New SPACE MARINE Rules...they killed Oath...

Summary of Main Points

• Space Marines rules preview (Codex update): The speaker says Games Workshop has confirmed major rule changes in the new Space Marine Codex. Most notably, “Oath is dead” and it’s being replaced by the reworked army rule “Combat Doctrines.”

• Combat Doctrines system (new names + tactical flexibility):

  • The rules are framed as allowing Space Marines to rapidly shift tactics once per game.
  • Three doctrine states are highlighted:
    • Assault Doctrine: Units can advance and still be eligible to charge.
    • Devastator Doctrine: Units’ range attacks get Assault.
    • Tactical Doctrine: Units can fallback, still be eligible to shoot, and still be eligible to declare a charge.
  • Some detachments/units (the speaker mentions “assault brethren / tactical brethren / devastator brethren”) are said to allow more than one doctrine use.
  • Captains can activate doctrines in certain cases. The speaker emphasizes Roboute Guilliman, described as being able to have all three doctrines active when he wants, repeatedly noting that Ultramarines are central.

• Specific unit interactions mentioned:

  • The speaker references characters gaining enhanced effects under doctrines:
    • Salamanders / Captain Adrax Agat vs. “Anvil”: improves wound rerolls depending on the doctrine state.
    • Iron Hands / character “Kakv var”: under Tactical Doctrine, it’s claimed they can gain both options that normally force a choice (sustain/lethal hit flexibility).
  • Overall, the speaker suggests this could create new meta directions, with worry about Iron Hands returning to prominence.

• Expectations for leaks and release timeline:

  • The speaker claims the Codex pre-order announcement is coming “this Sunday.”
  • They expect shops shortly after, leading to more leaks soon, potentially including questions about whether “Legion of the Damned” is included.

• Critique of rules as gameplay experience:

  • A contributor voice (or the speaker generally) argues that Warhammer’s rules portion is the least fun part:
    • They prefer building/painting and social games with friends.
    • They feel the rules are often boring/average and don’t significantly improve the core excitement of playing.

• Critique of the Space Marines 11th edition model range:

  • Although the speaker likes Space Marines overall, they say the refresh feels mediocre compared to earlier high-hype launches (notably Indomitus/Leviathan and Dark Imperium).
  • They give the release a “5/10” rating and argue:
    • Some new units look too plain or lack the “rule of cool.”
    • They believe Games Workshop “cheapened out” rather than being more adventurous (e.g., more distinctive variants, helmets/shoulder pads, and creative weapon options).
  • Specific dissatisfaction includes:
    • Vanguard Veterans being “plain.”
    • Intercessors feeling underwhelming—they wanted something more tactical-themed.
    • Eradicators with bolters lacking enough “wow factor,” and a desire for more experimental weapon variety.
  • They worry Games Workshop will monetize nostalgia later, eventually reintroducing things like Rhinos and Land Raiders and refreshing track-based vehicles—possibly toward late 11th or early 12th.

Presenters/Contributors

• Main speaker/reviewer: Vic (referred to in subtitles: “Vic, what do you think…”)