Horus Heresy: MKII Assault Marines
- Nicholas Smith
- 3 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Greetings one and all,
What’s that in the sky? Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's a power-armoured transhuman with a jump pack, and he’s getting bigger. That's right, everyone, today I’m going to have a look at the new(ish) MK II Assault Marines, so let's take the plunge and dive right in.
Basic details
Released on October 4th 2025, these much-anticipated models were teased early in 2025 as part of the Saturnine announcement.Â
In the box you will find;
10 assault marines
10 chain axes
4 heavy chainaxes
10 bolt pistols
10 combat shields
2 Volkite serpentas
2 Disintegrator pistols
2 power maulsÂ
10 32mm bases
And a selection of heads, grenades and pouches
So as you can see, it's quite a selection which certainly seems geared towards the more brutal aspect that the MK II lends itself to.
How are they to build?
Honestly? They’re really nice. The bodies fit together well and are somewhat intuitive. I really like the new jump packs as well. If anyone is old enough to remember the old Space Marines 2-part jump pack that always had a gap on the top, no matter what you did, these new ones don’t do that. I would suggest however that you do follow the build guide the first time you build one of these, as the turbines do have to go into the correct side (they may not look it, but they are specifically shaped for either the left or right). But other than that, they are honestly a joy to build.
What units can you build?
Okay, so obviously the answer to this is any unit with a jump pack… But that is a boring answer. So let's go over the three core ones, shall we?
Assault Squad - The basic assault marines. Fast, nimble, and able to beat up tactical, support and heavy support squads (unless you roll like me) against elite units. I’m sorry to say these guys will only act as a speed bump at best. As weird as it sounds, unless you have a small unit you want to shoot or something that lets you charge from deep strike, I wouldn’t deep strike Assault Marines, and I really think Chainaxes are a must (I’m a World Eater player… But that’s not the point). You’re going to be hitting on 4’s against any other basic space marine and wounding on 3’s, which really helps to boost the number of armour save rolls your opponent is going to have to make. I think combat shields aren’t necessary, as they don't help against ranged attacks and really, assault marines should be attacking units with large numbers of power weapons.
Do
Assault basic enemy units
Equip chainaxes
Don’t
Deep strike
Assault elite enemy units
Veteran Assault Marines - Much like their non-veteran contemporaries, but so much better! WS 5 is a big deal, and the extra wound and attack are really nice as well. Now these guys have the punch to deal with the elites of your opponent, and the basic marines aren’t even worth thinking about in melee (though still, watch out at range as their armour save is still only 3+). I’d still not deep strike with these, as I don’t think it’s viable without getting a charge off on the same turn. In terms of equipment, I think it’s important you decide what you want them to hunt. Lighting claws are a great option as the +2 attacks with rending and breaching 6+ means you’ll be dishing out loads of attacks, and there should be plenty of 6’s (rule to throw enough dice at the problem). That said, if your enemy doesn't have any 2+ saves (or at least very few), power lances might not be a bad shout instead, striking at initiative 5 and wiping a unit out before they can strike back is always fun.
DoÂ
Plan ahead. What are you planning to use the unit for?
Take power weapons
Use terrain to break line of sight
Don’t
Deep strike
Take basic chain weapons
Praetorian Command Squad with Jjump Packs - This is an odd one, cause yeah, everything I’ve said about the vets applies here as well, but the command squad does have another trick up its sleeve (as stupid as it is): disintegrator rifles. So you could, if you wanted, arm the whole unit with Disintegrator rifles and deep strike next to a unit and just, well, Disintegrate them… Is this a good use of points or even a good idea? No, but one has to admit it’s bloody funny.
DoÂ
Treat them as really good veteran assault marines
Don’t
Give them disintegrator rifles and deep strike
Final Thoughts
This is a really nice box. I love the models, and honestly, I think GW did a really good job on them. I’m still not sure that chainaxes were the way to go, though, as I really think this should have had chainswords and chainaxes should have been in the melee upgrade box instead. I’m looking forward to fielding mine soon though… As destroyers, because come on, these MK II’s scream war crimes.
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