The Black Templars are getting their full release this coming weekend for Games Workshop's grimdark Sci-Fi wargame, Warhammer 40,000. With a brand new Codex and an assortment of themed miniatures, this gives you a chance to play Space Marines who still follow the old ways.

High Marshal Helbrecht // Warhammer 40,000

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At the head of his army is the new miniature for High Marshal Helbrecht. He comes adorned in his bronze-coloured ceramite, standing atop a rocky outcrop as he watches the battle unfold. This is actually based on a classic piece of artwork from editions of old.

The miniature shows him having just slaughtered an Ork; fitting considering the rivalry the Black Templars and the Greenskins have. His two attendants are cleaning his power sword and preparing his Combi-Bolter for the next fight.

Another of the named characters returning to the crusades is High Chaplain Grimaldus who also comes alongside his retinue.

High Chaplain Grimaldus And Retinue // Warhammer 40,000

High Chaplain Grimaldus made a name for himself in the Helsreach Hive on Armageddon where he stood and defended the walls until they collapsed on top of him. He dragged himself from the ruins and now carries portions of the walls that fell upon him as relics to inspire other Black Templars to feats of heroics. His Cenobyte Servitors follow in his wake as their Chaplain storms into battle, ready to crush everyone beneath that crozius arcanum of his.

The mighty Emperor's Champion also takes to the battlefield after his initial launch as part of the boxed set a few weeks ago.

Emperor's Champion // Warhammer 40,000

He strides into battle as an instrument of The Emperor's will made manifest. Sporting relics like the Armour of Faith and the Black Sword, they are vessels of violence and rage (despite their knightly appearance) and woe betide anyone who stands in their way.

Make Your Own Legend

As well as a selection of named characters, you can also pick up some unnamed options for your army. Make your own Crusade force and carve out a portion of the grimdark universe for yourself with your own Marshal for example.

Marshal // Warhammer 40,000

With a variety of weapon options to choose from as part of the kit, the Marshal seems like a solid way to start your adventures with Black Templars. I love that the Black Templars as a whole just go overboard and epitomise everything that makes Warhammer 40,000 "extra". Skulls everywhere, massive brutal-looking weapons and a cross between Fantasy and Sci-Fi (Sci-Fantasy if you will).

Talking of miniatures that feel VERY Warhammer 40,000, here is the Castellan. Another impressive Black Templars miniature based on classic artwork from the depths of time!

Castellan // Warhammer 40,000

I love this dude. I think he alone could make me consider making a Black Templars force for use on the tabletop. I think he would be a lot of fun to paint, especially if you wanted to go old school with brighter reds and whites in the mix.

Not specifically a Black Templar but very fittingly released at the same time, we also have a re-released Space Marine Chaplain.

Space Marine Chaplain // Warhammer 40,000

Previously only available as part of the Space Marine Heroes collection, this miniature could fit into all manner of different Chapters. I like the idea of using him as part of a Blood Angels force although he is a very solid option for those adding one more faith-driven hero into their Black Templars force.

The Rank & File Of The Black Templars

You can drop in all the heroes you like but you need some troops if you're going to win a battle. The new Primaris Crusader Squad is going to be available this weekend complete with grizzled veterans and their Neophytes.

Primaris Crusader Squad // Warhammer 40,000

I always liked the way this shook out for the Black Templars. It was a cool way of showing the progress from being a lowly "Scout" through to becoming a proper Space Marine. No better place to show your talents than in the heat of battle.

Again, this kit seems like it comes with a lot of different options for building your squad and this will no doubt end up being the core of your army. A couple of these Primaris Crusader Squads and a HQ choice and you're on your way towards making a traditional Warhammer 40,000 army.

If you want to fill out your force with some of the Black Templar's finest then you will also be able to pick up the Sword Brethren Squad too.

Sword Brethren Squad // Warhammer 40,000

This comes with some of the best of the best amongst the Black Templars, armed and armoured as they see fit, each fulfilling their own battlefield role. Faith and fury personified and a great set of miniatures to sit at the heart of your army alongside the likes of the Emperor's Champion or Marshal.

If you already have a bunch of Primaris Space Marines lying around in bits and you wanted to upgrade them instead of buying the new miniatures, this is where this pack comes in.

Black Templars Upgrades & Transfers // Warhammer 40,000

Within it, you'll get everything you need to upgrade your Primaris Space Marines into Black Templars. You've even got those beefy shotguns which might give your Neophytes the edge too. This pack also comes with a few relics and special weapons that you can only get your hands on when making a Crusade force.

If you're a fan of more narrative-based missions then this is certainly worth snapping up. I like the idea of chopping and changing miniatures as you go to reflect their fortunes and misfortunes on the tabletop.

New Codex & Extras

All of the new rules for the Black Templars can be found in their new Codex Supplement. Snap this up and you'll find everything you need to begin your own Crusade. There is even a Collector's Edition if you're so inclined.

Codex Black Templars // Warhammer 40,000

You will also be able to pick up some accessories too. The new Data Cards and themed Dice are also releasing this weekend. These end up selling out quite quickly so you'll want to be quick if you fancy adding these to your collection.

Black Templars Dice & Data Cards // Warhammer 40,000

Some good looking dice! You might need a couple of packs though considering the amount of dice chucking you do in Warhammer 40,000! Plenty of tempting offerings for those who like their Space Marines but want to do something a bit different.

Are you tempted by the Black Templars this time around?