Worst case, have the Rhino Primaris pick itself on Turn 1 with its servo-skull hub, and fire the orbital relay (which can now be fired on turn one, a significant boost from 7th). Hitting on 2+ with a weapon this powerful is amazing, whether it's D3 or D6 shots. Add some way to reroll ones/hits and you can really lay a beating on something. A footslogging Captain may be better here than the Excelsior, but each scenario is different. If the Rhino is far enough back, a Primaris Captain (with a Stalker-pattern Bolter) babysitting some Hellblasters anyway could help.
  • If you're looking for a good base for a conversion, the Damocles Rhino from Forge World is a good start.
• Land Raider Excelsior: The other half of the Command Tank duo, which comes with a 5+ invulnerable save, the Captain's ability to grant re-rolls for hit results of 1 for units within 6" of it, a pair of twin lascannons, a combi-plasma, and a grav-cannon/grav-amp combo. If you take it, take the Rhino Primaris too - it'll gain a +1 to hit for all shooting attacks if it stays within 24" of the Rhino Primaris. Apart from that, it's fairly similar to the vanilla LR, albeit better able to take on heavy infantry thanks to the grav-cannon.
  • As is the case for the Rhino Primaris, do not overcharge the plasma gun part of the combi-plasma. Your lascannons do everything that an overcharged plasma gun shot can do, without the risk of killing yourself in the process! Unless you're close to the Rhino Primaris, in which case, you might as well, since your rolls of 1 will become 2.
  • Often overlooked, this thing is a Character. While it has too many wounds to 'hide,' you can make this thing your Warlord. May not be a terrible choice in spite of its size, being the toughest vanilla Character in the book. It's expensive, but its sheer size adds a fair distance to its Rites of Battle special rule, meaning that a Chaplain-led melee squad disembarking from this thing can do a tremendous amount of damage while denying your opponent an easy Slay the Warlord. Avoid getting stuck in melee, however. You want this thing shooting at medium/heavy infantry and vehicles.
  • According to GW's Community Team (for now; could be FAQ'd later), Characters in the Index that didn't receive an entry in the Codex still have access to Relics alongside Chapter Tactics and Warlord Traits. As such, the Salamanders and Black Templars can give the Excelsior their respective relics, RAW, as neither replaces a weapon or has a restriction (like the White Scars' relic). It's an expensive choice, but a Salamanders Excelsior as your Warlord with Iron Resolve and the Salamander's Mantle nets you a 17 Wound, Toughness 9 Land Raider with its 2+, 5++, and a 6+++. Cast Might of Heroes on this thiccest of thicc bois and have lascannons wound you on 5s. Conversely, a Black Templars Excelsior with the Crusader's Helm (presumably on the tank's commander, who is modeled with the combi-plasma the vehicle can take) gives you a Rites of Battle bubble approximately twice as large as an Infantry Captain without the Helm, factoring in the Land Raider's size. This means that upon disembarking, you increase the chance the Crusader Squad inside remains within Rites range, even with a re-rolled charge (for that extra distance). Neither are game-breaking, as the tank comes in at some 450 points fully kitted out, and as such should only be used in larger games, but the option exists. For now.
• High Marshal Helbrecht: The big boss of the Black Templars. All Black Templar units around him reroll all to hit rolls and Black Templar MODELS gain +1 strength — and Str 5 is a sweetspot in this edition. So when this guy rolls up in a Land Raider Crusader and then charges you with his strength 5 rerolling to hit homeboys...you're dead. End of discussion. He himself is no slouch in combat, roasting things with a combi melta, and gains d3 attacks on the charge using what is effectively a Relic Blade.
  • It almost goes without saying, but this makes Power Swords and Lightning Claws the superior weapon vs MEQ, and Power Axes wound on 2+ vs GEQ. He also makes Power Fists S9, but only Plague Marines or Land Raiders would notice, so leave those TH/SS at home, and use the increased space for Ancients and Apothecaries instead.
• Emperor's Champion: This guy will brutally murder any enemy character, living up to Sigismund's legacy with a plethora of rules to wreck heroes. Well, kinda; he can't kill a generic Captain on his own. While he's certainly got a hate boner against Characters, hurling with five Str7 AP-3 D1d3 attacks that reroll hits and wounds the Champion does 4.3 unsaved wounds on a regular Captain, but the latter's Thunder Hammer inflicts 3.88W on the Champion, who has 1 less wound than him. You could argue the Emperor's Champion hits above his points cost, but a Captain with Thunder Hammer costs only +20pts, aka the Hammer's cost, is good against everything at the same time he boosts your army. Meanwhile, the Emperor's Champion is only effective against characters and monsters. Not to mention the Chad-Captain is FAR more customizable and can deepstrike to put that rerollable BT charge range to good use, while the Virgin Champion has to commute inside a vehicle or walk like a pleb.
  • While both models in that example would end up killing each other because neither of them exists in a bubble, it is precisely in accounting for your retinue where the Captain's re-roll aura makes him surpass the Emperor's Champion, as the Captain's retinue would recieve a boost while the Champion's doesn't. If you are going to boost him use Helbrecht — he turns him Str8 against characters (wounding on 2+), while his Chapter Master aura overrides the Captain's.
• Chaplain Grimaldus: THE guy for Black Templar's Black Tide lists. He has the usual Chaplain auras, but his real value is his unique Unmatched Zeal rule boosting nearby Black Templar units, giving them another attack on a roll to hit of 6+ (plus the reroll)..A great addition for any unit in a LR Crusader. He's also got a plasma pistol (but be careful) and can bring relic-bearing Cenobyte Servitors to help your Crusader blobs (should you run them as such), though the Servitors aren't characters like he is. His Litanies of Hate overlap with Helbrecht's Chapter Master aura, so try and spread them appart.
• Damocles Command Rhino: Only one Damocles can be taken per detachment. It can now transport a single CHARACTER model, and if that model is your Warlord you roll 2d6 at the end of each turn; if the result is less than your Warlord's Ld, you get a bonus Command Point. Valuable, on its own, there's also the Orbital Bombardment, which now functions identically to the Stratagem of the same name (albeit without the CP cost). While the bombardment can be useful if you're lucky, the Damocles is better off acting as a meatshield/Command Point generator for your Warlord, preferably far from the front lines. Special CharactersSpecial Characters are noted with their corresponding <CHAPTER> keyword.

Note for all characters that grant rerolls: rerolls occur BEFORE modifiers. Note that the points cost for all special characters includes their wargear. It's noted in the points section, under the points heading in the codex (or index if not in the codex). All other units say "does not include wargear" except special characters where it says "including wargear". All special characters must take their respective chapter's Warlord trait, so Calgar will always refund CP on 5+, Shrike will always have the immunity to overwatch, and so on.

ELITES

The Space Marine Elite slot gets work done and carries essential buffing character units like the Apothecary and Company Ancient, as well as a few exotic Forge World vehicles.

