Dark Angels — Beginner's Army Guide

The Dark Angels are the First Legion — the oldest Space Marine chapter in existence, burdened with a secret so terrible that they have hunted their own fallen brothers for ten thousand years. On the tabletop, they are one of the most tactically rewarding and thematic armies you can build.

Unlike standard Space Marines, the Dark Angels fight as three distinct wings: the Deathwing, elite Terminator warriors clad in ancient Tactical Dreadnought armour; the Ravenwing, lightning-fast bikers and aircraft specialists; and the standard battle-companies using plasma weapons with unmatched lethality. Playing all three together is one of the most satisfying puzzles in competitive 40K.

The Dark Angels are rated intermediate because their full synergies take time to understand. But that depth is exactly what makes them compelling. If you want an army with layers of strategy, a rich and secretive lore, and some of the most unique miniatures in the Space Marine range, the Unforgiven await.

Is This Army Right for You?

• You want a Space Marine army with more strategic depth and unique faction rules
• You love the idea of plasma weapons, elite Terminators, and fast bikers all working together
• You are drawn to secretive, morally complex lore — the Dark Angels are 40K's most mysterious chapter
• You want an army where mastering the faction gives you a genuine edge over opponents

Playstyle & Strengths

Plasma Mastery: Dark Angels lean on plasma weapons harder than any other chapter. Hellblasters in a Dark Angels list are terrifying.

Deathwing Terminators: Among the most durable units in the game. Deathwing Terminators can wade through enemy fire that would destroy most other units and keep fighting.

Ravenwing Speed: Ravenwing bikers provide a fast, aggressive flanking element that your opponent cannot ignore. Forcing them to respond on multiple fronts is the Dark Angels' signature move.

Tactical Complexity: If you enjoy reading your army book carefully and building synergies across multiple rules, Dark Angels reward that investment more than almost any other Space Marine chapter.

How to Build Your First Dark Angels 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.

Dark Angels field most core Space Marine kits too, so the standard range fills out your battle companies.

Step 1: Start Here

A leader, a core squad and the plasma the First Legion is famous for.

Step 2: Grow Your Force

Add the other two wings: Deathwing Terminators and Ravenwing speed.

Step 3: Go Big

Legendary heroes and an aircraft to crown the army.

All three steps: $578.02. You don't have to buy it all at once. Start with Step 1, get some games in, and grow from there.

The Dark Angels Combat Patrol isn'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.