Current 11th Edition points for every datasheet, updated with the latest Munitorum Field Manual. Open any unit for its complete stats, weapons and abilities.
Salamanders are the close-range durability chapter: flamers, melta weapons, and rules that improve their resilience and their ability to make the most of a small number of high-value shots. The army fights at a range where its weapons are devastating and its opponents would rather not be.
They are the most forgiving Marine chapter to play badly, which is a genuine virtue. A Salamanders unit caught in a bad position survives more often than most, and their weapons do not require a long setup to be effective — a melta shot at short range does its job regardless of how elegant the preceding turn was.
The cost is reach. The army has to close, and against a mobile opponent that refuses to engage it can spend the game walking.
Building a Salamanders army list
Transports and reserves are how a Salamanders list gets into range. A foot-slogging melta list will fire its best weapons for the first time on turn three.
Their weapon profiles are strong against tough targets and less efficient against numerous cheap ones — include deliberate anti-infantry.
If you are new to Salamanders: Measure your threat range before deploying, not during the game. Salamanders weapons have a specific bracket where they are excellent and outside it they are ordinary.
Salamanders FAQ
What is the Salamanders chapter trait?
Rules centred on resilience and on getting more out of flame and melta weapons, supporting a durable close-range playstyle.
Are Salamanders good for new players?
Yes — arguably the most forgiving of the specialised chapters. Their durability absorbs positioning errors and their weapons do not need elaborate setup.
How do Salamanders handle horde armies?
Flame weapons help, but the army's high-value, low-volume profile is better suited to tough targets. Deliberate anti-infantry is worth building in.
Weaknesses
Short effective range on the signature weapons
Slow, with limited answers to a faster opponent
Low volume of attacks — accuracy matters more than usual
Struggles to punish an opponent who simply stays away