• Apothecary: Now a Character running on his own. Doesn't give out Feel No Pain, but if he's within 3" of a <chapter> Infantry/Biker unit at the end of the Movement phase, he can heal 1d3 wounds on 1 model in it. If no-one's wounded, he gets a 4+ chance to bring 1 dead model back to life with a single wound, but if he fails, he can't do anything else that turn. Can't swap out his weapons, so he's stuck with a bolt pistol and chainsword. Combines great with high end infantry, shooty or assaulty. Bringing a Centurion Devastator back from the dead or healing the linchpin of your army's buff aura is invaluable. Combine with a Company Ancient to make a trade in death.
  • Apothecary on Bike: Same rules as above, except for the price of a Lascannon, you get +1T and +1W, and he's now faster than a Rhino to zip around to where he's needed most. Gets a twin boltgun with the bike for a little dakka.
• Primaris Apothecary: 13 points for +1W and improved pistols: the reductor pistol, which is a 3" S4 AP-3 D2 pistol, and the Absolver Pistol, which is 16" S5 AP-1 D1. He's a great choice if you want to go for an all-Primaris army. Keep him back and out of assault - he has no business in close combat. He'll do just fine popping off shots with his pistol and keeping nearby units alive.
• Company Ancient: The old banner bearer, now an Independent Character. The banner adds +1L to any same <chapter> Infantry units within 6". If a <chapter> Infantry model dies within 6", you get a 4+ chance for them to get off one more round of shooting or close combat right then, before your opponent can move on to something else. Note that this only affects models in the bubble, not units, so be mindful when picking who dies. It also sadly doesn't affect bikes. Comes with a bolt pistol that you can swap for a different pistol, combi, or melee weapon. Out of phase shooting is great, and marine infantry die quite a bit in practice. Combine with an Apothecary.
• Company Ancient on Bike: Gets the same added durability and speed upgrade as an Apothecary on a bike. His aura still only affects Infantry, not bikes.
  • Always take a bike. With the new 60mm x 35mm bike bases, your aura increases from about 6.5" from the center of the model to about 7.75", giving you more than a 15" diameter bubble of bonus actions.
• Primaris Ancient: Same as a Company Ancient, but with +1W +1A. Comes with a bolt rifle in addition to the pistol, and can't swap his wargear or ride in anything but a Repulsor.
  • Easily worth the 5 points for the +1W alone; the +1A and improved bolter are just icing, as you probably weren't planning on up-gunning your Ancient anyway, and since the Ancient buff is an AOE on multiple units, very compelling overtaking a second Ancient for redundancy.
  • Also of note is the fact that, much like the bike ancient, this guy is mounted on a larger 40mm base, meaning you can get more models into your buff aura.
• Chapter Ancient: Split off from the Honour Guard, he's the same as a Company Ancient, but comes with a 2+ save and a power sword instead of the pistol (which he can't exchange).
• Company Champion: Another former Command Squad guy now on his own. He can't bodyguard, but he's WS2+, W4, is a character, has to make a Heroic Intervention if possible, and re-rolls failed hits against Characters. Comes with a master-crafted power sword, bolt pistol, and combat shield for a 5++, but no other wargear options. Multiple Champions can be very interesting when embedded in your gunline, or as part of a larger melee deathstar - Heroic Interventions make them a very useful counter-assault choice, and they can swiftly dispatch most other characters without wasting your Captain / Chapter Master's time.
  • Company Champion on Bike: Same as above, with the bike's +1T, +1W, M14, and twin bolter. Costs a truly staggering 94 points, so best avoided.
• Chapter Champion: Despite the name, the Codex Chapter Champion isn't unique, so one Chapter can have multiple of him. He has the same mandatory Heroic Intervention and re-roll against characters as a Company Champion, but has +1A and Sv, and different wargear. His Codex entry carries a Power Sword and Champion's Blade (as well as a bolt pistol and grenades), meaning he costs 64 points, so you're paying 10 points over a Company Champion to go from 3+/5++ to 2+ and from A3 S4 AP-3 D2 to A4 S4 AP-3 D1 + A1 S4 AP-2 D1; as you may have just noticed, this means, even before the points difference, your output is going down against anything with 2 or more wounds. Accordingly, you're better off with a Company Champion, even though the Chapter Champion can use the Index to swap his Champion's Blade for a Bolter (which is drastically better on him) or his power sword for something else, simply because the master-crafted power sword on the Company Champion is so efficient and because 2+ isn't that much better than 3+/5++. The closest you're going to get for competition is the Thunder Hammer/Bolter combo, which is 81 points for A4 WS3+ (re-rolling 1s to hit characters) S8 AP-3 D3, which will murder most things more efficiently than the Company Champion will, but only once delivered, and you can't give him a Jump Pack - that's a serious points investment over solving the same problem with Thunder Hammer Vanguard Vets, who can just get to the problem with their Jump Packs.
  • Both Champions have buffs that overlap Chaplains/Captains/Chapter Masters/Salamander Tactics, so plan accordingly - if you're bringing the buffs in from elsewhere, neither is remotely as compelling as TH/SS Company or Vanguard Veterans.
• Imperial Space Marine: Now a character rather than just something you can substitute any Space Marine model for, which is good because he's gotten much nastier since last edition. Compared to an average Tactical, he's gained 3 extra wounds, 2 more attacks, and one extra Ld point. But it's his disintegrator combi-gun and disintegrator pistol you should watch out for. They're only 18" Rapid Fire 1 and 9" Pistol 1 (respectively), but with S5, AP-3, and d6 damage (basically a higher damage combi-grav and grav pistol) they have the potential to fuck up a lot of units if it manages to wound them. He is frustrating to use against T6+ Monsters and Vehicles, but against T5 models and less he's a straight thug killer.
• Company Veterans: More or less the Command Squad from earlier editions, minus the Apothecary, (Company) Champion, and banner bearer (now a Company Ancient), which are all split off as independent Characters. You can still kit between 2 and 5 of them out however you like (except no special weapons on the Sergeant - he's stuck with combi). They possess an ability similar to the old "Look out, Sir!" rule which lets them intercept a wound from a CHARACTER on a 2+ in exchange for taking a mortal wound, so they're good bodyguards.
  • Far and away the best Infantry unit you can field, both offensively and defensively, per point; all of them can go special/combi weapon+storm shield, thunder hammer+storm shield, or special weapon+thunder hammer, and they can get down to a 2-man unit, emphasizing morale immunity and maximizing the "free" sergeant "upgrade" (even though he is proficient with fewer weapons than his men). Note the sergeant has been FAQed to now have access to storm shields.
  • While it goes without saying taking two melee weapons is idiotic outside of two chainswords, any combination of melee and pistols essentially means you're taking Vanguard Vets, but without the Jump Packs, and with the ability to get down to 2 men, not 5 (particularly useful due to the Sergeant's improved Attack), as well as having the bodyguard ability - if you were going to take Vanguard Vets on foot anyway, such as in a transport, these are better, but you should think long and hard before taking Vanguard Vets with Jump Packs, if you're after melee. The primary reason to take Company Vets is the Special Weapons access, paired with either a thunder hammer or a storm shield (the storm shield is usually your best bet).
  • For the points, you should not take flamers - a storm bolter will deliver more S4 shots in that range per point - but should take combi-flamers, if you're really after 8" of S4 death. However, no tricks here will let you beat out Scout Bikes for S4 hits per point, so you should seriously consider loading them out differently.
  • The opposite is true for plasma, because the shared profile's -1 penalty makes overcharging hopelessly expensive - plasma guns are more efficient than combi-plasmas. Because the Sergeant is stuck with a combi, the unit's ranged output will get slightly more efficient (with diminishing returns) as it gets bigger, if it commits hard to plasma, or the Sergeant can just stick with a combi-flamer.
  • Meltaguns cost more than the Veterans carrying them, and you have no really great way to get them into position to shoot, so in practice, they're best avoided. Grav guns, on the other hand, are just always an inefficient choice, period, compared to plasma.
  • Consider a Stormbolter + Chainsword loadout for Rapidfire 2 S4, and 3 Attacks on the charge, at a fairly decent price. These guys can be really helpful in a Character Spam space marine army, as usually characters can't be shot if other units are in the way but some attacks can single out characters. These guys can intercept those wounds.
  • Chapter Approved 2018 has drastically cut the wargear costs for this unit (Shields cost 2, Special Weapons have dropped by as much as 3 points a piece in most cases, combis too).
  • Company Veterans on Bikes (Index Only): Similar to their footslogging counterparts, but with an extra wound and point of toughness per model. Keep in mind that they can only intercept hits for Biker Characters, so if none of your Captains/Chaplains/Librarians are on bikes, they won't be able to bodyguard. It's challenging to justify the points cost here, since you pay 9 more points per bike than a Bike Squad, and don't get additional special weapons access until the 4th unit member, but this is just about the only way to field melee-focused bikes, if you have some sort of weird desire for that. 5 Company Veterans on Bikes each with a Stormbolter can lead to this single unit putting out 40 bolter shots at half range. A tactical squad at half range is 10 shots for 65pts, 6.5 points per bolt fired. A Scout Bike Squad at half range with a Storm Bolter Sergeant is 22 shots for 77 pts, 3.5 points per bolt fired. Meanwhile the Company Veterans on Bikes with Stormbolters comes to 4.75 points a bolter shot.
  • Running two smaller 2 or 3 man squads instead of one larger squad has some tradeoffs. With more small squads, you get more sergeants (i.e. more melee attacks), make multi shot weapons less effective, and make it more likely for your opponent to overcommit when shooting them, since there are fewer guys for the shots to spill to. However, smaller squads make it easier for the opponent to pick off the guy he wants, for the same reason. Small squads are also fully immune to morale, but that's not much worry for a bigger squad anyway.
• Honour Guard: They seem underwhelming at first, since there're only two models per unit and they have only one more wound compared to the Company Veterans. However, they only cost a minimum of 50 points plus gear (see below) for the entire unit. They possess a 2+ save, which, paired with their W2, is the primary reason to take them - they're worse in melee than Company Vets - and because of their unit size, have no worries about morale tests. Like the Company Veterans, they can intercept wounds for CHARACTERs, so they're good to have around in melee. Remember that you can stick several units into a single transport, so there is nothing stopping you from sticking 8 2-man units of Honour Guard into a single Land Raider Crusader.
  • Codex Honour Guard have a mandatory Power Axe, but Index Honour Guard can take a Sword, Maul, or Relic Blade, so per the FAQ, the Index "wins", letting you take 50 point Sword Guard for bubble wrap/ablative wounds. For any weapon from Power Sword, Maul, or Axe, an Honour Guard costs the same as a Company Vet with a Storm Shield, meaning the choice is W2/2+ or W1/3+/3++; the former is cheaper per wound, which means your bodyguard lasts longer, but the latter is more durable against the majority of potential incoming fire, due to the abundance of higher damage and armour penetrating guns out there. Note also that both units are functionally immune to morale, but the Company Vets hit harder in melee - the Honour Guard unit is 4 attacks, while the Company Vets are 5. Relic Blades are garbage, doubling the cost of the Honour Guard carrying them; Company Vets with Thunder Hammers will outperform them any day.
• Vanguard Veteran Squad: Better assault marines. They can take a large selection of weapons, while using Jump Packs when properly loaded out they can get enemy models engaged in CC and and kill them first turn, if taken in numbers (the easiest way to accomplish a turn 1 deep strike charge is by making many attempts at it). A pretty popular unit in 7th and still could be in 8th, as weapons like lightning claws and power swords can wound things like dreadnoughts and vehicles on 5s. Plasma pistols are a really viable choice in 8th, as you can shoot both pistols on the drop. Each model can take 2 chainswords - that's 4 attacks per model for 90 points (or 80 if you're silly and don't take the Packs), 5 for the Sergeant. Though expensive, with the changes to how invulnerable saves work, a Vanguard squad with Thunder Hammers and Shields can be a superior alternative to taking hammernators. A squad with this set-up can kill some of the most powerful units in the game in a single turn. As an example, 4 groups of 5 hitting Magnus (T7 Sv3+/4++r1 18W) expect to wipe him out in a single turn, although they will cost about 2/3 again his cost, assuming you take the Jump Packs. Vanguard with thunder hammers can do a maximum of 33 damage per turn; if a Captain (or, better, a Chaplain, who will provide a better buff for fewer points), Lieutenant, and/or Guilliman is within buff range, they become particularly terrifying. Revisiting the above math, a nearby jump lieutenant and jump chaplain take the point difference from needing 668 to kill 415 to needing 597 (roughly, 4 squads to 2.5 squads), and that's just their buff, of course - both characters can jump in and help, if they like. Each TH/SS Vet costs 13 points less than a TH/SS Assault Terminator, hits just as hard, can't have their teleport deactivated, has the same invulnerable save, will never need a transport to be effective, and has much higher movement. Their main trade-offs are an armour save of 3+ instead of a 2+ and 1 less wound than a Terminator; however, considering the amount of AP modifying weapons and multi damage weaponry in 8th, this isn't as big a trade-off as it first appears. On the whole, a flexible unit that can be geared to be what you want - as cheap as possible to shred hordes with chainswords, or tooled up to deal with more powerful units. Models in this unit can have 2 chainswords, which is usually more productive than 1 chainsword 1 bolt pistol -- as you get two fight phases per battle round, but only one shooting phase. 2 Chainswords on a 2 attack model means 4 total attacks.
• Sternguard Veteran Squad: With the special ammunition gone, the sternguard now walk up the field with their beefy Special Issue Boltgun. Packing a punch with its AP-2 and 30" range over the standard issue, the sternguard are much more likely to crunch through all forms of armour, especially in conjunction with the Masterful Marksmanship Stratagem. A special note goes towards combi-weapons; while they don't have the one-use rule anymore, remember that the bolt part of the weapon is the standard one without any AP. However, in 7ed, the cost of the Special Ammo was baked into the Model, but in 8ed, you don't have to pay for the special issue bolt gun if you take a different weapon. This makes using a weapon other than their special bolter less of penalty. They also get the standard veteran extra attack over a normal marine, so they can deal some decent retaliatory damage when they're inevitably charged.
  • Still one of the best units to come out of a drop pod and rapid fire something to death with their special issue boltguns. Their new specialized stratagem gives them +1 to their wound roll, so make sure to have a Captain/Chapter Master near them for the re-rolls, and give him the Storm of Fire Warlord Trait and include a Lieutenant. Now they're shooting 20 shots, re-rolling 1s (or misses if it's the CM), wounding everything less than T8 on a 3/4+, re-rolling 1 s to wound, and every 5 or 6 to wound is resolved at AP-3 (and just for added fun, make them Imperial Fists and ignore that cover their squad is hiding in while you gain the potential for extra shots with the Bolter Drill Stratagem, or make them Salamanders for even more reliable wounding/improved AM and less reliance on a full Chapter Master).
  • When these guys come out of drop pods, don't forget that their rapid fire range is 15", so that can give them some space before the inevitable charge. Most units are only able to rapid fire 12" away, so the following turn, the enemy unit can advance 6" and then be up close for an easy charge. The difference between being 9" away and 6" should not be understated, and should be used to your advantage, so keep that in mind when deploying their drop pod.
    • Note that coming out of a drop pod 12" away if armed with Storm Bolters will be more effective, if riskier.
  • Special Issue Boltguns are 2 points, but so are Storm Bolters, which are on the Combi-Weapons list. 4 shots at AP0 is more useful against horde armies with poor armor, but the SIBs can rapid fire from farther away and if paired with their Stratagem they will never wound on anything worse than a 5+.
• When comparing the Special Issue Boltgun to the Storm Bolter, it can be seen that (ignoring range) the SIB is, in general, better than the Storm Bolter against most targets, especially once wounding is taken into consideration. While it is better universally if the target has a 2+ armour save and an invulnerable of 4++ or worse, while they are the same against 3+ or 2+/3++. The AP of the SIB comes in handy when discussing how many successful wounds when the wound roll is disadvantaged; the Storm Bolter effects nothing, while AP-2 can significantly improve wound chances. When using the stratagem, see the following table.
• Terminator Squad: Terminators still have to worry about high-AP weaponry, but since very few weapons have anything better than AP-4 they'll almost always be able to use the resulting 6+ armor save (though you could just use the 5++ instead); it's not much, but it helps. At the same time, the addition of an extra Wound to their profile also outright doubles their survivability against massed small arms fire. The 5" movement means they're most effective when deep striking, but footslogging can still work if your opponent's lacking in anti-armor weaponary. The heavy flamer punishes counter charges and has the benefit of autohitting, but you won't be able to fire it the turn they teleport in. Storm Bolters do pour out the Dakka but Bolters aren't very productive. The assault cannon is good for shredding lightly armored infantry and can even pick away at light vehicles if you have nothing better to shoot at. You will never, EVER take the Cyclone Missile Launcher; it is effectively a 36" missile launcher that fires more shots (Heavy 2d3 for the frag missiles, and Heavy 2 for the krak missiles), but for 50!!! fucking points. And you have to take the Storm Bolter with it as well, so that brings you up another 2. For the price of one, you could give your Terminator squad a pair of assault cannons and still have enough left over to pay for almost half of a Combi-melta! Or, alternatively, buy for the same fucking price a pair of regular Missile Launchers and get double the number of Frag Missile shots with a solid foot more range AND split fire. Teleport them onto a midfield objective, when in cover they become quite hard to shift. Deep Strike these guys 9" away from enemy meatsheilds, within Rapid Fire range of their Stormbolters, and launch the equivalent of 20 bolter shots. Follow up with a charge at whatever the meatshield was protecting.
  • Teleport homers work a little differently now; it's set up during deployment, anywhere in your deployment zone, and allows Terminators to skip their move in exchange for re-deploying the unit within 6" of the homer. While this is great for bringing them into an area that needs defending, each homer can only be used once and will be disabled if an enemy moves within 9" of it.
• Terminator Assault Squad: Still the gold standard of heavy assault troops, especially with the extra wound they've gained. The classic Hammernator setup is still great for smashing in vehicles and heavy infantry alike while taking little damage yourself, but the -1 to hit can be a problem at times. Take a Chaplain along to mitigate the lowered hit rate (remember, though, that re-rolls occur before modifiers, so no re-rolling 3s). A set of Lightning Claws are more reliable and more effective against horde armies due to the additional attack, so it may be a better idea than before to stick with them. Assault Terminators with hammers, shields and near a chaplain or captain can obliterate the most powerful units in 8th in a single turn. The only alternative that offers anywhere near the CC killing power of hammernators are vanguard with hammers (Hammerguard?) and while they have better movement and cost less they lack the durability of terminators having less wounds and a weaker armour save.
  • Never take these guys with only Lightning Claws, you should always include at least 1 with hammer and shield. Why? Tartaros Terminators can take double claws for the exact same cost, have the same stats and 5++, get a 6" move instead of 5", and can add a grenade harness for a bit of shooting on the side; Cataphractii aren't as fast, but have a better invulnerable save, also get the harness, and cost 5 points less when using double claws. The only advantages these guys have over Tartaros are the hammer/shield setup, and a teleport homer for an emergency jump out, so *use* them.
  • After failing to use these bad boys to their full potential for 3 games in a row, I've come to the conclusion that anything less than running them as Black Templars with a Chaplain babysitting them just isn't worth the effort or points. The 9" charge is just too much of a risk to pull off without the guaranteed re-roll, and the lack of Chaplain means these walking tanks fail to hit 50% of the time with their hammers. If you want to guarantee a KEQ kill, you need to make a successful charge with both the Terminators and the Chaplain, do not die to overwatch or return fire, then pop an Honour Thy Chapter.
• Cataphractii Terminator Squad: Cataphractii Terminators come with a 4++, but they're stuck with a movement of 4" and halve the results of their Advance rolls. They can be as lethal in close combat as Assault Terminators (and more durable by far when compared to Assault Terminators with LCs if kitted out that way), but their terribly slow movement means they'll struggle to actually get stuck in without deep striking or hitching a ride on a Land Raider.
  • Remember that to benefit from the Lightning Claw's extra attack, you need to replace both the power fist and the combi-bolter. As lethal as the combination of LCs and a built in Storm Shield can be, it will eat up a lot of points. A good build not available to normal terminators is a LC and a twin boltgun on each terminator, dropping the twin LC for one and taking the boltgun, you only lose one attack and gain a potential 4 strength 4 shots instead, giving your 5 man squad 20 shots, and don't forget you can take a heavy flamer too. On a 10 man unit that is 40 shots and you save yourself 20 points on dropping the extra LC.
  • The sarge's grenade harness is a good way of giving him a ranged attack while still letting him take two lightning claws. It's an Assault D6 12" bolter with -1 AP, which isn't great but is still better than nothing.
  • A unit of 5 Cataphractii Terminators with Twin Lightning Claws costs 210 points. A Terminator Assault Squad with Twin Lightning Claws costs 215 points. A Tartaros Terminator Squad with Twin Lightning Claws costs 215 points. For the reduction of 5 points you lose 1 of movement and gain a 4++ save instead. The sheer durability added and the ability to teleport onto the field means that if you're looking to do Twin Lightning Claw terminators there's literally very little reason to NOT use Cataphractii over normal Terminators. Just keep in mind that after the charge they'll have to footslog unless you have a transport near by. Great when combined with Black Templers for the re-rolling charge to ensure they make the charge.
• Tartaros Terminator Squad: All the protection of Terminator Armor, but none of the movement penalties! As before, the Tartaros Terminators use Reaper Autocannons instead of Assault Cannons; while they have fewer shots than the AC, which means even with the extra point of strength they'll break even against T7 (and have worse output against T6 ), at least they're slightly cheaper. The improved mobility does come at the expense of losing access to Storm Shields, though, and unlike the Cataphractii your invulnerable save is no better than basic Terminator armor.
  • Up to 2 models can take grenade harnesses; their range overlaps with the Combi-bolter's rapid fire range, so use that to your advantage.
  • The sarge can take a Plasma Blaster or a Volkite Charger. The Plasma Blaster is an 18" Assault 2 plasma gun, with all the strengths and weaknesses that entails. The Volkite Charger is Heavy 2 15" S5 AP0 D2; while it may seem somewhat weak compared to the Plasma Blaster it can still cause multiple wounds without running the risk of blowing yourself up with it in the process. But unlike other 40K Volkite weapons it can't cause more damage on a 6+. Pairing it with the power sword might be a good idea, though - the sword's AP-3 can help compensate for the Volkite's ineffectivenss against armored units. Though you probably want to take a Chainfist as it has better AP and damage compared to the other melee options. If you expect to face TEQs. You should take the Plasma Blaster instead.
• Centurion Assault Squad: With T5 and 3 wounds apiece, the choppy Space Marine in a Space Marine is a nasty piece of work in melee, especially since it can cause a HoW-like mortal wound on a 4+. However, it can give that ability up in exchange for Hurricane Bolters that act like Rapid Fire 6 Bolters- that's the equivalent of a MSU Tactical squad before you even get into RF range! The Siege Drills are pretty good too, since they act like Chainfists but with one more point of damage and no penalty to hit. As an added bonus, their sarge's omniscope negates cover bonuses. Getting them up the field practically requires a Land Raider. For long range shooting focused marine armies, Assault Cents make a strong counter charge unit. Especially because of having 2 flamers EACH, that make up for 6 D6 of auto hitting surprise in overwatch or tearing apart big blobs of infantry. As a side note: while they were never precisely cheap, they're even more expensive this edition, costing more per model than many characters.
• Dreadnought: The Dreadnought is one of the best non-HQ units in the Space Marine index. For 177 you can have a Dreadnought with twin lascannons and the CCW w/Heavy Flamer, or for 165 you can have 5 Devastators with 4 lascannons. That's not the most optimal build for the Dreadnought, either. In an edition that loves the Heavy Flamer, Dreadnoughts can carry 3. The unit is buffed by HQs and provides the same security any other bubble wrap could. And speaking of buffs, remember that the Wisdom of the Ancients Stratagem gives it a Captain's re-rolling aura for a turn.
  • A special note on the capabilities of horde killing. An assault cannon is only 1 point more than taking 2 heavy bolters, in exchange for +1S, which is easily worth it - it will devastate any T3 units, and can deal with T4 too, while the heavy flamer will toast charging units. Should anything survive the onslaught, the dreadnought then packs 4 attacks at S12(!!!) with AP-3 and 3 damage a strike. The dreadnought will smash most things you throw it at, should you manage to get it into melee.
  • Another mention goes to the Riflenought setup with two dual autocannons, spewing out 8 Autocannon shots per turn. Great for tearing up 2 wound models in particular, or throwing some decent hurt at most targets from long range. Notably, it's 5 points cheaper to do this with a regular dread than a Mortis. Even though the Autocannon option isn't in the new codex, luckily we can still use the wargear from the index profile.
• Venerable Dreadnought: A Venerable Dreadnought has a slightly better WS and BS vs a regular Dreadnought, as well as the ability to negate received wounds on a 6+. It gets all of the same weapon options as a regular dread, so it can fill the role better, if more expensively. Notably, the 2+ BS lets you move and still shoot heavy weapons with a better than 50/50 chance to hit, so if you want your dual twin autocannon or lascannon/missile dread to stay mobile, consider the Venerable. Note that even with the cheapest possible loadouts (missile launcher+assault cannon), this implies a 17.24% cost increase for a 25% gain in performance if you stand still (the gain is better if you move), so unless you're taking Heavy Flamers or a Chapter Master, this is always worth it for the output alone; under a Chapter Master, even if you move the gain is less than the cost, so if you don't care about the durability increase, don't pay for the Venerability. Ven Dreads with the Iron Hands trait don't recieve both benefits.
• Contemptor Dreadnought: For just a modest points increase over a standard Dreadnought, the Contemptor packs 3 extra inches of movement, 2 extra wounds, +1 strength, the same WS/BS as the Venerable Dreadnought, and a 3+/5++ (it also costs more than a Venerable). All of this, unfortunately, comes with a small consequence. The Contemptor and the Redemptor are the only non-FW dreadnought variants currently that suffer from a Damage Table. Generally speaking, the Contemptor is a goddamn steal for what he costs now. The extra-fast movement speed means he can get into any position he needs to be in very short order, and reach melee combat with almost complete certainty. It's limited to a melee weapon and either a multi-melta or Kheres-pattern Assault Cannon (which has one more point of S compared to the normal AC, in exchange for costing 4 points more - not that S7 vs S6 is a compelling jump) and lacks smoke launchers, but its wargear is still more than enough to take out most enemies. This dangerous combination of potent stats and strong weapons means he can fulfill a wide variety of battlefield roles, and the dizzying array of options its Forge World counterpart (see below) has only makes it even more adaptable:
  • Crowd Control: Go after enemy units and hunt down squads.
  • Elite Hunter: Superb at taking down other Elite Units.
  • Character Killer: His high Strength, Weapon Skill, and Damage means the Contemptor can kill most characters in a single round of combat. He is rightfully to be feared by enemy warlords.
  • Linesman: High toughness, high saves, and high wounds means the Contemptor can stop advances pretty quickly.
• Ironclad Dreadnought: Ironclad Dreadnoughts are much more melee-oriented than the other Dreadnought types, and the extra point of Toughness they get helps them stick around to get there. It switches out its ranged weapon for a Seismic hammer, which forces a -1 to hit but comes with AP-4 and deals a jaw-dropping 5 damage per attack; if reliability is more your thing, it can be switched for a Dreadnought chainfist which deals "only" 4 damage per attack but retains the high AP and loses the penalty to hit. The hammer is better against W5, 9, 10 while the fist is better against everything else. If you dont know for certain that you are going to face a lot of W5 characters or transports with W10 you should generally avoid the hammer. You can choose to switch the CCW for a hurricane bolter, but that's a bad idea since it re-rolls to hit results of 1 in close combat when it has two melee weapons equipped. Of course, if you plan on keeping close to a Captain or Chaplain (such as riding a Stormraven with them and another squad), that second CCW becomes redundant. Finally, the Ironclad Assault Launchers give it the ability to deal d3 mortal wounds to units within 1" of it after a charge on a 4+, which ensures they'll be softened up when you begin the fight phase.
  • Ludicrously strong against high-wound targets without invulnerable saves such as tanks, Tyranid monsters etc. It can easily earn its points back in a single melee phase, but it is limited by the 6" move.
  • Worth noting that since the April 2019 FAQ, this is the only vehicle in your arsenal which can still use Bolter Drill on a Hurricane Bolter. pumping out 12 boltgun shots at 24" range is nothing to be sniffed at. It adds infantry clearance to its already very good CV.
• Redemptor Dreadnought: The vanilla dread's Jock roommate. With nearly twice the wounds of a vanilla dreadnought (and degrading stats to accompany the increased durability), the redemptor dreadnought is a solid heavy weapons platform, capable of holding the anti-horde Onslaught Gatling Cannon or the armor-melting Macro Plasma Incinerator, and the anti-air Icarus Rocket Pod as well as a pair of storm bolters or fragstorm grenade launchers. However, it is a heavy points investment, and much of its anti-armor potential might be better handled by specialized units like Devastators, Hellblastors, or Predator variants. Instead, anti-horde fire support appears to be its most effective niche, potentially able to put out a withering volley of mid-strength shooting that will take a significant chunk out of GEQ or weaker units and then follow up with a smack from its CCW, which is d6 damage compared to the normal Dreadnought CCW's d3. But even if it takes the Macro plasma Incinerator, the CCW can still swap its heavy flamer for an Onslaught Gatling Cannon to retain effectiveness against hordes.
  • Equip it with a Plasma incinerator, use the Wisdom of the Ancients strategem and a big unit of Hellblasters and you can re-roll all those overcharges that might blow you to high heaven.
• Aggressor Squad: The goofy-looking lovechild of a Terminator and a Centurion that outperforms both. They come stock with auto boltstorm gauntlets (so assault instead of pistol) and a frag grenade launcher, or you can trade all that in for Firebat pattern flamestorm gauntlets, which is a pair of flamers. Either you're going for 18 inches of 6+D6 (average: 9.5 shots, 6.33 of which hit) S4 or 8 inches of 2D6 (average: 7) auto-hitting S4, and either way it allows them to put out a lot of short-ranged firepower, with power fists in melee. Generally speaking the bolters+launchers will do better, averaging to only .66 fewer hits than the flamers but at more than double the range, you should really only use flamers if you're going for the Salamanders' flamecraft strat, or just trying to make these fugly models slightly less fugly since taking them means giving up those silly looking grenade launchers. They've got Gravis armor, which makes them T5, move 5", and take up two slots in a Repulsor. Then there's the special rules: Fire Storm, which lets you shoot twice if you don't move (including in Overwatch, which is just plain scary when combined with the flamestorm gauntlets), and Relentless Advance, which lets you advance and fire assault weapons without penalty (this has no effect on the flamers, as they autohit anyway). This makes them surprisingly fast since all their guns are assault. Run and gun for the Emperor! Aggressors are also strong at the front of your army for discouraging/punishing Deep Strikers. If you go 2nd, and someone deep strikes nearby, the Aggressors will count as having not moved. Pop the Auspex Scan so you can shoot the deep strikers, and shoot them twice due to Fire Storm special rule.
  • Aggressors deserve SERIOUS praise. The foulest of enemy is keen to swamp an Astartes force in large bodies of units while also attempting to outmaneuver them. Aggressors can negate these tactics quite well. Drawing from everything mentioned above; squads of three only cost 111 points, can move quite quickly and still retain HIGH volumes of fire. More so, they work well with certain stratagems: Raven Guard SFTS can place them very close if needed. Find a way to get them re-roll support and they are phenomenal. Aggressors are great generalists because they are both anti-horde and anti-elite/vehicle.
  • Consider them expendable. It's a valiant and noble role, but a vanguard detachment of 3 squads with a Lieutenant placed in front of your main army is more than enough to contain an opponent and deal significant damage in the process while being affordable.
    • Flame version used in this manner is perhaps the greatest 'speed bump' one could ask for. Kudos if they deploy in cover.
  • 6 with bolters cranks out like 100 shots a turn... fuck mate thats nearly .5 S4 bolter shots per point considering a full six man squad is 222 points. And you're getting powerfists, T5 W2. Seriously, What more could you ask for? (Don't say a 2+ armour or any invulnerable save)
• Reiver Squad: The loyalist equivalent to berserkers, the melee specialists of the Primaris Marines have some steep competition in the Elites slot, but where they're beaten in regards to sheer power they compensate with their unique rules and equipment. They're armed with a heavy bolt pistol that has -1 AP compared to the normal one and a combat blade that functions identically to a chainsword and can be traded for a bolt carbine, but their main draw is their Shock Grenades. They're Grenade d3 weapons that don't deal direct damage, but instead disable the Overwatch of INFANTRY they hit in addition to penalizing their hit rolls by 1. This added advantage in the Fight phase works well with the Reivers' Terror Troops rule, which reduces the Ld of all enemy units within 3" of any model in the Reiver Squad by 1. As a result, they can debuff the Ld of units they're not actually in combat with, which can lead to a nasty chain reaction if they're stationed near units that are already likely to break in the Morale phase. They're also the cheapest of the Primaris Marines released so far by a long shot as well, which makes them a good way of supplementing an Assault Marine-centric force without spending too many points in the process. They can also buy grav chutes which lets them deep strike anywhere more than 9" away from the enemy. Alternatively, you can buy grapnel launchers, which negate vertical movement when calculating how far Reivers can move and allows for them to Outflank a la Space Woof Scouts.
  • A small unit with bolt carbines and grapnel launchers can make a decent harassing unit. Plop them in a building on your opponent's side. Bolt carbines put out twice as many shots as bolters/bolt rifles at 24" and the vertical distance keeps them safe from most assaults while cover helps keep them alive. Next turn hit the floor and advance while shooting, or better yet charge if you have the chance after popping off a shock grenade. It's a small, expendable unit that can still wreak havoc if left unchecked.
  • While not points efficient, it is possible to give Reivers both the grav chutes and grapnel launchers. This really does it open up the board with movement. Have them drop onto a building and use their Bolt Carbines to harass enemy units that get close. If an enemy gets too close, no worries, simply advance away to another building. Because vertical movement is not an issue due to grapnel launchers, you can literally Tarzan around the board. And since assault weapons simple cause a -1 modifier on to hit rolls for a unit that has standard marine ballistic skill, you can see where this is going. With Combat blades, the units charge is not effected. Basically, they can jump down from high ground, assault, and get back into the high ground. Do be aware, however, that if you Advance, you can't Charge. Assault weapons don't mitigate this.
    • These guys are top notch bullies. They won't do much to vehicles/monstrous creatures/heavy infantry... But will abuse MEQ and lower very well. It's funny because a unit like this belongs in a chaos codex with bat wings painted all over it, Guilliman lowered the bar with this lot.
• Servitors: Now that they can be taken independently of a Techmarine, you could use them as a cheap way of adding more plasma cannons to your force, but with WS/BS 5+, Ld6, and only a 4+ armor save, they'll have trouble actually hitting things, die from anything more dangerous than a mean look, and are likely to be lost to morale checks; they don't even get the benefits of Chapter Tactics. Having a Techmarine nearby mitigates their flaws a little by boosting them to Ld 9 and WS/BS 4+, but even then there are much better things you could be doing with your Elites slot.
  • Alternative take: servitors with heavy bolters are actually cheaper then they are base with a servo arm. If you have a tech marine it could be worth taking them as cheap fire support that also helps fill out detachments. 4 Servitors with 2 heavy bolters atm is 40 points. Servitors are essentially worse, cheap, devs in the elite section. For them to be able to make back their points though, they NEED that boost to BS.
    
