Warhammer 40K: This Week’s Meta Hotness – Primaris Techmarine

6 Minute Read

Dec 1 2021

Let’s take a look at a hot unit that’s good for getting your fix in, Primaris Techmarines.

In the ever-shifting meta of 40K, armies rise and fall. We’ve spent a lot of time talking about armies that are hot or not, but a lot less time looking at units that are running the show. Today let’s take a look at one of the hottest units currently running around the tabletop.

The Unit

The Primaris Techmarine is a Space Marine HQ unit. This tech savvy character acts as part of chapter command and is in charge of taking care of vehicles and equipment in the Marine army. On the tabletop they bring solid killing ability coupled with some powerful buffs. The Primaris version is the newer updated version of the Classic Techmarine.

Why Primaris Techmarines Are Good

To start out with the Primaris Techmarin has some decent killing power. Its Forge-Bolter is a soild mid-range anti-MEQ gun. In combat they can put out a decent number of D2 attacks. They won’t make a huge dent vs heavy units, but can take down a lot of 5 man squads. But killing power isn’t really why you take a Techmarine.

You’re getting this guy for his buffing powers. Blessing of the Onmissiah lets you heal friendly vehicles, while Awaken the Machine Spirt lets you give one +1 to hit. Combined they let you keep you vehicles on the table longer and have them do more damage. While both the Classic and Primaris version get used, the Primaris one seems to be a bit more common, as it’s a little more survivable.

We also can’t really talk about Techmarines without mentioning the Master of the Forge Chapter Command Upgrade. This upgrade, which is a must take, lets the Techmarine always heal 3 wounds. In addition it gives them access to a warlord trait giving Dreadnoughts +1 S and +1A. With this upgrade them become a major force multiplier.

A Sample List

Saying a unit is hot is all well and good, but let’s take a look at how players are using it. A ton of pretty diverse Marine lists with a Primaris Techmarine have done well at a number of recent events recently One list that shows off the use of Techmainres is the list that Evan Stump ran to take 1st place at the Power Games GT. (via 40kstats.com)

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Deathwatch) [112 PL, 1,999pts, 6CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Battle Size [12CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points)

Chapter Selection: Deathwatch

Detachment Command Cost

+ Stratagems +

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Relics of the Chapter [-1CP]: Number of Extra Relics

+ No Force Org Slot +

Company Veterans [3 PL, 54pts]
. Company Veteran: Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw, Storm shield
. Company Veteran Sergeant: Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw, Storm shield

Servitors [2 PL, 30pts]: 4x Servitor, 4x Servo-arm

+ HQ +

Primaris Captain [5 PL, 105pts, -1CP]: 3. Nowhere to Hide (Aura), Dominus Aegis, Frag & Krak grenades, Storm of Fire, Stratagem: A Vigil Unmatched, Warlord
. Heavy bolt pistol, Master-crafted power sword and Relic shield: Heavy Bolt Pistol, Master-crafted power sword, Relic Shield

Primaris Techmarine [5 PL, 100pts, -1CP]: Chapter Command: Master of the Forge, Forge bolter, Frag & Krak grenades, Grav-pistol, Mechadendrite, Omnissian power axe, Servo-arm, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, The Tome of Ectoclades, Warden of the Ancients

+ Troops +

Incursor Squad [5 PL, 105pts]
. 4x Incursor: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Occulus bolt carbine, 4x Paired combat blades
. Incursor Sergeant: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Occulus bolt carbine, Paired combat blades

Proteus Kill Team [18 PL, 250pts]: Jump Packs
. Deathwatch Veteran: Deathwatch Shotgun, Frag & Krak grenades
. Deathwatch Veteran: Deathwatch Shotgun, Frag & Krak grenades
. Deathwatch Veteran: Deathwatch Shotgun, Frag & Krak grenades
. Deathwatch Veteran: Deathwatch Shotgun, Frag & Krak grenades
. Vanguard Veteran: Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw, Storm shield
. Vanguard Veteran: Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw, Storm shield
. Veteran Biker: Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Twin boltgun
. Veteran Biker: Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Twin boltgun
. Veteran Biker: Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Twin boltgun
. Watch Sergeant: Deathwatch Shotgun, Frag & Krak grenades

+ Elites +

Redemptor Dreadnought [9 PL, 185pts]: 2x Storm Bolters, Icarus Rocket Pod, Macro Plasma Incinerator, Onslaught Gatling Cannon, Redemptor Fist

Relic Contemptor Dreadnought [8 PL, 150pts, -1CP]: 2x Twin volkite culverin

+ Fast Attack +

Suppressor Squad [5 PL, 100pts]
. 2x Suppressor: 2x Accelerator autocannon, 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Frag & Krak grenades
. Suppressor Sergeant: Accelerator autocannon, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades

++ Total: [112 PL, 6CP, 1,999pts] ++

Using the Unit

I picked this list in particular to show off just how prevalent the Primaris Techmarine is in Marine lists right now. Even a Deathwatch list, one of the most divergent Marine books is taking them. The Techmarine serves a major supporting role in the list. With 6 massive Dreadnoughts forming the core of the list, he can move with them forming a killer block. As is normal he’s been upgraded to a Master of the Forge with the warlord trait. Dreadnoughts are already hard to damage, and healing 3 wounds a turn is major. Buffing whichever you chose to hit better is also great. Lastly of course he can give all 6 an extra attack, allowing them to better finish off enemies. Its a major buff for the core of this list.

Let us know what units you think are hot right now, down in the comments!

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Author: Abe Apfel

Abe is that rare thing, an Austin local born and raised here. Though he keeps on moving around, DC, Japan, ETC., he always seems to find his way back eventually. Abe has decades of experience with a wide range of tabletop and RPG games, from historicals, to Star Wars to D&D and 40K. He has been contributing to BOLS since almost the start, back when he worked at and then owned a local gaming store. He used to be big into the competitive Warhammer tournament scene but age has mellowed him and he now appreciates a good casual match. He currently covers 40K tactics and lore, as well as all things Star Wars, with occasional dabbling in other topics. Abe remains in mourning over the loss of WFB to this day.

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