Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the awesome world of Warhammer 40k with the Space Marine Combat Patrol box. If you're just starting out or looking to bolster your existing Space Marine army, this set is an excellent choice. We'll break down exactly what you get, how to build it, and some killer strategies to dominate on the tabletop. So, let's get started!

What's Inside the Box?

Okay, so you've got your shiny new Combat Patrol box. Excitement intensifies! But what's actually inside? This box is cleverly designed to give you a balanced force right out of the gate. Primarily designed to be used in the Combat Patrol game mode. This game mode is designed to be a fast and easy way to get into the game with minimal rules overhead. Let's break it down piece by piece.

First up, you'll find the Primaris Lieutenant. This guy is your essential HQ choice, providing crucial buffs to your units. Think of him as the glue that holds your squad together, allowing re-rolls of 1's to wound. He’s your strategic linchpin and a force multiplier, making your other units hit harder and more reliably. A Lieutenant is an incredible force multiplier in smaller games and in larger games can be used to provide buffs to other parts of your army that are lacking in hit modifiers.

Next, we have a squad of five Primaris Intercessors. These are your bread-and-butter troops, equipped with rapid-firing bolt rifles. They’re versatile, durable, and can hold objectives like nobody's business. Intercessors are excellent at clearing out light infantry and can put a decent amount of hurt on tougher targets too. They are also incredibly durable and can take a beating before going down. The intercessors can also be equipped with a variety of different weapons, such as the assault bolter, stalker bolter and more. This allows you to tailor your squad to the mission you're attempting to accomplish. They’re your backbone. You’ll be relying on them to secure objectives and provide covering fire, so make sure you position them wisely. Their staying power will be essential in controlling key areas of the battlefield. They are the most versatile unit in the box and can be used in a variety of different ways.

Then comes the heavy hitters: three Primaris Inceptors. These jump pack-equipped marines can deep strike onto the battlefield, unleashing a hail of plasma exterminators or assault bolters. They’re perfect for taking out high-value targets or flanking the enemy. If you need something dead, Inceptors are your guys. They can quickly reposition and bring their firepower to bear where it’s needed most. Remember to use their mobility to your advantage, keeping them out of sight until the perfect moment to strike. These can be equipped with a variety of different weapons, but the most common is the plasma exterminators. The plasma exterminators can be overcharged to do even more damage, but be careful, as this can cause the Inceptors to take mortal wounds. This is best used when targeting a vehicle or monster. This is a big risk reward for the player to make when playing a game.

Lastly, but certainly not least, is the Redemptor Dreadnought. This walking tank brings some serious firepower to the table, with a variety of weapon options including a macro plasma incinerator, heavy onslaught gatling cannon, and more. It’s tough, it’s mean, and it’s ready to crush anything in its path. The Redemptor Dreadnought is your heavy support, capable of dealing with heavily armored targets and hordes of infantry alike. Position it carefully, and let it unleash its fury on the enemy. Be mindful of its movement, as it can be a bit slow, but once it’s in position, it’s a force to be reckoned with. The Redemptor Dreadnought is also incredibly durable and can take a beating before going down. This will be a major damage dealer to the enemy and you will need to protect it as much as possible. Be wary of melee armies as this unit is not the best in melee combat.

Building Your Combat Patrol

So, you've unboxed everything – now the fun part begins! Building your miniatures can seem daunting at first, but don't worry, we'll walk through it. Grab your plastic glue, clippers, and a hobby knife, and let's get started.