• Cenobyte Servitors: Cenobyte Servitors are a 3 man unit that makes all Black Templar units in 12" auto pass morale test and with the unit costing less than most weapons, only the fact it's a elite slot may stop you from taking them. Or, making you to take them to unlock a Vanguard Detachment, or Brigade Detachmnent, or an extra transport to your army. T3, a 4+ save, and non-Character means that if they can be seen, they can be targeted, and removed with minimal fire, so be on the lookout of giving up First Blood to your opponent. If you bringing them, hide them behind a Rhino.
  
• Damned Legionnaires: Tough, deep striking infantry unit. They can be armed with a plasma gun, flamer or a melta along with a heavy flamer or multimelta. The sergeant gets access to shortened list of the usual sergeant weapons. The built-in 3++ invuln keeps the Legion of the Damned on the table longer than other Power Armor infantry units. Heavy Flamers and Flamers are great, but on the turn the LotD unit arrives, it must be 9" away, and the flamers cannot shoot. For this reason LotD is maximized with plasma or melta weapons on the alpha strike. Two squads of LotD can really hurt powerful tanks with two melta weapons in each squad. The flamer heavy loadout is best for objective camping early in the game, as the LotD can grab useful points via their deepstrike turn one.
  • Legion of the Damned can be taken alongside any Imperium army in a Vanguard detachment despite said detachment not having any HQ units in it. However, the detachment will not grant extra CP.
    
• Relic Contemptor Dreadnoughts (Forge World): 37 points (around 38%) more naked than a naked normal Contemptor. Two more wounds compared to the standard Contemptor, ignores wounds received on a 6+ AND has a 2+ save, but Attacks also degrade with damage now (rather than Movement). You also get access to way more options than any other Dreadnought. For your convenience, they're all listed below; you can take any two you like, unlike the base Contemptor, which is forced into 1 melee option and has only a Kheres and a Multi-melta to choose from for its main gun. Unfortunately is a Relic, so each one of these forces you to take a non-Relic Elite. If you really just want a Contemptor but better (i.e. filling the same role against the same targets), take 1 chainfist with a heavy flamer and 1 Kheres. You'll get into position for the Kheres faster since your Movement doesn't cripple, it'll take way more work to cripple your statline, and your fist's output in both melee and ranged will be incredible.
  • Cyclone Missile Launcher:Per the FAQ, can take one of these, but it's 50 points for two missile launchers at only 36" range - two actual missile launchers would cost you 50, and have 48" range and the ability to split fire if you wanted. Not a fantastic idea, but better then on Terminators, as it mounts on top of the hull and doesn't replace an arm weapon. The big draw here is the Contemptor's BS2+.
  • Fist Weapon Options:DCCW or Chainfist, with a built-in Storm Bolter, Heavy Flamer, Plasma Blaster (an assault 2 plasma gun at a steep price hike, but sull usable for reasons described below), or Graviton Blaster (an assault 2 grav-gun without paying a point more, which is sadly not nearly enough to make it worthwhile). It's also worth mentioning that Relic Contemptor Dreadnoughts have the Unstoppable Fury rule, while allows them to reroll 1s to-hit if they are armed with two melee weapons, but doesn't specify in which phase. So you have less concern about overcharging your plasma blaster now that you hit on a rerollable 2+. Since your movement no longer cripples, the Heavy Flamer is a really solid choice, allowing you to easily get into position to use it even as your other stats degrade.
    • Chainfists: Contemptor Chainfists gain -1 AP and +1 damage over a normal DCCW. Overall a solid upgrade that lets them do terrible damage to both vehicles and monsters. It's a must-take for all purposes. Don't take 2, though - 1 chainfist + 1 DCCW will give you identical performance while saving you 6 shiny points.
    • Re-rolling hit rolls of 1 is pretty damn worth it, now that rolling with 2 melee weapons only costs you 10 more points.
  • C-Beam Cannon: The new Heavy Conversion Beamer is a single shot weapon that starts at S6 AP-3 that does D3 damage. It also gains +2 points of strength and +D3 damage for each 24" between the target and the firer, totaling S12 AP-3 4d3 Damage at 72" exactly, though realistically it will be S10 AP-3 D3d3 between 48" and 72". In addition, if a model is removed from play as a result of wounds caused then it automatically trigger 2d6 extra auto-hits on the target unit at S6 AP0 D1. Generally speaking, this weapon suffers the exact same problem as the Vindicare Assassin, with a crippling downside that the contemptor MUST remain stationary for the entire turn in order to use it. It cannot be stressed enough that this thing really NEEDS the range, though firing it at infantry squads has a good chance of killing a random mook and triggering an average of seven further S6 hits, which is still better than a twin heavy bolter. At full range, the initial hit will likely knock the crap out of any target, wounding it on a 2+ or 3+ depending on its toughness and generally reducing its save to 5+ or worse but those additional hits will likely be wasted.
    • Against the infantry targets you have a serious chance at one-shotting, the C-Beam Cannon suffers from costing so much. Against GEQs, you'll do a lot of damage even at short range, but not enough to outperform the Kheres, and you'll face similar scaling problems at any range, largely because as your ability to guarantee the "splatter" improves, your splatter's actual value gets worse. This weapon actually becomes the best when used against hard targets at range - at 48" or more away, the only 6+ wounds target it's not your best choice against is T5 or T6, where the twin autocannons take over - but without the range, it's just not going to earn its keep.
    • Think of this as the Swiss Army Knife of Dreadnought weapons. While there are dedicated weapons that handle their specialty better than the C-Cannon does, the fact that this can be used against almost any target and still be relatively effective is worth a mention. The movement restriction is an issue, though.
  • Kheres Assault Cannon: Take this against 1-wound models at Toughness 3, 5, 6, 7, or 10, (where on God’s green earth you’re going to find a Toughness 6/7/10 1-wound model is beyond me, but just in case...) and mulch your enemies.
  • Twin Heavy Bolters: 68% the cost of a Kheres, in exchange for S5 instead of S7 and 12" more range. S7 isn't a big deal, but S6 is, for shooting up both GEQs and Buildings, should that come up; the tl;dr here is that the THB is your best choice against 1-wound models with Toughness 1, 2, 4, 8, or 9 (although where you'll find those last options is a mystery).
  • Twin Autocannons: Identical to the one on the normal Dread. Worse than either of the above options against single-wound enemies, but the best you can take against 2-wound foes; the twin lascannon, below, only finds viable targets starting at 3-wound targets and above, but this gun remains a good choice all the way up against something; even at 6+ wound targets, this is best against Toughness 5, 6, 7, or 10, due to its relatively cheap cost.
  • Twin Lascannons: Pop vehicles open without having to get into melta range. Probably better on the Contemptor Mortis, though. Has fantastic range, but is crippled by its staggering cost; in order to earn its keep you have to shoot things with the wounds to notice that 1d6 damage rating. Once you're up against 6+ wounds targets, it's best against Toughness 1-4, 8, and 9.
  • Multi-Melta: A terrible idea. Much less effective than twin lascannons, against, well, anything. And the basic Dread or non-FW Contemptor could already take this.
  • Heavy Plasma Cannon: You have a 6+ save against the wounds overcharging this causes, but it's worse than your other choices against anything in the game, overcharged or not. Skip.
• Relic Deredeo Dreadnought: The end-all solution to your dakka-Dread needs, for when even the Contemptor Mortis won't cut it. Its armor save is slightly worse than the Contemptor's at only a 3+, but to compensate it has 2 more wounds and its invulnerable save rises to 4+ in the Fight phase (but why are you in melee in the first place?) on top of the built-in smoke launchers. For guns, you have the Anvilus Autocannons (8 36" autocannon shots with +1 S) for mulching infantry, the Hellfire Plasma Carronade (5 overcharged plasma gun shots which deal 3 damage each but cause mortal wounds on a 1) as the generalist option, and the Arachnus Lascannon Battery (2 S10 AP-4 D6 Damage shots that deal an extra mortal wound on 6s) for taking out vehicles, and also chest-mounted heavy bolters/heavy flamers. Don't bother upgrading to heavy flamers. While auto-hits are good, the Deredeo should be as far away as possible. It should be shooting things, not tied up in melee. It can supplement the main weapon with either an Aiolos Missile Launcher for extra fire support or an Atomantic Pavaise to give everyone within 6" of itself a 5+ invulnerable save. The latter works great with Devastators or other long-ranged units that can help support the Deredeo's firepower.
  • 8th edition is kind of a mixed bag for the Deredeo. While 8 shots at BS2+/3+ on the move with the Anvillus sure are are great, the 12" range reduction is very painful, especially for the plasma carronade. 24" max means it will be in range of most weapons in addition to the risk of losing wounds which is very probable at 5 shots per turn. So it is advised to have a reroll/repair character nearby should you go for the plasma option.
    
