Highlights

  • The Void Tridents are a formidable chapter of Space Marines, excelling in naval combat and expertly boarding enemy vessels. Their strength has been proven in victorious battles against Chaos and Ork forces.
  • The Legion of the Damned is a mysterious and powerful chapter that appears on the battlefield when all hope seems lost. Clad in black armor with spectral flames, they bring destruction to the enemies of the Imperium before disappearing without a trace.
  • The Sons of the Phoenix are a zealous chapter, constantly engaged in a crusade to purge traitors and heretics. Despite their relatively young age, they have already shown unwavering faith and formidable combat skills, making a name for themselves on the battlefield.

If there's one thing Warhammer 40,000 has never been short on, it's fearsome Space Marine chapters. Elite-level, transhumanist super warriors in service to the Emperor and charged with protecting the Imperium of Man, the Space Marines are no strangers to dealing with the forces of Chaos.

Related
Warhammer: 6 Video Games With The Best Stories, Ranked
Games in the Warhammer franchise have given players a lot of interesting narratives for players to experience.

The Emperor's finest weapon in the defense of humanity throughout the spaceways, the inhumanly strong and scarily skilled Space Marines are simply a cut above everyone else when it comes to warfare. While the near-endless number of chapters offer a diverse array of particular skills, traits, and ideals, none of them are any less than deadly in carrying out their crusades. Not only must the space marines save humanity from extra-terrestrial threats, it often falls to them to essentially save humanity from itself, stepping in to deal with the follies of mankind that genetic experimentation has separated them from. Of the many menacing chapters out there, a select few stand out as what are likely the best Space Marine chapters in Warhammer 40,000.

Updated October 14, 2023 by Jacob Kay: If the grim darkness of the far future did not already look bleak, then Warhammer 40,000 has made sure of it with recent events in its lore. With the fall of the Imperial Fortress world Cadia and the Great Rift (or Cicatrix Maledictum to those fluent in High Gothic) tearing a fissure straight down the center of the Milky Way, the Imperium of Man is beset on all sides by the forces of Chaos and a plethora of Xenos races. However, with great tragedy has also come hope in the form of a new Ultima founding of the Emperor's greatest warriors: the Adeptus Astartes, better known as the Space Marines. In a burning galaxy, both veteran and brand-new chapters vie for position as some of the strongest and best Space Marine chapters the Imperium of Man has to offer.

10 The Void Tridents Are Masters Of Naval Combat

A Void Tridents Space Marine miniature, holding a bolter

Being a successor chapter to the ever-popular and iconic Ultramarines, the Void Tridents have quite the legacy to live up to and, if their actions to date are anything to go by, they are indeed doing so. Created at the Ultima Founding of 999.M41 and made up entirely of Primaris Space Marines, any renegade or Xenos faction would do well to avoid engaging with the sailors of the void.

Recruited from the Ocean world of Talassar, a culture of naval warfare runs deep through the veins of every Void Trident Space Marine. In context to the chapter's combat doctrine, this translates to the Void Tridents being experts in void-ship to void-ship combat as well as the boarding of space-faring vessels and stations. Although extremely dangerous to face in space warfare, the chapter has also proven its worth in other battlefield situations, specifically in the siege of enemy planets where their relentless invasion by drop pod is nigh on impossible to weather.

While the Void Tridents have yet to fully flex their potential, they have already won great victories during the Indomitus Crusade against both the forces of Chaos and the Orks under the leadership of Chapter Master Theodro Vethrus. Out of all the fresh chapters of the Ultima founding, the Void Tridents are rapidly proving their strength.

9 The Legion Of The Damned Only Appear When All Else Is Lost

Three Legionaries materialize onto the battlefield, wreathed in flame and clad in black armor

Clad in deathly black power armor and wreathed in spectral flame, the Legion of the Damned is a mystery that still perplexes and excites Warhammer 40K fans to this day. Only appearing on the battlefield to aid Imperial forces on the very edge of being overrun, blade and bullet pass through the Legion's warriors without a hint of damage while their own crushing swords and fiery ammunition reign down the Emperor's vengeance on foes.

It is prudent to note that the Legion of the Damned brutalize the enemies of the Imperium in complete silence and no single instance has ever been captured for further study as, after they have decimated the threat, the Legion of the Damned disappear without a trace. A popular theory is that the Legion are the remnants of the Fire Hawks Chapter, lost to the Warp and returned in a state between life and death, afflicted with a Warp-born disease. Still, these are just theories and, regardless of the origin of these ethereal Space Marines, there is no doubt that the Legion of the Damned possess a strength reserved for the unnatural.

