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Among the legions of Warhammer 40K Space Marines, there are few more iconic than the legendary Dark Angels. Clad in their distinctive green power armor, this founding chapter of the Adeptus Astartes has appeared in virtually every edition of the game and been a fan favorite for years.
Now, the Dark Angels are once again marching to battle in the Warhammer 40K 10th edition Codex Supplement: Dark Angels, which will be available on March 9th, 2024 from Games Workshop.
So just what new glories awaits the Unforgiven? Below, we take a closer look at what to expect from this new sourcebook.
Table of Contents
What’s included in Codex: Dark Angels?
What’s changed in the 10th edition Codex?
What are the Dark Angels data sheet changes?
What is the new Inner Circle Task Force?
What is the new Company of Hunters?
How much is Codex: Dark Angels?
When will Codex: Dark Angels be released?
Is Codex: Dark Angels worth it (Pros & Cons)?
Final Thoughts on the new codex
What’s included in The New Dark Angels Codex?
The 10th edition Codex Supplement: Dark Angels hardcover book comes in at 96 pages and includes the following:
- History and background of the Unforgiven, from their origins in the Age of Darkness to the return of their Primarch Lion El’Jonson
- New interior artwork with an new layout and design
- 16 new datasheets, including the Dark Talon and Land Speeder Vengeance,
- Three themed Detachments: the Unforgiven Task Force, Inner Circle Task Force, and Company of Hunters
- New Crusade rules to cover narrative play
- New Combat Patrol rules to take command of the Vengeful Brethren in fast-paced games
Notably, you will need a copy of Codex: Space Marines to fully use all of the content. This book also contains a one-use code to unlock Codex Supplement: Dark Angels content in the Warhammer 40K App.
What’s ChangeD in the 10th edition Dark Angels Codex?
Notably, the new Dark Angels Codex has a heavy focus on new units featured in new Deathwing Assault box set and there are some surprising changes, including:
- New Detachments: The 10th edition Codex features three detachments: the Unforgiven Task Force (which has appeared in previous GW materials), the Inner Circle Task Force (which consists primarily of Terminators) and the new Company of Hunters (which consists largely of Ravenwing assault bikers).
- New Unit Options for Leaders: Heroes like Ezekiel (Grand Master Librarian of the Dark Angels) will be able to access to new units to lead, which means models like Bladeguard Veterans will be able to pack even more of a punch.
- Ability Changes: The new Ravenwing detachment unlocks the ability for Outriders to be taken as Battleline options – something which is typically only reserved for datasheets rather than detachments.
- Dropped Units: Notably, two popular units, the Talonmaster and the Deathwing Command Squad, are not included in the new Codex and are no longer supported in the 10th edition of Warhammer 40K.
- Nerfed Units: Some of the units have definitely seen a decrease in power. This includes both Deathwing Knights and Dark Angels Primarch founder Lion El’Jonson, with the units seeing a decrease in damage and wounds.
What are the Major Changes to the Dark Angels Data Sheets?
The datasheets in the new Codex features a number of substantial changes that impact Dark Angel unit’s capabilities, armaments and overall strategic value. Key updates include:
- New Ravenwing Keyword: All Mounted and Vehicle units that can FLY gain the RAVENWING keyword.
- New Deathwing Keyword: Terminators, Bladeguard Veterans, Sternguard Veterans, Bladeguard Ancients, Vanguard Veterans (with Jump Packs), Land Raiders, Repulsors and Dreadnoughts all gain the DEATHWING keyword.
- Deathknight Drops: This once sturdy unit goes from a maximum of 10 models, to a maximum of just 5. Their Maces of Absolution is also reduced by -2 damage.
- Lion El’Jonson: The legendary Primarch model (which won last year’s Warhammer Miniature of the Year) loses his “Shield” ability to reduce wounds by -1. His mighty Power Sword, known as “Fealty,” also loses 1 point of damage.
What is the new Inner Circle Task Force?
The Inner Circle Task Force revamps the Dark Angels’ gameplay focusing primarily on the prowess of the iconic white-armored Terminators found within the ranks of the Deathwing. This includes:
- Detachment Rule: Vowed Target: At the start of your Command phase, you can pick a single objective marker to be the target. Until the start of your next Command phase, each time you attack a target on that objective you add +1 to the wound roll.
