☩

Dark Angels

The First Legion - Masters of Defense and Devastating Counter-Attacks

Faction Overview

The Dark Angels are the First Legion of the Space Marines, founded by the Emperor himself before the Horus Heresy. They are a secretive and brooding Chapter, burdened by the knowledge of their ancient shame - the Fallen Dark Angels who turned to Chaos during the Heresy.

On the tabletop, the Dark Angels are masters of defensive warfare and devastating counter-attacks. They excel at holding objectives and unleashing overwhelming firepower when the enemy commits to an attack. Their unique units like the Deathwing (Terminators) and Ravenwing (Bike-mounted units) give them incredible tactical flexibility.

Playstyle

Key Strengths:

  • Grim Resilience: Excellent leadership and re-roll charges
  • Deathwing: Elite Terminators that can deep strike and hold objectives
  • Ravenwing: Fast, hard-hitting bike units for objective grabbing
  • Inner Circle: Powerful buffs for veteran units
  • Defensive Focus: Excellent at holding ground and counter-attacking

Key Weaknesses:

  • Secrets of the Unforgiven: Army building can be complex with multiple sub-factions
  • Elite Heavy: Tend to have fewer, more expensive models
  • Speed: Without Ravenwing, can be slow to reposition
  • Point Cost: Elite units are expensive in points

Core Tactics for Newcomers

1. Understand the Three "Wings"

The Dark Angels are organized into three distinct formations. Learn their roles:

  • Battle Company: Your standard Space Marines. Tactical, Devastator, Assault squads.
  • Deathwing: Terminators. Elite, tough, can deep strike. Great for objective control.
  • Ravenwing: Bikes and speeders. Fast, mobile, great for flanking and objective grabbing.

2. Use Grim Resilience Effectively

This is your army-wide rule. Don't forget what it does:

  • Re-roll failed Morale tests
  • Re-roll charge rolls
  • This makes your units surprisingly reliable
  • Don't be afraid to commit to charges - you have re-rolls!

3. Play to Your Defensive Strengths

Dark Angels excel at defense and counter-attacks:

  • Position Devastator squads with good fields of fire
  • Use cover to protect your units while the enemy advances
  • Let the enemy come to you, then counter-attack with Grim Resilience
  • Deathwing Terminators can drop onto objectives to steal them
  • Ravenwing can quickly redeploy to threatened areas

Recommended Starter Units

Tactical Squad

Why: Core Battle Company troops. Versatile with Objective Secured.

Tip: Give them a heavy weapon like a missile launcher for flexibility.

Captain in Power Armor

Why: Solid HQ choice. Provides buffs and can fight in melee.

Tip: Give him a thunder hammer and storm shield for melee punch.

Devastator Squad

Why: Heavy firepower. Great for holding objectives and shooting.

Tip: Mix of lascannons (anti-tank) and heavy bolters (anti-infantry).

Deathwing Terminator Squad

Why: Elite Terminators. Tough, can deep strike, have ObSec.

Tip: Thunder hammers and storm shields make them nearly unkillable.

Ravenwing Black Knights

Why: Fast, hard-hitting bikes. Great for flanking and objectives.

Tip: Their Plasma Talons can punch through armor. Use hit-and-run tactics.

Dreadnought

Why: Tough walker with good firepower. Great for supporting your line.

Tip: Hellfire Dreadnoughts are excellent anti-infantry. Plasma is versatile.

Sample 1000 Point Starter List

BATTALION DETACHMENT

HQ:

Captain in Power Armor (Thunder Hammer, Storm Shield) - 90 pts

Librarian (Force Sword, Force Staff, Discipline of Interromancy) - 80 pts

TROOPS:

Tactical Squad x10 (Sergeant with Plasma Pistol, Missile Launcher) - 100 pts

Tactical Squad x10 (Sergeant with Bolt Pistol, Heavy Bolter) - 95 pts

Tactical Squad x5 (Sergeant with Bolt Pistol) - 50 pts

ELITES:

Deathwing Terminator Squad x5 (4x Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield, Cyclone Missile Launcher) - 190 pts

FAST ATTACK:

Ravenwing Black Knights x3 (Plasma Talons, Corvus Hammer) - 120 pts

HEAVY SUPPORT:

Devastator Squad x5 (2x Lascannon, 2x Heavy Bolter) - 110 pts

Hellfire Dreadnought (Twin Heavy Bolter, Heavy Flamer) - 105 pts

TOTAL: 940 pts

60 pts remaining - add upgrades or extra models!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Mistake: Forgetting Grim Resilience re-rolls
    Solution: You get to re-roll morale and charges. This is more powerful than you think - use it!
  • Mistake: Deep striking Deathwing too aggressively
    Solution: Terminators are tough but not invincible. Drop them where they can support your army or take undefended objectives.
  • Mistake: Not using Ravenwing's mobility
    Solution: Bikes are fast. Use them to grab rear objectives, flank enemy units, or intercept assaults.
  • Mistake: Overcommitting to assaults
    Solution: Dark Angels are good at counter-attacking, not necessarily at initiating charges. Let the enemy come to you.
  • Mistake: Neglecting your Battle Company
    Solution: Deathwing and Ravenwing are cool, but Tactical and Devastator squads are the backbone of your army. Don't skimp on them.

Ready to Explore Other Factions?

Check out our guides for other Warhammer 40k factions!

Orks Guide Back to Faction Guides