Today let’s take a look at some basics of how to play and get started with Warhammer 40k Chaos Space Marines. The spiky armor dudes!
The Chaos Space Marines are the ancient remnants of the Traitors of the Horus Heresy. The different Legions fight with distinct style, but all fight with esoteric gear and the power of the Warp. As an army with a long history, they have an impressive roster of units.
Below we offer some tips on how to play the army and get started with the army.
Who Are The Chaos Space Marines?
The story of the Chaos Space Marines is well known. Ten thousand years ago, Horus, Warmaster of the Imperium and most trusted ‘son’ of the Emperor, fell to Chaos due to a conspiracy by the Word Bearers. Besides the Space Marine Legion under his direct command, the Sons of Horus, eight of his brother-Primarchs and their legions also joined him in the Horus Heresy against the Emperor.
Only when Horus was slain at the ultimate conflict of the Heresy, the Battle of Terra, was the rebellion broken and the defeated Traitor Legions hounded into the Eye of Terror, which remains both their prison and sanctuary to this day. The Chaos Space Marines have not forgotten their defeat in the Heresy, and for the last ten thousand years have waged the Long War against the Imperium.
Why Play Chaos Space Marines
This army brings competency in all phases of the game, just like their Loyalist counterparts. Compared to Loyalist Space marines, the CSMs are a bit more focused on melee combat. They also have wholly unique aspects, such as Cultist hordes, Daemon summoning, and dedication to the dark gods of Chaos. If you like the big armoured dudes, but prefer an eeeeevil aesthetic, Chaos Space Marines might be the army for you.
Strengths of the Army
- Versatility, with a myriad of units.
- Close combat, with a wide variety of potent assault forces.
- Theme – all evil all the time, and full of armored spiky corruption.
Weakness of the Army
- Like most marines, an elite army with relatively few bodies unless you lean into the weak Chaos Cultists.
- Mobility, this is an army that isn’t about high speed.
Chaos Space Marines Signature Rules
The army has a number of special rules. But the key ones to remember are:
- Let the Galaxy Burn – This detachment wide rule gives bonus hits to various weapon types throughout the game.
- Malicious Volleys – This rules gives Chaos Space Marines better Rapid Fire with their bolt weapons.
- Mere Mortals– You cannot include more Cultist units than Chaos Marine units.
Chaos Space Marines Subfactions
The army have eight sub-factions, called Legions, to choose from. Almost every Chaos Space Marines unit must belong to one.
Which one you select will determine what stratagems, relics, and warlord traits you have access to. To play these to the fullest you will need Codex: Chaos Space Marine.
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Key Faction Units To Know
The army has an immense unit roster. Knowing what units to take makes use of the Legion’s rules can be tricky. Here are some suggestions to get you off on the right track.
1. Chaos Lord
The dark mirror of a Space Marine Captain, a Chaos Lord has a nice re-roll aura, good melee profile, and invulnerable save. This will be the cornerstone of many a CSM armylist.
2. Dark Apostle
A great buffing character who can pray to the Dark Gods. A Dark Aposlte gan greatly increase the potency of one of your assault contingents.
3. Legionaries
The eponymous Troop choice of the army will form a solid core. Always bring some for your tabletop raiding needs.
4. Havoc Squad
Heavy weapon toting Chaos Space marines that can pump out a lot of fire power. They can dish out a lot of punishment for such a small amount of models, but take care of them. Their low numbers are their greatest weakness.
5. Helbrute
The Chaos Marine Dreadnought is a sight to behold. Able to pump out heavy firepower or tear things apart in combat. If it survives, that is. It’s certainly something your opponent can’t ignore.
Sample Chaos Space Marines Starter Army
Patrol Detachment
HQ: Dark Apostle. 3 Models. He is equipped with: bolt pistol; accursed crozius; frag grenades; krak grenades.- 95 pts
Troop: Legionaries. Ten Models. One Plasmagun. Every other model is equipped with: bolt pistol; boltgun; frag grenades; krak grenades.- 190 pts
Troop: Legionaries. Five Models. Every other model is equipped with: bolt pistol; boltgun; frag grenades; krak grenades.- 90 pts
Elite: Helbrute. One Models. It is equipped with: twin lascannon; helbrute fist.- 125 pts
Total: 500 pts.
For the Dark Gods!
Twenty year Games Workshop Hobbyist, Gamer, and Writer. I love Necromunda, Horus Heresy, (40K), and Age of Sigmar (and Mordheim- let’s get a reboot of that!).
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