Why are Some Armies in 40K Played SO LITTLE - Least Played Armies in the Game?

Let's talk through the armies of Warhammer 40K, which ones are most popular and which are most niche...
-- Patreon Page --
/ auspex
-- SubscribeStar --
www.subscribestar.com/auspex
-- Buy Warhammer 40K miniatures here --
UK - Element Games: elementgames.co.uk/?d=10426
USA - Wargame Portal - wargameportal.com/?ref=auspex...
or Amazon also in the USA - amzn.to/3QWzuIC
Australia - Gap Games - bit.ly/3N8VBtj
Canada - Fenris Workshop - shop.fenrisworkshop.com/auspe...
These are affiliate links that also hep to support Auspex Tactics videos, though cost no extra to use.
Iron Enforcers Miniatures - thangs.com/designer/AcrossThe...
3D Printers from Elegoo Here - shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=168032...
Auspex Tactics Merch - wargameportal.com/collections...
-- Social Media --
Facebook: / auspex-tactics-1031297...
Discord: / discord
-- Subscribe to Auspex Tactics --
tinyurl.com/yc69mguy
0:00 Intro
0:43 Space Marines
1:31 Most Played Armies
3:49 Mid-Played Armies
6:28 The Top Ten LEAST Played Factions
16:33 Outro

[@rickkcir2151]

I’d say the biggest issue is outdated models. You look at a lot of the least played armies and you see that they have old models. I guarantee that if Space Wolves, Grey Knights, and Drukhari got a range refresh. Their play rate would skyrocket.

[@TheWarpForge]

Drukhari don't really need a ranted refresh, they just need their remaining finecast remade in plastics and returning characters like their Mandrake Character, the Baron and Vect, etc.

[@spnked9516]

Refreshes, accessibility, variety, and rules are four of the biggest problems with smaller (usually lower selling) factions. Dark Eldar are probably the poster children for this. 1/3 of their roster just isn't purchased, most of their stuff is older, rules force you to play a specific way (spamming dark lances with kabal units), and even if the rules didn't force you towards a certain kind of list you have very few alternatives to work with.

[@kiwilover8]

This and price per model

[@arbitrary_mike7833]

I started Custodes and Knights in late 9th/early 10ths. I would have started GK if their models were newer/nicer.

[@julientabulazero103]

@@TheWarpForge mmm... The Drukhari are missing something to take on very large monsters beyond spamming DL. Some mad creation from the Haemonculi Covens would be really nice... something like "let's grab all the slaves we've got and stich them without anesthetic into some kind of giant mass of flesh, pump it full of combat drugs and let the beastmasters handle it on the battlefield" kind of nice

[@Sugar_K]

RIP harlequin the final nerf was to pretty much remove them as an army

[@tearable20s95]

They are the reason i play eldar i love the harlequins

[@Whoknows21356]

Who?

[@daroth7127]

My gf started a Harlequin army this edition. Its so hard for her getting into the hobby

[@CanonessEllinor]

I’m convinced (with absolutely no proof) that Drukhari will be the “bad guy” faction in 11th. They have the history, are way overdue a refresh, and could easily have a Necron-style boost if they got the attention

[@Tyresiax]

Valrak's sources seem to tease that it would rather be the Orks.

[@maxmagnus377]

I hope so, but I kinda doubt it. We haven't seen anything out of the Drukhari narratively in ages, not even small stuff like hinting at some character's return or anything. The doomer in me actually thinks the Dark Eldar aren't that long for this world anymore. 40k is becoming more and more mainstream and losing some if its "edge" along the way. Somehow, I think part of GW wouldn't mind ridding themselves of having to deal with a faction of murder-sex elves who torture to keep the god of torture at bay...

[@Wybrand418]

Drukhari don't have the numbers to be an existential threat to the imperium. They had their moment in the 3rd ed launch box, but definitely don't see it happening again.

[@julientabulazero103]

Nope. The Drukhari are a threat but not an existential threat. Orks, which has a bigger player base or Chaos SM, are more likely to be what comes in 11th. The problem with the Drukhari and the Aeldari is that GW has no idea what to do with them lorewise.

[@julientabulazero103]

@@Wybrand418 Actually, given the liberal use of clones and the fact that Commorragh is literally an infinite space who knows how many Drukhari are they around ?

[@daroth7127]

Greetings from the Dark City!

[@Damnedlegion40k]

Deathwatch. No.1 @something 😂

[@8-7-styx94]

which is sad, they were some of the first ever terminators too. :/ Remember the good old days of Space hulk?

