The Space Marines are the iconic warriors of Warhammer 40K, and in Dawn of War: Definitive Edition, they are once again the main faction. The story centers around the Blood Ravens, but players can pick any chapter for visual variety. The Space Marines are known for their ability to blend relative simplicity and strength in all stages of the game. They are a great faction for newcomers as they are good in both the early and later stages. Here is everything you need to know to play them well.
Building a Strong Economy
The Space Marine economy will develop around two resources: Requisition and Power. While Requisition is generated when you capture and hold your Strategic Points. Power is generated via Plasma Generators constructed by Servators which are available from the start of the game.
Any infantry unit can claim a Strategic Point, and Scouts from your Stronghold are the best option early on. They’re quick, can secure points before the enemy, and later can be upgraded with sniper rifles to counter infantry while you build up a steady Requisition income.
After producing a few Scout squads, train at least three Servators, since they’re needed for construction. Two of them should follow behind your Scouts to place Listening Posts on captured points, boosting Requisition flow and making those locations harder to take back. Extra Servators are also useful soon after, as you’ll want to drop several Plasma Generators in a row to jump-start your Power production.
Combat Strategy
A basic Space Marine squad is one of the most versatile forces available. With heavy weapons, full reinforcement, and a commander, they can handle nearly any infantry with ease. These squads are strong enough to carry you through the early and mid-game while you prepare vehicles from your Machine Cult.
In the late game, a mix of Terminators, Dreadnoughts, and Predator tanks becomes essential, while regular Marines remain useful for mobility and striking weak points. Predators handle armored targets well, and Terminators are effective against almost everything else. No matter which chapter you’ve chosen, this combination is powerful enough to overwhelm opponents.
Space Marine Build
To efficiently reach the final Stronghold tier, start with a Plasma Generator, then build a Chapel Barracks and upgrade your Stronghold to a Monastery. Add an Armory, followed by three more Plasma Generators, then construct a Machine Cult. Upgrade the Stronghold again into a Fortress Monastery, place another Plasma Generator, and finish with a Sacred Artifact. Always set up Listening Posts when securing new points.