• Deimos Pattern Relic Predator: Take a Predator, give it an extra wound, and slap a Plasma Destroyer on it as its turret weapon, and you have one of these tanks. The Plasma Destroyer itself can't be overcharged, but with the same number of shots as the basic Predator Autocannon and 2 Damage it doesn't really need to be. While it can swap out the plasma destroyer for the standard Predator guns, that's a waste of its options. Instead, you should use its unique options: the Conversion Beam cannon to make it a hard-hitting artillery unit, the Magna-Melta for close-range anti-vehicle firepower, and the Infernus cannon for a double dose of heavy flamer goodness.
  • The c-beam isn't bad if you can keep your target at least 24" away. 72", heavy 1, S6, AP-3, Dd3, 2d6 S6 auto-hits if you cause a wound. Pretty solid addition to a gunline, since the infantry can provide a deep-strike and charging buffer. Best utilised against light-vehicles and smaller monsters due to 2d6 auto-hits. It's real downside is that it's heavy 1. You get one-shot. Just the one. Uno. Ein. So try and make sure it's plonked next to a Captain, or have a CP or two set aside to re-roll.
  • Plasma Destroyers fill in the usual plasma niche, but better. 36", S7, AP-3, D2, and does NOT cause a mortal wound. A good counterpart to the autocannons anti-light vehicle, this gun specialises in anti-heavy infantry. In that vein, the range gells with sponson heavy bolters, but can also pair well with sponson lascannons if you're going after monsters.
  • The magna-melta is garbage (24", Heavy d3, S10, AP-4, Dd6, melta rule), and it's 70pts. Hard pass, grab the twin las for vehicle busting. The infernus cannon (8", heavy 2d6, S5, AP-1, D2, auto-hits), isn't much better at its role of infantry killing at 45pts. Predator autocannons, or plasma destroyer will do much better at that role, especially since you don't have to spend at least two turns getting in range. Either grab a Baal Predator or a Hellhound if you want Imperial firepower.
• Relic Javelin Attack Speeder: The poor Deodorant Tanks got a huge nerf in 8th edition. For the most part, these fulfill the same role as before, that of a Heavy Land Speeder. But they lost the twin-linked rule on their Missile Launchers(WTF). They even lost their trademark Outflank ability. Overall this turned what was already a mediocre relic slot item, at best, into a shitty tool that's worse off than a generic land speeder.
  
• Relic Sicaran Battle Tank: The Sicaran has transitioned smoothly into 8th ed, retaining its status a high-speed menace. With a big 14" move, T7, 14 wounds, and 3+ Save it falls in between a Predator and a Land Raider in terms of size and durability. It's armed with a nasty twin accelerator autocannon which has a couple neat tricks. It fires at 48" Assault 8 S7 AP-1 D2, suffers no penalties to its hit rolls when attacking flyers, and a to-wound roll of 6 increases the AP of that hit to -3. It's also armed with a single Heavy Bolter and can grab 2 sponson-mounted Heavy Bolters or 2 sponson-mounted Lascannons, a hunter-killer missile, and a pintle-mounted Storm, Bolter, if you crave more dakka. The Sicaran is a useful anti-air unit in a pinch and is well known for its ability to counter skimmers. Make good use of the Assault rule on its main gun by zipping around and firing while advancing. Thanks to Chapter Approved the Sicaran now only costs 165 points without sponsons.
  
• Relic Sicaran Venator Tank Destroyer: The Venator trades the regular Sicaran's quantity of anti-skimmer shots for vehicle annihilation; even if a tank survives the Neutron Pulse Cannon's S12 AP-4 D6 damage hits (all 3 of them), it'll have all its shooting rolls reduced by 1 for the turn, which can make life very difficult for vehicles like Executioners or Tau vehicles with Ion Cannons. Additionally, it doesn't get penalties for moving and firing its heavy weapons.
  
• Relic Sicaran Punisher Assault Tank: A new flavor of Sicaran, its draw is the Punisher Rotary Cannon- 18 Heavy Bolter shots guaranteed to make any hordes within 36" hate life. And if you don't move that turn, it re-rolls all to-hit rolls of 1. Enjoy making Orks and Tyranids cry.
  
• Relic Sicaran Arcus Strike Tank: Another Sicaran variant, this one is armed with a rotary missile launcher. Though 24" is a bit short-ranged for a vehicle weapon, it's still Heavy 2d6 with S5 AP-2 D1. And not only does it negate cover saves, it also deals an extra mortal wound to INFANTRY units on a 6+ to wound. If you're forced to fight an extra large horde, it can switch its weapon profile to Heavy 4d6 at the expense of not being able to fire its missiles until after the end of the next turn. As a result, taking the heavy bolters/lascannons and the storm bolter is a good idea to ensure it doesn't render itself defenseless after a missile massacre.
  
• Relic Sicaran Omega Tank Destroyer: Yet another member of the Sicaran family. Its Omega Plasma Array has two modes; in its normal mode, it acts like a Heavy 6 plasma gun, and when supercharged it becomes Heavy 3 S9 AP-3 3 D and inflicts an extra mortal wound on a 6 to wound, but loses d3 wounds if it rolls a 1 to hit. Unfortunately, its range is no better than that of the Arcus, which is far better at wiping out infantry of all types due to the sheer number of cover-ignoring shots it can fire. The range issue is even worse when trying to use it against vehicles, since it'll be in lascannon/plasma cannon range long before it can shoot back and the -1 to hit from moving is going to make it a lot more likely to blow itself up (and even if it survives, it'll still be overshadowed by the Venator). Overall, it's not bad, but not quite good enough when compared to its competition.
  
• Relic Whirlwind Scorpius: The Scorpius is set apart from the basic Whirlwind by its Scorpius Launcher (and its occupation of an Elites slot, not a Heavy one) - while it has only half the range of either of the Whirlwind's rocket types, 3d3 S6 AP-2 D2 shots is still plenty to threaten hordes and light vehicles alike. And as an added bonus, it can fire twice in a shooting phase if the Scorpius hasn't moved in the movement phase.
  

TROOPS

With the new FOCs it is possible to make a Battle Forged list without any Troops at all. Troops are usually where one turns for numbers, as in 8E the player with the most models within 3" of an objective can claim it.

• Tactical Squad: The same jack-of-all-trades as always. Due to how armour modifiers work in this edition they now benefit from cover, more so than most infantry in fact, but there are drastically more weapons capable of making them take a 4+ or worse save. They can fill in any gaps in your army that might need to be addressed. The best way to look at them as a good middle ground option to your other troops choices. They don't have the early game mobility and good special rules as Scouts, or the same durability and damage output as Intercessors but they can be relied on to get the job done more often than not. Just don't expect them to perform miracles. Heavy weapons are easier to use now they get less penalties for moving and unlimited split fire exists. This edition also encourages you to take them as MSU: less morale vulnerability and many units can fit in the same transport. That way you can put two 5-man units inside a Rhino and have two Sarges with Combis plus 2 Specia/Heavy weapon guys. Four total, as opposed to the three a regular 10-man squad would.
• Scout Squad: Cheaper than marines, with the same damage output but a 4+ save. The Scout special rule Concealed Positions may be the best troop rule space marines have, allowing them to cut off huge swathes of the board from enemy deep strikes early in the game. But Scouts are more than a mere speed bump. Flexible as the space marines in training they are, they can be used with either ranged and close combat loadouts, but lacking power armour you'll want to have a plan. Furthermore, don't give them Shotguns unless you put them in a Land Speeder Storm. Camo Cloaks let them make better use of cover, but it gives them the same resilience as Tacticals in cover but at a higher model cost. Not to mention there's a hard-to-kill choice now.
  • Scouts with Sniper Rifles are your army's source of, well, sniping. Just like in Rynn's World, a scout with a sniper rifle is not going to kill an Ork Warboss, but they might take down the Pain Boy that supports him. They also help to create a Character denial area during deployment. With good range and a chance for mortal wounds, they're useful for harassing not only characters but also targets of oportunity, like armoured infantry and even tanks.
  • Two battalions each with 15 sniper scouts (in 5 man fire teams) work wonders. If all 30 are all in range you're looking at about 5 mortal wounds a turn on any unit or Character in range, plus D3 more on a non-Character if you throw in a Heavy Bolter for Hellfire Shells.
  • Sniper scouts or even shotguns scouts make fantastic distractions and will bait your opponent into killing a unit that isn't really all that dangerous. Scouts are relatively cheap and force your opponents hand, lest they start piling on mortal wounds or getting into shotgun or charge range. It tempts other players to waste their effort on them. In reality, all of your far more deadly units are moving into position with a turn less damage... which can make all the difference in situations where you didn't go first or become out maneuvered, etc.
• Intercessor Squad: The big boys. As of Chapter Approved they received a discount — that's a 2W model for 17pts as opposed to the mini marine's 1W for 13pts; meaning 35% cheaper wounds. Before upgrades or considering squad sizes, that means you can bring 13 Intercessors (26 W) for the same price as 17 Marines. Their Bolt Rifles give them a 25"-36" threat range, where most enemies will need to move to even engage them, leaving their cover behind. Stalker Bolt Rifles aren't as cost effective, but let them further abuse the range difference while adding armour penetration, and allows them to contribute to the fight even when securing the back objectives. While they aren't as starved for mobility as other marines due to their range, Auto Bolt Rifles allow them to advance without sacrificing all their shooting, retaining double the shots than other infantry from 12"-24". And with 2 attacks each, plus a 3A sarge who can buy a power sword (or a chainsword or power fist as of Chapter Approved 2018), they aren't defenseless in a melee. Also even basic Intercessors come with a bolt pistol sidearm, so they actually get 3x S4 attacks each if they're locked in melee. That being said, they're countered by vehicles as their only special weapon is a 30" grenade launcher (but grenades themselves are meh), and they are a prime target for multi-damage weapons, like autocannons, and they are practically custom-tailored to be mulched by Dark Reapers.
  • Intercessors are usually more durable on the tabletop than they appear on paper. Unlike tactical squads, Intercessors don't have heavy weapons which tend to draw fire from the enemy. This means your opponent will generally only fire at intercessors with anti-chaff weapons. As long as the intercessors have cover, they're rolling 2+ saves on T4, with two wounds per model, which is much better than you really need to survive most anti infantry firepower. This means your Intercessors are much better at holding objectives than an equal value of Tactical marines unless faced with heavy firepower. When brawling in CC over an objective with other skirmishers, they are easily underestimated - 2W and 2A each means they are effectively two tacs rolled into one model while not looking much more threatening. This leads to some mop-up charges getting stuck and worn down, instead of wiping out the "fancier tacs".
  • Intercessors are a good choice for a Raven Guard force, as they are one of the few units able to Rapid Fire from outside 12", allowing them to keep their penalty to be hit. Prime objective cover campers, as at 2W, 2+ save and -1 to hit, there are more appealing targets to be found elsewhere.
  • If you're considering getting a squad with Auto-bolt rifles and no other equipment, take a look at Reivers instead. Models cost the same, Bolt Carbines have stats identical to Auto-bolt rifles, but are free. And in addition to that you get AP-1 pistols, Shock grenades and the Terror Troops rule.
• Infiltrator Squad: Same statline as Intercessors, but with +1Ld. Standard unit of one Sergeant and four Bodies, but unique in that it can take an additional four bodies and one Apothecary-Cadet that can only heal a model from this unit, or revive one on a 5+. Marksman bolt carbines are exactly the same as boltguns, but unmodified hit rolls of 6 automatically hits and wounds, but your opponent still gets a save. They are affected by the Bolter Discipline rule, so double tap out to 24" when stationary. Their smoke grenades work exactly as vehicle smoke launchers; sacrifice a round of shooting for a -1 hit modifier against opponents shooting attacks (Raven Guard chapter tactics anyone?).They can deploy when setting up anywhere on the battlefield that is more than 9" from an enemy unit or your opponent’s own deployment zone: this is during set-up only, not during any of your other turns. Finally, enemy units cannot arrive as reinforcements within 12" of this unit, making them excellent at area denial.
  • Sadly, at 22 points a model (and 32 points for the Helix Adept), much of this needs to be judged against the flexibility of the Tactical Squad, the solidity of firepower from an Intercessor squad, and the cheapness of the Scout Squad. Bad? Maybe not. Overcosted? The jury is still out...but the verdict is likely yes.
  • While they do cost as much as Reivers with grapple guns and grav shutes, they do deny deep strikes within 12" of them meaning the majority of rapid fire weapons can't upon arriving and more importantly enemy units can't charge you out of deepstrike (crippling to armies and players that rely on it and makes their ability much more valuable against Orks, 1K Sons & GSC.) spread them about to maximize that bubble and watch them draw fire from your opponent (assuming their army relies on this tactic) possibly saving other key units. So weigh this against their staggering cost (230 for 9 plus a Hellix Adept) for a troops choice.
• Black Templars Crusader Squad: The guys who make Tacticals irrelevant for BT. There are basically two ways to run Crusader Squads, and it's not regarding melee or shooting, but squad size. Also, keep in mind you can have more Neophytes than Initiates now:
  • The first is abusing MSU as they can bring both a Special AND Heavy weapon (plus Sergeant Combi) in a 5-man squad, 50% more than Tacticals, meaning 6 upgraded guns in a Rhino, or 3 in a Razorback. The same goes for melee, as both the Sarge and 1 Initiate can buy a Power Weapon/Fist, while the others get Chainswords — that's better than shitty Assault Squad Eviscerators, from a Troop Choice (with Defenders of Humanity). Good punch for a unit their size, meaning you can push this basic unit into the offensive instead of being mere Battalion tax.
  • The second way is to use Templar blobs as a way to use the new casualty allocation rules to your benefit: You can use the 3+ armoured Initiates to protect Neophytes from small arms fire, while the cheaper Neos can be used to eat lascannon fire and morale casualties — Scouts are your most cost-effective source of ranged fire, but they lack the Crusader's marines to tank hits from them. A Crusader squad's size makes it vulnerable to morale as much as it makes it benefit more from unit boosts. Chaplains (especially Grimaldus) help their morale at the same time they increase their lethality. So do Captains(Helbrecht)/Lieutenants/Ancients, and the Standard of the Emperor Ascendant/Rites of War Warlords make them immune to morale, so 20-man Crusader squads love them, as they can't fit inside most transports.
    

