Warhammer 40k is a popular tabletop and video game franchise that features players taking control of armies of space marines, genetically enhanced soldiers who serve as the frontline of humanity’s defense against a variety of alien and demonic threats.
The Space Marines are some of the most iconic and recognizable units in the game, and players often debate which units are the best in the game.
Overall, these ten units are just some of the many powerful and iconic space marine units that can be fielded in Warhammer 40k.
Each unit has its own strengths and weaknesses, so players must carefully consider their army composition and strategy to maximize their chances of victory.
10) Devastator Squad
The Devastator Squad is a heavy weapons team that can lay down a significant amount of fire against enemy infantry and vehicles.
They are equipped with a variety of weapons, including heavy bolters, lascannons, and missile launchers.
One of their primary roles in battle is to provide heavy fire support for other units, allowing them to make advances while the Devastator Squad holds down enemy forces. With their ability to neutralize both ground and air targets, they are crucial in maintaining battlefield dominance.
What makes a Devastator Squad so useful is their ability to be tailored to fit any situation. They can be configured in a number of different ways, providing a level of versatility unmatched by other units. For example, they can be equipped with anti-tank weapons to take out enemy vehicles, or anti-infantry weapons to hold off waves of enemy troops.
9) Biker Squad
Biker Squads offer unparalleled mobility on the battlefield. They are able to quickly traverse any terrain and reach their target with ease, making them the perfect unit for hit-and-run tactics. Moreover, they can easily outflank enemy units and attack from unexpected angles, which can hugely disrupt enemy strategies.
They are incredibly tough and resilient thanks to their power armor and bike-mounted shields. This means they can absorb a lot of enemy firepower, allowing them to survive even in the face of heavy resistance. Additionally, they have a high toughness value which makes them more resistant to certain types of attacks, such as rending or poison.
Biker Squads excel at ranged combat, making them ideal for harassing enemy units or taking out high-value targets. They are armed with a range of weapons, including bolters, plasma guns, and meltaguns, which can deal significant damage to enemy units. Their bikes also have twin-linked weapons, meaning they can unleash a hail of fire on the enemy.
As well as exceptional mobility, Biker Squads are more than capable in melee combat. Their close combat weapons, such as chainswords and power swords, are highly effective against enemy infantry and can easily carve through even the toughest of foes.
8) Librarian
This Space Marine unit is a psychic powerhouse that can bring a wide range of abilities to any battle. The Librarian’s primary function is to cast psychic spells that can be used to buff friendly units or debuff enemy units. This makes them an invaluable asset on the battlefield.
Additionally, Librarians have access to a variety of psychic disciplines, each with its unique strengths. For example, the Biomancy discipline can be used to boost the Librarian’s own physical abilities or buff friendly units, while the Telekinesis discipline can be used to manipulate the battlefield and throw enemy units around.
Another reason why Librarians are so useful in Warhammer 40k is their ability to deny enemy psychic abilities. This means that if an enemy psyker attempts to cast a spell, the Librarian can use its own psychic abilities to try and nullify it. This can be a game-changer in battles where the enemy is heavily reliant on psychic powers.
Lastly, Librarians are also formidable fighters in their own right. They are equipped with a force weapon, which is a type of melee weapon that is able to disrupt enemy energy fields and ignore armor saves. This makes them a serious threat to enemy infantry and characters.
7) Terminator Squad
The Terminator Squad is a heavily armored elite unit that can teleport onto the battlefield and wreak havoc on enemy lines.
One of the key features that make a Terminator squad useful in Warhammer 40k is their resilience. The standard Terminator armor they wear is designed to withstand some of the heaviest fire that the enemy can throw at them, making them highly durable on the battlefield. This means that they can effectively soak up damage while other units focus on their objectives.
Moreover, Terminator squads are highly versatile in terms of their weapons and equipment loadout. They can be armed with a variety of weapons, including heavy flamers, assault cannons, thunder hammers, and lightning claws, depending on the mission requirements. This means that regardless of the enemy they face or the terrain they encounter, Terminator squads are always flexible enough to adapt and overcome the situation.
Finally, one of the most significant advantages of Terminator squads is their ability to teleport into a battlezone. This allows them to bypass enemy defenses and quickly establish a foothold in strategic locations. This is especially useful in situations where a quick strike is necessary to turn the tide of a battle.
6) Land Raider
This heavily armored tank has an impressive ability to withstand damage, making it an ideal unit to lead charges and spearhead assaults.
In addition to its impressive armor, the land raider is equipped with a range of powerful weapons, including twin-linked lascannons and heavy bolters. These weapons pack a serious punch, allowing the land raider to take out enemy units with ease.
Another advantage of the land raider is its ability to transport up to 12 space marines or terminators, making it an ideal transport for units that need to move quickly across the battlefield. Once its cargo is unloaded, the land raider can continue to provide support from the rear with its formidable weapons.
The land raider is a unit that combines durability, firepower, and versatility, making it an essential addition to any Warhammer 40k army. Whether you’re looking to lead a charge, transport troops, or provide fire support, the land raider is a unit that can do it all.
