Not Just Better Marines: On Angels and Wolves

One thing that you see a lot with each new codex is whining, especially about how everything in the new book is better than everything that has ever been published and completely obviates every other army. Remember when the Guard codex came out and everyone screamed that you'd see nothing but nine-Vendetta armies and Leman Russ Executioners as far as the eye could see? As it turns out, vehicle squadrons are pretty limiting and sinking all your points into vehicles leaves you super-vulnerable in a lot of ways, so this didn't happen. And then the 'Nid codex was released and Trygons (and Mawlocs, lol) were the end of the world and Tervigons would drown you in bugs and the Swarmlord was an auto-include for only 110 extra points over a normal Hive Tyrant, not to mention the Doom of Malan'tai which, if the internet was to be believed, allowed you to actually tear your opponent's clothes off and physically violate him when it arrived from reserves.

Nowhere is this "latest and greatest" syndrome more visible with regards to new Space Marine codices, however. While there is a certain amount of unavoidable similarity that stems from having the same sort of basic troops (T4, 3+, Bolters, sitting in an 11/11/10 box), GW has done a good job in 5E of differentiating the various Marine armies from each other and giving them their own individual strengths and weaknesses. Despite this, internet generals are adamant that each new chapter is clearly the strongest and get nothing but advantages over the others, having access to all of their toys and more, even though this is patently not true. I'm writing this little spiel for those of you who have seen, heard, or made these arguments, to provide some examples of why they aren't.



First of all, the basic Space Marine book does have some weaknesses, like Devastators being hilariously overpriced. However, they have an unrivaled flexibility in their ability to trade out Combat Tactics. Moreover, Combat Tactics itself should not be underestimated- it gives a tactical flexibility that few other armies can match and several armies (like bikers) rely heavily on it. They are also the only Marine codex that can take bikes as troops and get Sternguard as faux-troops via Chapter Tactics. They are the only book with the Relic Blade, which any Marine player can tell you is a fantastic weapon, especially paired with a Storm Shield, and they similarly are unique in having Null Zone, one of the most useful powers in the game. It may not have the flash of the SW or BA powers, but what it lacks in charm it makes up in sheer effectiveness. Lastly, let it not be forgotten that the basic Marine versions of some things are simply superior to the variants therof, most notably their Drop Pods and Terminator armor (relative to SW, anyways.)

Now, Space Wolves. When they came out is was super-popular to hate on them because their basic troops are actually cheaper than Tactical Marines, but they pay for it in a number of ways. First off: no Sarge included in their squads- they've got to burn an Elites slot if they want the privilege of having Ld9 like everyone else. More importantly, they can't have both Ld9 AND two special weapons in any mechanized/drop squad. Trading the heavy weapon option for a second special weapon is something of a wash, but it should be noted because it means that GH are not a very good "sit and shoot" unit in the way that Tacticals are. They also lack Combat Squads, which can be a major factor in terms of flexibility- SW have more issues with having weight of scoring units in a list, a problem that other Marines rarely suffer from. Their HQs, while abundant and often powerful, are incredibly expensive and suffer a little, stat-wise, compared to their direct equivalents from other books. Their Terminators, though cheaper in the "basic" configuration (PW/SB), pay a huge premium on their flexibility when equipped in the same way as Assault Terminators. They lack any kind of equivalent to the Ironclad Dreadnought (odd, considering their focus on CC) and their Scouts are in an awkward and crowded slot and have a very different role than normal Scouts. Skyclaw/Swiftclaws suffer from poor stats for a combat unit and are rarely taken, the more so because of their competition. Long Fangs, although rightfully regarded as an amazing fire support unit, cannot buy ablative bodies the way that Devastators can and trade the Signum for splitting fire- a good deal, but since the leader is generally going to eat the first wound (so you don't lose a heavy weapon), also a short-lived one.

Blood Angels, as the newest kid on the block, are the current target of most of the abuse. Red Thirst is nice, but also annoying to use in play. Fearless can also be a liability, as any Ork or Tyranid player can attest, and ATSKNF is a more than serviceable substitute 90% of the time. Their FOC slots are very mixed up compared to Marines, something that many people don't realize the significance of- they can't take Dreads and Preds for fire support, as both occur in the HS slot. In fact, BA is pretty lacking of fire support in their EL slot at all, with Sternguard their only option- good, but at 135pts for two Missile Launchers, a bit pricey. Their Terminators have to pay to take the TH/SS setup, although not as badly as Wolves do, and Storm Shields in general are a little tougher to get, usually being a "replace X" option rather than just being added to the equipment. Their characters also generally lack the option of Artificer Armor, a minor if relevant weakness. Their Techmarines aren't Independent Characters, something I have lamented many times, though it's probably not going to be crippling in competitive play. Furiosos, generally equated to the SM Ironclad, are only AV12 on the sides and don't get the "superior" DCCW or Hunter-Killer Missiles. They also have to pay a point in order to get a Searchlight, which I'm sure has caused many a list-writer to shake his fist in rage. And having all their vehicles be Fast is nice in some ways, but when you're trying to fit ten or twelve vehicle hulls on the table, the 15pt premium you pay starts to add up really quickly- and really, how often do you need a Fast Whirlwind, anyways?

These changes, among the many others and not to mention their advantages, unique units, etc, are why the BA and SW codices do not play like basic SM, nor are they flat-out superior. Basic Marines make one of the best mechanized shooting armies available, have the best "rock" unit in the form of TH/SS Terminators, have amazing support characters, and overall have more options and more builds than perhaps any other army in the game. None of these books are in any danger of going obsolete any time soon. (At least not until they release Codex: Adeptus Custodes, anyways.)