Hey there, fellow Warhammer 40,000 enthusiasts! Are you ready to dive headfirst into the grim darkness of the far future and command the might of the Adeptus Astartes? Well, buckle up, because we're about to explore the New Space Marine Combat Patrol, a fantastic entry point for both fresh recruits and seasoned veterans. This article is your comprehensive guide to understanding the Combat Patrol, its contents, how to use it, and how to get the most out of it on the tabletop. So, grab your bolters, sharpen your chainswords, and let's get started!

What is the Space Marine Combat Patrol, Anyway?

Alright, guys, let's break down the basics. The Space Marine Combat Patrol is a pre-packaged box set designed to provide you with a playable army straight out of the box. Think of it as a starter kit, but with a serious punch. It's perfect for those just getting into Warhammer 40,000, as it offers a solid core of units to build upon. However, it's also a great way for experienced players to bolster their existing Space Marine forces or add some new units to their collection. This means it is the perfect introduction for beginners as well as veterans. The Combat Patrol boxes are designed to provide a balanced force, suitable for playing Combat Patrol games, a smaller, faster-paced format of Warhammer 40,000. These games usually involve a smaller points limit and a more streamlined set of rules, making them ideal for learning the game or enjoying a quick battle. This format makes it easier to learn the rules and get your games in quickly without too much of a time commitment.

The beauty of the Space Marine Combat Patrol lies in its value and convenience. Instead of buying individual units, you get a collection of models at a reduced price. Plus, it gives you a direction for how to build your army. The contents of the box are carefully selected to work well together on the battlefield, providing a balanced mix of troops, support units, and sometimes even a powerful character. Think of the Combat Patrol as your foundational force; it's the bedrock upon which you'll build your glorious Space Marine army. This can be used to experiment with different unit compositions and tactical approaches to learn more about the units before deciding to add more to your collection. This is a great way to learn to play the game and experiment with the units.

Furthermore, the Combat Patrol boxes often include exclusive content, such as a datasheet for a specific unit or even some introductory rules for the army, so you can start playing as soon as you have finished building the models. This offers players an easy and quick way to get started with the hobby. These datasheets give you all the information you need to play the units, including their stats, weapons, abilities, and points costs, making it simple to start playing and learn more about your army. You also get a chance to learn the basics of playing Warhammer 40,000. The boxes are designed to be a cost-effective way to get started with the hobby, and the contents are often chosen to give players a good representation of their army, giving them plenty of options on how to build and expand.

Unboxing the Goodies: What's Inside the New Combat Patrol?

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and see what treasures await within the New Space Marine Combat Patrol box. The specific contents can change over time, as Games Workshop occasionally updates the Combat Patrol boxes to reflect changes in the game or to include new units. However, we can generally assume that the box will include a selection of iconic Space Marine units. Usually, you can expect to find:

• A Primaris Lieutenant: This is your HQ (Headquarters) choice. The Lieutenant is a versatile character who can buff nearby units, providing them with re-rolls to hit or wound. They are the tactical leaders of the chapter, and the perfect model to lead your army. He will also be able to help to build a solid foundation for your army as you expand your collection.
• Intercessors: These are your bread-and-butter troops. Intercessors are the backbone of any Space Marine army. They are a tough, reliable infantry unit equipped with bolt rifles. They excel at holding objectives, providing fire support, and generally being a solid all-around unit. Usually, there are five Intercessors in the box, which is a great start to expand your force. They're a great choice to start with. They are an excellent choice for a starting army because of their all-around use and their effectiveness at the beginning of the game.
• Heavy Intercessors: Providing a heavier punch, these are the upgraded version of Intercessors and they are equipped with even more powerful bolter variants. They are great at taking down tougher targets. They have better armor and are designed to hold the line, making them a fantastic addition to the army. They are designed to be the backbone of your defensive units, allowing you to take on any target. This unit gives you the firepower and durability needed to survive the game and claim victory.
• Outriders: Fast-moving motorcycle units that can swiftly cross the battlefield, hit and run tactics are their specialty. They are equipped with heavy bolters and can be a threat to the enemy. With their speed, they can quickly go wherever they are needed. They are a good way to give the enemy a hard time.

Please note: The specific unit composition can vary depending on the version of the Combat Patrol you purchase. Always check the product description or the box itself to confirm the exact contents.

Remember, the goal is to build a well-rounded and effective army. These units, when used together, can give you a lot of options when it comes to the gameplay and how you want to approach your battles.

Building and Painting Your Space Marine Force

Now for the fun part: assembling and painting your Space Marines! Building the models can be a great way to start. The Combat Patrol box will come with the sprues, which are frames that hold the plastic components. You'll need some basic tools, like clippers, a hobby knife, and plastic glue. Carefully clip the parts from the sprues, remove any mold lines with your hobby knife, and then glue the pieces together according to the instructions.

• Building Your Models: Be careful and try to avoid any mistakes; otherwise, they may be difficult to fix once they are assembled. Take your time, and enjoy the process. Many hobbyists find this to be a relaxing and enjoyable part of the hobby. The instructions are usually clear and easy to follow. You can also find plenty of tutorials and guides online if you get stuck. You'll soon see your army take shape.
• Painting Your Miniatures: Painting your Space Marines is where your personality really shines through. You can choose to paint them in the colors of a specific Chapter, like the Ultramarines, Blood Angels, or Space Wolves, or create your own custom Chapter! You'll need paints, brushes, a palette, and maybe some primer. Priming your models first is important because it gives the paint something to stick to. You can use spray primer or apply it with a brush. There are plenty of paint sets and tutorials available to help you get started. Take your time, experiment with different techniques, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Remember, every model is a learning experience!

