Ultramarines: Army Analysis

The Ultramarines are the iconic Space Marine chapter in Warhammer 40K, known for their discipline, flexibility and tactical excellence. This Ultramarines army guide covers how they play in 11th Edition, what they do well, which units to buy first and how to paint that famous blue.

Whether you're new to Warhammer 40K or looking for a dependable army, Ultramarines are one of the best factions to start with. 11th Edition has a fresh Codex: Space Marines to go with it, and the Armageddon launch box put Space Marines front and centre at the start of the edition.

What Are the Ultramarines?

Ultramarines are a well-rounded Space Marine army, combining strong shooting, solid melee and excellent leadership. Their identity is built around adaptability and tactical control, allowing them to respond effectively to changing battlefield conditions.

Unlike more specialised factions, Ultramarines thrive on doing everything well, making them a flexible and forgiving choice. If you'd rather start with the story, our Faction Files: Ultramarines lore guide covers the Chapter's history, Macragge and the Codex Astartes.

Ultramarines in 11th Edition

11th Edition changes how you build an army. Armies now use a Detachment Points system, so you can mix and match detachments as your collection grows. Codex: Space Marines gives you 15 to choose from, with Gladius Task Force, Stormlance Task Force and Ironstorm Spearhead among the familiar names. Games Workshop splits them into three broad groups: detachments that change Combat Doctrines, detachments that buff core infantry, and detachments built around a specific armour type (Tacticus, Phobos or Gravis).

For Ultramarines, that suits their all-rounder style. Pick a detachment that matches how you want to play, then build around it. The new Codex also brings a new character, Kaius Konorius, a blademaster who fought alongside Marneus Calgar and serves as the Chapter Master's personal champion, plus rebuilt Intercessor, Outrider, Vanguard Veteran and Captain on Bike kits. Your older kits still assemble and still count, so nothing in your existing army stops working. Our Codex: Space Marines breakdown has the full list of what Games Workshop showed.

Want the whole-faction picture before you commit to a Chapter? Read our Space Marines army analysis.

Ultramarines Playstyle in Warhammer 40K

On the tabletop, Ultramarines focus on balanced, tactical gameplay:

• Combine shooting and melee to handle multiple threats
• Maintain strong positioning and board control
• Adapt your strategy as the game evolves

With terrain features now doubling as objectives in 11th Edition, good positioning matters even more, and that is exactly where a disciplined, flexible army shines.

Strengths of Ultramarines

• Highly versatile army with tools for every situation
• Strong leadership and synergy between units
• Durable Space Marine statline compared to many factions
• Great for both beginners and experienced players

Weaknesses to Consider

• Not as specialised as other factions in any one area
• Can be outperformed by more focused armies in niche roles
• Success depends on good decision-making and positioning

Collecting and Painting Ultramarines

Ultramarines are one of the most accessible armies to collect and paint:

• Classic blue armour scheme is simple and striking
• Clean edge highlighting produces excellent results
• Wide range of models available, from infantry to vehicles. Every blue you'll need is in our Warhammer Colour paint range

They're ideal for hobbyists who want a clean, professional-looking army without overly complex techniques.

How to Paint Ultramarines

The Ultramarines look comes down to three steps, and you can get a tabletop-ready squad out of them quickly:

1. Basecoat the armour in a solid, even blue over a primed model. Two thin coats beat one thick one.
2. Shade the recesses so the armour panels stand out.
3. Edge highlight with a lighter blue along the armour edges, then pick out the details in gold and metals.

If you're brand new to painting, start with our guides to painting your first miniature and Warhammer painting tips for beginners, then pick up your blues from the Warhammer Colour range.

Best Ultramarines Units to Start With

When building your first Ultramarines army, consider:

• Core infantry (Intercessors) for objectives and board control
• A character (Captain or Lieutenant) for buffs and leadership
• A versatile shooting unit (Hellblasters, Eradicators)
• Optional: a vehicle or Dreadnought for durability and firepower

This creates a strong, balanced foundation for your army. You'll find the building blocks in our Space Marine core units range alongside the dedicated Ultramarines collection.

Is Ultramarines the Right Army for You?

Choose Ultramarines if you enjoy:

• A balanced and flexible playstyle
• Armies that reward tactical decision-making
• A reliable faction that performs well in most situations

Ultramarines are perfect for players who want a classic Warhammer 40K experience with an army that can handle anything the battlefield throws at it.

Shop Ultramarines

Ready to muster? See which starter set is right for you, or compare every army in our Warhammer 40k factions guide.

Frequently asked questions

Are Ultramarines good for beginners in Warhammer 40k?

Ultramarines are one of the best beginner armies. They're balanced, forgiving and versatile, with a simple blue scheme that's easy to paint well, and Space Marines are at the heart of 11th Edition.

How do Ultramarines win games?

Ultramarines win through balanced, tactical play. They combine shooting and melee to handle multiple threats, maintain strong positioning, and adapt their strategy as the game evolves.

What is the best way to start an Ultramarines army?

Start with core Intercessors for objectives, a Captain or Lieutenant for buffs, and a versatile shooting unit such as Hellblasters. Add a vehicle or Dreadnought for durability and firepower.

What are Ultramarines weak against?

Ultramarines aren't as specialised as focused factions, so they can be outperformed in niche roles. Their success depends on good decision-making and positioning rather than raw power.

Why are Ultramarines recommended for new players?

Ultramarines do everything well rather than excelling in one area, which makes them flexible and forgiving. That all-round reliability is exactly what helps new players learn the fundamentals of the game.

Do I need the new Codex to play Ultramarines in 11th Edition?

Codex: Space Marines is the book that holds the 11th Edition Space Marine rules and detachments, so it's the one to pick up when you're ready to build a list. Your existing Ultramarines models still work, and you don't need a codex to start assembling and painting.

How do you paint Ultramarines?

Basecoat the armour in an even blue, shade the recesses, then edge highlight with a lighter blue and pick out the details in gold and metals. Our painting guides for beginners walk through each step.