Need Help Constructing a Salamanders Army

[Lathe Biosas]

I haven't built a space marine army since 5th edition and that was a Dark Angels Ravenwing/Deathwing force.

 

So, I've decided to try to build a fun Salamanders army. But before I start buying a bunch of models and shoulderpads, I thought I would run the list by you first.

 

Thank you for any advice you can share.

 

Raiders of the Lost Art

1995 / 2000 pts(-5)

 

Configuration

Battle Size

Strike Force (2000 Point limit)

Detachment

Forgefather's Seekers

 

Epic Hero 100 pts

Vulkan He'stan 100 pts

Warlord

 

Character 215 pts

Apothecary 60 pts

Immolator

 

Apothecary Biologis 85 pts

Forged in Battle

 

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon 70 pts

 

Battleline 80 pts

5 Intercessor Squad 80 pts

• 1x Intercessor Sergeant: Bolt Rifle, Thunder Hammer • 3x Intercessor • 1x Intercessor w/ Grenade Launcher

 

Infantry 845 pts

5 Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs 90 pts

• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Plasma Pistol, Power Weapon • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack

 

5 Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs 90 pts

• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Plasma Pistol, Power Weapon • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack

 

4 Company Heroes 105 pts

 

6 Eradicator Squad 200 pts

• 3x Eradicator • 2x Eradicator with Multi‑melta

 

10 Infernus Squad 180 pts

• 9x Infernus Marines

 

10 Infernus Squad 180 pts

• 9x Infernus Marines

 

Mounted 60 pts

Invader ATV 60 pts

Multi‑melta

 

Vehicle 555 pts

Gladiator Lancer 160 pts

Icarus Rocket Pod, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Two storm bolters

 

Land Raider Redeemer 270 pts

Hunter‑killer missile, Multi‑melta, Storm Bolter

 

Storm Speeder Hammerstrike 125 pts

 

Dedicated Transport 140 pts

Drop Pod 70 pts

Drop Pod 70 pts

 

 

 

 

Infernus Marines Squad #1 in Drop Pod with Apothecary with Immolator.

 

Infernus Marines Squad #2 in Drop Pod

 

Eradicator Squad with Apothecary Biologis (so they have Lethal Hits and can turn one hit into a 6 a turn) in Land Raider Redeemer to hunt the biggest threats

 

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon to infiltrate and hold objectives with Lone Operative

 

Vulkan He'stan with Company Heroes to hold center.

 

Invader ATV used to hunt light vehicles or grab distant objectives

 

2 × Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs to hunt for Objective 

 

Intercessor Squad to hold backfield objectives and support Vulkan He'stans unit.

 

Gladiator Lancer ranged Anti-Tank

 

Stormspeeder Hailstrike as a Hunter-Killer

[HeadlessCross]

Apothecaries are terrible. You'll either want a Librarian to give the Infernus a 4++ or the Lieutenant for free Fall Back + Shoot. 

 

The best use of Immolator though is a Jump Captain with Vanguard Vets or the Gravis Captain. 

[Lathe Biosas]

Thank you.

 

Back to the drawing board. I'll go work on a new version.

[Tacitus]

9 hours ago, HeadlessCross said:

Apothecaries are terrible. You'll either want a Librarian to give the Infernus a 4++ or the Lieutenant for free Fall Back + Shoot. 

 

The best use of Immolator though is a Jump Captain with Vanguard Vets or the Gravis Captain. 

Apotehcaries aren't terrible, but they are situational.  And Infernusators are not the situation.  Libbies are a better match between the 4++ and shorter range with unlikely cover for yourself.

 

Immolator on Infernusators (assuming Max Squad +10 or more) IS the bang-for-the-buck winner compared to on Flamestorm Aggressors who will Max at +6 and can't get a single attached character who can also benefit.  If you really want to do it though, lean into it.  10 Infernusators, led by He'stan (flamer pistol glove) and an attached Ancient with the Immolator.  You get the "hidden power sword" on the ancient, 11 extra Torrent Attacks, your Infernusators are OC3, and have a 4+++ FNP on an objective and/or the center 6" of the battle field.   And this goes well with my dislike of Company Heroes which just don't know what they want to be. 