FAST ATTACK

• Assault Squad: Can do some decent damage since in 8th mass is better than elite. Flamers (like all flamers in 8th) have good potential, but if you let them deep strike they can`t use the flamers because of the 9 inch room you have to leave to the next unit. Plasma pistols are nice to kill units with high T, but just do one damage if not overcharged. Take melta bombs and / or an Eviscerator for your anti-vehicular needs (now that melta bombs are thrown instead of used in cc, taking both on the sergeant isn't the worst idea in the world). Even just dropping a couple of stock five man squads in front of an opponent gives him something he has to deal with lest his shooty units get tied up, but be cautious of counter charges - you'll lose. Assault Squads should basically never be taken in 8th unless you aim for them to be a "cheap" distraction, Vanguard cost only 2 more points and both superior and much more flexible due to wargear choices.
  • The best melee weapon loadout for your sergeant never includes a power fist, because a thunder hammer does half again the damage for a third again the points, but be wary of buying expensive options - a pair of chainswords is free and often the best bang for your buck, all told, since it lets you attack 4 times. In fact, of all of the possible melee loadouts, the easiest way to always bring the most efficient loadout to bear, without memorizing which weapons are best against which enemy statlines, is a pair of chainswords (or a single chainsword, if carrying a pistol) against single-wound targets and a thunder hammer and chainsword (or just the hammer, if carrying a pistol) against multi-wound ones. Eviscerators cost more than thunder hammers do and do less damage on average, so they're only ever worth it against single-wound targets with high toughness and good saves, which are relatively rare, since most targets with high toughness and good saves have at least two wounds.
  • Don't bring a grav-pistol; it's not useful against enough targets compared to the cheaper plasma pistol, particularly if you're willing to overcharge the thing (which you should be, when you need to).
  • Even meltabombs and plasma pistols will basically never be better than simply having brought Inceptors to the party, in terms of ranged combat.
  • Now that every vehicle acts as an Assault Vehicle, taking a 10 men squad (or better, two 5-men squad) and putting them in a Rhino isn't the worst idea in the world. Although for 20 more points you can literally double the melee output with double chainsword vanguard vets, so there's that.
• Inceptor Squad: The deadly offspring of a Devastator Squad and a Seraphim Squad that can be taken in squads of 3-6. The mortal wound caused by their pseudo-HoW might look good on paper (on a 6+ does it though?), but when you only have a few models in the unit and no melee weapons melee may not be the most efficient use of them. Instead, take a page from the Seraphim's book and use your improved maneuverability to fire off strafing runs, courtesy of your Assault Bolters - effectively Assault 3 Heavy Bolters. They can also take 18" assault plasma cannons to wipe out MEQs/TEQS and put more hurt on vehicles now, because that shit was easy to make into two hand-held guns apparently. Like Assault Marines with Jump Packs, Inceptors have the FLY keyword, with all the strengths and weaknesses that entails. (On the other hand, that does mean you can be a very good distraction if you force an enemy flyer into melee...)
  • Conversely, assaulting with this unit can be a strategic choice. Charging a unit that is weak in melee will allow the Inceptors to avoid getting shot or tie up the enemy unit for the next turn. Since the Inceptors have the FLY keyword, they can disengage next turn with no penalty and resume shooting. This is a tactical decision and will vary greatly depending on the enemy army.
  • A note on their melee capability: because their squad size is so small, the fact that their sergeant does not pay additional points for his +1A has a great opportunity to shine. More importantly, mortal wounds can be used to bypass otherwise durable targets. Nine min-sized Assault Squads with Jump Packs cost as much as five Inceptor Squads; the number of attacks in each is 99 and 35 + 2.5 mortal wounds (when charging), respectively. Doing the math for you, that means the Inceptors deal more damage per point on the charge against any target which is either T8+ and Sv 2 or Sv 3 (such as a Land Raider), or T5+ and Sv 2. Neither unit will do well in those situations, so you should avoid it, but it's worth noting. Against anything in the game, you're way better off with the Inceptor's guns.
  • These guys do incredibly well as allies. They are able to swoop in and provide brutal close range firepower, and then tank some damage if needed during CC. Perfect for supporting Imperial Guard gun lines. This is a unit that the guard simply don't have, and often need badly.
  • The best chapter tactics for these guys will generally be White Scars or Iron Hands; Ultramarines tactics are close to entirely worthless on them, they fire too many shots to make good use of Salamanders, Imperial Fists tactics are rather shabby on anybody, and Raven Guard tactics will work just fine, but you'll usually be engaging at close enough ranges that the enemy will easily be able to circumvent them. Crimson Fists is nothing to sniff at, as +1 to hit if the target is 6 man at minimum size is nasty, especially with plasma.
• Suppressor Squad: Three-man squad only, functionally a long-ranged version of an Inceptor since they come with AP-2 autocannons. Can FLY and Deep Strike but lack the Inceptor's T5 or mortal-wounds-when-charging. They can, however, chuck out smoke grenades, and if they make a kill in the shooting phase, that unit cannot fire overwatch in your charge phase. This unit is all but purpose built to wreck Tau face, allowing you to shut down their obnoxious For the Greater Good rule and flood their gunlines with Assault Marines, Terminators and melee Dreads, as the Emperor fully fucking intended.
• Attack Bike Squad: 47 points for a heavy bolter or 64 points for a multi-melta, but you can't advance and shoot any of your guns, and moving will give the heavy weapon a penalty, so this is usually not a great choice, but the heavy bolter option is noteworthy for making this the cheapest in-Chapter option you have for Fast Attack, if you're looking to fill out a detachment. The full weapons complement of one is the heavy weapon, a twin bolter, 2 bolt pistols (which can't be swapped for chainswords, unlike with standard Bikes), 2 frag grenades, and 6 krak grenades, not that you can throw more than 1 grenade anyway, so the only thing to make sure you're aware of here is the second pistol, should that come up. tl;dr: Take only to fill an FA slot for cheap.
  • Perhaps not. They are rocking 4 wounds at T5, thats exactly twice as durable as an Inceptor for only points two more. They even beat out land speeders for cost per T5 wounds. When you add everything up they are actually a great unit, just hampered by the Heavy Bolters firing restrictions. They could possibly see use in a Raven Guard army, in which the are allowed to hang back then move later on in the game. If you are willing to forego a degree of firepower, for a 100% increase in durability, this is your solution.
• Bike Squad: For 2 points more than a Scout Bike, you drop from M16 to M14, and lose some weapons - no shotguns, and you have to choose between the pistol and the chainsword, instead of taking both - but you improve from a 4+ save to a 3+ save, and up to two non-Sergeants (minimum unit is Sergeant + 2 non-Sergeants) can take a Special Weapon instead of that pistol or chainsword. The tl;dr here is that the only reason to take this squad is triple melta; you can see below for a discussion of the other choices. 134 points will get you your choice of 3 S8 shots at 26" (with melta-damage at 20"), 2 of which will hit, or 1.5 hitting at 32" and 26", respectively. That isn't remotely as efficient as lascannon Devastators, but those aren't as good as getting onto or holding an objective. Don't take the Attack Bike if you can help it; losing Morale immunity isn't a big deal, but as just mentioned, the primary reason to take bikes is for the mobility, and Attack Bikes hate moving. tl;dr: Take only if you want relatively mobile but durable melta.
  • The first, most obvious choice is Storm Bolters for the Sergeant; if you do that, you're looking at 83 points for 18 S4 shots at 12" or 8 S4 shots at 24" (counting bolt pistols), while T5 and 2W. More points effeceint than Company Veterans on Bikes with all Storm Bolters. Keep in mind Storm Bolters are not on the Special Weapons List. You can't shoot pistols alongside other weapons. This makes taking Flamers the slightly stronger option, giving every model more opportunities to wound while at closer range.
  • The next most obvious choice is Flamers, which is a significant mistake; due to the bolter taxes involved, a triple Flamer squad trying to use their speed and auto-Advancing to get into Flamer range will find itself delivering fewer S4 shots for far more points than a Scout Bike squad. Without Advancing, you'll manage to out-shoot the Scout Bikes, but still by nowhere near enough to justify the cost.
  • Finally, grav and plasma are fairly obviously bad - grav costs more than plasma for less damage against most targets you can be bothered shooting, and plasma is particularly a poor choice on models you've already paid a premium on for durability.
• Land Speeders: Land speeders are now, for all intents and purposes, slightly bigger, faster, and more heavily armed attack bikes, that don't get Chapter Tactics. The key difference here is that land speeders have the fly keyword, which means if they do manage to survive the melee combat they'll occasionally find themselves in, they can just move out and shoot as normal (albeit with the penalty for moving with heavy weapons). This also makes them excellent at tarpitting gunlines. Missile launchers got great (although overcosted) in this edition, which makes the Typhoon a very solid option, but be cautious as these are also expensive, and whilst the land speeder is very resilient to small arms fire, a good shot from a dedicated anti tank weapon will see it explode rather swiftly. Like the attack bike, it can't move and shoot accurately, so you end up paying for either mobility you don't want or a gun that won't hit, and unlike with the Attack Bike, you can't even begin to try to fix it with Chapter Tactics or by justifying its cost in other ways, so it's usually a bad idea compared to a Razorback for the same job. tl;dr: Stick with a Razorback instead.
  • An interesting loadout for SALAMANDERS is a unit of 3 land speeders kitted out with 6 heavy flamers, as they're one of the units that benefit the most from the Flamecraft stratagem.
• Scout Bike Squad: Scout bikes got very interesting this edition. They lost scout but gained a second wound and a lot of firepower. Every rider comes loaded for bear, with a twin bolter, combat knife (chainsword), shotgun, and bolt pistol, plus the usual grenades - every non-heavy weapon available to ground pounder Scouts. This makes for 6 S4 shots at 12", two of which become S5 at 6". The minimum unit is the Sergeant plus 2 bikers, but up to 3 non-Sergeants can swap the twin bolter for a grenade launcher, at the ludicrous cost of 9 points, so stay well away; more interestingly, the Sergeant can drop his Pistol for a Storm Bolter for only 2 points, giving him 10 S4 shots at 12", which you should always, always do, encouraging you to field these guys MSU style, even if you weren't already; each 77 point 3-bike squad has a basic threat range of 22 S4 shots out to 28", and outside of debuffs, is utterly immune to morale. tl;dr: One of the best delivery methods you have for a lot of S4 hits happening right now, on a reasonably durable, very mobile platform. A great choice.
  
• Deathstorm Drop Pod: A Drop Pod full of automated guns; it can choose either an 18" 2-shot gun with S8 AP-2 D3 D or a 12" 6-shot S6 AP-1 1 D gun. In either case, it must make 1 full shooting attack against anything in range (except for CHARACTERS, who still can only be shot at if they're the closest unit in range).
  • This is really good against a wide range of armies, especially MSU (the more times this thing gets to shoot the better) and gun-lines where an entire army is packed closely together. Granted, you're hitting like an Ork (BS5+ from the movement penalty) the turn you arrive...but you're also shooting like an Ork.
• Land Speeder Tempest: A tiny drop in movement (well, sort of; see below) from the vanilla type, but has better T and Ld (not that the latter usually matters). Each one is equipped with an Assault Cannon and two Tempest Salvo Launchers (36" Heavy 1d3 S6 AP-3 D2; at only 10 points each, drastically better as a pair than a Typhoon Missile Launcher against anything at all, but the Tempest itself is a good deal more expensive than a vanilla). When Advancing, they must move between 20" and 35"; they also impose a -1 to hit against them in the next Shooting phase and prevents units without the FLY keyword from charging (or being charged by) them.
  • Relative movement: These guys don't have Anti-grav Upwash, so a unit of 3 of them is 5" slower than a unit of 3 vanillas, rather than 1", when not Advancing. When Advancing, they are much faster, regardless of unit size, since they can go their choice of 20-35" (no need to roll), instead of 16-21 for a small unit or 21-26 for a large unit of vanillas. Unfortunately, there's no option to take Assault weapons on them of any stripe.
• Tarantula Air Defense Battery: As below, but stuck with S8 AP-2 D3 D anti-air missiles that get +1 to hit against flyers and -1 against everything else. MUST target the nearest enemy flyer, and otherwise the nearest enemy non-flyer, but you were probably already planning to do that when you took this unit.
• Tarantula Sentry Guns: Whoooo boy, these suckers got a huge buff in 8th edition. They ended up gaining a whopping +1 BS, along with Toughness 5 and 4 wounds, which makes them fairly sturdy for a 20 point model. They are hit automatically in CC, but still shoot while an enemy is within 1", and that enemy can still be shot at by everyone else. The only really significant downside is that they're M0 and can't deep strike, so they'll sit in your deployment zone the entire game. Tarantulas can be equipped with the following loadouts:
  