• Primaris Lieutenant: This is a relatively straightforward build. Follow the instructions carefully, and make sure you clean up any mold lines. Pay attention to the arm options – you can choose between a power sword or a power fist. I recommend the power sword for the extra attack.
• Primaris Intercessors: These guys are your rank-and-file troops. Assemble them according to the instructions, and again, clean up those mold lines. One Intercessor can be equipped with a chainsword, which is a solid choice for close combat. Make sure to differentiate this squad from others in your army through painting and markings.
• Primaris Inceptors: These are built similarly to the Intercessors, but with the addition of jump packs. Be careful when attaching the jump packs, as they can be a bit fiddly. Ensure they’re securely attached for those dramatic deep strikes.
• Redemptor Dreadnought: This is the most complex build in the box, but don’t be intimidated. Take your time, follow the instructions, and dry-fit the parts before gluing. The Redemptor has a lot of weapon options, so choose the ones that best suit your playstyle. Magnets can also be used to swap out the weapons later, which is a great option if you want to future-proof your model.

Pro Tip: Use a file or hobby knife to remove mold lines from the plastic components before assembling. This will give your models a cleaner, more professional look.

Painting Your Space Marines

Now that your models are assembled, it's time to bring them to life with paint! Choosing a color scheme is a personal decision, but here are a few popular options:

• Ultramarines: The classic blue Space Marines. They’re easy to paint and always look great.
• Blood Angels: Red Space Marines with a focus on close combat. They have a unique aesthetic and lore.
• Dark Angels: Green Space Marines with a mysterious past. They offer a more subdued and tactical feel.
• Space Wolves: Grey Space Marines with a Viking theme. They’re fierce warriors and look great with fur and other tribal details.

Painting Steps:

1. Prime: Apply a thin, even coat of primer to your models. This helps the paint adhere better and provides a uniform base coat. Black, white, or grey primer are all good choices.
2. Basecoat: Apply your primary color to the model. Use thin coats to avoid obscuring details.
3. Shade: Apply a wash to the model to add depth and shadow. Nuln Oil is a popular choice for darker colors, while Agrax Earthshade works well for lighter colors.
4. Highlight: Apply a lighter shade of your base color to the raised areas of the model. This will make the details pop.
5. Details: Paint the details, such as the eyes, weapons, and insignia. Use a fine-tipped brush for precision.
6. Base: Add texture and details to the base of the model. Sand, gravel, and static grass are all good options.

Pro Tip: Use a wet palette to keep your paints from drying out. This will help you achieve smoother, more consistent results.

Combat Patrol Strategies

Okay, you've got your models built and painted – time to hit the battlefield! Here are a few strategies to help you dominate with your Space Marine Combat Patrol:

• Utilize the Lieutenant: Keep him near your Intercessors to provide re-rolls of 1's to wound. This will significantly increase their accuracy and damage output.
• Deep Strike with Inceptors: Use their ability to deep strike to target high-value units or to grab objectives behind enemy lines. Be careful not to leave them isolated.
• Position the Redemptor Dreadnought Carefully: This is your heavy hitter, so keep it protected. Use terrain to your advantage, and position it so it can bring its firepower to bear on the enemy’s most dangerous units.
• Control Objectives: Space Marines are durable and can hold objectives well. Focus on securing key areas of the battlefield and denying them to your opponent.
• Adapt to the Enemy: Pay attention to your opponent's army composition and adjust your strategy accordingly. If they have a lot of heavy armor, focus on using your Redemptor Dreadnought to take them out. If they have a lot of infantry, use your Intercessors to clear them out.

Pro Tip: Practice with your Combat Patrol to learn its strengths and weaknesses. The more you play, the better you'll become at using it effectively.

Final Thoughts

The Space Marine Combat Patrol is a fantastic starting point for any Warhammer 40k player. It provides a balanced force with a variety of units, allowing you to experience different aspects of the game. With a little bit of effort, you can build, paint, and play with your Combat Patrol and dominate on the tabletop.

So, grab your Combat Patrol, gather your friends, and get ready to battle! The Emperor protects! Have fun, experiment with different strategies, and most importantly, enjoy the hobby. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a brand-new recruit, the Space Marine Combat Patrol is a great way to get involved in the world of Warhammer 40k. Good luck, and may the dice be ever in your favor!