I thought it might be interesting to actually compare my current Deathwing list built with the Dark Angels Codex against the same build using the Space Wolf Codex.
I'm using my current 1500 point list as the template for this comparison.
Dark Angels HQ:
Belail with Storm Bolter and Sword of Silence (sword is master crafted).
Can be equipped with a pair of Lightning claws or Thunderhammer and Storm Shield in place of his bolter and sword.
Outfitted in regular Terminator Armour and can deep strike.
Makes Terminator squads count as Troop choices.
He's Fearless and has Rites of Battle.
Can upgrade a Terminator squad to include an Apothecary and Standard Bearer.
Space Wolves HQ version:
Logan Grimnar (counts as Belail)
Isn't able to take a pair of Lightning claws or Thunderhammer and storm shield like Belial. But, his power weapon acts as both a power weapon or powerfist (or both, it's your choice) and adds +1 to his strength.
Outfitted in regular Terminator armour but also has wargear giving him a 4+ invul save too. Cannot deep strike.
Has Saga of Majesty which allows any units within a certain distance can reroll failed Morale checks.
Like Belial, he makes Terminator squads count as Troops.
Has more Attacks and better WS than Belial.
He has a few extra special rules too:
Acute Senses, ATSKNF, Counter-Attack, Eternal Warrior and Stubborn.
He also has Living Legend and The High King rule.
Living Legend boosts friendly model attacks for one turn and The High King allows him to grant his squad any one of the following powers at the beginning of each turn, Fearless, Tank Hunters, Relentless or Preferred Enemy.
He also always hits on a 3+ in HTH.
And he can nullify psychic powers affecting him and his unit on a 5+.
Let's move on to the Troop choices then...
Dark Angles Terminator Squads:
Fearless and can Deepstrike.
Can use Deathwing Assault but cannot use drop pods.
Only come in squads of 5 guys.
Equipped as follows:
Sergeant with power sword and storm bolter
Terminator with heavy flamer and powerfist
Terminator with twin lightning claws
Terminator with Storm bolter and powerfist
Terminator with Storm bolter and chainfist
Space Wolves Version of Terminator Squads:
Not Fearless and not able to Deepstrike.
They do have ATSKNF, Counter-Attack and Acute Senses.
No Deathwing Assault but may use drop pods.
Squads not limited to 5 guys.
I can build the exact same squad as above and it comes in 15 points cheaper. And the Space Wolf "lightning claw" can reroll hits or wounds, whichever you choose.
In addition, these guys have the option of taking a Land Raider as a dedicated transport, have access to Melta Bombs and to the improved rules 2-shot cyclone missile launcher. One model may be upgraded to have the Mark of the Wolfen (changes the number of HTH attacks and gives rending).
You may include a Special Character, Arjac Rockfist in the squad as well as an upgrade for one of the models.
Shall we move to Heavy Support...
Dark Angles Heavy Support:
Land Raider (Godhammer Pattern) equipped as follows
Added on a pintle mounted storm bolter
Added on extra armour
Space Wolves version of Heavy Support:
Same vehicle, equipped the same way, costs 5 points more.
Also has the option of adding a multi-melta and benfits from an improved PoTMS where the BS is 4 instead of 2.
And Elites...
Dark Angles Dreadnoughts:
Equipped as follows
Dreadnought CCW with built in storm bolter and Assault cannon.
Upgraded to Venerable and given extra armour.
Space Wolves version of Dreadnoughts:
Same walker, equipped the same way, costs 20 points more.
Has access to additional weapon loadouts to include Mortis Pattern Dreads.
Has improved WS and BS skills.
Also has access to wargear that can provide psychic attack saves, benefits to HTH combat or conferring the ability to reroll failed moral checks to other units nearby.
And there you have it.
The Dark Angels list comes in just UNDER 1500 points while the same Space Wolf list comes in at just OVER 1800 points.
Keep in mind, I limited my Space Wolf selection to mimic my Dark Angels list written using the DA Codex. I'm not getting into the "better" build or any rules debates, just a straight comparison here.
Maybe next time, I'll see what it takes to get the Space Wolf list down to 1500 points. I wonder what I would have to do without.
Additional DW vs WW comparison articles:
Deathwing vs. Wolfwing by Military of Ultramar
