Black Templars — Beginner's Army Guide

Kunal Rana
Black Templars — Beginner's Army Guide
Oct 20, 202618min Read
Eternal Crusaders · Beginner · Aggressive charge, faith-based, no psykers

The Black Templars do not use psychic powers. They do not conduct strategic retreats. They do not negotiate. They charge. The Eternal Crusaders are a Space Marine chapter defined entirely by their unshakeable faith in the Emperor and their absolute refusal to stop attacking until either they or the enemy are dead.

Founded from the Imperial Fists after the Horus Heresy, the Black Templars have been on a never-ending crusade for over ten thousand years, travelling the galaxy in massive fleet-based crusades and bringing the Emperor's wrath to every corner of the universe. Their warriors carry huge two-handed swords alongside their bolters and fight with a religious fervour that borders on fanaticism.

On the tabletop, Black Templars are pure aggression with an almost refreshing simplicity. No psykers to manage. No complicated synergies. Just a wall of Crusaders charging across the battlefield with the Emperor's Champion leading the way. If you want the most direct, thematic, and brutally effective melee Space Marine army, the crusade starts here.

Is This Army Right for You?

  • You want a Space Marine army built entirely around melee combat and aggressive charging
  • You prefer simple, clear gameplay — Black Templars have fewer moving parts than most armies
  • You love crusader imagery, huge swords, and a faction dripping with religious zealotry
  • You want unique units like the Emperor's Champion that no other chapter can field

Playstyle & Strengths

Pure Melee Power: Black Templars are one of the best melee armies in the Space Marine codex. Crusader Squads, Sword Brethren, and the Emperor's Champion all excel in close combat.

No Psykers: Black Templars shun psychic powers entirely, so there are fewer special abilities to track. That makes them one of the easiest Space Marine armies to learn.

Crusade Flavour: Black Templars fight under sacred oaths, and their army rules lean into that crusading spirit. Picking how your crusade will fight each battle is one of the most satisfying decisions in the game.

Unique Models: The Black Templars range features some of the most dramatic miniatures in Warhammer — the Emperor's Champion in particular is one of the most iconic single models Games Workshop has ever made.

How to Build Your First Black Templars Army

Every good army is built in the same order: a leader to command it, core troops to hold objectives, then specialists and heavy hitters to deal with whatever your opponent brings. Build in that order and every purchase makes your army better on the table. Every product below is in stock at Saga right now.

Black Templars field most core Space Marine kits too, so the standard range fills out your crusade.

Step 1: Start Here

A crusade leader, a core squad and the chapter's elite swordsmen.

Product Why it's here Price
Black Templars Marshal Leader: commands the crusade $34.85
Assault Intercessors Core troops: melee-ready $57.38
Sword Brethren Elite melee $57.38
Step total $149.61

Step 2: Grow Your Force

More zealots, more armour and a banner to rally around.

Product Why it's here Price
Crusade Ancient Character: banner bearer $38.25
Execrator Character: chaplain $36.98
Bladeguard Veterans Elite: shield wall $52.70
Terminator Squad Elite: hard to kill $61.20
Step total $189.13

Step 3: Go Big

A legendary hero and the heavy armour to carry the crusade forward.

Product Why it's here Price
Chaplain Grimaldus & Retinue Epic hero $51.00
Black Templars Castellan Character $34.85
Primaris Redemptor Dreadnought Heavy hitter $72.25
Primaris Repulsor Executioner Heavy tank $102.00
Step total $260.10

All three steps: $598.84. You don't have to buy it all at once. Start with Step 1, get some games in, and grow from there.

Primaris Crusader Squads, the Emperor's Champion and the Black Templars Combat Patrol aren't in stock right now. Prices and stock as of October 20, 2026, and stock moves fast. If something has sold out, email store@sagaconcepts.com and we'll help you find the best swap.

A Quick Note on Rules

Warhammer 40,000 is now in its 11th Edition. Unit rules and points get updated regularly, so this guide focuses on how to build a well-rounded army rather than exact points. Check the latest official rules before you build a list for a tournament.

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