 

I'm not 100% sure about the Eradicators in the Land Raider.  First, if you're doing this gimmick, they're probably better off in a Repulsor.  Landraiders let you disembark and charge.  Repulsors let you climb back in if the enemy is charging you.  The detachment rule already allows to to advance and shoot all day long (ASSAULT ability keyword) so you're not using the transport for speed, just protection, and the Repulsor gives you "better" defense of the squad.  I know you can do the Overwatch gotcha with the Redeemer, but the volume of fire from the Repulsor goes a long way towards making up for that loss, you just have to decide even though they're Salamanders not EVERYTHING has to be a flamer or a melta.  Not the Repulsor Gimmick MAY/PROBABLY DOES not work on the same turn you do the Burning Vengeance strat.  Check the Rules commentary but GW is pretty consistent at now allowing you to get into then out of or out of then into a transport on the same player turn. 

 

Additional Games you can play - Infernus Squad in an Impulsor - the Impulsor have Firing Deck and carry 5 Infernusators too.

 

I'd start with

He'Stan

Ancient with Immolator

10 Infernus Marines

 

5 Infernus Marines in an Impulsor with Shield Dome

5 Infernus Marines in an Impulsor with Shield Dome

 

At least 1 of

10 Intercessors, 2 Aux GLs, Libby, Drop Pod. (Drop em Deep and Sticky Cap objectives.)

 

Either Erads in the Repulsor + a Lancer, or 

Erads on foot, and 2+ Lancers and 2+ Hammerstrikes

[Lathe Biosas]

1995 / 2000 pts(-5)

 

Configuration

Battle Size: Strike Force (2000 Point limit)

Detachment: Forgefather's Seekers

 

Epic Hero 

Vulkan He'stan 100 pts

Warlord

 

Character

Ancient 60 pts

Immolator, Power Weapon

 

Librarian 80 pts

Forged in Battle

 

Battleline 

10 Intercessor Squad 160 pts

• 1x Intercessor Sergeant: Bolt Rifle w/ Grenade Launcher, Thunder Hammer • 8x Intercessor • 1x Intercessor w/ Grenade Launcher

 

Infantry 

10 Infernus Squad 180 pts

• 9x Infernus Marines

 

5 Infernus Squad 90 pts

• 4x Infernus Marines

 

5 Infernus Squad 90 pts

• 4x Infernus Marines

 

5 Terminator Assault Squad 180 pts

• 1x Assault Terminator Sergeant: Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield • 4x Assault Terminator w/ Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield

 

Vehicle 

Firestrike Servo-Turrets 75 pts

• 1x Firestrike Servo‑Turret: Twin Firestrike Las‑talon

 

Gladiator Lancer 160 pts

Icarus Rocket Pod, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Two storm bolters

 

Land Raider Redeemer 270 pts

Hunter‑killer missile, Multi‑melta, Storm Bolter

 

Storm Speeder Hammerstrike 125 pts

 

Storm Speeder Hammerstrike 125 pts

 

Dedicated Transport 

Drop Pod 70 pts

 

Drop Pod 70 pts

 

Impulsor 80 pts

Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Shield Dome, 2 Storm Bolters

 

Impulsor 80 pts

Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Shield Dome, 2 Storm Bolters

 

 

Tactica:

 

I own a Firestrike Servo-Turret. Thus it will be in the list. Serves as backfield Anti-Tank. (On the tabletop round 1)

 

Vulkan He’stan w/ Ancient (w/ Immolator) w/ 10 × Infernus Squad in Drop Pod

 

Librarian (w/ Forged in Battle) w/ 10 × Intercessor Squad in Drop Pod

 

5 × Infernus Marines in Impulsor #1

 

5 × Infernus Marines in Impulsor #2

 

Gladiator Lancer Anti-Tank

 

Stormspeeder #1 in Reserve to Deep Strike Hunter-Killer unit.

