What Chapter Approved Taught Me About Space Marines
Chapter Approved 2018 is in the wild and it has taught a whole lot about what GW thinks of the mighty Astartes.
I’m armed with Codex Space Marines, Chapter Approved 2017, and 2018. I’m going in, making notes, and digging in. Here’s what I’ve discovered about the Emperor’s Angels of Death:
GW is Cool with Scout Spam
It’s been 18 months, and while almost everything has changed around them, Imperial Scouts still rule the roost. GW has left them as TROOPS and didn’t modify their points. Was 11, is still 11. Bolters are unchanged, and the Sniper option dropped from 4 to 2pts. So Sniper Scouts are identical at 13pts to Tactical Marines. The backbone of marine lists is unchanged – for now.
Intercessors are the Future
The drumbeat is slow but steady. These guys went from 20 pts to 17, and the Stalker Bolt Rifle went from 2 to 0. While Tacticals went unaffected, I can only see the slow march to make Intercessors the default unit choice a matter of time.
Assault Terminators Were Crazy Overpriced
The standard SS/TH guys went from 51 to 40pts. That’s a bit of a savings. Shooty Terminators are seeing both Centurions and Aggressors compete for their roles, but the Assault ones still have a little game – until those rumored Primaris Assault units show up.
Rhino Variants are Obsolete
There are some minor point decreases on the old Rhino based vehicles: 15 for the Whirlwind 10 for the Vindicator 9 for the Predator. These three are done – totally outmatched by newer, lower costed Imperial minis. (looking at you Armigers)
DropPods are so 7th Edition
They got a hefty point drop from 93 pts to 63, but aren’t durable and really feel like they have one foot in the past tense of the game with their passenger restrictions. Everything moves so fast in 8th, that without a major makeover (Primaris passengers?) – they feel a relic. I keep hearing that they can be useful, but I haven’t seen a single one on a tabletop in 8th edition in person.
Centurion Devastators Halved in Cost
Going from 80 to 40 per model is a big deal. The weapons are still 30 pts more, but it’s a big drop. Certainly worth a second look.
Dust Off the Land Raiders
Almost every Land Raider/Repulsor got a decent drop in price. But the LRs got the biggest at over 40pts in some cases. They still have the same issues with obsolete transport options as the Drop Pod, but their sheer size and durability may give them a 2nd wind until the Primaris line fills out. Anything you can hide two dreads behind as it advances has creative uses for a wily general.
Redemptor Dread is Slim & Trim
The new guy on the block is down 44pts in his default configuration, so maybe we’ll see a little more of him. But Dreads overall are scarce these days. Being a Primaris fan I’m intrigued, but not sold.
~What changes are you planning in your Astartes lists?
