Strongest Loyalist Space Marines In Warhammer 40K

Key Takeaways

• Space Marines are genetically engineered soldiers who are the last defense against threats.
• Notable Astartes like Ragnar Blackmane, Tyberos, and Asterion Moloc are revered heroes.
• Characters like Bjorn the Fell-Handed, Nathaniel Garro, and Sigismund are influential figures.

The Adeptus Astartes, more commonly known as Space Marines, are humanity’s last line of defense within the Warhammer 40k setting. These genetically engineered super-soldiers, created by the Emperor of Mankind, have the strength to take on the galaxy’s most dangerous threats. As some of the greatest heroes humanity has produced, becoming an Astartes is no easy feat. Split into various chapters, the Space Marines are at the forefront of the battle against humanity’s enemies.

Throughout the history of the Imperium, there have been those among the Space Marines who have risen above their brothers. They have become legends among the Emperor’s angels of death and are spoken of with the greatest reverie and respect by the rest of humanity.

Updated December 5, 2024 by Andy Chapman: With the successful release of Space Marine 2, Warhammer 40k has seen a major increase in its fanbase. New players are discovering the vast setting of the 41st millennium and the numerous characters featured in the grimdark universe. While Lieutenant Titus may be the hero of the hour, many Space Marines have forged even greater legends.

These battle brothers of countless wars have led their warriors to victory and cemented their names in the histories of their chapters. This article has been updated with new entries to show the wide range of powerful Space Marines featured in 40k lore.

19 Ragnar Blackmane

The Youngest Marine To Become Wolf Lord

Ragnar Blackmane is among the most distinguished members of the notorious Space Wolves chapter. As the youngest Astartes to ever hold the rank of Wolf Lord, Ragnar has become one of the most respected names within the chapter.

His many victories and achievements are too numerous to fully list, but include thwarting the return of the Thousand Sons Traitor Legion and more recently taking the head of the legendary Ork Warboss Ghazghkull Thraka. A battle that would almost see Ragnar dead before he crossed the Rubicon and became a Primaris Space Marine. Ragnar is often considered the natural successor to current Chapter Master Logan Grimnar.

18 Lemartes

A Living Weapon of Rage

The famed Guardian of the Lost, Lemartes, leads the Blood Angel’s Death Company into war. A warrior of limitless willpower, Lemartes is the only Astartes known to have overcome the Black Rage. This curse, caused by the death of their Primarch Sanguinius, inflicts all Blood Angels and turns them into rage-fueled berzerkers. Those newly fallen to the rage are sent into war as the Death Company and are either killed in battle or executed by Astaroth the Grim.

Lemartes was one such warrior. After falling to the Black Rage, he was overtaken by the all-consuming anger, however, he would not let it defeat him. He retained his self-control and remained coherent. Astaroth decided to spare Lemartes and placed him in temporary stasis. He was then named the leader of the Death Company and elevated to Chaplain to lead his Death Company brothers into battle. Lemartes remains cursed with the Black Rage. He is kept in stasis, only unleashed during times of war.

17 Cato Sicarius

Knight Champion of Macragge

Cato Sicarius is a former Captain and the current Commander of the Ultramarines Victrix Guard, hand-picked by the Primarch Roboute Guilliman. He is among the most respected and skilled warriors within the chapter and is considered the next in line to Marneus Calgar.

While Sicarius is known for his heroism and combat abilities, he is also a savvy and commanding leader, who can quickly analyze and adapt to almost any situation, leading his forces to victory. His deeds and exploits are many. Among a chapter not lacking in legendary figures, Cato Sicarius stands among the very best the Ultramarines have produced.

16 Asterion Moloc

Ruthless & Mighty

Of all the many Astartes successor chapters in Imperium of Man, The Minotaurs are one of the most feared and mysterious. Their history and lineage are closely guarded secrets that even the Inquisition is not wholly privy to. They savagely battle the enemies of the Emperor with a berserk fury and intensity that has made them feared and respected by both friend and foe. They have also long been suspected to be closely aligned with the High Lords of Terra.