HEAVY SUPPORT

• Devastator Squad: Due to everyone getting Split Fire, you can feel free to mix and match weapons however you like; that said, it's still a good idea to use weapons with similar ranges in case you need to focus your shots on a single opponent. Be sure to keep whoever has the best gun less than 3" from the Sergeant, since his Signum will let that guy hit on a 2+. Finally, the Armorium Cherub has received a big buff- you can use it once per game to effectively give one model in the squad a second shooting phase, or just use it as a cheap (5 points) ablative wound instead. Needless to say, you should always take the cherub.
  • Combine the Cherub and Signum. On turn 1, use the Signum on a key gun (eg, lascannon), and then use the Cherub to get the extra shot. RaW, the signum will apply for the whole phase, meaning 2 powerful shots at BS2+.
  • These guys will outperform their Centurion cousins (see below) for points per wound, but won't take nearly as much damage, of course; even before the cherub and assuming the sergeant just sits around like a dork, a full 5-man 4-lascannon squad will be more efficient at killing Land Raiders, even after moving. This is less brutal for competing against hordes, because hurricane bolters are insanely cheap, as opposed to badly overcosted like Centurion Missile Launchers, to the point that horde-hunting Centurions on the move will outperform Heavy Bolter Devastators on the move, although the Centurions go back to being less efficient if the regular Devastators hold still.
  • Due to the changes to how Deep Striking works, Devastators with Multi-meltas can best fill the suicide melta role formerly taken by Sternguard Veterans. You'll take a -1 to hit since it counts as moving when you deploy via the drop pod, but the Signum will cancel that out entirely on one of them. Again, the Armorium Cherub will ensure you can make the most of it.
  • Note that the devastator sergeant has unique wargear alternatives in that he can replace his boltgun with two new weapons. This allows him to uniquely field three bolt pistols, or probably more commonly a storm bolter, chainsword and bolt pistol.
  • Devastators make prime candidates for occupying an Imperial Bunker. For only 100 pts you can give your squad the durability of a Leman Russ (T8, 12W, 3+ sv). Magnificent when paired with a squad full of lascannons.
• Devastator Centurion Squad: Ridiculously ultra-heavy marines with, each, the firepower of a tank; people either hate or love them. They're slower and easier to kill individually than a tank, but have all the advantages of being Infantry: smaller size, gaining cover in certain terrains (like forests), can go to the second floor of buildings, etc. This unit can be the cornerstone of an army, synergizing well with Chapter Ancient, Apothecary, Chapter Master, and Primaris Lieutenant models. Three Lascannon/ML centurions are all the AT firepower you'll ever need in a TAC list. At T5, 2+ armor, and 3 wounds, they can be a nightmare to kill without antitank weapons. They ignore the movement penalty for firing heavy weapons but only have 4" movement, which isn't a big problem thanks to their long/medium range. With their Sergeant's Omniscope they ignore cover saves, and you can Combat Squad a unit of 6 of them into two 3-man units, great if you only want to spend one Heavy Support slot on them, but remember one of the units won't have the Sergeant and his Omniscope. Try to keep them out of combat, because they're useless in melee and will be tarpitted by basically anything; you can always retreat, but you lose a turn of shooting then, unless you're going with Ultramarines Chapter Tactics.
  • You can give each one of them the weapons you want, and you can shoot at different targets with each weapon, but it's usually much better to make them specialists at some specific task. Because of that, it pays to think well what weapon payload you want to give them before assembling the minis (if your playgroup allows it, you can magnetize their weapons, but speaking from experience here, they're one of the most difficult and time-consuming units to magnetize in 40k):
    • Heavy bolters/Hurricane bolters: The one for killing hordes. Very good at their job, and decent against units of heavily armoured but sparse infantry; bad against anything with decent toughness/armour. Also kinda short-ranged if you want to be in Rapid Fire range to be truly lethal. You can give them Missile Launchers instead if you've got other units good against hordes, but it's usually a bad idea that dilutes the purpose of this loadout.
      • This is the cheapest load out at 210 points; which is slightly less than 6 boltstorm aggressors. With Bolter Discipline, suddenly their base firepower is objectively better per model than Aggressors, even if they're not quite as mobile. A great firing line behind Aggressors..
    • Lascannons/Missile launchers: Excellent against Vehicles/Monsters/Superheavies (and Characters too if they get close enough), wasted against any other thing. The most useful overall, because of their huge range that lets them be in the back lines, protected by cover and supported by some Character/HQ while sniping big things.
      • This is the most expensive load out at 345 points as of Chapter Approved 2018; which almost gets you two quad las predators with 15 points short, or 9 points more than two contemptor mortis dreads with twin lascannons
    • Grav Cannons/Missile Launchers: The most narrow focused of the loadouts. Grav Cannons are Heayy 4 S5 AP -3 1 Damage weapons, but they get D3 Damage instead against units with 3+ armor. Because of the low Strength, this is only useful against highly armoured multiwound infantry (TEQs, Primaris Marines, Ogryns, etc) and some random units, like Vehicles with T5 and 3+ armor. But it just so happens that those same targets are difficult to kill efficiently with other weapons (light arms aren't enough against them, anti-tank weapons are too much), so this loadout can be good if you have that specific hole in your army, or know your opponent has a lot of these units. If you give them Hurricane Bolters instead, you lose some focus but become much better against hordes, but if you wanted that, just take Heavy Bolters/Hurricane Bolters instead.
      • This is the mid range load out at 279 points; which puts you short 43 points for two 5 man dev squads with double grab cannon/ launcher each.
  • As we can see, it's an impressive unit with compelling abilities... but dear lord, it's expensive. There are other options which are easier to plug into most lists; these guys require you to have a solid plan you expect to execute consistently. As said before, they almost require the whole list to be built around them. Think carefully before choosing these big guys.
• Hellblaster Squad: Some pretty wicked dakka right here. Their Plasma Incinerators are 30" S7 AP-4 D1 normally, with the same boost as other plasma weapons if supercharged (+1 to S and D) - more than enough to wipe out any TEQs they encounter. Run with any character giving re-rolls to hit (e.g. any of the Captain variations) to make these things a monster/tank killer if they get into rapid-fire range. Without a Repulsor, that'll be a difficult task in itself. They're also as expensive as... well, as elite marines carrying souped-up plasma weapons.
  • If you happen to be running a Primaris only force, these guys will be one of your best anti-vehicle choices, but still not a fantastic one. Will be majorly improved by pouring a lot more points into them with Captains, Ancients, and Lieutenants, but that's a lot of extra points.
  • The Plasma Incinerators comes in two more variants; a Heavy 1 with 36" and S8/9 that costs 2 points more than the standard option, and a 24" Assault 2 with S6/7 that costs 1 point more.
    • The Rapid Fire (standard) version is definitely the best in general, costing the fewest points for the most output against the most targets, but you'll want to get up close and personal with it - see the Assault version below for shooting things farther away.
    • The Assault version costs you more points for less strength, but better rate of fire in the 16-24" range, and you can fire it after advancing, so you could also consider it to have superior rate of fire in the 16-27.5"; therefore, it's actually better on a squad intended for longer range engagements, rather than one intended for, well, assaulting. Because S7 is so underwhelming compared to S6 or S8 against most real-world targets, it's seldom justified to overcharge this one, although it can be worth it if you're desperate for the increased damage. Take this version to shoot things farther away better, but up close worse, than the Rapid Fire version.
    • The Heavy version costs you more points for worse rate of fire (although you can move and shoot with it out to 36-42" range if you want), but enough Strength to kill MEQs on a 2+ without overcharging. It can also act as an anti-vehicle weapon in a pinch when overcharged; say your opponent has a Land Raider Crusader/Redeemer, two of the best options currently available. With the extra range you can stay completely out of its threat range of 34" and hit it with an overcharged version of this gun. This would wound on a 3+ and do 2 damage each with only a 6+ save. Granted it will take about 18 shots to kill one on average, but a 10 man unit with the two rounds of shooting it will get because of the range increase will badly cripple it at minimum. For long range anti-vehicle and heavy infantry fire support this is definitely the option to go for.
  • Null Zone is particularly deadly if there's a group or two of Hellblasters in range of the Librarian's unfortunate targets, considering their AP-4. This player can attest that one Null Zone was enough to put down three Shield Captains with the aid of Hellblasters and additional anti-armour tools.
• Eliminator Squad: The Primaris scalpel compared to the Primaris sledgehammer that is the Hellblasters. They have the same +2-for-being-in-cover camo-cloaks that Scouts get, and their bolt sniper rifles get three different ammos to use: Executioners will be your go-to (AP-2, Dd3, mortal wound in additional to normal damage on a wound roll of 6), Mortis because fuck your stealth units (AP-1, D1, ignores line of sight, ignores cover, gains +2 to hit-rolls), and Hyperfrag for overwatch (AP0, D1, but are heavy d3). All ammo types can target characters without them needing to be the closest units.
  • At only 72 points for the unit, this is one of the cheapest and most effective Heavy Support choices in the Marine range. Psykers and buffing characters are ubiquitous, so this unit will be useful in almost any game while cheaply filling out a Spearhead Detachment or serving as a useful Relic Tax for units like the Leviathan Dreadnought.
  • The Mortis Rounds allow for Eliminators to effectively shoot through all terrain much like Tyranid Hive Guard. Eliminators can be completely within cover and simply fire through the battlefield to effectively threaten and kill enemy characters and other units. While this disallows use of the more damaging Executioner Rounds, it does allow Eliminators to engage from cover and out of LoS with essentially no risk to the unit.
  • Comparing these to Scout Marines equipped with sniper rifles is really an apples vs. oranges debate as one is a troop choice and the other is a dedicated anti-character support unit.
• Thunderfire Cannon:The Thunderfire Cannon has one of the best stratagems, and has found away back into for marine players for reasons beyond its 4D3 shots or Str 5 hits. The TFC Stratagem, which slows an enemy's movement by half, including their Advancement or Charge ranges, can cause traffic jams, failed charges, and slow the deployment of enemy forces. Based on stats and points cost, the TFC is second to the Whirlwind. With all the taxes that a TFC has to take -- paying for the Techmarine, gun and TFC chassis separately -- the TFC manages to cost more than the cheapest Whirlwind variant while having one less Strength. Ignores line of sight and has 5 feet of range, but costs half again as much as just taking Heavy Bolter Devastators. If the Techmarine gunners wander too far from the guns, they're considered destroyed.
  • At only 93 points (CA2018) the Thunderfire Cannon is more attractive than ever - consider buddying up with a dreadnought or tank to get the most out of your Techmarine.
  • Alternative Point: Thunderfire cannons may have lost some power, but they have gained survivability. They are effectively a self-sustaining Heavy Support choice: as a VEHICLE, the Techmarine Gunner will automatically repair D3 wounds on it per turn, but as a CHARACTER he cannot be targeted separately unless he is the closest target. Its lower wound score and toughness do make it vulnerable to big damage weapons like Lascannons and meltas though, so be warned. Though if it does die, you now have a techmarine without having used a HQ slot. Also, the techmarine can act independently from the cannon, as long as he stays within 3" to not lose the cannon's shooting. Park a predator (or any other long-range shooty vehicle) next to the techmarine for a free auto-repair each round (doesn't substitute shooting any more), while toasting nearby enemies with plasma cutter and flamer while still shooting the TFC. In a pinch, the TFC could even soak up overwatch, and the techmarine's 2A servo arms and 3A base mop up single targets.
    • When comparing it to the whirlwind, the difference in strength actually doesn't matter against T4 enemies (Though the Whirlwind can switch to Vengeance missiles for S7 killiness) Also, where the whirlwind does 2-12 shots, averaging 7, with diminishing accuracy as it takes wounds; The Thunderfire is more likely to get hits in thanks to more dice, doing between 4-12 shots, averaging 8 with no drop in accuracy and its ability to self-heal.
  • One thing to keep in mind is that the TFC's Techmarine has a slightly different version of Blessing of the Omnissiah. By the way it's worded, this version isn't limited to one repair per vehicle that the other is.
  • The Thunderfire Cannon along side its Stratagem punches way above its weight class. Berzerkers coming in, move 6", charge 12", for a max of 18", would be reduced to move 3", charge max of 6". Without using the Stratagem the TFC is less efficient than Whirlwind.
  • Always remember that the techmarine is loaded with guns himself. If you're paying for them, you may as well be shooting them. And, when you compare the fire output to a whirlwind, the numbers shift in the cannon's favor when the TP is within 8".
• Predator: Predators now get their own special autocannon profile; it seems like the predator can turn into a monster. For just ten points less than a twin lascannon, you drop to 2 less strength and AP for 2 more shots on average, and guaranteed 3 damage, rather than rolling with an average of 3.5. I don't know how an autocannon can paste Nobs easier than a demolisher cannon but we'll just have to take it. Roll it with an Autocannon and side mounted lascannons for a versatile (but expensive) fuck machine.
  • Dakka predators became good again, being able to chuck out 2D3 Autocannon and 6 Heavy Bolter shots per turn. Consider further augmenting its firepower with a Storm Bolter or a Hunter-killer missile too.
  • Two Laserbacks with Hunter Killer missiles and Stormbolters costs 246 points, while a 4 Lascannon Predator with Hunter Killer missile and Stormbolter costs 210 points. The Predator allows for less drops per 4 lascannons.
• Vindicator: With the pie plate replaced with 6 hits at the most and MEQs and TEQs now allowed at least some kind of save, the vindicator took a huge nerf. However, with the changes to the wound formula, S10 became very important, and chucking out what are effectively D3 lascannon shots onto an enemy tank isn't something to look down on. With T8 it's bound to shrug off a lot of fire it might soak, but now it suffers from the same schizophrenia the vanilla Land Raider used to. It is an assault gun that's meant to take down buildings, according to the fluff, but it is unlikely to harm one much in the game. The Demolisher cannon is a heavy weapon, so your paltry D3 shots are going to be hitting on 4s if you move (buildings can be very hard to hit, apparently). Getting only 1d3 attacks against a single unit is unreliable and not too scary, as is getting d6 attacks against infantry blobs. The best use of it is probably taking on groups of elite units or vehicles, such as large squads of terminators. But there are other models that do the job better.
  • What you're really taking this for is the Linebreaker Bombardment Stratagem to inflict lots of mortal wounds on multiple units at once. It requires a full squadron of 3 Vindicators to work, but sniping characters with artillery for only 1 CP is worth it.
    • Alternate Take: The Vindicator has one less wound and better Ballistic skill than an Imperial Guard Leman Russ with Demolisher Cannon at 27 fewer points and can get the Linebreaker bombardment when taken in 3s (although the IG Demolisher gets Grinding Advance and benefits from Doctrines like Brutal Strength, not to mention tank orders). Stupidity of the fluff aside, they’re better against high-toughness multi-wound models, which almost every army has at least one unit of (Nobs, Wraithguard, Crisis Suits, Terminators & Primaris Marines, Ogryns), so one Vindicator can find a home in lots of local metas and is actually a cost effective way of getting the DC on the field. Three and a Techmarine to repair in a Spearhead detachment could be a useful and relatively cost effective (432 pts bone stock) distraction carnifex ally.
• Whirlwind: The Whirlwind has two gun options, Castellan at 2D6 (average: 7) shots of S6, and Vengeance at 2D3 (average: 4) S7, AP-1, and D2. With the higher strength of this weapon the hits you do get will make short work of most infantry, but the ideal purpose of wiping out cheap blob units remains out of reach. You have to choose which gun to take when you build the list, so the latter choice results in a 9% more expensive tank overall, while dealing more damage to anything with at least 2 wounds or 2+ saves.
  • The Vengeance launcher is functionally a twin autocannon that paid 1 point for both +24" (*1.5) range and the ability to fire outside of LOS; the Castellan launcher is more like an assault cannon that paid 4 points for +1 shot but +1 AP and lots more range, with non-LOS targeting. The net result is that which is better is strictly a question of wounds - Castellan is better against 1-wound models, while Vengeance is better against 2+.
• Hunter: No longer explicitly AA, this weapon delivers a high strength hit equal to a lascannon, re-rolling missed hits whether the model is flying or not.
  • While not an efficient damage dealer, this model is a steal for its points. Exact same base cost as a Predator while making the leap from T7 to T8, and getting a free 5' range lascannon that can reroll hits. Won't spit out as much damage as your other Heavy Support options, but incredibly reliable.
• Stalker: Now a very flexible gun, it gets +1 to hit against flying things, while suffering a -1 to hit versus non-fliers. For a Stalker to be worth taking, it likely needs to be buffed by an HQ to make it more accurate, otherwise other weapon systems on other vehicles are more productive. Fliers are very popular early in 8th and this is a good anti-air vehicle. It is fairly productive in other roles as well, providing a 48" range and 2 Damage with 6 shots at plasma strength and a Heavy Bolter's AP. The poor AP is mitigated by the Damage done per shot. The tank is tougher than its own weapon, a rare T8 Rhino chassis.
  • Of course much of the previous is very rosy sounding. If everything goes right- three hits, three wounds, three failed saves- you do six damage. You are better off on average firing just about anything else at its intended target. Three shots can get through reliably, but most Flyers are T7, meaning the majority of the time you only wound half the time. And the AP means you will only get through their armor save roughly half the time. You will do two or zero damage the majority of the time. Almost any major HS option can do its job better. Avoid.
• Land Raider: Now that the vanilla Land Raider isn't forced to fire all its guns at the same target, it's gone from schizophrenic to an effective all-rounder. For example, you can use its lascannons to pop a vehicle and then follow up with the heavy bolters to wipe out an infantry squad. This is assisted further by the new Power of the Machine Spirit, which lets it ignore the normal penalties for moving and firing heavy weapons. While its transport capacity is still rather small compared to the other Land Raider variants, it still has just enough room to drop a trio of Assault Centurions off or a 5-man squad of Assault Terminators. And with T8, 16 wounds, and a 2+ armor save it'll be a tough nut to crack even with anti-armor weaponry.
• Land Raider Crusader: As ever, the Hurricane Bolters will shred any infantry within 12" - you have twenty-four bolter shots supplemented by another 12 assault cannon shots. The Frag Assault Launchers also help in regards to transporting and supporting its cargo, since it causes d3 mortal wounds on a 4+ if it finishes a charge within 1" of an opponent. But whatever you do, take the multi-melta. Neither the assault cannons nor the hurricane bolters have enough AP to significantly reduce a MEQ's armor save, and anything with T7 or more (e.g. other vehicles) won't even get their paint scratched. It carries 16 models, so it's still your best choice for transporting Terminators, crusader squads, and other larger units. Stick near a Captain and/or a Lieutenant and laugh maniacally as you shred every infantry squad around you.
  • Also, all those guns can fire without penalty, even if you're moving at maximum speed (which you should be). Somewhere, a Black Templar wipes a manly tear away as he remembers the words "defensive weapons."
• Land Raider Redeemer: Similar to the Crusader, but trades off the hurricane bolters' volume of shots for the flamestorm cannon's greater strength, higher AP, and improved damage per shot. While you'll have to get in close to make the most of it, the Frag Assault Launchers let you use this to your advantage as you burn down the heavier infantry. Though the flamestorm cannons can threaten lighter vehicles, you should still add the multi-melta to be on the safe side. Carries 12 models. Can easily cockblock a charging unit with 2d6 automatic Flamestorm shots.
  • The flamestorm cannon can, because of flamer autohits, crisp some flyers if you are close enough. Consider if it is worth to put your Land Raider in the open.
  • Bear in mind that the Land Raider has one enormous Achilles heel - it can't fall back and shoot. If even a single model makes it into combat with your Raider then it instantly becomes a lame duck during your next shooting phase. This can make assault-oriented Raiders like the Redeemer and Crusader especially vulnerable.
• Whirlwind Hyperios: While it's still best used against aircraft because of its +1 to hit against flyers (and -1 against everything else), Heavy 2d3 S8 AP-2 D3 D isn't something to take lightly.
• Rapier Carrier: A dirt-cheap source of heavy bolter fire, which can also be used as a cheap counter to "light" superheavies like Knights if taken with Laser Destroyers or act as artillery if you use the Quad Launchers (added in the FAQ). Now coming stock with a 12-shot quad bolter at 3/4 of what you pay for a devastator squad armed with same, on a fairly sturdy chassis. Fills out the heavy support requirements of a Spearhead detachment real nice, but keep the gunners safe or it gets auto-removed just like the Thunderfire Cannon.
  • Quad Heavy Bolters are terrible, costing more than 2 twin heavy bolters for the same guns...or... you can ask yourself what kind of plataforms let you take twin heavy bolters and ask yourself if the cost is worth it.
  • The average damage from a laser destroyer is less than its weight in lascannons - 183.33% of the damage for 240% of the price; the difference in strength will never matter against practical targets, while the improvement to AP will come up and won't make up the difference. If you're using the Salamanders chapter tactics and like to focus on single enemy units before moving to another enemy unit the laser destroyer can do a good job while letting your characters help other units.
  • As a result, hands down your best bet is always going to be the Quad Launcher.
    • In Shatter mode this will, for 45 points, outdo two lascannons for 50 points, as losing a point each in strength and AP is more than made up for in doubling its attacks, and the difference in damage is not only slight, it also deals predictable damage, making it invaluable in many contexts, such as shooting Quantum Shielding.
  • In Thunderfire mode, this will shoot what amounts to 8 heavy bolter shots, losing a point of AP in exchange for indirect targeting and improved range. This is inferior to the Quad Heavy Bolter option, so you should regard it as a bonus to the Shatter mode, rather than a good gun in its own right, and take this gun for the purpose of killing off enemy heavies, not massacring enemy lights.
  • They have half of the survivability perk of the Thunderfire, as the Rapier is a vehicle and SM Gunners are functionally Characters without a keyword (can't be targeted unless the closest model). If you take a full battery of Rapiers, strongly consider also taking a Techmarine to repair them or putting a Thunderfire Cannon in the gunline.
• Mortis Dreadnought: Your go-to dakka dread. It costs 5 points more than a standard dreadnought, with the exact same profile, but it brings the option to double up on weapons the regular dread can't. You can take a pair of twin bolters, autocannons, or lascannons, or a pair of regular missile launchers, assault cannons, multi-meltas, or heavy plasma cannons. All good choices for laying down firepower, with the best guns depending on what you plan to shoot and how many points you can spare.
  • For the classic twin autocannon rifleman setup, this slightly edges out a regular dread. Since Chapter Approved dropped the price of twin autocannons for Forge World but not Codex/Index units, a Mortis comes out 1 point cheaper with the same stats. It's the only gun the normal dread can double up on, and it's only 1 point difference, so if you're going autocannons, it's just a matter of whether you need it to fill an Elite or Heavy Support slot.
• Contemptor Mortis Dreadnought: Better than the standard Mortis in every way, from the BS 2+ to the 5++. Apart from that, it can do everything the regular Mortis can, only better.
  • Since the v1.1 FAQ/Update, Contemptor Mortis' can once again take Cyclone Missile Launchers. Downside is, like their Terminator counterparts, they're still 50 fucking points for either Heavy 2D3 S4 AP0 D1 OR Heavy 2 S8 AP-2 D6D. With this in mind, however, it could be decent now that EVERYTHING has Split Fire, and you're no longer hitting Flyers on 6s, but only 3+(!!) with at least 6W or more. Churn out some dakka with your two Kheres Assault Cannons (which, keep in mind, can ALSO fire at two different targets, as they are considered 'two identical weapons', and then slam a couple of Krak missiles at a Flyer that screams overhead. Or a tank, I guess, if that's your thing.
• Siege Dreadnought: This Dread specializes in short-range firepower, coming stock with an Inferno Cannon that acts as a souped up heavy flamer (but costs more than a twin heavy flamer, for reasons) and a seismic hammer with built-in meltagun that suffers from a -1 to hit but will wreck anything that gets hit. With the ability to re-roll all to wound rolls of 1 in the Fight phase when targeting a BUILDING or a unit with a movement stat of 0", its niche as a building killer should be obvious.
• Relic Leviathan Dreadnought:  The Leviathan Dreadnought is easily one of the deadliest single models in the entire game, barring actual Titans, packing a series of quite frighteningly powerful weapons that can make short work of virtually anything. It packs a Strength and Toughness of 8, with a 2+/4++ saves line, and a whopping 14 wounds. In addition, it actually received a fairly decent points decrease in 8th edition, having dropped in cost by 50 whole points even after all wargear is accounted for. A few things were lost though, as the Leviathan no longer has his frag-launchers (but it did get its hunter-killer missiles back in the FAQ) but in exchange his whole loadout has gotten huge buffs.
  • It has two Heavy Flamers which can't be swapped out for anything, and two Leviathan Siege Claws (Sx2 AP-3 D3 Re-roll failed wounds against Infantry) with in-built meltaguns stock.
    • The Claws can be swapped out (without losing the meltaguns) for Drills, which up the AP and D to -4 and 4, but you stop re-rolling failed wounds against Infantry.
    • The Claws can also be swapped out along with their meltaguns for:
      • Cyclonic Melta Lance: Capable of destroying a Land Raider in a single volley, while being able to shave off 15 wounds from a Knight (leaving it sufficiently weakened that it will no doubt then die to being slammed with 15 additional wounds in melee).
        • Note that this actually has worse AP than the Bombard (although it will usually only matter against Land Raiders and the like, as against any Invuln save at all or a 3+ save or worse they'll tend to equal out), with better rate of fire against 4 or fewer model units and worse damage against Monster/Vehicle/Titanic models but better damage otherwise. A Leviathan with 2x Bombards costs 339, while with 2x Lances it costs 359 (including Heavy Flamers), which means that against a Land Raider, the Lances are only better inside melta range. The Lance will do better against vehicles where the difference in AP doesn't matter, regardless of range (such as any 3+ vehicle, or a 2+ vehicle with an invuln), provided the target unit has 4 or fewer models. It will also do better against infantry units of 4 or fewer models, but as soon as the target unit has 5 or more models in it, the Bombard will simply take over.
      • Storm Cannon Array: Has a whopping 10 shots, which do 2 damage each. While not quite as horrifyingly deadly against vehicles as the Cyclone Melta, it exchanges sheer output for more reliability. This can be useful since 2-wound weapons occupy a fair niche in the current meta, for their ability to 1-shot the numerous amount of multi-wound models, without suffering from overkill. This makes it the perfect weapon for dealing with models like Terminators.
        • This is basically a seriously up-gunned heavy plasma cannon, with quintuple the usual shot volume and one worse AP in exchange for one better D, and an inability to Overcharge. Costs 5/6 the amount two of the cannons would cost you, though. It is far and away the most efficient gun you can take against most targets of 4 models or less - it will actually outdamage both the Bombard and the Lance against anything T6 or less and T7 Sv 4+ or worse, and that's assuming the target has enough wounds left that no damage gets wasted.
        • For serious, take this gun seriously. It is far and away the most generally useful of the lot; a pair of them will murder most anything foolish enough to get in your way.
      • Grav-Flux Bombard: Now your dedicated horde killer. It deals 1d3 shots, and gains an additional 1d3 shots for every 5 models present in the target unit, which means the Leviathan can get a whopping 11d3 shots when targeting a mob of Conscripts, or 22d3 if equipped with two of these. This essentially means that the grav bombard is your designated weapon loadout if you expect to go up against Infantry Blobs, as it can fry an entire 50 man squad each and every turn. It also does more damage (5, rather than 2) against Vehicles, Buildings, and Titanics, making it more useful than the Lance in many cases.
        • A pair of these is the way to go for horde scrubbing - 2d3 shots every 5 models in the target means you average 4 shots for every 5 targets. The gun is only 18" and you'll take a BS penalty (typically down to 3+) for moving and shooting with it, taking you to 3 1/3 and 2 2/3 hits for every 5 targets, respectively. At S9 AP-5 D2, usually one wound per target is all it will take; assuming you're up against T4 or less without an invuln save, you're looking at 2 7/9 or 2 2/9 (after moving) dead for every 5 models in the target, or around 50% casualties. Hopefully Morale will do the rest of the work for you, or you can just bring two of these things.
• Deimos Vindicator Laser Destroyer: This thing brings to the battlefield the unique Laser Volley Cannon, which is a 2 shots Lascannon with a few twists: they only have a range of 36" instead of 48, they do a fixed 3 damages (so a little less than the average you do with 1D6) and can be overcharged to go to S10 AP-5 with a fixed 6 damages. Trade-off being that if they shoot that way, they take 3 mortal wounds on each rolls of 1. If it does not move, however, it can shoot twice, but not in overcharged mode. Also note that it gets +1T and +1 wound compared to a predator, but moves 2" less. All in one, this tank is kind of odd. It costs roughly the same as a classic predator with a full lascannon setup, and can pump 4 shoots if it stands still, for an average amount of wounds slighty lower. Its overcharged mode might give you an edge on T5/T9-10 opponents or target with extremely high armor saves, so what you lose in range you get it back in versatily, at price: 2 shots against 4 and the risk of wounding yourself. Between increased durability, shorter range and movement, and varying fire modes, it is hard to draw a clear line between the Predator Annihilitor and the Vindicator Laser destroyer in term of battlefield role, but the later being clearly less efficient while on the move, you might want to invest your money in other Forge World models.
• Relic Land Raider Proteus: The Proteus has two twin Lascannons like the vanilla LR, but it can choose to take a multi-melta or twin heavy flamer instead of a twin heavy bolter. (There's also an option for a single heavy bolter, but why would you even use that?) But its main draw is the Explorator Augury Web; taking it reduces the Proteus' transport Capacity to 6, but it prevents anyone from deep striking within 12" of the Proteus. Conveniently enough, that happens to be melta range for the multi-melta so suicide melta squads won't be able to get near it. For a more aggressively inclined Proteus, you can take the Heavy Armor instead to give it a 5+ invulnerable save, though it too reduces the Proteus' transport capacity.
• Land Raider Helios: Also has twin lascannons, but it brings along a Helios Launcher- a Heavy weapon that fires 2d6 autocannon-equivalent shots (albeit only 1 damage) that can fire without LoS. A decent combo of the Whirlwind's different missile types, and it can transport 6 models too.
• Land Raider Prometheus: A fun toy for your Warlord - if he's embarked within it, one of the Stratagems played on your turn costs 1 less CP to use. It doesn't reduce the cost below 1, but it helps. As an added bonus, its attacks all ignore cover saves, which make its 24 heavy bolter shots absolutely terrifying to light infantry. Carries 10 models.
• Land Raider Achilles: The rage-inducing and expensive Achilles is back in a big way in 8th ed. T8 with 19 wounds, a 2+ save, and a 4++ Invuln save for good measure makes this raider insanely tough. The Achilles is armed with a hull-mounted Quad Launcher and 2 sponson-mounted TWIN Multi-Meltas (Heavy 2). The Quad Launcher can fire Shatter shells at Heavy 4 S8 AP-2 3 Damage, or Thunderfire shells at Heavy 4D3 S5 AP0 1 Damage (and can target units not visible to the Achilles). It can also grab a hunter-killer missile and a Storm Bolter for a little extra dakka. This weirdness is compounded by a transport capacity of 6, including terminators and jump pack models. Seriously, go look up a picture of this thing. At 355 points there is no reason not to take three of these!!!!

