Today let’s take a look at some basics of how to play and get started with Warhammer 40k Iron Hands. More machine than man!
The Iron Hands are a dour and adept Chapter of the Adeptus Astartes. As one of the First Founding Chapters, the Iron Hands have the distinct character of their Primarch, Ferrus Manus (get it!?). On the tabletop, the chapter fights with devastating firepower and stark resilience.
Below we offer some tips on how to play the army and get started with the army.
Who Are The Iron Hands?
The Iron Hands were the X Legion of the twenty original Space Marine Legions, sometimes referred to as the “Iron Tenth”. The Chapter is notable for their heavy use of bionics and their reverence for all things mechanical, and thus their close ties to the Adeptus Mechanicus.
With Ferrus Manus at their head, the Iron Hands quickly became renowned for their ability to confront enemies of the Great Crusade head-on, gaining a reputation as ruthless and calculating fighters. They excelled at high-intensity warfare against both technologically advanced foes and brutal xenos such as Orks whose sheer power and vast numbers constituted a grave threat to the success of the Crusade. As their battle style required advanced war engines, the Iron Hands began to establish their notoriously close ties with the Adeptus Mechanicus, whose culture was astonishingly similar to their own.
Following the Horus Heresy, the Iron Hands were in a state of disarray and still reeling from their near-destruction, and the death of their Primarch. While many Imperial factions bayed for blood and rushed to vent their fury upon their betrayers, the Iron Hands gathered their strength on Medusa and convened the Iron Council in a conclave known forever after as The Tempering. It was this gathering that determined the human race itself – in all contemptible emotion – was to blame for the Heresy, and must be purged of flaws. So it was that the Iron Hands determined their guiding mission. They would exact payment for the wrongs done to them, but with a measured ruthlessness. Thus began a bloody campaign that continues to this day, fought by the Chapter and those amongst their successors shaped by their teachings.
Why Play Iron Hands
The Iron Hands bring everything we should expect from a Space Marine chapter, while being extra resilient. They also have a great character, totally unique to their chapter.
Strengths of the Army
- Resilience.
- Vehicles.
- Shooting.
Weakness of the Army
- Like most marines, an elite army with relatively few bodies.
- Psychic powers.
Iron Hands Signature Rules
The army has a number of special rules. But the key ones to remember are:
- The Flesh is Weak – The Iron Hands Chapter Tactic gives an army wide 6++ save and a better degraded-vehicle profile.
- Calculated Fury – This allows heavy weapons to move/shoot without penalty and re-roll 1s to hit when the Devastator Doctrine is active.
What to Buy
The Iron Hands are a Supplemental Codex, being an offshoot of the Space Marines faction. The army can consist of many units taken from both books, giving you a huge amount of variety. To play the army you will need BOTH Codex: Iron Hands, and Codex: Space Marines.
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Key Faction Units To Know
The army has the immense Space Marine unit roster. Knowing what units to take makes use of the Chapter’s rules can be tricky. Here are some suggestions to get you off on the right track.
1. Iron Father Feirros
The unique hero of the Iron Hands Chapter, Iron-Father Feirros has rules to buff all manner of vehicles and infantry.
2. Redemptor Dreadnought
The profile buff and extra resilience from The Flesh is Weak really shines with the Redemptor, who will work at full capacity to near death.
3. Repulsor Executioner
The Repulsor is a resilient line tank. Add the Iron Hands rules and a Techmarine baby-sitter, and you have something very hard to move.
4. Primaris Intercessors
Like all Space Marines Chapters, a core of Primaris Intercessor Troop choices is never a bad way to go.
5. Devastators
The heavy weapons of Devastators are perfect to take advantage of the Iron Hands Devastator Doctrine bonus.
Sample Starter Army
Patrol Detachment
HQ: Iron Father Feirros. 1 Model. He is equipped with: bolt pistol; Gorgon’s Wrath; Harrowhand; 2 servo-arms.- 160 pts
Troop: Primaris Intercessors. Seven Models. Every model is equipped with: bolt pistol; bolt rifle; frag grenades; krak grenades. – 140 pts
Elite: Redemptor Dreadnought. 1 Model. It is equipped with: 2 fragstorm grenade launchers; heavy flamer; heavy onslaught gatling cannon; Redemptor fist. – 185 pts
Total: 485 pts.
The Flesh is Weak!
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