Whether the Warp-tainted remnants of a long-lost Space Marine chapter or a tangible manifestation of Emperor's will, the Legion of the Damned are a force of Astartes hell-bent on destroying the enemies of Mankind. Indeed, with the amount of tides turned due to the Legion's unexpected arrival, perhaps it matters little to the Imperium as to their true origin.

8 The Sons Of The Phoenix Are Zealous By Birthright

A Sons of the Phoenix Space Marine miniature holding a bolter with a motion blur effect on him

Like a much older successor chapter of the Imperial Fists, the Sons of the Phoenix take their devotion to the Emperor and dial it up to fanatical levels. Being an Ultima founding chapter, very little is known currently about the Sons of the Phoenix past some very basic information. However, one aspect is clear: the chapter will fight tooth and nail to protect the Imperium.

7:08
Related
18 Great Games with Long Co-Op Campaigns
Whether you're playing side-by-side or over long distances, these long-term co-op campaigns are great for bonding with friends, partners, and family.

Zealous to the core, the Sons of the Phoenix are constantly engaged in a crusade, trawling the Milky Way for traitors and heretics to purge, usually through the Imperium-approved method of bolter and chainsword. So impressive and spectacular are these crusades that many individuals of faith follow along in the wake of the Sons of the Phoenix, bathing in the purifying zeal of the chapter. Despite being a relatively young chapter, the Sons of the Phoenix have already tested their unwavering faith on the battlefield, making a name for themselves by bringing a hail of gunfire down on foes and diving headlong into the burning aftermath, unworried by the potential harm that could come to them.

What is more impressive is that the chapter is not even currently at full strength. When the Great Rift split the galaxy in two, the Sons of the Phoenix's fleet was scattered, forcing the separated groups to focus on finding one another again. Considering their strength when fractured, one can only guess as to the zealous power they will possess come the reunification of the Sons of the Phoenix.

7 The Salamanders Are Surprisingly Altruistic But No Less Powerful

Three Salamanders Space Marines stand in a swirling inferno of their own making

With a Primarch that slays the gigantic reptilian beasts called Fire Drakes for sport and crafts the most fearsome of weapons and armor, it is no wonder that the Salamanders Space Marine chapter carries an intimidating and respected reputation. Recruited under the shadow of unstable volcano Mt. Deathfire on the Death world Nocturne, the Salamanders use both flamer and melta to their advantage in brutal close-quarter combat against the Imperium's enemies.

One of the nine loyal Legions of the First Founding, these valiant Space Marines have been fighting in the name of the Emperor since the Horus Heresy with honor and dedication. Generally playing fast and loose with the battle doctrines of the Codex Astartes, the Salamanders are unique due to their avoidance of civilian casualties during engagements, believing that the protection of the Emperor's subjects is paramount to their duty. This unusual connection to the citizenry of the Imperium is partly due to the Salamanders' own connection to the people of their Chapter homeworld Nocturne.

Despite this strange altruism, the Salamanders are still a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield, burning and melting through their foes with extreme prejudice. Also, when the chapter passes the test left for them by their Primarch Vulkan in finding a set of ancient artifacts, then he shall return to lead them. When he does, enemies of Mankind best beware.

6 The Space Wolves Serve As Cosmic Vikings In Many Appearances

Numerous Space Wolves prepare for battle in a sanctum with stone wolves behind them

Basically serving as Vikings in space, the Space Wolves have proven to be a polarizing bunch with Warhammer 40K fans over the years. One of the First Founding chapters, the group was founded and originally led by Leman Russ, a magic-hating Primarch aptly nicknamed 'The Wolf King'.

Russ' disdain for the supernatural flows through the chapter to this day, ensuring they remain a more old-fashioned, often barbaric unit in combat with complicated lore to draw from. Rocked by the controversial Codex Astartes, the Space Wolves were at one point divided into two units but have since come together as one bloodthirsty chapter once more. Almost everything to do with these marines is wolf-themed, a recurring trend that has divided fans for years whether it's interesting or needlessly excessive.

When it comes to power, it's difficult to debate the sheer force and ferocity the Space Wolves bring to the table. All over the galaxy, the chapter has caused chaos with their devastating combat methods and fierce, kamikaze-like dedication to the Emperor.

5 The Black Templars Are A Fanatical, Dangerous Bunch

A Black Templar raises his sword in the air with a breaking sun behind him

Spun off from the gene-seed of the dreaded Imperial Fists, the Black Templars are on a perpetual crusade in honor of the Emperor and the Imperium of Man. Founded shortly after the Horus Heresy, the Templars patrol the stars in a massive space vessel, working as a nomadic chapter with no official base like most.

There are a variety of curiosities surrounding the Black Templars, including their unconventional worship of the Master of Mankind as a deity, their unending first crusade, and their martyr-like dedication to serving the Emperor. The Templars are also fiercely gutsy in their refusal to follow the Codex Astartes. Instead, the chapter sticks exclusively to the rules and teachings of High Master Sigismund.

