Let’s be real for a second. If you’re looking at the Blood Angels Combat Patrol, you’re probably either a veteran player looking to bulk out a secondary detachment or a complete newcomer who just thinks space vampires in power armor look cool. Both are valid. But there is a weird tension in how Games Workshop packages these boxes. You see, the Blood Angels have a very specific reputation on the tabletop: they are the close-quarters, chainsword-revving, jump-pack-using psychopaths of the Adeptus Astartes. Yet, when you crack open the box, you might be surprised by what’s actually inside.
It isn't just about red plastic.
The current iteration of the Blood Angels Combat Patrol—the "Sanguine Spearhead"—is a bit of a departure from the previous box that featured a Librarian and an Impulsor. This one feels more "infantry heavy," which is a double-edged sword in the current 10th Edition meta. You get a Captain in Terminator Armor, ten Assault Intercessors, five Sanguinary Guard, and a pair of Blood Angels Upgrade Frames. Honestly, it’s a lot of plastic, but does it actually play like the sons of Sanguinius should?
What’s Actually in the Blood Angels Combat Patrol?
The centerpiece here is the new Sanguinary Guard. People have had feelings about these models lately. The loss of the classic "wings" in favor of a more streamlined, jump-pack aesthetic was controversial. But on the tabletop? They are your primary hammer. These guys are the elite, the golden hosts that fall from the sky to turn a heavy infantry unit into literal mulch.
Then you’ve got the Captain in Terminator Armor. He’s a brick. Pure and simple. He’s the guy you shove into the middle of the board to tell your opponent "this objective is mine, find somewhere else to be." He doesn't move fast, but he hits like a freight train.
The bulk of your "screen" comes from the ten Assault Intercessors. These are your bread and butter. They aren't fancy. They don't have many tricks. But they have chainswords, and in a Blood Angels army, that means a lot of attacks when the Red Thirst kicks in. Basically, you're looking at a force that wants to be in your opponent's face by turn two.
The Math of the Box
If you bought these kits individually, you'd be spending significantly more. That’s the primary draw of any Combat Patrol. You're saving roughly 30% to 35% depending on your local currency and where you shop. But "value" is a tricky word in Warhammer 40,000. If the units don't synergize with your playstyle, a discount is just a cheaper way to buy something you won't use.
For a Blood Angels player, the Sanguinary Guard are almost mandatory. The Captain is a solid HQ choice, though some might prefer a Chaplain with a Jump Pack to keep up with the faster units. The Assault Intercessors are the only part that feels a bit "filler-ish" if you already have forty of them sitting on your shelf.
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How the Blood Angels Play in the Combat Patrol Game Mode
Combat Patrol isn't just a box; it's a specific game mode designed for 40k. It has its own balanced rules, so you aren't just playing a "small version" of the main game. You’re playing a curated experience.
In this mode, the Blood Angels Combat Patrol excels at aggressive objective play. You have to be careful, though. Unlike the Orks or the Tyranids, you don't have endless bodies. You have elite, expensive marines. If you leave your Sanguinary Guard out in the open, they will die. They're tough, sure, but high-volume fire or dedicated anti-infantry weapons will chew through them.
You've got to use terrain.
Hide. Wait. Then pounce.
The "Sanguine Spearhead" rules usually give you access to specific Stratagems that buff your melee output. Use them. If you aren't charging, you're losing. That’s the Blood Angels way. You want to trigger those charge bonuses as often as possible to maximize your Strength and Attack characteristics.
The "Red Thirst" Misconception
Most people think Blood Angels are just "Space Marines but faster." That’s a mistake. The Red Thirst—the genetic flaw that drives them into a murderous frenzy—is represented by mechanical buffs to wounding in melee.
In the Blood Angels Combat Patrol, this means your basic Intercessors can punch way above their weight class. They can threaten light vehicles and heavy infantry because they find it easier to wound. It’s a subtle difference, but it changes your target priority. You don't always need the "big guns" to take down a mid-tier threat if you have ten angry guys with chainswords.
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Customizing Your Sanguine Hosts
One of the coolest parts of this box is the upgrade frames. These aren't just for show. They include Blood Angels-specific shoulder pads, heads, and relics. This is where the hobby side of the Blood Angels Combat Patrol really shines.
