If you are brand new to Warhammer 40,000, Space Marines are the faction designed with you in mind. The poster army of the entire game, Space Marines, is powerful, versatile, and supported by the widest range of models in the hobby. When in doubt, start here.
Space Marines are elite, power-armored superhuman warriors who have fought to defend humanity for ten thousand years. Every chapter has its own identity — the stoic Ultramarines, the savage Space Wolves, the righteous Black Templars — but all share the same core rules, which makes them the perfect army to learn the game with before branching out.
On the tabletop, Space Marines are a balanced army with strong options for shooting, melee, and durability. They are not the cheapest army to build, but every unit is efficient, well-designed, and straightforward to use. If you want an army that can do everything and looks incredible on the shelf, the Adeptus Astartes are your people.
Is This Army Right for You?
- You want the most beginner-friendly army in the game with the best rules support
- You love the look of power armour and want hundreds of model options to choose from
- You prefer a balanced playstyle that works in both shooting and melee
- You want an army that is always competitively relevant, no matter the edition
Playstyle & Strengths
Elite Resilience: Space Marine infantry are tougher and hit harder than almost any equivalent unit in other factions. You field fewer models than armies like Orks or Tyranids, but each one punches above its weight.
Versatile Toolkit: No matter the mission, Space Marines have the right unit for the job. Fast-moving Outriders, long-range Eliminators, heavy-hitting Eradicators — the roster has everything.
Forgiving to Learn: Because your models are individually powerful, mistakes cost you less than they would with a more fragile army. Ideal for new players who are still learning positioning and game mechanics.
Huge Hobbyist Appeal: More painting guides, tutorials, lore books, and modeling resources exist for Space Marines than any other faction. If you are new to the hobby side, you will never be short of inspiration.
How to Build Your First Space Marines 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.
Prefer everything in one box? The Space Marines Combat Patrol ($150.45) is in stock in limited numbers.
Step 1: Start Here
A leader, a core squad to hold objectives, and a unit of specialists. Enough for your first small games.
| Product | Why it's here | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Captain with Jump Pack | Leader: leads from the front | $38.25 |
| Assault Intercessors | Core troops: hold objectives | $57.38 |
| Primaris Infiltrators | Specialists: deploy forward and screen | $57.38 |
| Step total | $153.01 | |
Step 2: Grow Your Force
Add punch in every phase: elite melee, heavy firepower, and durable veterans.
| Product | Why it's here | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bladeguard Veterans | Elite melee: tough shield-bearers | $52.70 |
| Primaris Hellblasters | Firepower: plasma for big targets | $57.38 |
| Eliminators | Snipers: pick off enemy characters | $52.70 |
| Terminator Squad | Elite: hard to kill | $61.20 |
| Step total | $223.98 | |
Step 3: Go Big
The heavy hitters and centrepieces that turn a collection into a full army.
| Product | Why it's here | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Primaris Redemptor Dreadnought | Heavy hitter: walking firebase | $72.25 |
| Primaris Repulsor Executioner | Heavy tank | $102.00 |
| Drop Pods | Transport: drop squads where you need them | $75.65 |
| Marneus Calgar in Armour of Antilochus | Hero: for Ultramarines players | $49.30 |
| Step total | $299.20 | |
All three steps: $676.19. You don't have to buy it all at once. Start with Step 1, get some games in, and grow from there.
Plain Intercessors aren't in stock right now; Assault Intercessors fill the same core role. 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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