[@klaykid117]

Unfortunate, because they're the best faction if you don't actually know what chapter you want to play, so every time you read a cool story about a certain chapter, you can add that character to your death watch list

[@bennettgrimm2618]

I mean, they're the coolest That counts for something right?

[@JCodyStG]

I'm starting to collect a Deathwatch army. Honestly I can't understand why they're so unpopular, they're such a characterful army.

[@bennettgrimm2618]

@@JCodyStG custodes parts make good watchmasters if you want to be extra

[@willshields4480]

Dark Kin represent!

[@johnj.spurgin7037]

Your badge sir! *profers an insignia with the words "proud baby eater" on it* :P

[@guysolomon7904]

I play Votann, considering I'm in the thumbnail I'm assuming not very xD

[@acestorian643]

Ah, a fellow kin. To being niche lol, rock and stone

[@zombielizard218]

Rock and Stone Kin!

[@robertlewis8295]

Kin is Kin

[@Jay-zk7uw]

Just started collecting them recently, having a nice time. Oh yeah, DRG quote!

[@enteplays3662]

I think that GW made League of Vootan because DRG showed that Space Dwarfs are awsome and you can't convince me other wise. If you don't Rock and Stone you ain't going home!

[@kazamiagame3523]

As someone active on the SoB reddit, I must say that yes, we have quite a lot of people coming and saying they are starting the faction since the codex reveal. So as you said, I wouldn't be surprised the numbers are a bit higher than what they should be

[@ElGravyVids]

"I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve." - McWerp, probably

[@sheevpalpatine9532]

A new codex normally always sees an influx of people for a short period. Albeit I reckon a good chunk of them are probably WAAC Players chasing the new thing.

[@RockmeHellsing]

Well I bought them before they were good

[@DominatorLegend]

"As someone active in Reddit". Ugh...

[@kazamiagame3523]

@@DominatorLegend ?

[@Lumavah]

I'm a little sad that Craftworlds are generally less played (well, when those numbers aren't being pumped by meta-chasers at least). I guess I should be happy that they're still more popular than a lot of other (sub)factions.

[@Wybrand418]

30 year old warp spiders is a big ask when looking at the newer, beautiful sculpts of other factions. Also lorewise eldar exist to make space marines look good.

[@arn1345]

The only part of GW that likes the space elves are the rules writers. Lore and models? Go fuck yourselves. Your major named characters only exist to make Space Marines look cool. Warp Spiders refresh? No, another Space Marine Lieutenant.

[@Lumavah]

@@Wybrand418 ... well, given that they're the main characters, I'm pretty sure every Xenos faction exists for the Space Marines to fight and look cool doing so. After all, you can only punk the Avatar of Khaine in so many ways before that stops being an achievement.

[@Lothrean]

They look very outdated. Its an insult to the eye seeing them on the table. I mean sure with 100 custom bits and a lot of creativity you can make a good looking army - but who does that?

[@Lumavah]

@@Lothrean I won't deny it. It should not have taken them remotely as long as it has for them to get around to updating the Craftworld range, and I'm still salty that Swooping Hawks and Warp Spiders are still resin. I'm also not happy that they decided to crank out a new faction (Leagues of Votaan) before ensuring all of their outdated ranges (Craftworlds, Necrons, Tyranids) were properly brought up to par.

[@oliverp3545]

I think the fact that for almost the entire hobby's existence one army has had proper inbuilt customisation (we all know who) has in large part contributed to the bloat in representation. There's alot of armies people want to do themes for but with less access to that customisation they lose out greatly.

[@8-7-styx94]

This is why 3d printed models are a good thing. Customization options abound and for less than you'd spend at a GW store any day of the year, even on christmas specials.

[@Khalith]

I just started Drukhari. They grew on me after playing the Rogue Trader game and after reading Big Dakka which showed a lot of really cool Drukhari stuff.

[@Matt24002]

My second army. They have to be one of the best hobby wise for mixing and matching aesthetically. One of most distinctive play styles and my go to for local RTTs

[@davidwarburton-burley9967]

I think Drukhari's problem is they dont have an plastic centrepiece model. They're very much a vehicle horde army

[@Mail99man]

WE is at least here in Germany one of the most popular armys since their launch. I don’t like the lore super much about them, but the play style is super cool as a fast melee pressure army.

[@burnbobquist8999]

Well i think a struggle is the small range some of them have. I mean i get that Votann and Sisters are kinda limited since they are fairly new, but why the Drukhari? A bunch of the models you can't buy atm and why can't we take the Corsairs as Battleline choices and put them on our boats?

[@MacThunder.]