Their chapter master, Asterion Moloc, exemplifies this savage and ruthless image. This famed leader is a powerful and brutal warrior, known as The Bringer of Wrath, and the Spear of Judgment. He wields a Custodes-like weapon called the Black Spear with a vicious rage. While he is also a master tactician and skilled fighter, he has cultivated a reputation as a spiteful and paranoid man who takes pleasure in the utter destruction of his enemies.

15 Gabriel Seth

Guardian of Rage

Gabriel Seth is the Chapter Master of the Flesh Tearers, one of the most notorious and cursed of the Blood Angels’ successor chapters. The Flesh Tearers are known to be particularly bloodthirsty and are prone to falling the Black Rage curse. While the chapter has been on the brink of oblivion many times due to their savage natures, Gabriel Seth has brought them back to the Imperial fold, with renewed ties to the Blood Angels.

A towering warrior and fearsomely loyal leader, Gabriel Seth battles not only the enemies of the Imperium but also the dark reputation his chapter has garnered. The Flesh Tearers embrace their nature more than other Blood Angel’s successors. They are known for their ruthless and barbaric practices that, during the Third War of Armageddon, even made the Orks turn tail and retreat. Few Space Marines embrace their rage like Gabriel Seth while remaining loyal to the Emperor. He has led The Flesh Tearers for over a hundred years to countless victories and remains one of the most feared warriors in the galaxy.

14 Vulkan He’stan

The Last Hope Of The Salamanders

Vulkan He’Stan is the latest in a long line of heroes to be named Forgefather of the Salamanders. Only the greatest of the chapters are named Forgefather, and it is an honor of immense pressure and responsibility. He’stan is tasked with finding the nine lost relics of their beloved Primarch Vulkan. It is said that when all nine are found and returned to their homeworld, Nocturne, Vulkan will return to lead his warriors again.

Only four artifacts remain to be found, and He’stan devotes every second to finding the lost relics. The search has led him through countless battles and placed him in the crosshairs of the Necron leader, Trayzn the Infinite, who seeks the artifacts for his collection. Vulkan He’stan is the embodiment of the Salamanders chapter and had distinguished himself as a leader and warrior long before he was named Forgefather. He represents the best of the Salamanders and their persistence and fiery determination.

13 High Marshal Helbrecht

A Superior Naval Commander

After the Horus Heresy, the armies of the Legiones Astartes were split into numerous successor chapters. These elite forces contained around 1,000 Space Marines as set out in Roboute Guilliman’s Codex Astartes. However, not every chapter would follow this tome to the letter.

The Black Templars are one of the most famous and renowned chapters in the modern imperium. As a fleet-based chapter, they are present in numerous corners of the galaxy, with numbers rumored to approach legion size. The current chapter master of the Black Templars is High Marshal Helbrecht. This respected leader commands one of the largest fleets in the Imperium. While his martial skills are formidable, his true strength lies in his strategic mind and stubborn and dogged personality. His fame was earned during the Third War of Armageddon, where he commanded his fleet to victory against a far greater force of Orks.

12 Garviel Loken

Loyalty Above Brotherhood

• Luna Wolves Legion/Knights-Errant

Garviel Loken was the captain of the 10th Company in Horus Lupercal’s Luna Wolves during the Great Crusade. As one of the most trusted and accomplished members of the legion, Garviel was part of the inner circle that advised their Primarch. Garviel showed supreme loyalty to the Emperor when Horus turned traitor and Garviel refused to follow down his Gene-father’s path.

As the Heresy progressed, Garviel made his way back to Terra, denouncing his former legion. He became one of the few chosen by Malcador the Sigillite, the Emperor’s right-hand man, to join the Knights-Errant. This was an elite army under Malcador that waged a silent war, fighting against the traitors around the galaxy. Garviel Loken was a shining example among the Astartes. Under huge pressure from his brothers to turn traitor, he showed his strength and character by staying loyal to the Emperor.

