I think we all know that the day is coming (and we are closer to that day than further from it) when GW will drop the axe on the old Space Marine units and press forward with a primaris-only line. It’s been almost six years since the first primaris marines appeared, and they are slowly taking over the codex. With the release of 10th edition we should also expect to start seeing more terminator primaris and jump pack primaris marines. Given how packed the Space Marine codex is already, and the frequent rumors of the re-issuing of indexes for 10th, is this the moment of transition?
I think everyone should breath a bit, as I don’t think now is the moment the big transition, although I think it will happen in 11th or 12th. The primaris line is a little sparse still. As it stands, there are 36-ish primaris, or recently released space marine kits (including dual-builds) it’s still thin for a headline faction. They would be missing out on a few key unit types, such as a flyer, artillery unit/tank, and (crucially) a drop pod unit. All this assumes we are getting primaris terminators and jump units in 10th too. But aside from these roles the roster is starting to fill out. I would expect first-born marines to be largely unused in the competitive world shortly as GW introduces new, shiny units.
So how should GW ease this transition? Since the writing has been on the wall for a while, I imagine many players will be expecting this transition which will make it easier. They can also nod to the legends index, reminding people these units are all playable in non-competitive settings. I think there is another option that might work as a way to harvest some extra cash while also giving players with older collections a way to use their minis: The Great Scouring Option
The Great Scouring Option
The Great Scouring was the Imperium’s counter-attack after the Siege of Terra ended. It was at this time when the second-founding happened, and many of the armor patterns and vehicles we know and love in 40k came into being. With the narrative for the Horus Heresy ending there is a space to start exploring this part of the lore. I think GW can build off of the success of the 30k game by adding in rules for playing battles during the Great Scouring. Many of the units in the 40k line can be drafted in making it easier for new players. This could also soften the blow of losing rules for first-born marines if they can still be used in a different game type.
Now this won’t be as lucrative as GW would be eating their own tail here. They would still be producing a ton of kits that they would need to maintain, and most players would already have an army. I am not sure how monetization this option is which is what may doom it. It would be a nice gesture to players with large, old, Space Marine collections and could extend the life of units across all factions.
We still don’t know if GW will wait for all First-Born marine players to die of old age or to cut off the units sharply at some juncture. My money is on the latter, and I think we are getting pretty close to that point. In the same way, the 30k narrative is wrapping up and the question of what comes next looms large. GW can kill two birds with one stone by taking away with one hand and giving with another. By creating a place for first-born marines you mollify some dissent and squeeze a bit more revenue from existing stock. At the same time, I doubt this will be a strong stream of revenue and might not justify the costs.
What are your thoughts? Do you like this idea? Do you think something else would work better? Let me know in the comments.
And remember, Frontline Gaming sells gaming products at a discount, every day in their webcart!
“… there are 36-ish primaris, or recently released space marine kits (including dual-builds) it’s still thin for a headline faction…” You’re joking, right?
The problem ultimately came when GW chose the money-grab option: releasing primaris as “better” space marines (and failing to supplant oldmarines because they didn’t understand competitive 40K), rather than just releasing them as a new armor mark/model refresh with tactical squads, devastators, etc). Now you have the current situation of different wargear, squad types, etc between the two and no way to replace the line without significant fluff complications as well.
Now the choice is 1) kill off all the oldmarines, or 2) retcon all the primaris fluff. Both options suck.
I know right. Why release a new death company with no jump packs
Are you kidding? I’d LOVE to see the Primaris crap retconned from existence.
Same here, absolutely hate them myself. Won’t ever buy them, shame too many newer players like them.
I firmly believe that first born Marines should remain a choice for 40k play. They are quite literally the poster Marines of the game.
I think if balancing the mixing of Primaris and first born in the same army is the problem, then first born should become a separate codex or an army of renown style where first born and Primaris cannot be mixed.
I personally would love to see a ‘Great Scouring’ and ‘Badab War’ expansion to the HH rules. It would allow them to refresh some of the most important/iconic Astartes lines and keep HH players happy as they can continue to play with their armies.
And I’m sure GW can create a new following based more on narrative campaigns etc. than the competitive focused 40k.
Personally think its a terrible idea. Take a look at DA deathwing units. 90% of them are first born.
A separate codex for the two had been a long standing wish for me as well. There’s been sitting off mistrust between the firstborn and primaris as well – why not make it a full blown crisis / small civil war type thing? Would immediately give more fluff excuse for inter marine battles too!
I think they should knock them down to one wound and bring down the point cost. Kinda make them the step up from guard.
Going back to how they got rid of the Thunderwarriors, I would like to see the primaris marines turn on the standard marines and start to execute them. We can then have a team up with marines and Thunderwarriors against the primaris and imperium that betrayed them.
First born should not be removed. The Primaris should be purged from reality.
They should never retire normal marines. Primaris marines are bullshit Mary-Sue marines that exist for the sole purpose of getting whales to re-buy their armies all over again, and tempt competitive tabletop players to give in to stronger units.
Primaris Marines are an insult to the playerbase and followers of the lore. They’re blatant cashgrabs that don’t even fit with the lore. And you know what? This article is an insult as well.
To hell with the Primaris. My Firstborn marines will fight them to the last bullet if these new, big, geno-heretic mutants ever try to purge them… GRRR!!!
You can still have fun with principia marines. I did a GT and went 4-2 with firstborn only (aside from Mephiston because no legends were allowed). It was a love letter to the old marines done for a charity event, but it was a great time playing with models I put a lot of love into.
I’m glad I play 30K as well because the old tracked tanks and the older marine aesthetic are just much more visually appealing for me. Not much in the primaris range has given me the same feeling as my Principia did in the past. I need some more baroque gothic marines in mixed armor types with bespoke details.
The Black Templars are probably the closest thing to what I’m hoping the rest of us get. Still, I will probably treasure my old helmets with the grill and use as many of the old shoulders as I can.
How about instead of that, retire the Primaris and all their troop types, and just give the real Space Marines updated models? How about that?
How about your site not toadying up to GW’s reprobate behavior?
Tell us how you really feel, Oberonn, don’t feel like you have to pull any punches =)
Ha! That reply made me laugh so hard that milk came out my nose! I wasn’t even drinking any milk
; )