Can I Use Imperial Guard with Space Marines? A Deep Dive into Warhammer 40,000 Allied Armies
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The short answer? Yes, you can use Imperial Guard (now officially known as the Astra Militarum) with Space Marines in Warhammer 40,000, but the specifics of how you do it have evolved over various editions of the game. The current rules, as defined in the most recent Warhammer 40,000 edition and its accompanying codices, permit this through the use of allied detachments. Understanding the nuances of these detachments is crucial to crafting a successful and lore-friendly combined arms army. This guide will break down the rules and explore the best strategies for fielding these iconic forces together.
Understanding Detachments and Faction Keywords
The core mechanic allowing for mixed-faction armies is the detachment. A detachment is a pre-defined organizational structure with specific requirements regarding the types and numbers of units you must include. Different detachments grant different benefits, such as Command Points, which are crucial resources for using Stratagems during a game.
Key to understanding detachments is the concept of Faction Keywords. Every unit in Warhammer 40,000 has a series of keywords that define its allegiances and characteristics. The most important of these for our purposes is the Imperium keyword. Both Space Marines and Astra Militarum share this keyword. This is the vital link that allows them to fight alongside each other.
However, a legal detachment requires more specific shared keywords beyond just “Imperium.” A detachment needs to be comprised of units sharing a more restrictive faction keyword, like “Adeptus Astartes” (for Space Marines) or “Astra Militarum” (for the Guard). You can’t mix Space Marine units directly within an Astra Militarum detachment, or vice-versa. This is where using multiple detachments comes into play.
Building Your Combined Arms Army
To field both Space Marines and Astra Militarum, you’ll need to build your army using at least two separate detachments: one for Space Marines and one for the Astra Militarum. A common approach is to have a Space Marine Battalion Detachment, which provides Command Points and focuses on delivering the Emperor’s wrath in close combat, supported by an Astra Militarum Battalion or Spearhead Detachment to provide ranged firepower and area denial.
When choosing detachments, consider their Command Point cost (or benefit) and the types of units you want to include. The Battalion Detachment requires at least three HQ choices and three Troops choices, making it a good option if you want a balanced force. A Vanguard Detachment is centered on Elites, a Spearhead Detachment emphasizes Heavy Support units, and so on.
Remember that your army must be Battle-forged to gain access to Stratagems, which means all units in your army must share at least one Faction keyword, in our case, Imperium. As long as all your detachments are battle-forged and include units with the Imperium keyword, you’re good to go.
Synergy and Strategy
Combining Space Marines and Astra Militarum offers several strategic advantages. Space Marines excel at close-quarters combat and rapid strikes, while the Astra Militarum brings overwhelming firepower and the ability to hold ground. This creates a powerful synergy, allowing you to exploit the strengths of both factions while mitigating their weaknesses.
-
Screening: Astra Militarum infantry squads can screen Space Marine units, protecting them from enemy fire and allowing them to reach melee combat unscathed. Conscripts, while not the most elite troops, are excellent at soaking up damage and tying up enemies.
-
Fire Support: The Astra Militarum’s heavy weapons teams and artillery platforms provide devastating fire support, suppressing enemy units and softening them up for a Space Marine assault. Leman Russ tanks and Basilisk artillery pieces can obliterate enemy armor and fortifications.
-
Objective Control: While Space Marines are excellent at taking objectives, the Astra Militarum can hold them with sheer numbers. Infantry squads can be dug in, supported by heavy weapons and fortifications, making them difficult to dislodge.
-
Psychic Support: Depending on the Space Marine Chapter, you might lack significant psychic support. The Astra Militarum can bring psykers such as Primaris Psykers, although they are not especially potent compared to dedicated psykers from other factions, can still provide crucial psychic abilities.
-
Character Buffs: Certain Astra Militarum characters can provide buffs to nearby Space Marine units that boost combat abilities and resilience. Look for opportunities to maximize the effectiveness of key Space Marine units by leveraging Astra Militarum support characters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding the use of Imperial Guard (Astra Militarum) with Space Marines in Warhammer 40,000:
1. Can I mix Space Marine and Astra Militarum units within the same detachment?
No, you cannot. Detachments require units to share a faction keyword more specific than “Imperium,” such as “Adeptus Astartes” or “Astra Militarum.” You need separate detachments for each faction.
