Space Marines are the most iconic faction in the 41st Millennium, and the Adeptus Astartes know a thing or two about infiltrating killzones with highly-trained stealth operatives or storming them with armoured shock troops. Teams that mingle tactical roles, however, were less common – until now.
There’s a brand new set of Warhammer Heroes coming later this year, with all the character-packed models you’ll need to mix-and-match a full kill team of Space Marines, each with their own inimitable style.
Coming to stores later this year, these seven miniatures come together to form Strike Force Justian.
Unlike their battle-brothers who operate in single-armour formations, this strike force combines a Heavy Intercessor in Gravis armour, a Phobos-clad Eliminator, and Tacticus-armoured Intercessors of the ranged and assault variety – alongside the first ever Captain to grace this edition of Kill Team.
Each blind box will contain one randomly selected operative from Strike Force Justian, with a datacard covering their stats, weapons, keywords, unique actions, and abilities.
This kill team may have a locked-down loadout, but they each come with a choice of two heads – and their great base stats and straightforward rules make them a brilliant starting team for new players. The back of each card also provides one of the Ploys available to the team, and includes a QR code for quick access to the Kill Team Lite Rules.
Strike Force Justian is a standalone kill team, separate from the Phobos Strike Team, Intercession Squad, or Space Marine Compendium kill teams. They’re designed as a straightforward and self-contained entry point, and so lack the team-wide abilities and equipment options of their peers – on the other hand, they do have a Captain.
“Kill Team focuses on small-scale covert operations”, explains Elliot from the Kill Team team, “so it’s rare for high-ranking commanders to find themselves involved in the lethal shootouts depicted in our games. That being said, we’ll occasionally find a place for character-level models in Kill Team.* Narratively, these heroes are a fun focus or objective, but they’re not invincible – plasma and meltaguns can make short work of even the mightiest officers.”
Does this mean a return of the Commanders rules from past editions of Kill Team?
“The short answer is no,” Elliot says. “We design our teams so that each one has its own playstyle and feel. This keeps our design space open, as we look at each team as a unique addition to the range.”
These characterful new Space Marines will be available first from select specialist retailers this summer, followed by a wider release at a later date. Keep an eye out for more information on when and where you can get yours.
For more Kill Team news, head back to the Warhammer Fest hub.
* Just look at the Hierotek Circle, which is led in-person by its Cryptek master.