Space Marines, the poster boys of Warhammer 40,000, are themselves stronger than almost any human. But even these pumped-up super soldiers have someone to look up to: their Primarchs. But which of them is the strongest? MeinMMO editor and Warhammer expert Benedict Grothaus ranks the chapter fathers based on their combat power.
The Primarchs are the first Space Marines ever. They carry the gene-seed of the Emperor itself and were created by him, each with their own strengths and benefits.
From the “gene-seed” of the Primarchs, new Space Marines are born, they are thus something of the fathers of their respective chapters. Accordingly, their “sons” have all similar predispositions, strengths, or weaknesses.
I have already ranked the chapters of the Space Marines, but which of their leaders is actually the strongest? The ranking aims to explore which Primarch would prevail in a direct fight over the others (even if the thought itself is heresy).
To this end, I measure the pure combat strength of the Primarchs, based on:
- pure physical strength, but also psychic power
- skill and technique in combat, meaning: How good is the Primarch in a duel?
- personal equipment and special weapons
- confirmed victories over other Primarchs, demons, or other powerful opponents
The list is based on the most current data available and includes all loyal Primarchs—regardless of whether they are still alive, dead, or missing. Keep in mind, however, that even the weakest Primarch is still many times more powerful than any “normal” Space Marine.
Rank 8: Ferrus Manus (Iron Hands)
The Primarch of the Iron Hands was the best weaponsmith in the entire Imperium, sharing this title with Vulkan. Ferrus Manus even had, as his name suggests, metal hands with which he could forge without any tools.
As a smith, Manus had a strong physique, physically stronger than most other Primarchs—compared to them, however, he had a rather rough fighting style.
Since Ferrus Manus was more of a craftsman than a warrior in some ways, he relied primarily on physical strength and powerful attacks, which can work against more archaic foes like Orks, but are not helpful against skilled duelists.