 

Stormspeeder  #2 deployed on table, turn 1. Hunter-Killer unit.

 

Terminator Assault Squad in Land Raider Redeemer holds center of table.

 

Is this better?

 

Edited November 24 by Lathe Biosas
Noticed a few mistakes.

[Tacitus]

I think its a start and you can refine and rebuild based on your results and tastes after the fact.  I just tried to get you a couple few wombo-combos that are nice but not insane while still being in your chosen theme to start with.    From here, play some games, buy, assemble, and paint some new stuff as you go trying new stuff which will let you refine your guys to what you have fun with. 

 

That said your Terminators and your Vulkan unit will be somewhat overlapping - 10 Infernusators and 2 characters with a 3+ and 4+++ FNP when sitting in the center or on any objective vs your 5 guys with a 2+/4++ Invuln to hold the center.  On the other hand, being able to do that twice is nice.   Theoretically you even sort of have three of them when you look at your Intercessors with a 3+/4++ invuln 

[Lathe Biosas]

I'm not sure about the Land Raider Redeemer, but it seems to fit the theme of the army.

[Tacitus]

I don't think it will knock your socks off, but I think its solid, and very very thematic.  Flamer Raider shooting out a bunch of Thunder Hammers is very on brand for Salamanders. 

[HeadlessCross]

On 11/23/2025 at 8:02 PM, Tacitus said:

Apotehcaries aren't terrible, but they are situational.  And Infernusators are not the situation.  Libbies are a better match between the 4++ and shorter range with unlikely cover for yourself.

 

Immolator on Infernusators (assuming Max Squad +10 or more) IS the bang-for-the-buck winner compared to on Flamestorm Aggressors who will Max at +6 and can't get a single attached character who can also benefit.  If you really want to do it though, lean into it.  10 Infernusators, led by He'stan (flamer pistol glove) and an attached Ancient with the Immolator.  You get the "hidden power sword" on the ancient, 11 extra Torrent Attacks, your Infernusators are OC3, and have a 4+++ FNP on an objective and/or the center 6" of the battle field.   And this goes well with my dislike of Company Heroes which just don't know what they want to be. 

 

I'm not 100% sure about the Eradicators in the Land Raider.  First, if you're doing this gimmick, they're probably better off in a Repulsor.  Landraiders let you disembark and charge.  Repulsors let you climb back in if the enemy is charging you.  The detachment rule already allows to to advance and shoot all day long (ASSAULT ability keyword) so you're not using the transport for speed, just protection, and the Repulsor gives you "better" defense of the squad.  I know you can do the Overwatch gotcha with the Redeemer, but the volume of fire from the Repulsor goes a long way towards making up for that loss, you just have to decide even though they're Salamanders not EVERYTHING has to be a flamer or a melta.  Not the Repulsor Gimmick MAY/PROBABLY DOES not work on the same turn you do the Burning Vengeance strat.  Check the Rules commentary but GW is pretty consistent at now allowing you to get into then out of or out of then into a transport on the same player turn. 

 

Additional Games you can play - Infernus Squad in an Impulsor - the Impulsor have Firing Deck and carry 5 Infernusators too.

 

I'd start with

He'Stan

Ancient with Immolator

10 Infernus Marines

 

5 Infernus Marines in an Impulsor with Shield Dome

5 Infernus Marines in an Impulsor with Shield Dome

 

At least 1 of

10 Intercessors, 2 Aux GLs, Libby, Drop Pod. (Drop em Deep and Sticky Cap objectives.)

 

Either Erads in the Repulsor + a Lancer, or 

Erads on foot, and 2+ Lancers and 2+ Hammerstrikes

No, Apothecaries are actually terrible. Consider that, for this situation, the Infernus Marine is about 18 points for each model. The Apothecary is a 50 point model. You have to be able to resurrect 3 Marines in order to recuperate his cost, and the squad is not going to live long enough for that to happen as they're just regular ol' Marine bodies. The whole shtick of getting a CP when they die certainly isn't worth 50 points either. 

