The Sternguard Veterans are the ranged elite of a Space Marine Chapter’s 1st Company, tasked with holding the line while the rest of the force retreats. They’re the best shots in the Chapter, and they know it.
What the Sternguard Veterans are
Every Space Marine in a Chapter’s 1st Company can handle any weapon in the armoury, but the Sternguard Veterans choose to fight at range. They deploy where the battle is fiercest and face impossible odds with cold precision, cutting down the enemy with bolter fire.
They’re the picture of what every Space Marine wants to become: the peak of the Chapter’s fighting force. Their job is to cover a fighting retreat, holding the enemy back long enough for the rest of the force to pull out.
Wargear and special ammunition
Sternguard Veterans get first pick of the Chapter’s most advanced gear. They favour bolters fitted with enhanced scopes and loaded with specialised ammo, though they can also carry heavier weapons when the mission calls for it.
Their real edge is the ammunition. Every Sternguard Veteran carries a selection of specialist rounds, each designed for a different target. That flexibility lets them switch between cracking armour, burning out cover, or shredding light infantry on the fly.
| Ammo type | What it does |
|---|---|
| Dragonfire Bolts | Hollow shells that explode with superheated gas, bypassing cover. |
| Hellfire Rounds | Needles of mutagenic acid instead of an explosive charge, originally made to fight Tyranids. |
| Kraken Pattern Penetrator Rounds | Adamantine core and extra propellant for longer range and better armour penetration. |
| Metal Storm Frag Shells | Devastating against unarmoured foes. |
| Tempest Bolts | Tiny plasma shock generators that emit electromagnetic and thermal radiation, effective against machines. Only made on Mars. |
| Vengeance Rounds | Unstable flux core tech, hazardous to use but excellent at piercing power armour. Originally designed to kill Traitor Marines. |
How they fit into the Chapter
The Sternguard have a friendly rivalry with the Vanguard Veterans, their close-combat counterparts. That competition never gets in the way when the fighting starts, and each group would die for the other without hesitation.
They’re a 1st Company unit, so you’ll only see them when a Chapter commits its absolute best. When the Sternguard take the field, it’s a sign the situation is serious.
Why they matter
The Sternguard Veterans represent the ranged peak of a Space Marine Chapter. They’re more than veterans; they’re the ones you call when you need a position held against everything the enemy can throw at it.
Their mix of elite training, advanced wargear, and specialist ammo makes them one of the most flexible infantry units in the game, equally at home deleting a monster, a tank, or a horde.
Key facts
- Sternguard Veterans are ranged specialists from a Space Marine Chapter’s 1st Company.
- Their main job is covering a fighting retreat and holding the line against overwhelming odds.
- They carry bolters with enhanced scopes and a variety of specialist ammunition.
- Special ammo includes Dragonfire, Hellfire, Kraken, Metal Storm, Tempest, and Vengeance rounds.
- They have a friendly rivalry with the close-combat Vanguard Veterans.
FAQ
What company are Sternguard Veterans from?
They’re drawn from a Space Marine Chapter’s 1st Company, the same pool as Vanguard Veterans and other elite units.
What’s the difference between Sternguard and Vanguard Veterans?
Sternguard specialise in ranged combat with bolters and special ammo, while Vanguard Veterans focus on close-quarters fighting. They’re friendly rivals.
Can Sternguard Veterans take heavy weapons?
Yes, they can carry lascannons, heavy flamers, and other heavy weapons, though they usually prefer their modified bolters.