I collect Dark angels I personally love to play them

[@troybrand6626]

I did too. For three-and-a-half decades. Until Primaris happened, then the Great Firstborn Cull. Now I play Eldar of both flavours. No regrets.

[@gamingborger]

i like the dark angels so much... i created an entire successor chapter years ago

[@arthurbrugge2457]

​@@troybrand6626But don't you like cawl?? He is the solution to all of this; just buy more shit😂😂

[@TacticalBurnVictim]

I exclusively play 4th edition Cities of Death... I should probably specify so I don't sound absurd... I play as the cities themselves.

[@willshields4480]

You are the most based man of all time

[@tikiwiki7428]

what a legend

[@DominatorLegend]

I kneel

[@akatsukixi4726]

I play cityfight

[@anophelesnow3957]

I have Ynnari, this makes me a super special snowflake! Yo ho ho, me hearties, coming at you, live from the Dark City!

[@julientabulazero103]

Slanesh, please no. No offense but I think that the Ynnari is the worst thing that could have happened to the Drukhari. It makes balancing their army even more difficult as you have to take into account how they could also be used in Ynari armies. The very least GW could do is to have different point costs for those units depending on whether they are taken as pure Drukhari or Ynari. Using a pain token on a scourge unit does not yield the same game impact as using a fate dice on a dark lance shot. Why should the unit cost the same then? As a Drukhari player, I fully support Asdrubael Vect's decision to exterminate the Ynaris. ;-p

[@b2g7h8]

​@@julientabulazero103FYI you can't use fate dice and Payne tokens for any of the Dark Eldar (Drukhari) units in Ynnari. I've been playing Eldar and Dark Eldar since the 3rd edition & like the fact that you now have the option to mix them. You also lose out on a CP generator because Yvrain has to be the Warlord.

[@tommyakesson8858]

My biggest suprises was the popularity of Necron and the low numbers for Space Wolves. I didnt consider Necron being a major/boxed villain recently, nor the lack of new sculpts for Wolves

[@crowanon3625]

Year's ago in 2nd/3rd edition, I quite liked Space Wolves with their versions of standard squads (long fangs instead of devastators etc...) and awesome hero's like good old Nigel, and the whole viking aesthetic they had. Coming back to it in 9th, I was suprised to find they had devolved into "Wolfs of Wolfyness from Wulfhall" levels of stupidity along with Santa Claus on a wolf sled. Yeah, I went back to Dark Angels at that point.

[@3Xero3]

For Necrons, their featured position in 9th ed helped boost their player base a lot. They got a few more models, a few lore books, and then in 10th they got a decent enough codex. It helps having a lot of models available for cheaper when you've been in the starter box sets followed by a partsworks magazine.

[@brodieborgedalen6514]

Great video, the details are cool

[@TheMasterFishboy]

Supreme overlord Vect is just biding his time within Commoragh. The time of the dark kin is nigh.

[@luckmyst3r986]

As a Sisters player, yes the new codex has gotten alot of people intrested in the faction. If those people stick around however thats to be seen.

[@TOOTHBRUSHDUCK]

Honestly, the rather small marine lead really does show how if they were not the only faction hard pushed constantly, they would not be so overly prevalent

[@cilliancallaghan9788]

Thought this too. Expected way higher than 40%, though I guess it should be added that pretty much every player has had a SM army at some point, even if they don’t play them currently?

[@8-7-styx94]

@@cilliancallaghan9788 I think the question being asked is the reason why. I doubt they're asking "do you own any space marine models?" cause the answer would be universally closer to 99%. They probably asked something along the lines of, "what armies do you play?" Which is totally different. I own, Orks, Smurfs, CSM, TS, DG, and GSC. I only really Play GSC, and DG though. Big difference when it comes down to it.

[@TOOTHBRUSHDUCK]

@@8-7-styx94 Question, if it's the poll I think it is, was which armies do you own 1000pts or more of. The other poll Auspex ran not too long ago on this topic asked own and actively collect (and/or play?) as separate questions

[@arbitrary_mike7833]

@@8-7-styx94 This! The question, if I recall correctly, was “what do you own 2k+ points of”, not what do you play. I have a lot of SM models from combo boxes, but I don’t ever use them.

[@Alvion]

Black Templars, Adepta Sororitas and Chaos Knights player here, increasing the average of the three! :D

[@liamalbiges7748]

I love drukhari, but it is so hard for new players to get in with so little available. Many kits allways seem to be out of stock though, so does feel like GW are underproducing. Agree that finecast being axed and no replacements added is a huge problem, but kitbashing Grotesques from talos bits and similar size models from the AoS range lets you channel your inner Haemonculous!