This applies to all squads they can attach to, where you need to resurrect 2-3 bodies to usually break even. 

 

Regarding my comment on the Gravis Captain, the reasoning is that they already have Twin-Linked on their Flamers, which enables Vulkan to be able to point at a different target and that's been super clutch. Meanwhile, if you just want to fish for Dev Wounds, the Jump Captain can carry a Hand Flamer himself and Vanguard Vets can get anywhere without a transport, which is a fantastic cost cutting measure. 

 

Trust me, I tried Infernus squads with Immolator and Aggressors/Vanguard Vets work a lot better a majority of the time. 

[HeadlessCross]

19 hours ago, Lathe Biosas said:

1995 / 2000 pts(-5)

 

Configuration

Battle Size: Strike Force (2000 Point limit)

Detachment: Forgefather's Seekers

 

Epic Hero 

Vulkan He'stan 100 pts

Warlord

 

Character

Ancient 60 pts

Immolator, Power Weapon

 

Librarian 80 pts

Forged in Battle

 

Battleline 

10 Intercessor Squad 160 pts

• 1x Intercessor Sergeant: Bolt Rifle w/ Grenade Launcher, Thunder Hammer • 8x Intercessor • 1x Intercessor w/ Grenade Launcher

 

Infantry 

10 Infernus Squad 180 pts

• 9x Infernus Marines

 

5 Infernus Squad 90 pts

• 4x Infernus Marines

 

5 Infernus Squad 90 pts

• 4x Infernus Marines

 

5 Terminator Assault Squad 180 pts

• 1x Assault Terminator Sergeant: Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield • 4x Assault Terminator w/ Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield

 

Vehicle 

Firestrike Servo-Turrets 75 pts

• 1x Firestrike Servo‑Turret: Twin Firestrike Las‑talon

 

Gladiator Lancer 160 pts

Icarus Rocket Pod, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Two storm bolters

 

Land Raider Redeemer 270 pts

Hunter‑killer missile, Multi‑melta, Storm Bolter

 

Storm Speeder Hammerstrike 125 pts

 

Storm Speeder Hammerstrike 125 pts

 

Dedicated Transport 

Drop Pod 70 pts

 

Drop Pod 70 pts

 

Impulsor 80 pts

Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Shield Dome, 2 Storm Bolters

 

Impulsor 80 pts

Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Shield Dome, 2 Storm Bolters

 

 

Tactica:

 

I own a Firestrike Servo-Turret. Thus it will be in the list. Serves as backfield Anti-Tank. (On the tabletop round 1)

 

Vulkan He’stan w/ Ancient (w/ Immolator) w/ 10 × Infernus Squad in Drop Pod

 

Librarian (w/ Forged in Battle) w/ 10 × Intercessor Squad in Drop Pod

 

5 × Infernus Marines in Impulsor #1

 

5 × Infernus Marines in Impulsor #2

 

Gladiator Lancer Anti-Tank

 

Stormspeeder #1 in Reserve to Deep Strike Hunter-Killer unit.

 

Stormspeeder  #2 deployed on table, turn 1. Hunter-Killer unit.

 

Terminator Assault Squad in Land Raider Redeemer holds center of table.

 

Is this better?

 

There's a fairly bit that can be improved here. First of all, you NEVER need a 10 man Intercessor squad. Split them into two different squads and give each Seargent a Power Fist. They don't have enough attacks to justify Dev Wounds on the Thunder Hammer missing more often. If you already modeled them as such, just tell your opponent they count as Power Fists and they won't care 99% of the time. 

 

I also understand you own the Firestrike and want to use it, but they generally don't DO anything. 

[Lathe Biosas]

At this point in my career, I own the following:

 

A box of drop pods, a Firestrike Servo-Turret, Vulkan He'stan, 1 Infernus Space Marine (I'm not sure where he came from)... and I want to buy the Firedrake Terminators from HH (but thats not set in stone).

 

Thats why I'm open to changing this list around as I would rather get some ideas before I throw more money I don't have at the army.