5) Tactical Squad
If you’re looking to build a strong army in Warhammer 40k, space marine tactical squads should be at the top of your list. These units are a staple in any Space Marine army and for good reason. Here are several reasons why space marine tactical squads are essential in Warhammer 40k:
1. Versatility: Space Marine tactical squads are incredibly versatile units. They can be outfitted with a variety of weapons and equipment to suit different battlefield situations. Whether you need to take out enemy infantry, deal damage to vehicles or provide cover for your allies, space marine tactical squads can get the job done.
2. Durability: Space Marines are known for their toughness, and tactical squads are no exception. With decent toughness and a solid number of hit points, these units can take quite a bit of damage before going down. Plus, with access to special rules like the Bolter Discipline, they can dish out a lot of firepower themselves.
3. Adaptability: With the Codex Astartes, space marine tactical squads can be split into smaller units, allowing you to better spread your forces across the battlefield. This is particularly useful for taking and holding objectives or flanking enemy units.
4. Synergy: Space Marine armies work best when units have synergy with one another. Tactical squads can be easily supported by a variety of other Space Marine units, including librarians, chaplains, and devastator squads.
4) Assault Squad
Assault Squads are made up of some of the most skilled fighters in the Adeptus Astartes, trained to strike quickly and with devastating force. What makes an Assault Squad so useful on the battlefield is their ability to quickly move into position and engage the enemy in hand-to-hand combat.
One of the key strengths of an Assault Squad is their mobility. They are equipped with jump packs that allow them to quickly move across the battlefield and engage enemies from unexpected angles. This makes them especially useful in scenarios where they can quickly reach objectives or flank enemy positions. Additionally, their jump packs allow them to quickly disengage from combat if necessary, avoiding potential traps or overwhelming enemy forces.
Assault Squads are also heavily armed and armored. They typically carry a combination of pistols, chainswords, and other melee weapons, as well as frag and krak grenades. This allows them to engage enemy forces at close range with a variety of devastating weapons.
Furthermore, Assault Squads can be customized to suit specific combat scenarios. Sergeants can be equipped with specialized weapons such as plasma pistols or power fists, and the unit can be upgraded with additional weapons such as meltaguns for anti-vehicle combat. With their versatility and adaptability, Assault Squads are an essential addition to any space marine army in Warhammer 40k.
In summary, Assault Squads are a powerful and versatile space marine unit in Warhammer 40k. With their mobility, heavy weaponry, and customization options, they excel at close combat and can quickly move into position to engage the enemy. Whether you’re looking to capture objectives or take out enemy vehicles, an Assault Squad is an essential asset on the battlefield.
3) Centurion Devastator Squad
One of the best space marine units in Warhammer 40k is the Centurion Devastator Squad. What makes this unit so useful is their ability to act as a mobile fire support team, providing devastating long-range tactical superiority on the battlefield.
Equipped with heavy weapons such as heavy bolters, lascannons, and missile launchers, the Centurion Devastator Squad can deal significant damage to enemy units from a safe distance. They can also engage in fast attacks, making them a versatile choice for various tactical situations.
Additionally, the Centurion Devastator Squad is highly resilient due to their heavy armor and shields, making them an ideal choice for surviving incoming enemy fire. This allows them to maintain their position and continue providing fire support, even under extreme duress.
In summary, the Centurion Devastator Squad is a valuable addition to any space marine army. Their long-range firepower, mobility, and high resilience make them a versatile and lethal unit on the battlefield.
2) Dreadnought
These towering war machines are piloted by veteran Space Marines whose bodies have been interred within the metal shell of the Dreadnought, granting them immortality and the ability to continue defending the Imperium of Man for centuries.
One of the main advantages of the Space Marine Dreadnought is its versatility in combat. Armed with a variety of lethal weapons such as the assault cannon, heavy flamer, missile launcher, and plasma cannon, it can take on both infantry and armored targets with ease.
Additionally, its massive size and heavily armored shell make it a formidable opponent on the battlefield, able to soak up tremendous amounts of damage while dishing out devastating blows.
Another advantage of the Space Marine Dreadnought is its ability to act as a mobile battle platform, providing fire support for other units on the field. Its weapons can be modified to suit different mission objectives, making it a valuable asset in a wide variety of tactical scenarios.
Furthermore, the Space Marine Dreadnought is an excellent morale booster for allied troops, inspiring confidence and determination among its fellow warriors. It is a symbol of the Imperium’s unbreakable will and unyielding determination to protect humanity from the threats that seek to destroy it.
1) Space Marine Captain
What makes a Space Marine captain useful is their exceptional leadership skills, combat prowess, and specialized equipment.
Space Marine captains are highly skilled in close combat and can take on multiple enemies with ease. They are equipped with a power sword or thunder hammer and a bolt pistol which make them deadly at close range. In addition, they have access to a range of specialized weaponry such as power fists, chainswords, and plasma pistols, which can be used to devastating effect.
In terms of leadership, Space Marine captains are unmatched on the battlefield. They can inspire their troops to fight harder and push themselves to go beyond their limits. They are also highly strategic in their approach to battle and can make quick decisions in the heat of combat. Their ability to rally their troops and keep them focused is crucial in any battle.
Another key advantage of Space Marine captains is their access to specialized equipment. They can be outfitted with various relics and artifacts that give them even more abilities on the battlefield. For example, the Armour of Antilochus gives them a 2+ invulnerable save and makes them immune to the effects of abilities that target their armor. The Shield Eternal is another incredibly powerful relic that gives them a 3+ invulnerable save and makes them virtually indestructible.