Warhammer 40K: Combat Patrol – Blood Angels Point Breakdown and Next Steps
We’re revisiting the Blood Angel Combat Patrol to see how many points it is and where to build from there.
When Games Workshop released all the points as a free update we got to thinking — how do the previous Combat Patrols stack-up? In this series we’re going to revisit the older Combat Patrols, breakdown their points, and talk about where to build from that box. For previous breakdowns check the bottom of this article.
Today, it’s the Blood Angel’s turn under the spotlight. How does their Combat Patrol work out and where do we go from there? Let’s get started!
Combat Patrol Blood Angels Points Breakdown
Blood Angels Combat Patrol Box
1x Primaris Librarian – 95 points
1x Impulsor – 110 + wargear
5x Primaris Intercessors – 100 points + wargear
5x Primaris Incursors – 105 points + wargear
3x Primaris Aggressors – 120 + wargear
2x Blood Angels Primaris Upgrade Frames (not points related but worth mentioning)
Points Total: 530 + wargear
From just the box contents we’re sitting at 530 points plus any additional wargear. Per usual we’ll be taking this force up to a full 2000 point army. Now, before we go much further there is one thing to call out about this Combat Patrol: None of these units are Blood Angel specific units. What does that mean? Well, realistically, you could buy this box and use it as a core for any Space Marine army. Just don’t use the Blood Angel’s bits and it’s a very basic Space Marine Combat Patrol.
With that in mind we’re going to step attempt to at least add some Blood Angel’s vitae into our list. So how are we going to do that? Let’s start with the basics and our typical first big question: Do we get a second Combat Patrol Box?
I think we’re going to go for two in this list. But this might be a case where we don’t use it all. What do I mean? Well, the reason you’d want to get two of these boxes is because both Troop options are only 5-man. Personally, I’d rather have the option to Combat Squad down to two units of 5 per unit instead of being forced to start with 5-man squads. A second box will allow you to round out those squads and net us a second Impulsor to ferry units around. And a second unit of 3 Aggressors can also be useful. I’m not sold on a second Primaris Librarian — not because they aren’t useful, but rather, because we kind need those points for other Blood Angel stuff.
Oh, and don’t forget those extra BA Upgrade Frames. Thematically, those are super useful, too. Anyhow, that puts us at another 435 points plus Wargear. Sorry Primaris Librarian, you’re going to have to sit out this one. Although, we might find a use for him later. So now that we’ve got over 1000 points of “core” Troops and the foundation of this army, what next? It’s time for that Blood Angel’s flavor to get added in.
I’m a big fan of Chief Librarian Mephiston. I think the new model is cool plus he’s a potent psyker. On top of that, he’s kind of a beat stick. Clocking in at 140 points I think it’s well worth the cost. So he’s in!
At this point we’ve got points for two directions we can go to make this army feel like a Blood Angels army and not a Red Space Marine army. We could go for the Sanguinary Guard route. And a bunch of golden-armored dudes might be your thing! You could literally just add in bunch of units with Sanguinary in the title and you’ll be well on your way to a 2000 point list. I’d suggest snagging Commander Dante to be a part of that golden warrior party, too. Oh and the Sanguinor could fit in — if you’ve got the points.
However, for me, I’d rather go the other direction and add in some Death Company! Personally, I just don’t feel like it’s a “real” Blood Angels army without at least 1 unit of Death Company. Old School Vets might appreciate where I’m coming from with this as you used to be forced into having a couple Black-armored crazies in your list. Regardless, they are kind of terrifying to have around…let’s point them out for this list!
You’ve got a couple of options here. You could go with the 5-man box. This is nice because you do get another BA Upgrade sprue for your Death Company. However, you don’t really get any close combat weapons — at least not enough for propper Death Company unit. Oh no, we’re going to snag the Assault Intercessor Box. If you want the shoulder pads, just buy the BA Upgrades separately. It’s 200 points for 10 of them plus wargear. I’d recommend that Thunder hammer…just a suggestion though.
Now, you’ve got a Death Company brick to launch at someone’s face. But it would be wise to bring some support. We’re over 1300 points without wargear. So what do we need? I can hear the vets reading this screaming for a Blood Angels Smash Captain. And yeah, that’s definitely an option. However, We’ve also got this “Primaris” theme going and I think we’re going to stick with it. I hate to default to “you’re playing Space Marines, bring a Captain” but their aura is really good. And Death Company are Core…
But let’s take the Captain in Gravis Armour to change it up! Plus, you didn’t forget about those 6 aggressors we have, did ya? See, thematic! He’ll clock in at 115 points. And if you really wanted to, you could make him Death Company for another +20 points — but I’ll leave that up to your discretion. Now, I think it’s time for some heavy metal.
Adding in a Death Company Dreadnought for 125 points plus wargear seems like another fun call. But let’s add in two because it’s twice as fun! Alternative options are Furious Dreadnoughts (120 points + wargear each) or even the Librarian Dreadnought (150 points + wargear). Really, any combo of those would be fantastic. We’re going to stick with two Death Company Dreadnoughts for now. So our total is now up to 1670 plus Wargear.
We’re on our last spurt as we barrel towards the finish line here. And I think it’s time for some big barrels.
I’m honestly a little torn on this one. The Baal Predator is so BLOOD ANGELS that it seems like the obvious call. It’s 110 points plus wargear. At the same time, we’ve got a Primaris thing going on — except for the Death Company Dreadnoughts. So why not take a little inspiration from Baal and bring a new toy out to play?
I may get some flack for this swap, but the Gladiator Reaper is where I’m heading. It’s 180 points plus wargear. And honestly, I don’t know if it’s going to fill a gap the army has or if it’s just going to be more redundancy. However, I think it’s the Primaris version of a Baal Predator and it fits well with this army’s theme. You’ll have a nice armored core of two Impulsors, two DC Dreads, and a Gladiator Reaper to move up and provide mobile fire support. That also brings our total now to 1850 plus a budget of 150 for wargear. You’re going to need it.
The List
Primaris Librarian
Captain in Gravis Armour
Mephiston
10x Primaris Intercessors
10x Primaris Incursors
10x Death Company Intercessors
Death Company Dreadnought
Death Company Dreadnought
3x Primaris Aggressors
3x Primaris Aggressors
Impulsor
Impulsor
Gladiator Reaper
Points Total: 1850 + wargear
You’ve got a chunk of bodies on the ground or in transports that can move up fairly quick. You’ve got the armored core we mentioned and you’ve got some solid support staff in the character department to work with. Oh, and don’t forget that spare Primaris Librarian. You could always swap him in for extra domination with Psychic Powers. The Death Company units are going to be a big scary threat for your opponents but your other units are going to be able to get work done, too. Don’t forget the Blood Angels are really good in the first round of combat! And those Aggressors might just save the day when it’s all said and done.
There’s quite a few ways to build this army out from the Combat Patrol because it’s kind of a “generic” core to start from. Heck, you might even use this box as a launching point for a completely different chapter. And if you wanted to go beyond 2000 points, check out those Sanguinary options I mentioned above…they can be quite effective!
For more tips and tricks on Blood Angels check out our How To Play Blood Angels in 9th Guide
Previous Combat Patrol Point Breakdowns And Next Steps