Painting the miniatures can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. You can create a battle-worn look, or you can create a clean look. There are many different painting guides and tutorials available online. Many experienced painters post tutorials to show the basics, or more advanced techniques, like highlighting, shading, and weathering. It is a good idea to watch a few tutorials before you start painting so you know what you are doing. Remember that you do not need to follow these tutorials, and you can change your painting style if you do not like the result.

Getting Started on the Tabletop: Gameplay and Tactics

Once your models are built and painted, it's time to take them to the battlefield! The Space Marine Combat Patrol box is designed to be played in the Combat Patrol game format. Combat Patrol is a streamlined version of Warhammer 40,000 designed for smaller games and quicker play. To play a game of Combat Patrol, you will need:

• The Combat Patrol Rules: This will be available in the Codex or as a free download. These rules provide specific guidelines for playing Combat Patrol games, including mission objectives, army construction rules, and battlefield size. If you do not want to use the Combat Patrol rules, you can use the basic rules of Warhammer 40,000. You can also play open-play games to test your units.
• Dice: You'll need six-sided dice (D6) for rolling to hit, wound, saving, and other game actions.
• A Ruler or Measuring Tape: To measure distances for movement, shooting, and melee combat.
• A Battlefield: A suitable surface, such as a table, and some terrain to add cover and obstacles. You can use anything from household items to dedicated terrain sets.
• A Codex: Space Marines have several different chapters to choose from. Each of them has its own Codex, which will give you all the information you need, including datasheets, rules, and strategies. You will be able to play with the army of your choice, which makes for a more immersive experience.

Combat Patrol Game Rules

The Combat Patrol format has specific rules that make the game quicker and easier to learn. Here are some key differences from standard Warhammer 40,000:

• Points Limits: Combat Patrol games usually have a smaller points limit, typically around 500 points, which allows for smaller armies and faster games. This will give you the chance to try many different unit combinations and learn how to use your army. This will let you get to know the units. Combat Patrol also provides a balanced game, because everyone has to work within the confines of their models.
• Deployment: Deployment zones are often smaller, and the game begins with fewer units on the table, leading to faster engagements.
• Simplified Rules: The rules may be simplified in some aspects to streamline gameplay and reduce the complexity of the game. For example, some abilities might be removed or altered for balance.

Tactical Tips for Using Your Combat Patrol

• Know Your Units: Understand the strengths and weaknesses of each unit in your Combat Patrol. Intercessors are good at holding objectives, while the Outriders can move quickly and engage the enemy. Use the Heavy Intercessors to make your army tougher. The Lieutenant is a force multiplier, so make sure he's positioned to buff the key units.
• Objective Control: Space Marine Combat Patrols are often designed to be good at holding objectives. Focus on capturing and controlling the objectives on the battlefield. This is a very important part of the game.
• Combined Arms: Coordinate your units. Use the Outriders to harass the enemy while your Intercessors and Heavy Intercessors hold objectives. Support your units to maximize your firepower and effectiveness.
• Terrain: Use terrain to your advantage. Provide cover for your units to protect them from enemy fire. Use terrain to block line of sight and control choke points.
• Adapt and Overcome: Every battle is different. Don't be afraid to change your tactics depending on the situation. Learn from your mistakes and adjust your strategy.

Expanding Your Space Marine Army

Once you have mastered the Space Marine Combat Patrol, you might be thinking about expanding your force. The good news is that there are many ways to do this! You can add more units, upgrade your existing ones, or even start a new army. Here are some suggestions:

• More Units: Add more units to your army, such as tactical squads, devastator squads, or assault squads. You can also add more characters, like a Captain or a Librarian. This will allow you to customize your army to match your play style.
• Vehicles: Vehicles are a great way to add more firepower and mobility to your army. You can add tanks, like the Predator or the Repulsor, or other vehicles like the Stormraven Gunship.
• Elites: Some of the elite units, such as the Terminators, will provide you with extra power and combat capability, to crush any opponent.
• Special Weapons: Give your Intercessors or Heavy Intercessors special weapons, such as a plasma gun or a heavy bolter, to make them more effective on the battlefield. Each unit has its strengths and weaknesses.
• Characters: Add characters, such as a Captain or a Librarian, to lead your troops and give them special abilities. Characters can also provide benefits to your entire army, such as re-rolls or special abilities.

Strategic Expansion Tips

• Consider Your Chapter: If you have chosen to play a specific chapter, buy models that suit your chapter's tactics. For example, if you play Blood Angels, you might want to add more close-combat units.
• Build an Army List: Before you start buying new models, consider building an army list. This will help you to decide what units you need and what kind of tactics you want to use. This way, you won't buy too many of one kind of unit, and your army will have a more balanced build. You'll be able to create an army that has the units you want and have a blast playing with them.
• Buy Secondhand: Buying secondhand models is a great way to save money. You can find them at many different places, such as eBay or at your local game store. This will allow you to expand your army without breaking the bank. There are many deals online that will give you the advantage in the game, so you can win battles more easily.
• Join a Community: Join a local Warhammer 40,000 community to get advice, find opponents, and learn new tactics. This will allow you to get the most out of the game.

Conclusion: Forge Your Legend!

There you have it, guys! The New Space Marine Combat Patrol is a fantastic way to begin your journey into the world of Warhammer 40,000. It's a great value, provides a solid core of units, and offers hours of fun on the tabletop. Whether you are a beginner or a veteran, the Combat Patrol is a great addition to your collection. So, gather your forces, prepare for battle, and forge your legend in the grim darkness of the far future. Good luck, and may the Emperor protect you!