The Imperial Fists' first captain, Sigismund was a legend before he even got to the Horus Heresy, the Terra-born warrior is widely considered a strong candidate for the deadliest combatant in the history of the Imperium of Man. The fact that the Black Templars follow his ideals and strategies to the letter says it all in regard to their fierce nature and power.

4 The Blood Angels Are A Deadly Chapter With A Dark Past

A Blood Angels Assault Marine fires his plasma pistol

The 9th Legion of the Imperium is widely regarded as the most loyal and committed group of warriors in service to the Emperor, frequently going above and beyond in battle where they display great savagery. Despite their glowing combative reputation, the group is often looked at in a negative light due to their troublesome gene-seed.

Related
10 Great Fantasy Shooters
Great fantasy shooters are more common than it looks, from the classic Heretic to the Borderland spinoff Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands.

Originally led by the mighty and noble Primarch Sanguinius, the group remains haunted by his death all these years later. Killed in the closing stages of the Horus Heresy catastrophe, Sanguinius' death continues to invade the dreams of the Blood Angels, becoming more and more severe as the Space Marine in question gets older. It's a grim situation that leaves the bloodthirsty chapter perpetually in dark remembrance of their fallen leader.

If a Blood Angel manages to sidestep dying in battle, a much darker fate awaits that will see him gradually descend into insanity as the fallen Primarch's demise torments his every moment. Beyond the bleak backstory and disturbing situation each marine must endure, the Blood Angels are a powerful presence in the Imperium who are arguably unmatched in fighting skills and brutality.

3 The Dark Angels Are More Connected To Chaos Than They'd Like To Admit

A Dark Angels Marine bears his sword that crackles with energy

Considering their ancient technology, their dreaded Terminator armor, and their Grandmaster being one of the deadliest warriors to have ever been, it's hardly surprising the Dark Angels are a fearsome bunch. A powerful group of loyalists, the unit has frequently been dogged by an unfortunate secret in their past.

Despite a glowing reputation as brave defenders of the Imperium, there was a time when the Dark Angels almost crossed the line into complete heresy. During the Horus Heresy, several members of the group did the unthinkable by moving over to the side of Chaos. Many years later, the group continues to live in shame of the occurrence, still striving for complete redemption from a grim moment they've frequently tried to keep secret.

The members who defected, now most commonly known as The Fallen, are a thorn in the group's side, with many missions being carried out to locate and neutralize all of them in order to appease the Emperor. Despite the grim history, the Dark Angels' deadly combat and the fearsome presence of Company Master Belial make them one of the Imperium's finest.

2 The Imperial Fists Are Masters Of Defensive Warfare

An Imperial Fists Marine fires a bolt pistol while wielding a chainsword as his fellow battle-brothers fight behind him

Formed by none other than the Emperor as a First Founding chapter, the Imperial Fists have more than lived up to their name, often serving as key praetorians. With no official home base, the nomadic Fists originally accompanied the Emperor frequently in his travels.

Related
Games to Get You Into Warhammer 40K
With the tabletop being over 30 years old, Warhammer 40K is not the easiest franchise to dive into, but a few games can ease players in.

In more modern times, the Fists have noticeably avoided accepting the Codex Astartes, a key code of honor widely adopted by many Space Marine chapters in the wake of The Second Founding. The result was a compelling piece of Warhammer 40K history that nearly caused a civil war to break out among the numerous Space Marine chapters until the Fists finally backed down.

An intense bunch, the Imperial Fists stand strong in the present day of the franchise as the mighty protectors of Terra. The top dogs of battlefield defense and keeping sieges at bay, their ferocity, tactical genius, and all-around combat skills make them some of the deadliest marines out there.

1 The Ultramarines Serve As Both The Original And The Best

Three Ultramarines stand ready to battle, two with bolters and one with a bolt pistol and chainsword

Historically, the Ultramarines are an essential presence in the Imperium of Man due to essentially saving the day during the dreaded Horus Heresy. Unsurprisingly, the group's illustrious history has ensured its status as arguably the most important and well-honored chapter in Space Marine history.

A First Founding chapter, the Ultramarines are renowned for having avoided swaying from the key rules formed by Primarch Roboute Guilliman a whopping 10,000 years before the events depicted in the long-running franchise. Loosely inspired by the Roman Empire in regard to their titles and culture, the Ultramarines are completely in charge of Ultramar, an area of space nestled in the Eastern Fringe.

Accepted by many as the original, and still ultimate, space marine chapter, the Ultramarines have countless successor chapters, almost none of whom have even given them a run for their money when it comes to power and dominance.

MORE: Most Iconic Space Marines In Gaming, Ranked