- The Heads: Use the bare heads for your sergeants or characters. They have that classic "angelic but slightly terrifying" look.
- The Relics: Don't just glue them on randomly. Use them to distinguish your unit leaders.
- The Transfers: The sheet included is massive. It covers everything from squad markings to high-detail chapter icons.
Honestly, the building process is half the fun here. The Sanguinary Guard are a "love it or hate it" kit in terms of assembly—some of those poses are a bit fiddly—but once they're painted gold (or whatever color your successor chapter uses), they look incredibly imposing on the table.
The Strategy: How to Not Get Wiped Out Turn One
If you're playing against a shooting-heavy army like the Tau or Astra Militarum, you're going to have a bad time if you just run straight across the board. The Blood Angels Combat Patrol lacks long-range punch. You have some bolt pistols and maybe a storm bolter on the Captain, but that’s it.
You are a melee army in a shooting game.
- Phase 1: The Advance. Use the Assault Intercessors as a meat shield. They are cheaper than your Guard. Let them take the brunt of the "Overwatch" fire.
- Phase 2: The Deep Strike. If the mission allows, keep your Sanguinary Guard in reserve. Bringing them down from the sky behind enemy lines is the most "Blood Angels" thing you can do, and it forces your opponent to split their fire.
- Phase 3: The Captain’s Stand. Your Captain in Terminator Armor should be heading for the most contested objective in the center. He is there to soak up damage and survive.
Is This the Best Start for a New Player?
It depends. If you love the lore—the tragic heroism of Sanguinius, the battle against the Black Rage, the whole "noble vampires" vibe—then yes. It’s a great box.
However, if you want a diverse range of units including tanks and flyers right away, this isn't it. This is a pure infantry force. It teaches you the fundamentals of movement, charging, and melee combat. It doesn't teach you much about the shooting phase or vehicle management.
Compared to the Dark Angels Combat Patrol (which often features a dreadnought or heavier firepower), the Blood Angels box is much more specialized. It’s a scalp, not a hammer. You have to be precise with it.
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Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Don't forget the "Oath of Moment" ability if you're playing in a standard 40k game rather than the specific Combat Patrol mode. It’s still a core Space Marine rule. Even though you're Blood Angels, you're still an Adeptus Astartes faction. Picking a target and getting those re-rolls is vital for making sure your few shots and many stabs actually land.
Also, watch out for the Black Rage. In the lore, it’s a death sentence. In the game, specifically with Death Company units (which aren't in this box but are the logical next step), it makes units harder to control but much more lethal. If you decide to expand this patrol, getting some Death Company Marines should be your absolute first priority.
Building Beyond the Patrol
Once you've painted your Blood Angels Combat Patrol, where do you go?
- Lemartes or a Chaplain with Jump Pack: You need a leader who can keep up with your fast units.
- Death Company Marines: They are the heart and soul of the chapter.
- A Redemptor Dreadnought: Every army needs some heavy fire support and a big, scary robot.
- Baal Predator: It’s unique to the Blood Angels and fits the aggressive, short-range theme perfectly with its flamers.
The Blood Angels aren't just another flavor of Space Marines. They play differently. They feel different. They require a certain level of "controlled aggression." You have to be willing to lose models to get the charge off.
Actionable Next Steps for New Commanders
If you just picked up the box, start with the Assault Intercessors. They are the easiest to build and paint, letting you practice your red armor recipes before you move on to the more complex Sanguinary Guard.
For the red armor, don't just use one shade. Prime in a dark red or even black, then build up to a bright scarlet on the edges. It gives the models depth. For the Sanguinary Guard, if you're intimidated by painting gold, try a base coat of Retributor Armour followed by a heavy wash of Reikland Fleshshade. It’s a classic "Eavy Metal" recipe that works every single time.
Get your units on the table. Even if they aren't fully painted. The only way to learn the nuances of the "Sanguine Spearhead" is to see how they handle a charge. Measure your distances carefully, use your Stratagems wisely, and remember: For the Angel!
The hobby is a marathon, not a sprint. This box gives you a solid foundation of high-quality, modern sculpts that will serve as the core of your army for years. Whether you're playing 10th Edition or whatever comes next, elite infantry with chainswords will always have a place in the grim darkness of the far future.