Returning to 40k

[Tychos_Ghost]

Hello All. I am looking to jump back in to 40k after being out of the hobby since the first couple months of 7th edition (life happens). Starting in 4th I had built up about 4500 points of Blood Angels and about 6000 points of orks. Having looked at all of the new style marine models, I am thinking of starting a different chapter army as a gateway into “modern 40k” (at least for a while, I am sure I won’t be able to stay away from the little red dudes forever). I have considered doing Crimson Fists and running them as generic marines rules wise. However, the lore/modeling/painting side has always been more of my home than competitive play and I have to say that the Dark Angels have had many of my favorite models/lore in the game from the beginning (my taped together copy of Angels of Darkness is staring at me as I am typing). I love the variety in look and feel of the Green Marines vs Deathwing, Ravenwing, Horus Heresy black armor. 
 

As stated, I don’t focus on competitive play but also do not want to start out with a core of newer models that can’t beat a cold. What would be the first 1000 points some of you would go with if coming into Dark Angel collecting from scratch? Deathwing terminators? Gunlines full of plasma? Ravenwing (from what I have been reading on the forum, probably not)?

 

I hope this is not too much of a rambling post. I appreciate any suggestions. The game has changed enough that I am treating coming back more as an opportunity to start new rather than returning to old haunts.

Thanks,

Tycho’s Ghost

 

[clumsy_explorer]

Welcome back! Dark Angels are excellent choice no matter the odds :) 

After the July update, Ravenwing is no longer an automatic “probably not”: Sammael and Ravenwing Command Squad became cheaper, while the Lion dropped to 265 points, six Inner Circle Companions became more affordable and a second Deathwing Knights unit no longer pays a points premium. Even so, I would start with a mixed force rather than committing entirely to one wing. Take in account this is just a non competitive personal taste. Others maybe would bend towards Ravenwing Company of Hunters Detachment. 

For the first 1,000 points, I would look def at 5 Deathwing Knights, 6 Inner Circle Companions with a character (Azrael, psyker, champlain or Asmodai), 5–10 Hellblasters, one cheap backfield unit and one fast scoring unit, then add either some anti-tank firepower or a small Ravenwing element. That gives you durability, plasma, melee threat and enough infantry bodies to cope with 40k missions and score VPs.

I would save the Lion for 1,500–2,000 points. He is much more tempting now, but at 1,000 points he still replaces several units that could hold objectives and perform missions. Build the varied Dark Angels army you have always liked first, then add the Primarch as the centrepiece later.

 

Forget your past life, becoming a Dark Angel is what only matters. 

[Inquisitor_Lensoven]

Hellblasters, terminators, the DA terminators. New land speeder, storm speeders, outriders?

fluffy DA stuff that should be able hold its own against most stuff that’s not a tournament cheese list

[Tychos_Ghost]

15 hours ago, clumsy_explorer said:

Welcome back! Dark Angels are excellent choice no matter the odds :) 

After the July update, Ravenwing is no longer an automatic “probably not”: Sammael and Ravenwing Command Squad became cheaper, while the Lion dropped to 265 points, six Inner Circle Companions became more affordable and a second Deathwing Knights unit no longer pays a points premium. Even so, I would start with a mixed force rather than committing entirely to one wing. Take in account this is just a non competitive personal taste. Others maybe would bend towards Ravenwing Company of Hunters Detachment. 

For the first 1,000 points, I would look def at 5 Deathwing Knights, 6 Inner Circle Companions with a character (Azrael, psyker, champlain or Asmodai), 5–10 Hellblasters, one cheap backfield unit and one fast scoring unit, then add either some anti-tank firepower or a small Ravenwing element. That gives you durability, plasma, melee threat and enough infantry bodies to cope with 40k missions and score VPs.

I would save the Lion for 1,500–2,000 points. He is much more tempting now, but at 1,000 points he still replaces several units that could hold objectives and perform missions. Build the varied Dark Angels army you have always liked first, then add the Primarch as the centrepiece later.

 

Forget your past life, becoming a Dark Angel is what only matters. 

Thanks - that is a big help. I used to rely on lascannon or melta devastator squads for anti - tank. What is the current equivalent that plays the best?

[Tychos_Ghost]

13 hours ago, Inquisitor_Lensoven said:

Hellblasters, terminators, the DA terminators. New land speeder, storm speeders, outriders?

fluffy DA stuff that should be able hold its own against most stuff that’s not a tournament cheese list

I am a sucker for terminator squads. I have to say, I really like the newer models. I love to finally see marine models scale feel correct. 

[clumsy_explorer]

8 minutes ago, Tychos_Ghost said:

Thanks - that is a big help. I used to rely on lascannon or melta devastator squads for anti - tank. What is the current equivalent that plays the best?

The closest modern equivalent would be Eradicators for the old melta Devastator role, but the Gladiator Lancer is probably the best straightforward anti-tank choice at the moment. It has excellent range and is much more reliable than a small infantry heavy-weapon squad.

A Ballistus Dreadnought is another solid option if you prefer the look and durability of a Dreadnought.

Cheers