We’ve seen the Space Marine’s new rule, now its time to take a look at which units can really take advantage of it.

Space Marines are getting a brand new Codex designed to spruce up the poster boys and give them some extra umpf. As part of that they are getting a new rule called, Shock Assault, meant to reflect their post-human striking power. The new rule looks pretty great:

As you can see this rule gives an Adeptus Astartes unit an extra attack per model at the start of each close combat they fight (more or less). This is a rule that’s going to benefit Space Marines of all types (and Heretics as well). Like most things however its a rule that some units will get more use out of than others. Today let’s take a look at the 5 units from the current Codex: Space Marines, that I think will benefit the most from this rule.

Note: I’m looking at the units as they currently exist, its possible that units will undergo as yet unknown changes in the new Codex. I’m also only look at the core Codex: Space Marines today (Every Blood Angel unit of course loves this new rule).

5. Scouts

Scouts are one of the cheapest, and most points efficient units in the Space Marine book right now. They form the core of a number of cheap battalion options, and are likely the most commonly played Space Marine troop in competitive circles. As such anything that makes Scouts better is a pure bonus and likely to get used a lot. Close combat Scouts already get two attacks with their combat knives, so bumping them up to 3 is pretty solid. This is a cheap and easy unit to spam, and takes the current best unit and just makes it a little better. The Classic Scout may be with us for quite some time.

4. Terminators (All Types)

Look, it’s no secret that Terminators kind of suck this edition. A +2 save isn’t what it used to be, having 2 wounds isn’t special. The units are slow and lack punch. It’s that last part that really cripples the unit. Terminators get access to a ton of great close combat weapons, but with only two attacks just can’t kill enough to justify their points. Because of their great weapons the extra attack goes a long way on Terminators. An extra 5-10 thunderhammer attacks is nothing to sneer at, and really will help them hold their own. Combine it with the new bolter drill rules, and Terminators have gotten some much needed boosts.

3. Vanguard Veterans

Vanguard Veterans are in much the same place as Terminators this edition. They are much faster than terminators, but are pretty fragile. They’ve got amazing weapon options, but have simply lacked the punch to get as much from them as they should. Like Terminators they benefit a lot from the extra attack. Sure your Squad of Reivers gets an extra 10 attacks with their combat blades, but these Vets just added an extra 10 Relic blade attacks. Combo them with either Pedro Kantor, or making them Ultramarine Victrix Guard with the relic, and the 2 attack unit just became a 4 attack unit. Pretty scary.

2. White Scars In General

Ok, I know this is kind of cheating since White Scars aren’t a unit (but hey you got a 4 for 1 with terminators), but are a whole sub-faction. That said White Scars are really well placed to take advantage of the new rule. Their ability to fall back and still charge, wasn’t the best before and generally all that let you do was strike first. Now however with Shock Assault they’ve got the ability in any protracted fight to change to fall back and charge back into combat, getting that +1 for multiple rounds. It’s basically a free bonus for something they already wanted to do.

1. Intercessors

Intercessors had a rocky start. The new poster unit of 40K and core the Space Marines was kind of underwhelming at first. While better stat wise than Tactical Marines, they cost too much, didn’t have options for other weapons, and we barely more deadly than their cheaper brothers. We’ve slowly seen these issues get addressed one by one, and it wouldn’t surprise me if in this new Codex they finally come into their own.

Shock Assault does a nice bit to helping this come true. Intercessors already were decent with 2 attacks. Vigilus gave you the option to upgrade to Veteran Intercessors, with three attacks each. Now assuming that option is still valid, you’ll be seeing Intercessor squads with 4 attacks each (It puts them on par with Reivers, but as troops and with better guns). Even though their attacks are only s4 with no ap, once you get up into the 40s for a single squad you can start to threaten anything. That’s not to mention that your Sergeant, who now has access to better close combat weapons, can be throwing out 5 attacks. That’s really sold. If you happen to be Crimson Fists and near Pedro (assuming his rule stays the same) you could be throwing out 5 attacks each from your Intercessors! Thats… really good and one of the highest attacks per model for a troop choice in the game.

Let us know what units you think got the biggest buff, down in the comments!