- Enhancements: There are two new enhancements: Champion of the Deathwing (which grants melee weapons with Lethal Hits) and Eye of the Unseen (which gives back a Command Point if a stratagem is used on the bearer’s unit on a 5+).
- Stratagems: Deathwing units can now access six stratagems: Armour of Contempt, Relic Teleportarium, Deathwing Assault, Martial Mastery, Duty and Death and Wrath of the Lion. All of these offer a quick and aggressive style of play.
What is the new Company of Hunters?
The Company of Hunters detachment emphasizes the speed and maneuverability of Ravenwing forces, enabling a dynamic and aggressive play style that’s based around their iconic assault bikes. New features include:
- Detachment Rule: Allows Adeptus Astartes units to shoot after Advancing or Falling back, enhancing the detachment’s flexibility and strategic mobility.
- Enhancements: There are four enhancements: Master-crafted weapon (which adds Precision to melee weapons), Master of Manoeuvre (which allows the unit to Charge after having Advanced or Fallen Back), Mounted Strategist (which allows the unit to be set up one turn earlier if it was deployed in Strategic Reserves) and Recon Hunter (which provides units with a Scouts 9″ ability)
- Stratagems: The Company of Hunters has access to five unique Stratagems: Hunters’ Trail (an objective you control becomes “sticky” in the Command Phase), Talon Strike (a unit gets a +1 to wound Infantry/Mounted characters in the Shooting or Fight Phase), Death on the Wind (an enemy unit hit by a ranged attack must make a Battle-shock test), High-speed focus (ranged hit rolls are reduced by -1) and Rapid Reappraisal (you can place a Ravenwing unit into Strategic Reserves at the end of your opponent’s Fight Phase).
How much is the New dark Angels 10th Edition Codex?
Codex Supplement: Dark Angels retails for $35 USD if you purchase it directly from Games Workshop.
As always, prices may vary if you buy the book from your local game store or from Amazon (where discounts and sales may allow you to pick him up for a bit cheaper.
When Will the 10th edition Codex: Dark Angels Be Released?
Currently, the 10th edition Codex: Dark Angels is scheduled for release on March 9th, 2024. Notably, it is is available pre-order now from the Games Workshop website.
It’s also possible that online and physical retailers may get their copies at different times, so if you’re planning on buying elsewhere, be sure to check with retailers first.
Is Codex Supplement: Dark Angels Worth Picking Up?
While there’s a lot to love with the new Dark Angels Codex for 10th edition, there are a few things to consider if you’re thinking of picking it up.
Pros
- Diverse Detachment Options: The Codex introduces three solid detachments, providing some unique options for with Deathwing and Ravenwing units.
- More Use for Terminators: The inclusion of the Inner Circle Task Force means more options for Terminators and the new DEATHWING keyword is applied to more elite units.
- Improved Leadership: The option to have Grand Ezekiel command Bladeguard Veterans and Inner Circle Companions opens up a ton of potential on the battlefield.
Cons
- Loss of Iconic Units: The departure of Talonmaster and the Deathwing Command Squad may disappoint long-time players who have been using these models within their existing Dark Angels armies.
- Nerfs to Deathwing Knights: The reduction in unit size from 10 to 5 and the decrease in mace damage is definitely likely to rub Deathwing fans the wrong way.
- Downgrades to The Lion: Even more heretical to Dark Angels players are the changes to Lion El’Jonson who has seen his Shield ability and power sword both take a hit.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a fan of the Dark Angels, chances are you’re going to want to pick up the new 10th edition codex. While some of the changes may be questionable, there’s still plenty of options with the inclusion of new Deathwing and Ravenwing elements, not to mention more love for Terminators.
You can pre-order your copy now from Games Workshop.
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Daniel Martin is located in Boston, Massachusetts and has been an avid wargamer for as long as he can remember. Black Templars remain his favorite Warhammer 40K army and he enjoys board games, cycling and spending way too much money on miniatures.
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