Space Marines - but what direction?

[DAC]

Hi Guys,

 

Wondering if anyone can help and point me in the right direction. New to space marines but not 40k, collected as a kid back in 3rd edition then got back into the hobby during the first lockdown. After lots of days painting elder eve somewhat improved and starting a space marine army. 

 

I've bought and built a few models now but unsure where to start with picking a ruleset for my guys. Going to paint a custom chapter so could possible change direction if things don't work out. My playstyle is more shooty from range rather than melee, id also like fairly simple rules that work!
 

1 x chapter master

1 x Liberian

2 x 5 man intercessor squad with auto bolt rifles

3 man eradicator squad

1 x tactical warsuit

1 x redemptor dreadnought with heavy Gatling gun, Gatling, bolters and Icarus. (will magnetise the next one)
 

 

So what chapter would you pick for my playstyle and what would you take more off ?... or add?

 

 

Thanks in advance

Edited November 8, 2021 by DAC

[TheNewman]

This is going to be tough because you don't own enough of any one thing to suggest a fighting style and "ranged shooty" isn't going to work very well if you're playing at your FLGS and most people are playing the tournament pack missions where success hinges on being able to take and hold mid-field objectives.

 

On the other hand, all Marines are at least competent at mid-range.

 

The melee-focused chapters that you'll want to avoid are Blood Angels, Space Wolves, and White Scars (although I'd argue that Scars are more mobility-focused than melee-focused.)

[redmapa]

If you want a shooty army then I would suggest being an Ultramarine successor with a CT that leans a bit into melee like Born Heroes or Tactical Withdrawal so your gunline has some teeth when it eventually gets touched. Salamanders also have some juicy stratagems but you may have to tech into more melta or flamers. If you are just getting into Space Marines I would suggest reading some lore of the different parent legions and their successors so maybe that will help you find a style, then you can replicate it by matching custom traits to supplements.

[XeonDragon]

I'd say ultramarines or iron hands are probably good for a "ranged shooty" space marines chapter. Raven Guard is another option (as they are harder to hit and get better saves when opponent attacks from range) but sadly not a powerful one at the moment. 

[MegaVolt87]

I think you will have to settle for mid ranged SM shooting. 8th ed was the castle/bunker at long range edition. Killhammer isn't really a thing anymore, objectives must be pushed etc. Are you wanting to stick with just primaris or do you want to mix with the OG firstborn? 

[Jorin Helm-splitter]

@DAC - Do you have any other models that you plan on getting? Any Special characters look appealing to you?

 

Without knowing that, I'd actually recommend you play around with the successor tactics maybe Master Artisans and Scions of the Forge for your current collection. Then make a decision once you have an ideal of where you want to take the army. Don't be in too big of a rush to paint it, just learn the game, and see what units end up being your favorite.

 

 

If you love your vehicles go Iron hands, if you love your eradicators go Salamanders, if you see a special character that looks amazing go with that chapter lol.

[Tokugawa]

To make the IWS not be a dead investment, I suggest IH or UM successor. Edited November 9, 2021 by Tokugawa

[DAC]

Wow, thanks for all the advice eveyone! Really do appreciate it and will take the points onboard.

 

Paint scheme is set in stone for me, white grim dark style with blue and orange details.

 

Looking at characters I would say I lean towards ultranarines, they have some great looking miniatures! If I do go towards ultras I may change the guns on the intercessors to standard bolters to get the 36” range with the bolter discipline.

 

I know this question might be a little irrelevant cause I’m new… I just want to start on the front foot. That said marines are fairly competitive anyways, I’m coming from playing with eldar / craftworlds playing in a beer friendly setting.

 

Once again thanks for everyone’s advice.