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Hi all, just getting into 40k. A friend has suggested getting a combat patrol box. I think Space Marines is the best way to go based on a little research but unsure of which chapter to go with. I am looking for something easy to play with, easy to paint and fun to play. Any/all advice greatly accepted :)

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Welcome!

 

As for what Chapter, I'm not a space marine player, but unless you are really taken by some of the unique units to some of the supplement chapters like Blood Angels and Space Wolves, my suggestion is to do which ever one you would enjoy painting the most.

6 hours ago, Garthy said:

easy to paint

 

Exactly the right train of thought, Brother.  30+ years in The Hobby, if there's 1 thing I know, if I don't get it painted, I don't get to play it.

 

The bro-tip here is a few years ago, Games Workshop introduced a new type of paint, called Contrast paints.  It's designed for speed painting, but it's also ideal for beginners imho.  Other paint companies introduced their own versions.  If you visit a store, ask about that, they should have samples you can see before you decide.

 

There IS a technique called Slap Chop that makes use of this, if you YouTube it, you'll see it's like a shortcut method to painting.

 

Beyond that, if you're wondering which Chapter, at this point you can probably just scroll through the Chapter-specific unique units.  If you REALLY like the look of, say, Deathwing Knights, you'd choose a Dark Angels-related Chapter, etc.  I'm sure your friend is guiding you through that.  They're all good options.

 

Every 3 months the game has a balance update, so don't worry if someone on the Internet says something you like is bad.  In 3 months, it might be great.

Thank you all :) I have narrowed it down to either Ultramarines or Space Wolves. I like the sound of contrast paints. I was planning to speed paint for now with some weathering (chips etc.). I have ordered the combat patrol and also the Phobos strike team (they do look cool) to start with. Just need to decide chapter and get the paint :)

I guess it depends whether you're more interested in the background, appearance, or rules (or rather, your balance between them), :smile: 

 

In terms of painting them, Ultramarines may be easier to paint than Space Wolves, as lighter colours tend to be less forgiving (the pigment tends to be a bit more transparent, giving worse coverage).

 

Warhipster has Contrast-based videos on Ultramarines and Space Wolves which may be of interest. Juan Hidalgo has a series of videos called "'Eavy Contrast" where he paints models using Contrast paints and then adds highlights - he has one on Ultramarines, and another on Space Wolves. I would add that Juan is an experienced and talented painter and getting the results he gets takes practice and experience, but it may give you an idea of what's possible and how to achieve it.  Both of the above are of the "box art" style, rather than the grittier style, though.

Edited by Firedrake Cordova
typo
12 hours ago, Garthy said:

Hi all, just getting into 40k. A friend has suggested getting a combat patrol box. I think Space Marines is the best way to go based on a little research but unsure of which chapter to go with. I am looking for something easy to play with, easy to paint and fun to play. Any/all advice greatly accepted :)

 

Hey, welcome!

 

If you want any advice on the army feel free to send me a message.

 

What I say to every new hobbyist is that they have to be honest and up-front from the start about what they want from their experience.

 

-Do you want to play a thematic game or a competitive game?

-Do you have a friend to play with regularly or a club/store to frequent?

-And finally - a general one - collect the army you actually like, not the one that is currently strong. The rules are in constant flux, and what is powerful today may be less so tomorrow.

 

As for your factions, the Ultramarines are a great choice and always will be. The chapter has some of the best heroes on the tabletop, including the Primarch. They also have some of the most detailed lore and are supported in the novels more so than many other chapters. Again, shout if you want some advice on good novels and audio books about them.

 

The Space Wolves are also fan favourites. I would urge a bit more caution with this choice as they are about to receive a range refresh in the coming months and many things about them will probably change. 

 

The chapters are thematically very different from each other. The Ultramarines are like a Roman Legion, whilst the Space Wolves are more like Viking raiders. Worth exploring both to decide which you prefer.

One thing I'll add is that the Ultramarines have a fair few successor chapters (list on the right in the link), if any of those piqued your interest (Fandom has a long list of all of the Space Marine chapters, with pictures - it's so long, it's in two parts).

Edited by Firedrake Cordova
  • 2 weeks later...

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