[@andrewlaidlaw7975]

From the 3rd Ed of 40k I remember that a couple of Legion of the Damned models were made and possibly some rules. So other that these guys occasionally popping up in lore & story for me it would be interesting to see if they make a come back. But I would be tempted in starting a Deathwach army once I've improved my painting a bit.

[@kodi7024]

2nd and 3rd edition Space Wolves were awesome. Along with the Ragnar books by William King. Great times. Hoping they get a range refresh soon.

[@markstruckmeyer9193]

I've been tempted many times to start a Deathwatch army. My first army was Grey Knights, and DW seem to be the xenos hunting counterpart of my GK. Hopefully they get some love soon.

[@frothybevvy4706]

Just getting started on 40k and torn between admech or space wolves. Am i best waiting to see what happens to wolves before making a choice then, i dont want to start collecting and newer editions come out shortly after?

[@Swornvulkan]

Just started a drukhari army :) can't wait to get them on the table

[@PackmasterJack]

I played Harlequins, Space Marines, Chaos Marines, and Orks in KT 2018 - I was thinking about Sisters but the game dropped off before I could get a KT together. Started full-size 40k in 10th, updating my CSM and SM kill-teams into full armies, picking up Leagues of Votann after that due to falling in love with their lore and aesthetic, and am working on Sisters of Battle now. I'm waiting to see what the Codex does with Harlequins before committing anything there, as much as I love them.

[@NecroGoblin-yl2fx]

funny to see the factions i play highest. i main Nids, then Necrons, and starting to get an ok big CSM army that i'm expanding atm. and ofc i also got SM as they come in most boxes with 2 armies. as i'm a bit of a collector i also got DG, Chaos Knights and Sisters that where supposed to be with Inquisitors, lets see what happens to them if Imperial Agents get their own Codex.

[@TheEnd]

So any space marine chapters not specifically listed count as regular space marines? Such as Imperial Fists, Raven Guard or Salamanders?

[@TemperingFaber3]

It really surprised me to see Sororitas so high up. I roam around a LOT of local hobby stores and I know of only 2 players that play sisters: me and another dude that rarely play them...And it really surprised me to see drukhari so low, as I've seen them played on the table a few times.

[@Godzillaguy21]

Votann really feel like they just need some time to expand their range. I really wanted to start an Admech army but the pricing for units is just insane, and there aren't enough automata options in 40k. I've got a Kill Team and I'll pick up any additions like that... but a full army? Probably not.

[@Arkrouyle]

Yea its sad seeing the automata in 30k,, but in 40k we get stilts guy and DaVinci kites with no support for cult mechanicus.

[@jparbiter1972]

my thing is my Space Marine Chapter is the Blood Ravens, and I use this as an excuse to integrate the specialist chapters like the Wolves, and both Angels into the army.

[@miniaturemadmonkey]

As someone whose just coming back to the hobby and is starting both a flesh tearers and Dark elder army, this is nice

[@jibjibs9401]

My friend just started druhkari after giving up on GSC

[@warherojango936]

I was on the fence about collecting 40k until World Eaters came out. Since then I've been grabbing most models to Chaosify them with Khorne paint jobs. Haven't played tabletop yet but I'd like to try it eventually once I've hand painted my models to my satisfaction.

[@kevinchessell7485]

I love collecting my Drukhari. In a universe with no "good guys", there's something to be said for playing as arguably the most evil faction. Lots of scope for imaginative decorations on mini's.

[@peterpienczuk2664]

Im a bit shocked about BA when i started in 1999 there were 2 blood angels players for every other chapter with some flesh tearers after the indexes came out

[@m33ddyhv]

My armies are salamanders, custodes and pile of shame tyranids from leviathan. I am looking forward to starting a more niche and less popular army however. Something like genestealer cults or perhaps Kroot/farsight enclave

[@Ruggedtoaster]

Honestly, with the genestealers and SOB numbers, codexes have definitely helped, but I know a fair number of casual players who just would never consider entering a tournament, who have been collecting them for years. It’s kind of like how I feel about my deathwatch units. They are something I would be very unlikely to bring to the competitive scene because of how army rules have worked, but I really enjoy making them and play them casually regularly so I’ve got several thousand points of them.

