Warhammer 40K: Imperial Fists Battleforce Next Steps
The Imperial Fist are getting their very own Battleforce box for the holidays. Let’s talk about where to go next if you happen to snag one.
If you’re a new player or looking to start a brand new Space Marine Army then you’ve probably been eyeing the Battleforce Boxes. The good news is you’ve got two to choose from. We’ve done a points breakdown for them already so today we’re going plan out how to expand the Imperial Fist Battleforce. Let’s get started.
We’re going to assume you’re starting a brand new army/collection with a Battleforce. And we’re also assuming you’re looking to make the jump to 2000 points with the army. So the first thing — get a codex. We’re going to be using the points from the Field Manual update. Also, you’re going to want to get the Imperial Fists Codex Supplement for all your army’s special rules. Once you’ve got those it’s time to look at the models.
Imperial Fist Bastion Strike Force
Contents:
- Tor Garadon – 135
- 3x Primaris Aggressors 120 + wargear
- 15 Heavy Intercessors – 420 + wargear
Total: 675 + wargear
The Bastion Strike Force is a double edged sword. It’s only 675 points so it’s not a ton of points — but you’ve got the most room to expand. Thematically, this is supposed to be a traditional Marine Gunline style army. And by traditional, I mean bolters and more bolters. That’s kind of how the Imperial Fists roll. That said we’re not dumb and want to build up from a core that allows you to at least play a fun game. You might not crush the tournament scene but you’re playing Imperial Fists…so you probably knew that already.
Looking at this list the first thing I notice is that it’s all Infantry. We’re gonna need some speed in there to go be aggressive and take some objectives. Or at least also some yellow-painted taxis to get our troops to enemy objectives. Thankfully, those can also provide some good fire support. In this case, we’re going to add in a pair of Impulsors. At 110 points + wargear each, two of them will give us some much needed mobility.
Next up, because we’re playing Imperial Fists, I think a Gladiator Reaper fits the bill. Mostly because it’s more Bolter bolts. If you’re feeling like you want some better anti-armor options, then the Lancer or Valiant are also better equipped for that. But for now, Reaper it is! That’s another 180 points + wargear spent.
With that armor added we’re only at 1075 points + wargear spent. Not bad! We’re going to leave a cushion for wargear spending but now we need to shore up some other holes. I think having a couple Primaris Lieutenants hanging around tossing out aura buff for this gunline is a great call. Those bolters need to wound after all! Each one clocks in at 75 points + wargear and adds some much needed support. Another 150 points + wargear total. You can kit them out how you want as well for some extra support options.
You know what? Why make this more complicated than it needs to be?! If you’re looking to start an army fast then look no further than the Combat Patrol box. It’s thematic (more Marines with bolters-esque weapons) and it’s mostly Infantry. Plus it comes with another Impulsor and all the Marines here are different than the ones from above for some variety! Plus this section clocks in at 605 points + wargear. That brings our new total up to 1830. Now, you’ll have to carve this up into a force org that fits but that’s not exactly hard to do these days. Let’s see what we’ve got now:
The List
HQs
- Tor Garadon – 135
- 1x Primaris Lieutenant in Phobos Armour – 80
- 1x Primaris Lieutenant – 75 + wargear
- 1x Primaris Lieutenant – 75 + wargear
Troops
- 3x Primaris Aggressors 120 + wargear
- 15x Heavy Intercessors – 420 + wargear
- 10x Primaris Infiltrators – 240 + wargear
Heavy
- Gladiator Reaper – 180 + wargear
- 3x Suppressors – 100
- 3x Eliminators – 75
Dedicated Transport
- Primaris Impulsor 110 + wargear
- Primaris Impulsor 110 + wargear
- Primaris Impulsor 110 + wargear
Points Total: 1830 + Wargear
Again, you’ll have to decide how you want to carve it up so it fits but you’ve got lots of options to play around with with plenty of HQs and Troops to fill out roster slots. Don’t forget you can split those squads up in 5-man versions if needed. Alternatively, you can always drop an LT for a Primaris Captain if you’re feeling naked without even more re-roll auras. You’re call. There’s also Captain Lysander you could slot in — but you’ll have to make some swaps.
And he’s not even Primaris so…your call.
Looking this over it’s gone from a traditional gunline to a mix of bodies and transports. This is an army that can scoot around the tabletop, jump out, and direct a lot of bolter fire at a target. Alternatively, you could just park stuff in a gunline and use the transports to block LoS/cause traffic jams. That’s not how I’d do it but it’s an option.
This army isn’t going to like dealing with heavy armor at all. So, if you’re worried about that stuff, there’s some obvious swaps you can make with the Gladiator variants. Also, don’t forget about Las Fusils as an option for your Eliminators. You could also drop the Impulsors for a Repulsor Executioner. You’re trading off your mobility for armor and firepower of your own.
This Battleforce really is a ‘core’ for your new Imperial Fist army. You’ve got a lot of other options and directions you could explore. Have fun with it and make it your own.
Meh, scrap it all and just take like …40 Heavy Intercessors. You want bolters? You got BOLTERS!
