How to Play Imperial Fists in Warhammer 40K 9th Edition
Today let’s take a look at some basics of how to play and get started with Warhammer 40k Imperial Fists.
The Imperial Fists are a proud and stoic Chapter of the Adeptus Astartes. As one of the First Founding Chapters, the Imperial Fists have the distinct character of their Primarch, Rogal Dorn. On the tabletop, the chapter fights with precision firepower.
Below we offer some tips on how to play the army and get started with the army.
Who Are The Imperial Fists?
The Imperial Fists were the VII Legion of the original twenty Space Marine Legions. They are recognized to be among the most loyal Chapters to the Emperor. They have been instrumental in holding the Imperium together during the bleakest of times with renowned stubborn resilience. Because of their service to the Imperium, especially their role in leading the defense of Terra during the Horus Heresy, the Imperial Fists are also known as the “Defenders of Terra.”
The homeworld of the Imperial Fists is still officially given as Holy Terra. However, in functional terms, the Chapter has been fleet-based since being united with their Primarch Rogal Dorn. After his ascension, the massive starship Phalanx has served as their mobile Fortress-Monastery. Nonetheless, the Chapter still maintains a presence on Holy Terra. Notable fortifications on the homeworld include the Pillar of Bone and Column of Glory.
Why Play Imperial Fists
The Imperial Fists bring everything we should expect from a Space Marine chapter, while showing a stoic and dour knight attitude. They also have some great characters, totally unique to their chapter.
Strengths of the Army
- Heavy shooting.
- Great psychic discipline.
- Versatility.
Weakness of the Army
- Like most marines, an elite army with relatively few bodies.
- Mass infantry (bonuses to damage not useful against 1 wound models).
Imperial Fists Signature Rules
The army has a number of special rules. But the key ones to remember are:
- Siege Masters – The Imperial Fist Chapter Tactic denies their targets light cover and gives bolt weapons ‘exploding’ 6s.
- Legacy of Dorn – Gives heavy weapons in a pure detachment plus 1 Damage against Buildings and Vehicles when the Devastator Doctrine is active.
What to Buy
The Imperial Fists are a Supplemental Codex, being an offshoot of the Space Marines faction. The army can consist of many units taken from both books, giving you a huge amount of variety. To play the army you will need BOTH Codex: Imperial Fists, and Codex: Space Marines.
Key Faction Units To Know
The army has the immense Space Marine unit roster. Knowing what units to take make use of the Imperial Fists rules can be tricky. Here are some suggestions to get you off on the right track.
1. Captain Lysander
An iconic Imperial Fists hero and Captain of the First Company, Lysander is the rare character who has been promoted (he was a Special Character Sergeant in 3rd edition!). Now the Captain is a pretty great beat-stick, smashing his foes with the Fist of Dorn.
2. Tor Garadon
Another Captain, this time the Primaris Captain of the 3rd Company. He is an even better buff piece than a normal Captain, thanks to his Signum Array.
3. Centurions (both varieties)
Centurions of both varieties are great with Imperial Fists. Their large number of weapon profiles can take advantage of all the various bonuses available to the Fists.
4. Primaris Intercessors
Like all Space Marines Chapters, a core of Primaris Intercessor Troop choices is never a bad way to go. Their bolt rifles are great with Siege Masters.
5. Primaris Aggressors
Like Centurions, Aggressors have lots of profiles to stack buffs on. If you want to stay with Primaris units, these will get you the firepower you need.
Sample Starter Imperial Fists Army
HQ: Captain Lysander. 1 Model. He is equipped with: Fist of Dorn.- 120 pts
Troop: Primaris Intercessors. Ten Models. Every model is equipped with: bolt pistol; bolt rifle; frag grenades; krak grenades. – 180 pts
Troop: Primaris Intercessors. Five Models. Every model is equipped with: bolt pistol; bolt rifle; frag grenades; krak grenades. – 90 pts
Fast Attack: Attack Bike. Two Models. It is equipped with: bolt pistol; multi-melta; twin boltgun; frag grenades; krak grenades. – 100 pts
Total: 490 pts.
Now Let’s Do 1,000 Points of Imperial Fists!
HQ: Captain Lysander. 1 Model. He is equipped with: Fist of Dorn.- 120 pts
Troop: Primaris Intercessors. Ten Models. Every model is equipped with: bolt pistol; bolt rifle; frag grenades; krak grenades. – 180 pts
Troop: Primaris Intercessors. Ten Models. Every model is equipped with: bolt pistol; bolt rifle; frag grenades; krak grenades. – 180 pts
Troop: Primaris Intercessors. Ten Models. Every model is equipped with: bolt pistol; bolt rifle; frag grenades; krak grenades. – 180 pts
Fast Attack: Attack Bike. Two Models. It is equipped with: bolt pistol; multi-melta; twin boltgun; frag grenades; krak grenades. – 100 pts
Heavy Support: Centurion Devastator Squad. Three Models. Every model is equipped with: Centurion missile launcher, two lascannons – 210 pts
Total: 970 pts.
How to Play Imperial Fists
Obviously all Space Marines are all rounders, but there still are ‘combat’ Chapters and ‘shooty’ Chapters. The Imperial Fists are one of the preeminent ‘shooty’ Chapters. Top shelf, especially with bolt-family weapons. If you need to crack open a tank or bunker and spray the insides down with bolters, an Imperial Fist gunline should be your go to choice.
Primarch-Progenitor, to your glory and the glory of him on earth!