[@charfreak]

I think the issue with deathwatch is that they’ve always lore-wise been something deployed at a squad level of super elite space marines & GW never gave us a good reason that they would deploy on a larger scale. I think they would work far better as an imperial agents style unit for people who just want to ad a unit of space marines to another imperial army. It would also be nice to have the old ‘deathwatch veteran’ upgrade to a handful of models in an otherwise normal space marine army, although that does go against how 10th edition list building works

[@Eric-jt8yx]

I wonder how often someone is interested in a faction but then simply can’t get over a particular downside and that’s what makes them choose otherwise. For example, you mentioned the looming Primaris overhaul of Blood Angels stopping folks from potentially starting that army. I never really thought about that before. However, from a modeling perspective, there’s certain units that completely turn me off from an entire army. Like the Grey Knights baby carrier; that’s the worst. Even the Sisters version is so ugly. Also, the werewolf > space Viking shift means Space Wolves are down for the count.

[@BloodyArchangelus]

Dreadknight is best looking mini in faction. xDD

[@krilc]

Yeah the dreadknight always turned me off picking up GK, it looks terrible and worst of all you kinda need it, hell you want 3 seemingly every edition. No thanks!

[@chaosof99]

Weren't Necrons kind of neglected before their Range refresh in 9th edition, similar to Tyranids? I am also surprised that T'au are so popular. I play them, but I always thought they were much less popular. After finishing my Kroot my next big project will be finishing a Drukhari Army that I started earlier this year before the Kroot box came out. Besides myself I have only seen them played once, but never played against them in my area. Hopefully once I am done with that (which will take a while) they will have finally brought out the second half of the World Eaters that they promised, because that is what I have my eye on next.

[@BloodyArchangelus]

because they are op most of their lifecycle and it is AU channel which is full of tau players.

[@sergiozurron9738]

I was expecting an Inquisition (as main army) mention, since I don't know too many players (I took the a couple of times to store tournaments allied with IK for fun)

[@RowdiesFan1]

Kinda hoping that Grey Knights and Deathwatch get incorporated into Agents. It'll be very interesting to see how those box sets/codex releases are received either way.

[@timunderbakke8756]

I’m a little surprised at the Templar numbers given how it’s not hard to jump into a marine flavor of the month. Me, my marines have all been painted as Templars since I got here with Indomitus because I liked the lore, and I loved how they got the range refresh in 9th

[@bnhik]

When I started getting back into 40K, I was excited for the Leagues of Votann but ultimately decided against it because they don’t have enough variety of units to field.

[@TheUndeadslayer221]

People also like the Astra Militarum because Tanks are cool; Especially the Leman Russ, Rogal Dorn, and double especially the Baneblade (and its variants).

[@Diego-bq3nv]

World eaters best army bro! ❤, BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD

[@GorgeousRandyFlamethrower-]

As a returning player, it's weird seeing Drukhari in such a niche state today. Back in the 3rd and 4th edition days, they seemed to always be in the top3 most commonly seen armies at tournaments and leagues (at least in my neck of the woods, ie. Northern Europe). But it's been many editions, so some things are bound to change

[@crowanon3625]

Lack of models really hurts. Go into a GW store and you will see at best a couple of Drukhari heroes and a start collecting, maybe a couple of the fast vehicles and that's about it. Once they get a new CP and lose the cost savings, I think they will drop even further down unless they get a range refresh.

[@Colin-Sierra682]

As a Vlka Fenryka player, 100% correct. I've been a fan more so of crusade play rather than competition and as a result I've been working on a custom successor chapter for a bit. That said, most of my work has been converting any non-named units rather than buying any new models as I want to see what new stuff comes out and build up from there.

[@saltytattie833]

I would have expected Aeldari and Sisters to be swapped in popularity to be honest

[@andybandyb]

Duuuude if it’s 11.5 vs 11.6 it’s not a spot to make big theories 😅

[@-Blackberry]

Dark Eldar are the coolest Eldar, you have to have a truly arrogant aristocratic soul to understand that though. :P

[@arthurbrugge2457]

Too much soy....😛

[@Azrael-XIII]

Honestly pretty surprised to see Blood Angels and Space Wolves so low

[@jonb2988]

Huzzah my fully converted mk3 deathwatch are #1 at something!

