The Space Marine Adventures is a series of beginner-friendly co-op board games from Games Workshop, where you and up to three friends control a squad of Space Marines against classic 40k enemies. They’re push-fit, no-glue starter sets, so they’re a common gateway into the tabletop hobby.
What the game actually is
You pick a Space Marine hero, push the model off its frame, and start playing. No clippers, no glue, no painting required to get going.
Each box is self-contained: models, rules, tiles or boards, cards and dice. The first release was Labyrinth of the Necrons in 2018, followed by Rise of the Orks and later Tyranid Attack!.
It’s designed for one to four players, so it works solo as well as with a group. Games run fast, which is the point.
The three core boxes
Labyrinth of the Necrons sends five Marines into a tomb to stop a Necron Overlord. Rise of the Orks pits them against greenskins. Tyranid Attack! drops a squad into a derelict space hulk to hunt a Tyranid Prime.
Each one swaps in different enemies and missions, but the core loop stays the same: move, fight, survive, win.
| Box | Released | Enemy |
|---|---|---|
| Labyrinth of the Necrons | 2018 | Necrons |
| Rise of the Orks | later | Orks |
| Tyranid Attack! | later | Tyranids |
The heroes you control
Labyrinth of the Necrons comes with five named Marines from different Chapters: Sergeant Cassius (Ultramarines), Brother Infernus (Salamanders), Brother Frostclaw (Space Wolves), Brother Gabriel (Blood Angels) and Brother Grimm (Imperial Fists).
Two expansion mission packs add more. Recon Mission Pack brings Captain Chogan Khan (White Scars), Brother Bakku (Celestial Lions) and Galleus (Hawk Lords). Rescue Mission Pack brings Brother Hermanez (Crimson Fists), Brother Maxus (Silver Skulls) and Brother Bethor (Dark Angels).
Each pack also includes activation cards, datacards, mission briefings, a challenge card and special cards.
Where it fits in the hobby
These aren’t a replacement for full 40k. They’re a side door. The models are usable in regular games if you rebase or proxy them, and the rules teach the basics of moving, shooting and fighting without a 200-page rulebook.
A paint set exists for the range too, so you can take the next step whenever you want.
Availability has been patchy. The original run was sold through select independent retailers in the USA and Germany, and later releases turned up in places like Barnes & Noble and Target. If you’re hunting a specific box, second-hand is often the realistic route.
Key facts
- The Space Marine Adventures is a co-op board game range for one to four players.
- Labyrinth of the Necrons launched the series in 2018.
- Later boxes include Rise of the Orks and Tyranid Attack!.
- Models are push-fit, so no glue or clippers are needed.
- Two expansion packs, Recon Mission and Rescue Mission, add six more named Marines.
- The games were sold through select retailers in the USA and Germany.
FAQ
Do you need glue or clippers to build the models?
No. The miniatures are push-fit and pop straight off the frame, so you can assemble them by hand.
How many players can play?
One to four. The games are designed to work solo as well as with a full squad of friends.
Is the Space Marine Adventures a good start for beginners?
Yes, that’s exactly what it’s for. Simple rules, quick games and no modelling barrier make it one of the easiest ways into Warhammer 40k.
Can you use the models in regular Warhammer 40k?
Generally yes. They’re standard-scale Space Marines, though named characters may not have current matched play rules.