Space Marines are getting a serious power bump soon.
However, this is not just a few weapon tweaks. The new codex is reshaping how Adeptus Astartes feel on the table. Meanwhile, several older units are moving into proxy or Legends support.
Adeptus Astartes Are Becoming Tougher, Stronger, and More Elite
The big headline is that the new Codex: Space Marines is on the way, and the Emperor’s finest are getting noticeably meaner. Basic Space Marine warriors are moving to Strength 5, including combat knives, chainswords, and bolt pistols. That sounds simple, but it changes the feel of even basic Marines. Suddenly, the humble Intercessor is not just standing on an objective looking durable. Instead, he hits harder in the small fights that decide games. Intercessor bolt rifles are also getting two fire modes, with one at Strength 5 and another reaching Strength 6.
That gives them more flexibility into different targets, which is always welcome. Meanwhile, warriors in Tacticus armour are going to Toughness 5. Phobos troops stay at Toughness 4, but they jump to an 8-inch Move. So, the sneaky lads become faster objective hunters, while standard power-armoured Marines become harder to shift. That division feels pretty sensible, and it helps each armour type stand apart.
However, these buffs come with a clear cost. Points values are going up, meaning Space Marine armies will become smaller. Honestly, that feels right from a lore perspective. Marines should play like elite strike forces, not slightly better Guardsmen with fancier helmets. Heretic Astartes and codex-divergent Chapters will also receive similar boosts, so the wider power-armoured ecosystem stays aligned. That includes things like Toughness 6 Terminators with Strength 5 storm bolters. These changes are expected to update automatically in the Warhammer 40,000 app when the codex launches in October.
Older Units Move Into Proxies and Legends
The less cheerful news is that several venerable units are leaving the codex. Tactical Squads become Legendary Proxies for Intercessors, while Devastators count as Desolation Squads. Suppressors count as Inceptors, and both Pedro Kantor and Uriel Ventris count as Captains. Meanwhile, Centurions, Razorbacks, Predators, Vindicators, Whirlwinds, flyers, and the Hammerfall Bunker move to Legends rules. However, those Legends rules are also coming to the app, which softens the blow.
Summary and Final Thoughts
Overall, this feels like a major identity correction for Space Marines. They are becoming tougher, punchier, faster, and more elite. However, the model-range cleanup will sting for longtime collectors.