[@rougedogo152]

I just started collecting genestealers for Necromunda for ashe wastes, so the old combat patrol built cp legal plus two squads of jackles

[@kiwilover8]

Eldar still have the issue of several core models being old enough to drink. Thousand sons also have a big issue with painting due to the trim. Votann is my main faction and they got shafted by 10th rules quality and are super expensive to collect now

[@Forestxavier20]

KSons have three big issues: Our trim sucks to paint Our model line is less than double digits when you exclude duplicate datasheets (ie. Rhino, Arhiman + Arhiman on Disc of Tzeentch, Tzeentch Daemons) Our Combat Patrol is so bad that the best way to start the army is to just buy boxes of Rubrics instead. The trim issue is technique based. You can paint trim easily if you base in trim and then paint over with armor color. Not the best solution, but it works well enough. The Combat Patrol is going to be fixed this edition, so we can only hope that our rules don't get fucked with the Codex. Our model line might actually be getting more than Magnus, Arhiman, Rubrics, Scarab Occults, Exalted Sorcerers, and Infernal Masters seeing as they are teasing new Automata for us and people are theorizing that we are going to get a full range release to help fix our lack of unique Thousand Sons models. (Rubrics are technically shared between CSM and KSons, but that's CSM souping in our Battleline rather than KSons souping in Daemons or getting something that every Space Marine faction has) Like, KSons are such a cool faction it's just they got hit with a triple whammy of bad entry, hard to paint, and six options that aren't another model range's.

[@jameskurth3560]

To start I figure my Eldar corsairs make up roughly 0% of the meta as we no longer have a codex. Regarding my Mordian iron guard and inquisition army I expect maybe 5% of players are on guard.

[@98765zach]

As somebody who collects some Deathwatch and implements Deathwatch bits on my space marines, they are NOT primaris upgrade sprews. They give you pauldrons that actually do fit on some primaris marines and then big ones for Gravis/Terminator sized models all the chest pieces though don’t fit on any primaris

[@jonathankuneli3463]

I think another reason why some get played less - like my drukhari is that there aren't that many models and they aren't the "new" thing.

[@stripeybag6977]

Blood Angels and the fact that the 3 of the least Space Marines are all melee doesn't surprise me as you HAVE to know proper positioning to prosper with them in an army that honestly leaning towards Shooting. Also waiting for new models.

[@Pallyk426]

and blood angels really rewards getting good charges in especially with their detachment and strategems

[@yabarber6902]

I love my Blood Angels they feel so rewarding when Death Company get a charge in

[@WoWisdeadtome]

The idea that marines are are shooting army is what I credit for the fact that so many marine players hit so far below their weight. Marines are a low-key melee army and I say that because GW gives them bolters as standard equipment. The thing is marines are a "stat stick", you pay the points for those elite stats whether you use them or not and the way to leverage a stat stick to win games (in any game) is to pit as many of your superior stats against as many of your enemy's weaker stats as you can simultaneously to be totally oppressive. Think about a marine vs. most other troops. Assuming they're not also marines what stat advantages do you likely have? Out of combat: probably BS, T, W, Sv? At least a couple of these reliably. Your bolter probably isn't much better than whatever your opposition has. In combat: T, W, Sv, but now add in A, S, WS. Probably the case that you add at least one or two more stats to your advantages. Now what if you exchange your bolters for Astartes Chainswords and bolt pistols or heavy bolt pistols: Add AP to the pile and your attacks quantity advantage has grown. You're now generally at least competitive, if not superior to combat specialists in many other armies. Even against bolter armed other marines you are still pressing an A and AP advantage. What marines are is an elite combat army with EXCELLENT fire support options. If you look at the win statistics generic space marines are second worst with 44% win rate and the only thing worse is Dark Angels (shooty marines with self-destroying weapon focus). Which army has 57% wins and is literally top 1 in the game? Space Wolves and their default equipment is melee focused. Next up for the marines are Black Templars and Blood Angels, (both up in the upper mid or upper tier) what are they known for? Recently this channel put out a video about bolters and bolt weapons in general being weak. I don't think there's anything wrong with bolters or bolt weapons (I play Adepta Sororitas and heavy bolters are one of the most efficient marine killers in the game and I can demonstrate it if anyone wants) the issue is bolters, in particular, do not leverage the advantages of space marines. Melee leverages your stat stick properly whereas with AS I pay only for the shooting stats on my bolter armed sisters thereby making my bolters more efficient and rely on my combat specialists to engage scary melee units rather than a battle sister squad's ability to withstand a charge. It's like arming Fantasy Chaos Warriors with bows then complaining bows are underpowered when you lose to empire handgunners. No one ever lost a battle for using their advantages. What I really don't want to see is the "power armor is a joke" video (remember AS player here) that will come a month after bolters get buffed.

