Space Wolves are Space Marines with a Viking-themed identity — feral, aggressive, and built for melee in a way most other Marine chapters are not. They retain the durable Space Marine statline while adding unique unit options like Fenrisian Wolves and Wulfen. The Combat Patrol box is the entry point. Here is whether it is worth buying.
What Is in the Space Wolves Combat Patrol Box?
The Space Wolves Combat Patrol contains core Space Wolves units: a Wolf Guard character model, a squad of Blood Claws or Grey Hunters (the core troops), and a fast-attack or specialist unit. Space Wolves have access to standard Space Marine units as well as their unique faction-specific kits — the Combat Patrol draws from the latter to establish the faction identity from the start. Confirm exact contents on the GW website before purchasing.
Is the Savings Worth It?
Space Wolves kits are priced in line with other Space Marine chapters. The Combat Patrol bundles multiple kits at approximately 30–40% below combined retail. Space Wolves unique kits (Wulfen, Fenrisian Wolves, Thunderwolf Cavalry) are premium-priced — if the box includes any of these, the value calculation is particularly favourable.
Who Should Buy It?
- New Space Wolves players: Yes — the Combat Patrol establishes your core units and teaches you the faction’s melee-forward playstyle at a manageable scale.
- Space Marine players who want a melee option: Space Wolves are the most melee-focused of the loyalist Space Marine chapters. If you play generic Space Marines and want a sub-faction that rewards aggressive play, Space Wolves are the natural transition.
- Players who want easy-to-paint models: Space Wolves suit a grey armour with fur and bone detail scheme that is very forgiving for painters — drybrushing handles both the armour and fur well, and washes do most of the shading work.
Are Space Wolves Good for Beginners?
Yes — Space Wolves are one of the better beginner choices for players who want a melee-capable faction. They play similarly to standard Space Marines (familiar rules base, durable infantry, flexible unit options) but with unique character and the ability to play more aggressively in close combat. The painting style — grey armour, leather, bone — is among the more forgiving in the game.
New to painting Space Marines? Our Space Marines painting guide covers multiple colour schemes including grey chapter variants. For technique basics, the drybrushing guide is essential for Space Wolf armour and fur detail.
Space Wolves Combat Patrol — Verdict
Worth it: Yes. The Space Wolves Combat Patrol is good value and gives you a distinctive starting force with strong melee identity. A solid choice for players who want Space Marines but prefer a more aggressive, character-driven playstyle than the standard Ultramarines template.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Space Wolves use standard Space Marine units?
Yes — Space Wolves have access to a large portion of the standard Space Marines unit roster alongside their unique faction kits. Intercessors, Assault Intercessors, Redemptors, and most vehicles are all available to Space Wolves armies. This gives them the flexibility of the full Space Marine range plus unique options like Wulfen and Thunderwolf Cavalry.
Are Space Wolves competitive in 10th Edition?
Space Wolves are a viable faction in 10th Edition, primarily through the Stormlance Task Force detachment which rewards aggressive melee play. They are not typically top-tier tournament performers compared to Ultramarines or Iron Hands builds, but they have a consistent presence at competitive events and are well-supported by GW updates.