11 Bjorn The Fell-Handed

The Oldest Living Space Marine

Bjorn the Fell-Handed was one of the most famous and renowned Space Wolves to fight alongside the Primarch, Leman Russ. Thousands of years later, in the current setting, Bjorn remains a loyal warrior, forever encased in a walking battle sarcophagus known as a Dreadnaught. While his days are often spent sleeping, to save his mind from insanity, he is sometimes awoken to recount tales of Leman Russ or to march into battle with his fellow wolves.

Bjorn the Fell-Handed is a former chapter master of the Space Wolves, known as a Great Wolf, who has lived for over ten thousand years. His lists of accomplishments date back to the Great Crusade and through the Horus Heresy. His long years in service to the Emperor have made him an exceptional source of information. He remains not just a powerful weapon for the Space Wolves, but a deep source of knowledge that has led them to innumerable victories. Entombed within his Dreadnaught armor, his long life is a testament to his iron will, strength of character, and unending loyalty.

10 Nathaniel Garro

A True Loyal Son Of The Emperor

• Death Guard Legion /Knights-Errant

Nathaniel Garro started his storied career as a Dusk Raider on Terra, fighting for the Emperor of Mankind during the Unification Wars. The legion would later be formally renamed the Death Guard by Primarch Mortarion. An extremely accomplished soldier, he rose through the ranks to become captain of the 7th great company.

During the run-up to the Horus Heresy, Nathaniel Garro’s loyalty to his legion was put into question by his fellow Death Guard. Due to injury, he was not present on the surface of doomed Isstvan III when the virus bombs began to drop on his fellow Astartes. Realizing the betrayal, Garro escaped and returned to Terra to warn them of the treachery. He would later become the commander of the Knights-Errant under Malcador the Sigillite.

9 Tyberos

A Giant Among Space Marines

Chapter Master of the mysterious Carcharodons or Space Sharks, Tyberos The Red Wake is a giant among Space Marines. Towering above his brothers in size and strength, his word is always final. He brings a silent and imposing presence to any room he fills. In battle, few can stand equal to his might. With his twin-bladed gauntlets and terminator armor, he imposes his will on any battlefield.

Tyberos became renowned during the Badab War when the Carcharodons appeared suddenly, without request. Both loyalists and traitors were unsure what to make of the sudden force initially, but it was for the Emperor that Tyberos fought, lending his considerable power to the loyalist forces.

8 Belial

Leading the Search for the Fallen

Belial stands among the greatest heroes of the Dark Angels chapter and is the current Grand Master of the 1st Company, known as the Deathwing. As the leader of the Deathwing, he represents the very best of the chapter. He is a peerless fighter and shrewd commander who demands the very best from his warriors.

The Deathwing are tasked with hunting down The Fallen, the ancient Dark Angels that turned traitors under the leadership of Luther and are now scattered among the stars. To lead such an elite force as the Deathwing demands excellence, and Belial has always lived up to this mantle. In recent lore, Belial battled with Angron on the Daemon world, Wyrmwood, taking a mortal injury from the World Eater’s Primarch. He was safely carried away. However, to survive, he underwent the surgery known as the Rubicon and became a Primaris Marine. He is now even more formidable than he was previously.

7 Supreme Grand Master Azrael

A Fierce Warrior And Wise Leader

Supreme Grand Master Azrael is considered the greatest leader the chapter has had since Lion El Johnson. A natural commander, Azrael quickly made his way through the ranks and joined the Deathwing, the elite Terminator unit of the Dark Angels. Azrael’s skill in combat and even-handed counsel would eventually make him Grand Master of the Deathwing.

Eventually becoming Supreme Grand Master of the entire chapter, Azrael would be privy to the Dark Angel’s deepest secrets, including that of Luther and the Fallen. In recent times, he united all the Dark Angel’s successor chapters against the forces of Chaos, when they tried to invade the Rock and end the chapter for good. During this time, their Primarch Lion El Johnson returned to the setting and rejoined his sons.

6 Marneus Calgar

A Powerful, Respected, And Just Leader

Wielding duel Power Fists known as The Gauntlets of Ultramar, Marneus Calgar is one of the most respected and formidable warriors of the Imperium. He is the long-time chapter master of the Ultramarines and has led his warriors to countless victories. His deeds far exceed any of his chapter barring Roboute Guilliman himself. His tactical mind, inspiring leadership, and deep loyalty have earned him the respect of all.

