Explore the new Ultramarines datasheets in Warhammer 40K. See key rule changes, unit updates, and what they mean for your army.
The love for Space Marines in Warhammer 40K hasn’t slowed down—and, for some players, that might not be great news. But for fans of the Imperium’s finest, this new wave of Ultramarine content is exactly what they’ve been waiting for.
After all the smaller Codex chapters received new models and rules, Games Workshop wasn’t about to forget the poster boys of the hobby. It might feel like giving one kid a gift on their sibling’s birthday to keep things fair, but the Ultramarines have officially received three new units—and these additions could make a real impact on the tabletop.
If you want to see the new releases yourself, you can check them out on the Warhammer Community page, but here’s what matters most and what these changes actually mean for your games.
Warhammer 40K: The New Ultramarines Updates
Getting right down to business, Marneus Calgar received a few interesting glow-ups. While most of his Terminator rules remain consistent with the Gravis version, this updated datasheet adds some serious flexibility. Calgar now has access to Deep Strike and can lead nearly every unit in the Space Marine Codex. That might not sound dramatic on paper, but on the battlefield, it opens up a range of tactical options that were previously unavailable.
Deep Striking Calgar with Terminators is a flashy move, but the standout combination seems to be Calgar leading a full brick of six Victrix Honor Guards. This pairing produces far more offensive output than we saw in his older Gravis form with just two guards. It’s a powerhouse formation that feels like a proper display of Ultramarine discipline and might.
Calgar’s core abilities remain potent—he can still shoot and charge after advancing or falling back, generates an extra CP at the start of your Command Phase if he’s your Warlord, and dishes out plenty of damage. It’s safe to say that Calgar’s relevance in Ultramarine lists isn’t going anywhere. If anything, he might become even more central to competitive and narrative builds alike.
Cato Sicarius and the Victrix Honor Guard
The next new model, Cato Sicarius, delivers a melee-focused toolkit with an impressive mix of attacks tailored for multiple targets. Sicarius joins the Victrix Honor Guard and, interestingly, can even accompany Marneus Calgar in the same squad.
That combination—Calgar, Sicarius, and six Honor Guards—creates one of the most dangerous close-combat units in Warhammer 40K. Sicarius adds tactical versatility with free Heroic Intervention and the ability to make a reactive move of up to six inches, letting the squad reposition or counter threats with deadly efficiency, while also bringing a daunting melee profile as well.
So what do the Victrix Honor Guards bring to the table that makes them so vital to both characters? For starters, they’re elite infantry with four wounds each, solid defenses with a 2+ save, and a powerful set of rules that boost both survivability and offensive output. Their -1 to wound makes them hard to remove, and their surge ability, which triggers a move when a model is killed, adds a thematic and practical edge to their playstyle.
Offensively, each Honor Guard swings with five attacks hitting on 2s, Strength 5, AP -2, and Damage 2. Their banner provides a once-per-game buff that increases both Attack and Strength characteristics across the entire squad, turning an already deadly unit into an unstoppable force. Sicarius’ damage 3 attacks move from 4 to 5 swings, while Calgar’s attacks climb to 7. It’s the kind of cinematic moment that perfectly fits the Ultramarines narrative—disciplined warriors striking with overwhelming precision and unity.
Building the Ultimate Ultramarine List
Points will ultimately decide how viable these models are in tournament play, but even if their cost keeps them just short of top-tier status, the appeal is undeniable. An 8-man unit combining Calgar, Sicarius, and the Honor Guards embodies everything the Ultramarines stand for, and it just looks cool on the table.
From a lore perspective, it’s a return to form for the sons of Guilliman. From a gameplay standpoint, it’s a fresh injection of creativity for players looking to try new combinations and flex some narrative flair on the tabletop.
Conclusion: Ultramarines Are Back in Force
Something tells me these models won’t be sitting on store shelves for long. Between the striking new designs, updated datasheets, and sheer power of these combined units, it’s a good time to be an Ultramarine commander.
If you’re planning to grab them, don’t wait too long—preorders are going to be moving fast, and missing out could mean waiting months for restocks. Get your army ready, polish your blue armor, and prepare to bring the Emperor’s will to the battlefield once again.
Husband, Florida State Seminole, and fan of all things grimdark, sometimes even winning a game or two.
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