[Tacitus]

I said:

 

Quote

Apotehcaries aren't terrible, but they are situational. 

 

You said (emphasis mine): 

Quote

No, Apothecaries are actually terrible. Consider that, for this situation,

 

[Tacitus]

7 hours ago, HeadlessCross said:

 in order to recuperate his cost,

6 Flamestorm Aggressors get 6D6 +6 shots - about 27 shots.   Immolator adds 6 for 33.  Infernus Sqads get 10D6 shots - about 35.  Immolator adds 10 (plus for 1 more for the attached HQ He'stan) for 45  (plus He'Stan) who now does D6 + 4 (or 7 to 8 Average) S7 -1 D1 attacks.  Their attacks are also +1S already with a -1AP making them S6 -1 D1 vs S5 (Sometimes) -1 and D1.  50+ Attacks with 50+ hits starts getting into "I kill stuff I shouldn't" territory.  Its weird to me that you want to Cost-Benefit the Apothecary, but still insist the cost benefit for Immolator is better on Aggressors.  Hand Flamers are base D6 S3 0 1 - so similar volume of fire for the Infernus Squad, but at -3S.

 

Quote

This applies to all squads they can attach to, where you need to resurrect 2-3 bodies to usually break even. 

No, it does not.   Its the wrong green but Azrael + Apothecary and either ICC or Hellblasters is a funny little combo.  Generally speaking Apothecaries attached to Desolation Squads, Devastator Squads and Hellblasters - i.e. Squads that use Cover, range, etc to reduce incoming fire already can benefit from Apothecaries. 

Quote

First of all, you NEVER need a 10 man Intercessor squad.

You never NEED anything.  But in keeping with the cost-benefit, 10 guys with a 4++ invuln are 10 guys with a 4++ plus 5 more guys with a 2+/4++ and 10 MORE guys with a 3+/4+++FNP adds up.  Breaking it up into 2 groups of 5 with two Libbies is (usually) better but this isn't horrible.  Especially for a starter army.

Quote

I also understand you own the Firestrike and want to use it, but they generally don't DO anything. 

They do something.   They're not the best unit in the cosdex, but worst case its a very tough backfield objective sitter that can make overwatch gotchas. 

[Lathe Biosas]

Are Flamestorm Aggressors, Eradicators, or Thunderhammer Terminators better for this list so far?

 

If necessary, I can drop the Land Raider... nothing is set in stone.

 

I just don't want to end up with something where I feel like I wasted hundreds of dollars.

[Tacitus]

The difference between them is probably smaller than your personal preference.

 

I'm assuming you're going to make this or a similar army out of this list, play it some and then refine it or try new stuff as you buy stuff.  Generally speaking the good stuff this edition of the game won't be as good next edition and you'll end up making a new list with different stuff by 11th, then again in 12th and so on and so on so I wouldn't feel too bad if you bought something that isn't good this edition because chances are it will be sooner or later 

[Lathe Biosas]

Thanks for the help. 

 

Maybe I should work on building this at 1,000/1,500/2,000.

 

I'll probably get it finished by the time 11th edition drops. 

[Tacitus]

4 hours ago, Lathe Biosas said:

Thanks for the help. 

 

Maybe I should work on building this at 1,000/1,500/2,000.

 

I'll probably get it finished by the time 11th edition drops. 

Entirely possible on the 11th Edition thing. 

 

If you want to start smaller may I suggest the Pyroclasm Assault Force?   War-Com link: eng_2008_wh40k_combat_patrol_salamanders-ddrorksn4y-0djaxpvdbo.pdf  ( I don't see it for sale, may have to check Ebay if they even MADE a boxed set for it) 

[Lathe Biosas]

3 hours ago, Tacitus said:

Entirely possible on the 11th Edition thing. 

 

If you want to start smaller may I suggest the Pyroclasm Assault Force?   War-Com link: eng_2008_wh40k_combat_patrol_salamanders-ddrorksn4y-0djaxpvdbo.pdf  ( I don't see it for sale, may have to check Ebay if they even MADE a boxed set for it) 

 

It's the Combat Patrol, that seemed to be pre-order only. Just like the Imperial Fists, White Scars and Iron Hands ones.