FLYERS

• Stormhawk Interceptor: The Anti-Flying Flyer. Gets a +1 to hit any target with the Fly keyword, to mitigate the penalty for moving and firing heavy weapons. Comes stock with 2 Assault Cannons, 2 Heavy Bolters, and an Icarus Stormcannon. The bolters can be swapped with Skyhammers for more anti-flying or a Typhoon against ground targets, while the Icarus can be swapped for an anti-vehicle laser. Cannot hover unfortunately, but does get to re-roll any 1's for saves and has the normal Hard to Hit.
  • A good choice if you are going up against Tau or Dark Eldar, due to the prevalence of Fly. Especially the icarus/skyhammer combo as it lets you hit anything with Fly on a 2+; with the drawback of hitting everything else only on a 5+.
• Stormtalon Gunship: The 'Talon has undergone a few noticeable changes this edition. You can hover, of course, but standing still is probably not what you want to do with it. The other change comes from the assault cannon. The weapon now vomits out three times as many shots, but lost much for AP and lost rending completely. This makes it better at clearing infantry than the light vehicles it had been targeting previously. Compared to last edition, it's much tougher but easier to hit. Also technically your cheapest flier, making it good for building Air Wings.
  • Note that the Interceptor on the Stormtalon is different than the Interceptor on the Stormhawk. The 'Talon gets +1 to hit anything WITHOUT the Fly keyword. Most likely a typo, has been renamed Strafing Run in the Codex.
  • If you hover you can fire at ground targets at BS2+, assuming you dont move and have taken no more than 4 wounds (Or you are back to normal 3+ after falling into middle damage bracket, which at that point might as well stay in hover and get the most out of your flyer before it gets toasted). This is actually really damn good, in later turns. having the ability to get a few solid rounds fo shooting makes a big difference. Be sure to play your talons cautiously, as the assault cannon requires you to get within range of enemy Dakka. This flyers true potential can only be achieved by treating it very gently.
  • Also note that, for the usual GW rules-fuckery reasons, the Strafing Run special rule completely invalidates the second half of the Skyhammer Missile Launcher's rules. Skyhammer Missile Launchers gain +1 to hit against units with FLY and -1 to hit against units WITHOUT FLY...but Strafing Run gives a +1 to hit against units WITHOUT FLY. Resulting in a net result of only +1 against FLYing units.
• Stormraven Gunship: A flying Land Raider and one of the most effective units marines have. T7 means S4 weapons can wound it on a 5+ compared to the Raider's T8, 2 fewer wounds, and a 3+ save instead of a 2+, but it's much faster and has -1 to be hit when zipping around. It's also a bit cheaper than a Land Raider, depending on what you arm it with. In addition to the -1 to hit it, it has the new normal flyer rules. Comes stock with a twin assault cannon, twin heavy bolter, and two stormstrike launchers (72" heavy 1 S8 AP-3 3 damage) that's 20 shots a turn. Can swap the assault cannon for a twin lascannon or twin heavy plasma (that only causes 1 mortal wound for a 1 to hit when supercharged instead of straight killing it). Can swap the heavy bolter for a twin multi-melta or typhoon missile launcher. It can also strap on a couple of hurricane bolters (seriously for 20 points total with 24 bolter shots on rapid range you should ALWAYS take this). It has the same Power of the Machine Spirit as a Land Raider, so it can shoot heavy weapons on the move at no penalty. Can carry 12 Infantry (and can carry Jump, Terminator, and Centurions, but they take extra space) and 1 Dreadnought whose max Wounds value is less than 13. With a 45" max normal move (up to 65" if you advance), you can get right in the face of something, then have an almost guaranteed charge the next turn. There's no restrictions on disembarking from it, so you don't even have to drop to hover if you don't want to. It starts on the board, and can't fly off of it.
  • While all vehicles are more expensive this edition, the big bird can eat up a massive amount of points. All those guns aren't free and the base cost is fairly high, as well. This, combined with the loss of the bulk of flying rules, makes the 'Raven a bit more like a superheavy tank, albeit a fast one.
  • Point cost was further increased for both the bird and the weapons in the CA.
  • Be aware that some armies have dangerous Anti-Air-Guns or even CC (flying demons, monsters...). Your Stormraven carries a huge "Shoot me!" sign right above it's cockpit, so most players I met will try to get it down turn 1 at all cost. This will most likely also kill some of the passengers. IMHO it is a beast on paper but tends to be a duckling in real games.
    
