Space Marine Weapon updates in 11th (?)

[L30n1d4s]

Based on what we have seen from the Ork rules releases/leaks, do you all think Space Marines weapons are going to get a "face-lift" in our next codex?

 

We already have seen Flamers get Blast, we know Kombi-weapons have both profiles again, and it looks like the Melta option on Flash Gitz is Dmg 2+D3 base, plus another 2 if they are in Melta range.

 

Additionally, Ork melee has been largely upgraded across the board (perhaps to make up for the new Waaaggghhh rule, which no longer gives +1A/S) and their Shootas all gained Lethal Hits against non-vehicles/monsters.

 

What do you all think... Will baseline Astartes weapons get similar improvements/glowups when the Codex comes out?

[Karhedron]

I feel that will need something to compete. Orks have had a significant upgrade, particularly in terms of lethality (although I haven't seen points costs yet).

 

We know that Vanguard Veterans have gone from slightly better Chainswords to full MCPWs so it will be interesting to see what other updates are in order. 

[jaxom]

I'm biased in my thinking, but I hope Strength 5 Toughness 5 Orks are part of a quiet baseline rehaul and not power creep. 

[Rhavien]

10 hours ago, Karhedron said:

I feel that will need something to compete. Orks have had a significant upgrade, particularly in terms of lethality (although I haven't seen points costs yet).

 

We know that Vanguard Veterans have gone from slightly better Chainswords to full MCPWs so it will be interesting to see what other updates are in order. 

 

Well, I think they went from highly versatile to glascannon. Don't get me wrong, I like them and have even finished painting the ones from Armageddon already. But if they stay as they are, they only wound orks on a 4+ exactly like their old heirloom weapons did. 

On the other side, I don't want the arms race to start again . Especially because many factions will have to wait ages till they receive a glow up.

Bolt rifles already carry two special rules plus one from the intercessors themself.

[L30n1d4s]

I am also hoping for at least the following, in line with what we have seen in 11th so far:

 

-Psychic powers (spread among different Librarian types):

 

*Might of Heroes - Unit gets +1S in melee

 

*Veil of Time - Unit can advance/charge

 

*Psychic Fortress - 5+++ FNP against MWs

 

*Null Zone - Enemy in engagement range has Invul reduced by -1

 

*Shrouding - 6" aura of cover

 

*Temporal Corridor - Uppy downy, like Orks

 

 

Edited August 21 by L30n1d4s

[Focslain]

13 hours ago, Karhedron said:

I feel that will need something to compete. Orks have had a significant upgrade, particularly in terms of lethality (although I haven't seen points costs yet).

Based on costs previewed in the two lists they released today, most units went up. Think the only one that didn't was gretchin. Waiting to see the new cost of the boyz personally.

[L30n1d4s]

Well, looks like even basic Bolt weapons are going to S5, so I can imagine that other "baseline" space marine weapons will also get upgraded

... I am guessing S5 AP-1 Flamers with 3A and Blast, Plasma that is S8 normally and S9 in overcharged mode, Krak Missiles that go up to S12 (Krak Grenades are now S10), Lascannons that are S14, Meltas with more baseline damage, Heavy Bolters that get more shots, etc.

[Tawnis]

There is another thing to consider too. They said that the old Tactical Squads will now be "Legendary Proxies" and can count as Intercessor Squads... however, the old Tacticals had a variety of special weapons they could equip. Is this hinting that in the new codex, Intercessor Squads will get some of the weapon customization options that the old Tacticals had? 

 

The pic on Warcom only said what they were showing was "some of the weapon profiles" 

 

 

[Tacitus]

On 8/24/2026 at 10:30 AM, Tawnis said:

There is another thing to consider too. They said that the old Tactical Squads will now be "Legendary Proxies" and can count as Intercessor Squads... however, the old Tacticals had a variety of special weapons they could equip. Is this hinting that in the new codex, Intercessor Squads will get some of the weapon customization options that the old Tacticals had? 

 

The pic on Warcom only said what they were showing was "some of the weapon profiles" 

 

 

That would require a new kit.  And they've had plenty of time to do that already. 

 

I wouldn't be surprised to see Flamers go up in S - and/or maybe A - given their anti-ork/small bug tie-ins and Orks getting more T.  They did show chainswords and (Close Combat Weapons) go up as well.

[Subtleknife]

Looks like they confirmed in the QnA that combi weapons for sternguard would work like orks. On top of that, it doesnt matter what you have equipped them with ie combi melta or plasma etc, you choose the anti tank, anti infantry profile when shooting for the whole squad when declaring shots. No mixing and matching.

[Indy Techwisp]

2 minutes ago, Subtleknife said:

Looks like they confirmed in the QnA that combi weapons for sternguard would work like orks. On top of that, it doesnt matter what you have equipped them with ie combi melta or plasma etc, you choose the anti tank, anti infantry profile when shooting for the whole squad when declaring shots. No mixing and matching.

 

An improvement over all combis being Anti-Infantry but still lacking some of that flavour.

[L30n1d4s]

I think Sternguard might become for Space Marines what Flash Gitz are like for Orks in their new Codex.... i.e. Flash Gitz can choose each time they shoot if they have a Melta-like profile, a Plasma-like profile, or a Heavy Bolter like profile. Additionally, Flash Gitz have an ability that helps their shooting (extra -1 AP to shooting when they or their target are on an Objective) and have the elite/Nob profile of 3W. I would not be surprised at all if Sternguard became 3W (like Bladeguard), have 3 different specialized shooting profiles to choose from, and get an ability that makes them better than normal Marines at shooting.

[Indy Techwisp]

44 minutes ago, L30n1d4s said:

I think Sternguard might become for Space Marines what Flash Gitz are like for Orks in their new Codex.... i.e. Flash Gitz can choose each time they shoot if they have a Melta-like profile, a Plasma-like profile, or a Heavy Bolter like profile. Additionally, Flash Gitz have an ability that helps their shooting (extra -1 AP to shooting when they or their target are on an Objective) and have the elite/Nob profile of 3W. I would not be surprised at all if Sternguard became 3W (like Bladeguard), have 3 different specialized shooting profiles to choose from, and get an ability that makes them better than normal Marines at shooting.

 

The 3rd wound for Bladeguard comes from their Shield, no?

 

Also, unlike Flashgits the Sternguard do also have the option of a "normal" weapon as well as 2 Heavy options and Sarge options.

 

I wouldn't be surprised to see them have multiple combi options as one entry, but I doubt they'd also have access to the Sternguard boltrifle profile on top of that if you don't have anyone with an actual boltrifle in the squad.

[L30n1d4s]

Pretty sure the shield gives them 4++, 3W comes from being Veterans (like ICC, Sanguinary Guard, WG Headtakers, Swore Brethren, etc.)