[Tacitus]

23 minutes ago, Lathe Biosas said:

 

It's the Combat Patrol, that seemed to be pre-order only. Just like the Imperial Fists, White Scars and Iron Hands ones.

That's what I thought but I can't see it online anymore.  Maybe I'm just looking wrong, with a typo or something.  That (probably) wouldn't be a bad purchase.  Most of the Combat Patrols, Battle Forces, and so on are value boxes where the total cost is lower for that box than the separate kits.  Just be careful, the combat patrol officially choses your wargear for you so could create WYSIWYG issues later on.  Additionally sometimes the big boxed sets come with the ETB (Easy To Build) version of a model kit that may not even HAVE options.  ETB seems to have faded away for now, but could come back.

[Lathe Biosas]

All Infernus Marines are easy to build.

 

But those Combat Patrols seemed to be a limited edition thing. Even the warhammer store I go to can't reorder them.

[NorthernUltramarines]

I adore Salamanders and they're probably the easiest army to build something "Thematic" from as fire is very easy to get your hands on! if you're starting with 1000, could go for:

 

+ FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Salamanders
+ DETACHMENT: Forgefather's Seekers
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 990pts
 

1x Vulkan He'stan (100 pts): Warlord, Bolt pistol, Gauntlet of the Forge, Spear of Vulkan
1x Lieutenant (75 pts): Immolator, Master-crafted Power Weapon, Bolt pistol, Master-crafted Bolter
1x Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 pts): Combi-weapon, Paired Combat Blades

5x Intercessor Squad (80 pts)

10x Infernus Squad (180 pts)
5x Terminator Assault Squad (180 pts)
1x Firestrike Servo-Turrets (75 pts):
1x Gladiator Lancer (160 pts): 
1x Drop Pod (70 pts): 

 

 

This gives you a nice rounded list, plus there's lots of painting variety there. Could go with whatever you need/want after that. Not set in stone at all! Have fun with it and focus on building a 1k you actually want to collect and paint, as all of the units you seem to want to add are at least decent for Salamanders. Can't have buyers remorse if they look cool!

Edited November 28 by NorthernUltramarines

[Tacitus]

14 hours ago, Lathe Biosas said:

All Infernus Marines are easy to build.

 

But those Combat Patrols seemed to be a limited edition thing. Even the warhammer store I go to can't reorder them.

There's a difference between easy to build and "Easy To Build".  That was their terminology for certain kits that were cut differently (usually cheaper and Press Fit if I remember right) without the other weapon option(s).  I think Aggressors had an Easy To Build version that was just Flamestorm.  I think Intercessors also had an ETB version and you missed out on the Auxiliary Grenade Launchers - maybe they only had one of the (at the time) three bolt rifle options too.  Infernusators don't have a weapon option so meh there, but I'd be careful on stuff that does. 

[Lathe Biosas]

I looked at the webstore and it mentioned that the Infernus were Push-fit... much like the Firestrike Servo-Turret was.

[Tacitus]

1 hour ago, Lathe Biosas said:

I looked at the webstore and it mentioned that the Infernus were Push-fit... much like the Firestrike Servo-Turret was.

They could be.  They still only have the one weapon option so they could still be on an ETB kit - they may never get a second option and they'll be ETB until they get a new kit.  Again its not so much about them, but the other kits that do have options you need to watch for.  Did your Firestrike have both autocannons and lastalons?  I think the ETB Aggressors were Flamestorm only.  I think the Eradicators were also ETB to start, and didn't come with a Multi-Melta until they got their own box.   Yep, just looked at Erads and I don't see the "hole" in their chest for the press fit.  So if you see Open Box sprue on Ebay for example, check to see if its from their own box, or Indomitus.

[Lathe Biosas]

Thanks. I didn't realize there were different versions of the same model. Maybe that's why some auctions are cheaper than others?

 

Less people wanting the ETB models?