In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war, which is why the Emperor’s angels, also known as the Adeptus Astartes or the Space Marines, are the bulwark that protects humanity from evil. And to do so, they require armaments and enhancements that can challenge such evil and defeat it.
While these walking giants might be the most iconic thing about the franchise, many might not know that the power armors they inhabit are different in terms of power, protection, and importance.
Thus, we have listed 10 of the strongest armors used by the Space Marines, from the firstborns to the new Primaris Marines, who fight wars that might never end.
10 Scout Armor
Starting off the list, we have the Scout Armour, which, as the name suggests, is used by the Space Marines’ scouting party. This armor is specially designed to give the Astartes greater agility and maneuverability while conducting reconnaissance missions on the battlefield.
This armor, therefore, has fewer defense capabilities, but easy, enhanced movement makes up for the lack of protection. The main drawback is that there is no full servo-assistance or life support, which makes it difficult in an all-out assault if the need arises.
9 Mark VI Corvus Armor
Primarily used by the Raven Guard and its successive chapters, this is one of the more familiar armors to the majority of the people who have looked at the franchise from the surface.
The one discerning feature that gives it its name is the beak-like attachment that can be witnessed on the helmet, along with the name of the Raven Guard’s Primarch, Corvus Corax.
This version is a more heavily protected counterpart to the Scout Armor, used for stealth and tactical flexibility, while the beak has advanced sensors for improved battlefield awareness. Its drawbacks include weaker chest and power core protection due to reduced plating.
8 Mark VII Aquila Armor
One of the most common types of armor in the setting, the Mark VII Aquila Armor, in the past, was the one that was issued to successful candidates after they passed their trials to join the ranks.
Suitable for all-out frontal assaults, this armor boasts a fully sealed system with life support capabilities and strength enhancements that let the wearer charge in without a second thought.
Unfortunately, these have become a rarity after the new, more polished version of the armor was developed over the centuries.
7 Mark VIII Errant Armor
Issued to the high-level, Codex-compliant Space Marine chapters, the Mark VIII Errant Armor is designed for endurance in long-drawn battles, which is why it has enhanced survivability during heavy combat engagements.
Improving upon the design of the previous Mark VII, it has a reinforced gorget to protect the wearer’s neck, which is important during long combats where enemies can ambush the Space Marines.
It also boasts advanced auspex systems to monitor activities through solid matter, along with other observation tools that make surprise ambushes possible for the wearer of this armor.
6 Mark X Tacticus Armor
The standard issue Power Armor for the new breed of Primaris Marines, this battle suit is equipped with all the bleeding-edge tech and enhancements developed over the millennia by the Adeptus Mechanicus.
Developed primarily for agility during frontline battles, this version is less bulky but still more capable and improved in terms of energy regulation, strength delivery, and damage absorption.
This can also be rapidly adapted to suit different needs on the battlefield, like changing the wearer’s role from a killing machine to an Infiltrator or a Reiver if the need arises.
5 Gravis Armor
Primarily used by the Aggressors and heavy Intercessors of the new Primaris Marines, the armor is the evolution of the previous ones on the list. Used again for frontal assaults, this armor provides enhanced protection and even comparable agility to its wearer.
The Gravis Armor includes thicker, more durable ceramite plating on vulnerable areas, while retaining its structural aim of enhanced movement and damage amplification. This armor can withstand attacks from even the toughest of enemies on the battlefield and let the Astartes march on.
4 Tartaros Terminator Armor
Coming now to the real damage dealers of the Power Armors, the Tartaros Terminator Armor is a heavily protected, extremely bulky battle suit, which is equally devastating on the field.
Employed mostly by the elite 1st Companies, the wearers of this armour are highly trained masters in their craft of war. Therefore, these are even more well-protected than the previous ones on the list, while maintaining a close effectiveness in agility and movement.
These are also capable of carrying heavy artillery for superior firepower on the battlefield. This armor also boasts superior auto-senses and teleport homing for rapid firepower response on enemy lines.
3 Indomitus Pattern Terminator Armor
When it comes to seasoned veterans of the 1st Companies, as well as the Primaris Terminators, the Indomitus Pattern Terminator Armor is a sight to behold, almost like a Titan of the Imperium in action.
These almost perfected Power Armors are heavily armored line-breakers that mow down enemy frontlines with no signs of stopping unless commanded. These are the most brutal and hard-hitting in melee combat, while still being unmatched in defense among the modern armors on modern Astartes.
In addition, they can utilise the most devastating weapons that troops can carry on foot, like Gatling Bolters and even small hand cannons.
2 Cataphractii Pattern Terminator Armor
Built specifically for ultimate defense, the Cataphractii Pattern Terminator Armor is a relic from the 30th millennium, which was employed during The Horus Heresy as well.
As artworks and depictions showcase, it was the ultimate vanguard armor used by the Astartes when they wanted to form heavily fortified frontline formations and march ahead while absorbing enemy assaults. It has the heaviest armor plating among all Terminator suits, with even advanced shield generators found in some variants.
Thus, when it comes to sheer defense, this class of Terminator armor is still considered the best, even in the 41st and 42nd millennia.
1 The Artificer/Relic-Class Armor
Coming to the cream of the crop, this whole class of Power Armor is the pinnacle of the Imperium’s engineering, the path of which was laid out by the Emperor of Mankind himself.
Witnessed most commonly on the legendary Adeptus Custodes, the Adeptus Mechanicus handcraft their Auramite Armor for every passing candidate, which means that it is ensured that this armour and the complementary weaponry are the best, most lethal, and effective against the enemies of mankind.
Made in the Master Forges, its warplates are imbued with unmatched resilience and tech, making them virtually indestructible. Therefore, it offers superhuman resilience far beyond even the standard Power Armor.
The Artificer Maximus Class of armor is the stuff of true legends, as this can only be witnessed on the mythical Primarchs themselves, like Vulcan and the newly revived Roboute Guilliman.
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Warhammer 40,000 Live-Action Series, the official release date is unannounced, but it is expected to be released on Prime Video in mid-2026/ early 2027.