Updated
Updated · BoLS · Aug 24
Space Marines Codex Moves 16 Units to Legends as Core Troops Gain Toughness 5
Updated
Updated · BoLS · Aug 24

Space Marines Codex Moves 16 Units to Legends as Core Troops Gain Toughness 5

2 articles · Updated · BoLS · Aug 24

Summary

  • 16 Space Marine units are shifting to Legendary status in the new Warhammer 40k codex, while Tactical and Devastator squads are being retained as “Legendary Proxies” that count as newer units.
  • Toughness 5 Intercessors headline the rules overhaul, with Strength 5 melee weapons, bolt rifles gaining a Strength 6 Focused Fire mode, and Terminators teased at Toughness 6.
  • 8-inch movement for Phobos troops shows the broader redesign: Games Workshop is recasting Space Marines as fewer, tougher elite models, with points increases expected but not yet detailed.
  • Blood Angels, Space Wolves and Heretic Astartes will receive matching baseline stat and weapon boosts, helping keep divergent and Chaos marine armies aligned until later codex releases.
  • New kits include a multipart Intercessor set and separate releases for Marines from the Armageddon box, while several older tanks, aircraft and Centurion variants leave the main sale line.

Insights

If Space Marines are now tougher to match their superhuman lore, how will Warhammer 40K balance even stronger factions like Custodes?
Will the massive toughness buffs and point increases make Space Marines unstoppable, or leave them too outnumbered to win tabletop objectives?
With classic units retiring to Legends, is this lore-friendly update just a strategy to force veteran players to buy newer models?