2. What is the best detachment to use for my Astra Militarum support in a Space Marine army?
The Battalion Detachment is generally a good choice, as it provides Command Points and allows you to include a variety of units. The Spearhead Detachment can be useful if you want to focus on heavy weapons and artillery.
3. How many Command Points do I need to start with to make this work effectively?
A minimum of 6-9 Command Points is usually sufficient. The Space Marine Battalion detachment will give you +3 CP, while the Astra Militarum battalion Detachment will provide +3 CP. You can often generate Command Points via special rules, like those belonging to certain Space Marine Chapters.
4. Are there any specific Space Marine Chapters that synergize particularly well with the Astra Militarum?
Chapters with strong shooting elements like Imperial Fists can benefit from the Astra Militarum’s fire support, creating a devastating ranged force. Chapters with strong melee like Blood Angels or Space Wolves also benefit from the Astra Militarum’s ability to screen and bog down enemy units to allow for more effective charges.
5. Can I use transports from one faction to carry units from the other?
No, this is generally not allowed. Transports have faction keywords and can only carry units with matching keywords. For example, a Space Marine Rhino cannot transport Astra Militarum infantry.
6. How do Stratagems work in a mixed-faction army?
You can use Stratagems from either codex, provided your army is Battle-forged and the Stratagem’s requirements are met. For example, you can use a Space Marine Stratagem on a Space Marine unit, and an Astra Militarum Stratagem on an Astra Militarum unit.
7. Is it legal to use an Imperial Knight in a mixed Space Marine and Astra Militarum army?
Yes, it is legal, provided that your Knight is in a separate Super-Heavy Auxiliary Detachment. This detachment only requires one model: an Imperial Knight. Furthermore, the knight must have the Imperium keyword.
8. Can I use Forge World units in my mixed army?
Yes, you can use Forge World units, provided they have the correct keywords (Imperium, Adeptus Astartes, Astra Militarum) and are included in legal detachments. Be sure to consult the latest Forge World rules documents.
9. What is the most cost-effective way to build an Astra Militarum screening force for my Space Marines?
Conscripts are the most cost-effective unit for screening, as they are cheap and numerous. Infantry squads are more durable but also more expensive.
10. How do I deal with morale in my Astra Militarum units when they are supporting Space Marines?
Astra Militarum units are often vulnerable to morale. Use Commissars and other morale-boosting units to keep them in the fight. Stratagems like “For the Emperor!” can also help.
11. Are there any specific Astra Militarum orders that are particularly useful when supporting Space Marines?
Orders like “First Rank, Fire! Second Rank, Fire!” and “Take Aim!” can boost the Astra Militarum’s firepower, complementing the Space Marines’ close-quarters combat abilities. “Move, Move, Move!” can be crucial for repositioning units to screen advances.
12. Can I use named characters from both factions in the same army?
Yes, you can use named characters from both Space Marines and Astra Militarum, provided that they are in separate detachments. Be mindful of any limitations on the number of named characters you can include.
13. What is the best way to handle psykers in a combined Space Marine and Astra Militarum army?
If your Space Marine Chapter lacks strong psychic support, consider including an Astra Militarum Primaris Psyker or two. While not as powerful as some other psykers, they can still provide crucial psychic abilities.
14. How do I counter enemy armies that are designed to exploit the weaknesses of a mixed-faction army?
Be aware of your vulnerabilities. Focus on synergy and use combined arms tactics to overcome your weaknesses. For example, use the Astra Militarum to screen your Space Marines from psychic attacks or to provide fire support against heavily armored targets.
15. Can I use different Chapters of Space Marines (e.g., Ultramarines and Blood Angels) with the Astra Militarum in the same army?
Yes, you can, but each Chapter needs to be in its own separate detachment to benefit from their Chapter Tactics and associated Stratagems. You’ll need to build a Space Marine detachment for Ultramarines, for example, and a different detachment for the Blood Angels. This method will result in a less cohesive strategy compared to having just one Chapter.
Conclusion
Combining Space Marines and Astra Militarum offers a powerful and versatile army for Warhammer 40,000. By understanding the rules for detachments, faction keywords, and strategic synergy, you can create a force that is both effective on the battlefield and true to the lore of the Imperium. Remember to experiment with different combinations of units and tactics to find what works best for your play style.
To further enhance your understanding of game mechanics and their educational applications, consider exploring resources from organizations like the Games Learning Society. You can find valuable insights and research on the intersection of games and learning at their website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.