• Fire Raptor Assault Gunship: Your replacement for the Storm Raven after Chapter Approved. With T7, 16 wounds and 3+ SV it's almost as tough as a Land Raider. The avanger bolt cannon now packs 10 shots at S6 AP-2 2D, enough to drop a whole Primaris squad. In addition each quad bolter packs 12 heavy bolter shots. Hellstrike missiles are no longer one use only and you can in fact fire 4 missiles at S8 AP-3 3D a turn now. It can take 2 double lascannons instead of the missiles for +1S and the chance to deal more than 3 points (D6) of damage per shot. It can also move and shoot heavy weapons without penalty. You can also swap the heavy bolters for autocannons if you wish for more S/D but only a third of the shots.
  • Note : "The Big April FAQ" made this flyer so expensive that it will most likely heat your shelf for the next 2 years. Don't expect to see this anywhere near a table this edition.
• Storm Eagle Attack Gunship: The big brother of the Storm Raven that vanilla marines know and love, this elongated flying brick of a hover jet boasts a transport capacity of 20 and some increased firepower along with some additional wounds. It can transport jump infantry and terminators, but not bikes or primaris marines.
  • Storm Eagle Attack Gunship- ROC Pattern (Minotaurs): Expensive as hell, beautiful brick'o'hate. Lord Asterion Moloc demanded extra marine-murder with wings, and the beast was born. Sporting 8 krak missile shots (at D2 each), 4 lascannon shots and option to take twin HBolter\MMelta or some MORE krak missiles, the grizzly brick of flying hate actually has more dakka\point when compared to devastators (2 missile squads 1 lascannon squad). Add power of da machine spirit, 16 wounds and T7 and you can feel the power of the charging flying bull. sort of.
• Caestus Assault Ram: A flyer designed to ram starships/buildings and disgorge Space Marines into the breach, the Caestus Assault Ram is armed with a number of powerful weapons and abilities. The Caestus is quite survivable with T7, 14 wounds, a 2+ save, and -1 to hit. With the removal of vehicle facing in 8th, the Caestus lost its 5++ against shooting from the front, and is no longer outright immune to small arms fire, but it's much more durable against heavy weapons. It's armed with a Caestus Ram - a melee weapon that hits at S User(8) AP-3, D6D, and increases to WS2+ against buildings when it charges. Its Airborne Ram ability restricts it to declaring charges against and being charged and attacked in melee by units with FLY, but only while it's in not in hover mode. It is also armed with 2 Firefury Missile Batteries, each Heavy 4 S6 AP-1 1D. It is further armed with a Twin Magna-Melta - Heavy 2D3 S10 AP-4 D6D (with the Melta rule), meaning this thing can lay the hurt on medium enemy infantry and enemy armor alike. With its 50" movement (70" if you advance) and PotMS, it can reach out and touch people on turn one. For 370 points (post- Chapter Approved, for the hull and the Melta; missile batteries are free) it's pricey, but given Hard to Hit, its toughness, its wounds, and a 2+ save, it WILL deliver its cargo. It's unique troop bays can carry 10 infantry models in terminator armor or power armor, as well as scouts, with terminators taking up a single space instead of the usual 2. The Caestus helps overcome the low movement of Cataphractii Terminators in particular, potentially delivering them closer than the 9" away they're required to teleport in, and enabling them to redeploy.
  • If you need to choose between this and a Land Raider the Caestus is always the better choice. It's pretty much a flying Land Raider in its own right, only with better durability, firepower, speed, and transport capacity while being impossible to tarpit and actually capable of pulling off effective charges. All this for only 15 points. And woe unto your opponent if they decide to get cute and bring Fortifications.
• Xiphon Interceptor: A high-speed interceptor, the Xiphon is a heavily armed flyer that channels a strong Battlestar Galactica vibe and - unlike every other Space Marine aircraft - actually looks like it belongs in the air. It sports a respectable BS3+, T7, 11 wounds and a 3+ save. It's armed with 2 Twin Lascannons as well as a Xiphon Missile Battery - Heavy 3 S6 AP-2 D3. It also adds 1 to all hit rolls when targeting units with the "FLY" keyword thus negating the effects of "Hard to Hit" and since a lot of units with "FLY" don't have the "Hard to Hit" bonus it will hit them on a 2+. With a huge 50" move and 4 lascannon and 3 missile shots, it'll put some major hurt on flyers and ground targets alike.
  • 220 points (as of CA2018) is steep for a flyer, but your getting the functional equivalent of a flying predator annihilator, with all of the benefits this entails, and it puts colleagues like the IG Vendetta to shame. Has no option(s) for anti horde, but it's a specialized anti-air / anti-armor killer.

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

• Rhino: 10 Wounds and a 3+ make the old METAL BOXES harder to crack open than ever before, and it comes with a mean new trick- at the start of the turn, you roll a d6, and on a 6+ the Rhino restores a lost wound. It might not seem like much, but it can make the difference between moving 12" and 6" if it moves you back a step on the damage table. Also now having 2 storm bolters means that you can output a lot of Dakka (8 shots at 12 inches), and Kill off some infantry then tie up vehicles in combat. A breakthrough star of 8th
  
• Razorback: Transports that produce offensive output, like a Razorback, are likely to be very strong this edition. 8 lascannons fired by devastators will not destroy a Razorback in one turn on average. That is a lot of Dakka to absorb. If you run them with Heavy Flamers, then no matter how injured your Razorback is, it will still always autohit, until said Razorback is dead.
  • The razorback has 6 different options for its main weapon, making it a very flexible tool for patching up weak points in your army's firepower.
    • Twin Heavy Bolter: The stock option and by far the most boring. Cheap, and that's really all that can be said for it. Use if you're on a budget, but if you're not upgrading the weapon, maybe consider just going with a plain old Rhino instead and drop a couple of Heavy Bolters somewhere else in your army, they're nearly the same cost.
    • Twin Assault Cannon: The crowd favorite and for good reason. 12 S6 AP-1 shots is a substantial threat, allowing you to mulch that Guardsman squad standing on the objective you want before dumping your cargo of marines out to finish them off. Got a notable price bump in Chapter Approved, so it isn't an auto-pick anymore, just a very solid one.
    • Twin Lascannon: The infamous Laserback. The most expensive option, but a damn good one. This is one of the Marine's more cost effective anti-tank options, able to deposit its cargo, then dig in and start picking at tanks and monsters.
    • Twin Heavy Flamer: (Index Only) The Marine's knockoff Immolator, it really suffers from the pathetic 8" range. Even the THB can deal more damage simply by having the range to do so; this weapon will be complete dead weight until you're literally on top of the enemy. Avoid.
    • Lascannon and Twin Plasmagun: (Index Only) A bit of an esoteric choice, with the TAC's price hike, this option is only 1 point more. The real draw is the fact that the Plasmaguns are Rapid Fire, not Heavy, allowing you tear around the board firing without penalty. While it actually outperforms the Twin Lascannon in every area when Overcharging, even when not in Rapid Fire range, it does carry that annoying rule that it dies without saves if it rolls a 1 to hit. Still, an interesting option and certainly worth looking into.
    • Multi-Melta: (Forge World) This is the weapon of the Infernum Pattern Razorback mentioned below, but it is literally the only difference between it and the regular Razorback, so here we are. The cheapest weapon option outside the stock THB, this is the budget anti-tank choice. Workable, but a single 24" melta shot taken at -1 from moving is putting a lot of faith in a 50/50 chance.
• Land Speeder Storm: Dedicated transport for 5 Scout models, for the same base cost as a normal Landspeeder. Open topped so they can shoot out of it, although still suffer any penalties for shooting heavy weapons after moving, and cannot shoot after falling back even if the vehicle still can. Does not get Concealed Positions, but has an 18" move, to easily re-locate. Starts with a Cerberus Launcher (D6 bolter shots at 18") and a Heavy Bolter that it can swap for a Multi-Melta, Heavy Flamer, or Assault Cannon.
  • Put a Scout Sniper squad inside for a mobile Character killing fire base with a 7 wound buffer. Heavy flamer to discourage charges (and hopefully let you fly away next turn), or a Heavy Bolter/AC to provide supporting fire.
  • Put a Scout Shotgun squad inside with a Heavy Flamer, and charge it up into their face.
• Drop Pod: Grants a Power Armor unit deepstrike. Tactical Marines can use it to capture objectives, and hamper enemy movement. Melta units can get in close for a hard strike. Assault units can charge out of it if you can make 9 on 2d6. No longer scatters and arrives at the turn you chose. However, at roughly triple the cost from previous editions, fielding even a few of these pods can dig into your budget for proper fighting units.
  • The drop pod has fallen far, far from its previously lofty heights.(Pun Intended) Not scattering sounds great, but because the deploying infantry have to be 9" from the enemy, it equates to rolling roughly a maximum scatter result. The point hike means that, while previously your "no offense worth noting" pods were about 1/8 your total budget for steel rain, they are now 3/8. Finally, they are no longer troops or part of a demi-company, meaning that they have lost ObSec. Taken together, the pods need a lot of help if a drop-heavy list is to be viable again.
    • Chapter Approved lowered the cost down to 65% of what was listed in the codex. Still doesn't help the underlying problems with pods, but makes them less of a burden.
  • If you choose to take the Deathwind Launcher in Matched Play, then you are officially retarded, as a Storm Bolter is generally twice as better for its points at 12" and can also shoot up to 24".
  • The only compelling argument for drop pods would be some sort of power armored close combat squad that has some means of assuring it makes the 9inch charge. Meltas are going to be out of a range that makes them particularly useful; multi-melta devastators are perfect as they'll be in double-tap range and you can cram 2x5 man squads into a single pod. Flamers are going to be out of range entirely. While it might be compelling to throw a librarian in to allow that unit re-rolls to charge, that can only grant it to THAT UNIT, not including the librarian or any other characters in the pod who might be there to buff. Or maybe you just drop a unit of Sternguard with Special Issue Bolters and burn some CP to try and kill something crunchy with above average bolter dakka.
• Repulsor: Holds 10 Primaris Marines (models with Gravis armor count as 2) and carries a fair number of anti-tank or anti-horde weapons to protect its passengers. While it can be built to be a veritable battle tank in its own right, it is a heavy point sink and requires support to get the most out of its statline. As most of its anti-tank damage comes from having the potential to equip the equivalent of four lascannons, it might be best to aim for a mixed build to capitalize on its potential to melt hordes and severely damage vehicles. However, its costs can rack up quickly, so unless you plan to field a lot of Primaris Marines you're probably better off taking a Land Raider variant. It also has the FLY keyword with all of it's dis-/advantages. Take it with a squad of 8 Reivers, a Primaris Chaplain and Apothecary for a rather mean, if expensive assault/harassing Unit. Just hope it survives the onslaught of AT weapons long enough to get them in position.
  • If you're just looking for lots of lascannons or horde-clearing weaponry, there are probably cheaper - if somewhat slower - means of getting them on the table, like a Devastator Squad or Redemptor Dreadnought. Anti-armor setups in particular have the issue that the las-talon has only half the range of the twin lascannons, which means it'll only be able to unleash half its anti-armor firepower at its farthest range. At that matter, most of its other weapons struggle with an equally short range compared to most vehicle-mounted weapons, so it will likely need support when dealing with long-ranged attackers.
  • Defensively, it's nearly identical to a Land Raider; although its armor is only a 3+, it has the same number of wounds as a LR and does a good job at discouraging charges with its Repulsor Field rule (-2 from any charge rolls). The optional Auto Launchers supplement this with an extra -1 to hit on opponent shooting rolls if the Repulsor doesn't shoot.
  • Three Aggressors with Auto-Boltstorm Gauntlets, a Captain in Gravis armor, and a Primaris Lieutenant and Apothecary all fit snugly in this beast, hit like a brick, can heal models around it, and protect otherwise slower models. Outfit the Repulsor with Heavy/Onslaught Gatling Canons and say goodbye to any infantry in 18". If you take a regular Primaris Captain instead of one in Gravis armor, you can also toss a primaris ancient into the floating death-bawks so that the aggressors have a chance to fire when they die as well.
  • When kitting the Repulsor out, decide if you want it fighting tanks or hordes. In terms of pure output, for anti-tank take the Las-talon and Twin Lascannon, for anti-horde take the Heavy Onslaught Gatling Cannon and Twin Heavy Bolter and for balanced take the Heavy Onslaught Gatling Cannon and Twin Lascannon. Do note that in terms of points effectiveness the Twin Heavy Bolter is better than the Heavy Onslaught Gatling Cannon, though.
    
• Lucius Pattern Dreadnought Drop Pod: It's a drop pod...for dreadnoughts. A good, relatively cheap option for delivering dreads right into multi-melta range and the ONLY option for deep striking Leviathans and Deredeos at all. (Why you would deep strike a Deredeo is a mystery, but you do you)
  
  • Note that while it completely lacks any offensive abilites whatsoever, it can still serve one use after its cargo lumbers off: body blocking. It still counts as an enemy model for your opponent in terms of movement and line of sight and thus they have to 1. Kill it, thus sparing one of your other units some damage and since the pod is nearly as tough as a Rhino, it'll take a beating before going down, 2. Go around it, which costs time and forces units out of position, or 3. Go through the hassle of charging it, using pile in to scoot around it and falling back from it, which is really, REALLY dumb. And the model (if you can get ahold of a real one) is massive when its doors are open, denying a huge chunk of board. Bonus points if you can use this to block your opponent's anti-tank from reaching the Dread you just disembarked into his backline on the opposite side of the pod.
• Infernum Pattern Razorback: A Razorback with a Multi-Melta. Might be tricky to get it into melta range in one piece, but on the other hand it's a Dedicated Transport with a Multi-Melta.
  
• Termite Assault Drill: It's a neither a drop pod or a rhino, but something of both. Like a drop pod, the Termite can be deployed at the end of a movement phase close to enemy. Once deployed, however, the termite acts like a very slow Rhino. At 8 inches, this thing isn't going anywhere fast. Not to mention the melta cutter is so short range its only real use is to fight back if it happens to be caught in melee. So why bother? Well the termite has some neat little things going for it. First is the transport capacity. At 12 standard marines(Not terminator, jump pack, or primaris) this little drill is quite the metal box. Add in that deployment and who care if this thing only moves 8 inches a turn. Even better is the Breaching terror special rule with gives enemy units with 12 inches a mortal wound. And then there is the subject of weapons. Storm Boltars are the way to go most of the time due to range and fire output. Heavy flamers are meh, though the increase in movement has helped make the weapon somewhat more viable. Volkite chargers are iffy. They have more range and damage than the flamer, but have a negative 1 to hit on the move. Honestly the Storm Bolters are your best bet. The termite also has a decent melee game, though this is more for protection than anything. That being said, the drill makes for a nasty anti tank melee weapon. Now for the bad news. This thing is expensive points wise, way more so than the drop pod.
  
  • But the points cost is nothing compared to how much you will need to pay on to get on on Ebay, which is the only way to get one