[@BillWD]

I collect deathwatch, tyranids and Emperor's Children. I love deathwatch. I find playing with marines very boring compared to some xenon and chaos factions. The deathwatch made marines more interesting owing to kill teams, weapon choices, corvus blackstar and painting all the different heraldry. Well, kill teams were nerfed into oblivion by points changes and what personnel you can put in them. 1st born marines made way more expensive on purpose. The many weapon options were ruined in 10th and most things became "long vigil weapon", the blackstar has been a cool looking paper weight for 9th and 10th, the heraldry bit is still cool cos there are many 3d printed cauldrons you can get from ebay. I wouldn't mind if they were put into agents of Imperium army, I just imagine a lot of my units wouldn't be playable and would have to be sold.

[@toniviskari417]

Regarding the Space Wolves, I do find comfort in knowing that in their books they are the dopest Chapter around these days. And I don't mean that in army superiority, but from a character and storytelling perspective. From the metaperspective, I do actually wonder if the perception of them is one of the things affecting their current lack of popularity. Their heyday was in the 90s and early 00s when they leaned a lot more on the werewolf vikings aspect of them, but over the past years Black Library books have done an outstanding job in almost reworking them completely into something much more nuanced and awesome. While I don't think it is the main thing in anyway, what I've noticed in a lot of discussions about the Chapter is how many people still think of them as they were and how positively amazed they seem to be when they read up on what has been done with the Chapter more recently.

[@TheVoltarus]

Admech being at 10th is a bit surprising. The cool models really carry them, despite everything else.

[@arthurbrugge2457]

"Despite everything else" You mean despite their terrible units, tactics, rules and everything else? Are you hoping for a point drop to make them even more expensive? Praise GW for balance😂😂

[@xxSandt21xx]

I adore the Blood Angels! FOR SANGUINIUS!!!

[@wolfgangstallionmusic5639]

I play death guard and I have some space marines never play them tho.. I love Drukhari but it’s hard to buy them out side of GW store for the vehicles I love the drive by shooting high technical play style but I can’t start that army P.S might start chaos daemons Nurgle focus

[@arthurbrugge2457]

Get substitues outside of GW. Screw their manipulative practices. Print som substitutes, or build them from rubbish you have lying around. It wont be worse than the "official" GW garbage pile of shame😂😂

[@coddaw]

If GW would take some time away from doing year round SM releases and open up some support for other army releases it might entice people to play armies that appear to have support outside of getting 1 new mini/sculp every 3 years

[@jimbusher5895]

I am honestly expecting my Grey Knights to be bundled with Deathwatch and Agents for an 'Inquisition Task Force' - can't see how they will even make four detachments for the Grey Knights

[@theodoreroosevelt3143]

I'd love to start SW but i'm waiting for refresh of range

[@Bamurai]

Deathwatch needs a new upgrade sprue and new kill team kits, I think that would bump up their popularity

[@wailmerpail]

The only reason i havent started grey knights is the old sculpts

[@henrymng]

Aeldari is one of the founding factions of 40k

[@mattyorshin]

Before I watch the vid. Army isn't pushed enough. Under powered data sheets. Cost to much to build. Not enough of a flushed out army. Anyways: i play tyranids and have since third edition

[@pajoulrod]

I feel like power has a substantial grip on the overall "wanting to play X faction". At least in my head if I were really interested in an army's lore and thought I could paint them really well, if I go through all that work only for that army to get completely shmacked off the table, or if when I go to do something and it works but just not very well, it's kind of a feels bad, no?

[@DestroyerofToast]

I have Flesh Tearers. I don’t use them because I am waiting on the inevitable nerfs and elimination of units once the codex comes out. The same for my Altansar.

[@bobfrancis123]

CWE (main) and CSM for me. My Craftworlders are white/purple (and I will never paint a mostly white army again! Lol) My CSM is painted in the dark panoply of the inglorious, infamous 8th.

[@WoWisdeadtome]

I play AS with a white armor/red robes color scheme and while it looks great the absolute pain of painting all that white armor is not worth duplicating, not by a long shot. All the armored sections were four passes: Corax white base, Apothecary White to add shading, Corax white again to most of the plating and White Scar to highlight. I'm tired just thinking about it.

[@ofdustandnations6806]

Tau, Orks and Space Marines. I collect them and paint them, I should play my first game in 11 edition….I hope.

[@patrickcoene3866]

I have 2000 points of Sisters of Silence. Too bad you cant play them outside Custodes anymore. One day maybe :-D

[@zer0prototype5]

Wouldn't your survey let you see how many people collected ik as their only faction?

[@kandrenai]

I love the Dark Kin!

[@reluxor]

Regarding Space wolves I would say since primaris age their upgrade kits feel more of a lack luster than anything else, especially compared to first bornes age where they had lot of dedicated kits and units. The sons of Russ clearly fall in disgrace.