Marneus Calgar was one of the first Marines to cross the Rubicon, elevating him to the level of Primaris Space Marine, an operation that was in its infancy and carried heavy risks. With the return of his Primarch, Roboute Guilliman, Calgar is no longer named Master of Ultramar, but Lord Defender of Greater Ultramar. He remains the chapter master of the Ultramarines and one of humanity’s greatest warriors.

5 Sigismund

The Greatest Duelist Humanity Has Known

• Imperial Fists Legion, Black Templars Chapter

Sigismund stands as one of the greatest warriors humanity has produced and was a legend even in his own time, during the Great Crusade. He was considered the most skilled swordsman out of all the Space Marines and was only been defeated once, by Jago Sevatarion, who broke the rules of the duel by head-butting Sigismund, thus becoming disqualified and robbing him of another victory.

Sigismund was known throughout the legions for his skill and ferocity. He rose through the ranks of the Imperial Fists, becoming First Captain of the Templars. A rank that was second only to Primarch Rogal Dorn within the legion. After the Horus Heresy, Sigismund would become the first Grand High Marshall of the newly founded Black Templars. Five centuries later, Sigismund would finally be defeated in combat by Abaddon the Despoiler during the first Black Crusade.

4 Lord Kaldor Draigo

An Incorruptible Slayer Of Daemons

Kaldor Draigo is a powerful psyker and has shown countless times he is incorruptible by the powers of Chaos. He is the current Supreme Grand Master of the Grey Knights Chapter, secretive warriors who are experts at combating the daemons of the warp.

Kaldor Draigo’s deeds have placed him into legend, with countless daemons defeated at his feet. He even carved the name of the previous Grey Knight Chapter Master into the rotting heart of Primarch Mortarion. He is currently lost within the Realm Of Chaos but has been known to return during times of great peril. His ability to hold back the influence of chaos has made him one of the Imperium’s most potent weapons against the ruinous powers.

3 Mephiston

The Most Powerful Space Marine Psyker

Mephiston is the Chief Librarian of The Blood Angels and is the most powerful psyker of all the Space Marines. Originally known as Calistarius, Mephiston is the only known gene-son of Sanguinius to overcome the Black Rage twice. The curse that all Blood Angels and their successor chapters suffer, the Black Rage, makes the Space Marines fall into a rage-fuelled frenzy. They are unable to control themselves and are always eventually put out of their misery.

Mephiston succumbed to the rage in battle but was trapped after a building collapsed on him. For seven days he was alone, battling with the madness, when finally he emerged victorious and more powerful than before. Now named Mephiston, he became known as The Lord Of Death.

2 Logan Grimnar

An Ancient Iron-Willed Leader

Logan Grimnar is one of the most respected names throughout the Imperium of Man. Known as The Great Wolf, he embodies the spirit of Leman Russ like no other. With his headstrong manner, belligerence to any outside the chapter, fierce skill in combat, and iron-willed leadership, he has been the leader of the Space Wolves for around 700 years.

His experience and thirst for battle made him both feared and respected and, during the 13th Black Crusade, he was named Supreme Commander of the Imperial Forces and led the way to many victories. He would even later wound Traitor Primarch Magnus the Red in battle, which allowed the Grey Knights enough time to banish him back to the Warp.

1 Dante

Selfless Duty To Humanity

Commander Dante is the Chapter Master of the Blood Angels and one of the most respected men throughout the Imperium. His heroic deeds are many and, at over 1500 years old, he is one of the oldest mortals alive. Age has barely slowed the ancient warrior. He goes to war in shining golden armor, wearing the death mask of his gene-father, Primarch Sanguinius.

When the homeworld of Baal was threatened with total annihilation by the Hivefleet Leviathan, Dante was able to unify all the Chapters of the Blood. Forming a legion-sized army, that held off the xenos swarm and saved their chapters from extinction. For these deeds and his great experience, he was named Regent of Imperium Nihilus by Primarch Roboute Guilliman. This effectively made Dante the ruler of half the Imperium.