Adeptus Astartes · Angels of Death
Ultramarines
The exemplars of the Codex Astartes — disciplined, noble and relentlessly effective.
About Ultramarines — Lore & How They Play
The Lore
The XIII Legion of Roboute Guilliman, poster boys of the Imperium and living exemplars of his Codex Astartes. From the fortress-world of Macragge they govern Ultramar — a realm of five hundred worlds — holding the Imperium together as much by discipline and statecraft as by bolter fire.
With their Primarch risen again as Imperial Regent, the Ultramarines fight at the very heart of the Indomitus era: courage and honour, given ceramite form.
On the Tabletop
Ultramarines are the all-rounder's all-rounder: strong shooting, solid melee and superb leadership, with rules that reward falling back, repositioning and striking again. They do everything well — which makes them wonderfully forgiving to learn and one of the best first armies in the game.
The trade-off is specialisation: a focused army can beat them in its own niche, so games are won on decisions and positioning rather than one killer trick. Classic blue armour that edge-highlights beautifully is a welcome bonus.
The Ultramarines are Roboute Guilliman's own: the most famous Space Marine Chapter of all, rulers of the realm of Ultramar and the living embodiment of the Codex Astartes. Blue armour, gold trim and a balanced, do-everything army make them the classic place to start Warhammer 40,000.
Start here
- Codex: Space Marines (11th Edition): every Space Marine chapter plays from this book, so it's your rulebook
- Warhammer 40k Space Marines Army Builder Bundle (11th Edition): a big stack of Space Marine infantry to paint in chapter colours
- Ultramarines: Roboute Guilliman: the Primarch himself, a centrepiece and a half
- Marneus Calgar In Armour of Antilochus: the Chapter Master of the Ultramarines
- Ultramarines: Upgrades and Transfers: chapter icons and transfers for your Space Marine kits
- All Combat Patrols: every faction's starter army in one place
Most of an Ultramarines army is standard Space Marine kits painted blue, so browse our Space Marine core units too.
Every kit here is genuine Games Workshop stock from an official stockist, supplied unassembled and unpainted, with fast UK delivery from our shop in Barry, South Wales. In-stock orders placed by 3pm on weekdays go out the same day.
Read more: Ultramarines lore in Faction Files, Ultramarines Army Analysis, the 40K factions hub.
Paint and browse: grab the Ultramarines Paint Set – 10 Essential Colours or the five-tone Warhammer Tone Pro paints, then explore the rest of the Space Marines range.
Prefer them ready-painted? JoyToy make fully painted, articulated 1/18 scale Ultramarines figures. Find them in our Warhammer action figures range.
Are Ultramarines the default Space Marines?
They're the poster chapter: most box art shows Ultramarines, and they play from Codex: Space Marines with their own named heroes.
Is blue armour easy to paint?
Yes. A blue basecoat or Contrast, a wash and an edge highlight gets you a classic Ultramarine. The 10-colour paint set covers it.
Your Crusade Begins
New to the Adeptus Astartes?
Start with a boxed set — miniatures, rules and dice in one go. Free UK delivery over £65, same-day dispatch by 3pm on weekdays.
Shop 40K Starter SetsFrequently Asked Questions
The Ultramarines are the most iconic Space Marine Chapter, led by Primarch Roboute Guilliman. They are the template for all Space Marine Chapters and the most well-supported faction in the entire Warhammer 40,000 range.
Absolutely — the Ultramarines are the recommended starting Chapter for new players. They have the widest range of tutorials, painting guides, and hobby resources, and their rules are well-rounded and forgiving.
Yes. Ultramarines are the classic, flexible Space Marine chapter, led by characters such as Marneus Calgar and Roboute Guilliman himself. Codex: Space Marines for 11th Edition is out now and covers every chapter, so check it (and any supplement for your chapter) before you build a list.
For brand new players, the Warhammer 40,000: Introductory Set (11th Edition) and Starter Set (11th Edition) are the easiest way into the game. For an Ultramarines army, the Space Marines Army Builder Bundle (11th Edition) and Codex: Space Marines (11th Edition) give you a big stack of Space Marine kits and the rules to field them.
Ultramarines use the iconic blue and gold colour scheme. Key paints include Macragge Blue, Nuln Oil, Calgar Blue, and Retributor Armour. We stock the full Citadel range and there are excellent official guides available.
Yes — we stock Ultramarines products in our Barry, South Wales shop and online at loadeddice.uk with fast UK dispatch.