[@GiggityGoo205]

Kinda surprised orks aren't more popular. I was expecting closer to 30% with them.

[@WoWisdeadtome]

Sort of tying in with your video on "are bolters weak" my answer was no, not particularly, but look at all those space marines players. I knew there was a lot of them, but I didn't realize how few were playing some variant chapters. The issue is GW gives your marines with bolters (the 40k equivalent of a bow) while marines are a low-key melee army. Space marines are a "stat stick" and the way to leverage a stat stick is to pit as many of your superior stats against as many your enemies weaker stats as you can simultaneously and just generally be totally oppressive to them. Out of melee, what does your marine have on say a Drukhari warrior: T, W, Sv. Looks good right? How about in melee, what advantage do you have: S, T, W, Sv, A. That looks better, doesn't it? How about in melee if you ditch that bolter for an Astartes Chainsword and bolt pistol or heavy bolt pistol. Now you have S, T, W, Sv, A, AP and some of these advantages have grown. So bolter space marines (and Dark Angels) are some of the worst armies in the game. This is not because the bolter is weak per se, this is because you have paid the points for your stat stick and then failed to leverage it. You are the guy that, if you could, you'd arm Fantasy Chaos Warriors with bows, lose to Empire handgunners, hellblasters and canons then complain that bows are weak. What space marine chapters are doing well (even to the point of being literal top 1)? Blood Angels, Black Templar and Space Wolves. What do they all do? Equip melee weapons and GET IN. Those chapters are leveraging the stat stick, most of you are not. You should be running marines as a primarily melee faction with EXCELLENT fire support. Do that and win please. I play Adepta Sororitas and I don't look forward to the "power armor is a joke" video that will come a month after you get bolters buffed.

[@Kintizen]

Tau is definitely under counted. It has the largest active base in forums and reddit.

[@sharlockshacolmes9381]

Being less popular than Vautan and Chaos knight is a hard hit

[@Vante21]

Yeah, there must be some over reporting due to the GSC codex coming out. I refuse to believe they're more popular than Tsons, WE, CK, Drukhari (even with their dated models), and all the Space Marine chapters outside of Deathwatch lol

[@Archangel4500000]

Imperial Knights is Actually my main army, love them, won a few local events with them.

[@francescognerre2408]

I dont play yet, but have been wanting to get into the game, and like 90% I would play genestealer cults

[@MatthewGana]

Grey Knights! It was love at first sight, even as a college student who couldn't afford the hobby... And now, more than a decade later, I've almost finished painting the first 1000 points of my long-awaited Grey Knights 🥹 ...I don't think they've even updated the models since they first caught my eye lol

[@demonprinceofkhorne]

My favourite army to collect: Necrons - one of the most played armies which is awesome and understandable given their prominence in 9th edition My army I'd take to tournaments: Chaos Knights - surprising that its one of the least played, my local GW, on the rare days I get to play 40K there, is entirely Chaos Knights and Thousand Sons My army I'm going to take to my local gaming group where I've not managed to get a single win since the start of 8th of edition: Harlequins My first 40K army: Night Lords (Chaos Space Marines) - One of the most played in this video which is awesome

[@mikaelfarstrand5382]

I think that one of the problems with this list is also that many of the least played armies are part of space marines. They are mostly the same. And not different enough at times. I think it is time for a break from tradition and make space marines one army. And then BAngels, SWolfs can be their own army. With no interplay. Maybe similar, but not able to choose from the SM codex anymore. Maybe have the same things, but at different price points. And different versions. Think a SW codex, with 2 unique detachments and then 2-4 versions of the SM codex ones. But with a more SW twist. Same with all the units. Some the same, some with twists in weapons or rules.

[@jojomerou4075]

Interesting to see that the V2 SM chapters are not played a lot

[@JohnnyCoyote]

Never thought that Blood Angels would be among the least played armies, but that only means we have to fight with greater fervour. For Sanguinius!

[@MrDUCKMAN5555]

One thing we can say it doesn't matter how popular a faction is, if gw makes new stuff for the army it will sell out in a day.

[@gnatflatt]

Im really sad that deathwatch is so underplayed. Ive had many good games with them, and i think theyre the most customizable faction in the tabletop in terms of what units can bring. Anyone have any input to why its like that?

[@ge9367]

I'm really surprised that the space wolves have dropped so low! But I will admit I'm not a fan of wulfen or thunderwolf cavalry.

[@igwarlord]

This is not even a argument. The reason is new units. Look at top played all got fresh new shiney units in last couple editions The bottom got nothing. And don’t say new characters count

[@GoldBawls]

…mechanicus is pretty much all new.