Top 19 Strongest Primarchs in Warhammer 40K

Essential Insights

• The Emperor of Mankind created the Primarchs as genetically designed ‘super babies’. (1/3)
• Every Primarch in Warhammer 40k possessed similar levels of strength, charisma, intellect, and endurance, but some had specialized skills. (2/3)
• Lorgar Aurelian is notoriously despised, Ferrus Manus was celebrated for his craftsmanship, and Mortarion is characterized as an indomitable tank, illustrating their unique attributes. (3/3)

Infused with unmatched genetic modifications from the Emperor, the sons of the Emperor emerged in Warhammer 40,000. This epic saga follows twenty elite and ‘ideal’ warriors, envisioned to be superhuman commanders who would accompany the Emperor on the Great Crusade, uniting the dispersed realms of the Imperium and ushering mankind into a new ‘Golden Age’.

Every Warhammer 40k Primarch shared traits such as strength, charisma, intellect, and resilience, and were designed to be effectively immortal. Each one also demonstrated particular skill set by the Emperor’s design. While measuring strength in the context of the tabletop game of Warhammer can be challenging, it encompasses more than mere physical capability or combat skill; victories in wars are frequently determined by a multitude of factors beyond sheer force.

Updated October 31st, 2024 by Jacob Buchalter: The Primarchs in the Warhammer 40k universe epitomize absurd levels of physical prowess. Each of the Emperor’s Children has an elaborate backstory, special abilities, and a unique flair. Dispersed across different planets, their upbringing rooted in distinct environments led to unique skills and traits. Consequently, comparing Primarchs in terms of overall strength is no simple task, yet consistent encounters in the Warhammer 40k lore allow for a clearer evaluation of how they rank against each other.

20 The Purged Primarchs: Erased from History

The Primarchs from the 2nd and 11th Chapters

To discuss the two ‘Lost Primarchs’, it’s crucial to address their respective Chapters, which have seemingly been entirely expunged from the Imperium’s historical records. Intriguingly, this erasure occurred prior to the Horus Heresy.

It would be tempting to speculate that the eradication of these two Primarchs was linked to the events of the Horus Heresy; however, that appears not to be the case. While the exact circumstances leading to their drastic punishment remain shrouded in mystery, various hints nestled in the vast literature of Warhammer 40k suggest some insights. For instance, characters like Magnus the Red and Mortarion reference these omitted Primarchs, hinting at a significant incident that transpired during a rare gathering of the Emperor’s sons.

19 Lorgar Aurelian: Urizen & The Anointed

Primarch of the 17th Legion: The Word Bearers

Lorgar Aurelian stands out as the most reviled Primarch, both within and outside of the Warhammer universe. A fervent zealot, he emerged during a time when the Imperium was not yet imbued with the prevailing religiosity of 40K. His upbringing on Colchis, a world steeped in religious fervor, may have influenced his fanaticism.

Notably, Lorgar was the first to succumb to Chaos, playing a pivotal role in Horus’s descent into the service of the dark powers. His character oscillates between overwhelming charm and sudden fits of rage. Initially, he was recognized as the physically weakest Primarch, though still far surpassing any mortal. However, the influence of the Chaos Gods during the Horus Heresy significantly enhanced both his physical and psychic powers, even if his victories over fellow Primarchs occurred infrequently. Interestingly, Lorgar serves as the lone ‘independent’ Chaos Primarch, granting him distinct advantages and autonomy within the chaotic hierarchy.

18 Ferrus Manus: The Gorgon & The Sacrifice of Fulgrim

Primarch of the 10th Legion: The Iron Hands

Ferrus Manus, known as ‘The Gorgon’, is a Primarch that did not receive extensive representation in most Warhammer narratives, primarily due to his demise during the Horus Heresy. However, he was celebrated as the premier blacksmith, wielding his ‘living metal’ arms to shape metal like no other. His perfectionist tendencies propelled him to innovate in the battlefield, allowing him to test and refine his creations.

While some speculated about his might based on his metallic arms, the claim of him being the strongest Primarch tends to favor Vulkan. Despite brutal realities, Ferrus Manus remains well-respected within Warhammer lore, although he is most remembered for his decapitation at Fulgrim’s hands, showcasing the latter’s complete surrender to Chaos. Notably, Perturabo later made use of Manus’ legendary weapon, the Forgebreaker thunder hammer, in battle.

17 Mortarion: The Death Lord & Prince of Decay

Primarch of the 14th Legion: The Death Guard

Mortarion is among the more recognized Primarchs, although he may not be the most iconic. His connection to the Chaos God Nurgle makes him familiar to fans, particularly those engaging with Warhammer 40k: Darktide, where Nurgle’s minions are apparent. Historically, Mortarion joined with Horus in the heresy due to a deep-seated grievance against the Emperor for thwarting his adoptive father’s demise back on Barbarus. As of the current Warhammer 40k timeline, Mortarion stands as Nurgle’s most potent champion and acts as the Chaos God’s primary herald.

In combat, Mortarion embodies the archetype of a tank: massive and resilient. He absorbs considerable damage in battles, outlasting opponents through sheer endurance, resembling the traits of Nurgle’s philosophy of being persistently unyielding.

16 Alpharius & Omegon: The Hydra & Threefold Serpent

Primarch(s) of the 20th Legion: The Alpha Legion

Unlike other Primarchs who specialize in various combat tactics, Alpharius and Omegon excel in the arts of subterfuge and deception. Their names collectively refer to a pair of identical twins—one named Alpharius, the other Omegon—that command the XXth Legion of the Imperium of Man. Their true forms rarely witness light, opting instead for reliant strategies and tactics that confuse their adversaries.

This duality has won them favor among fans, as the idea of a Primarch whose identity remains obscure even to their legion is quite unique. Alpharius often serves as the public persona, but the twins’ seamless interchangeability keeps their true nature shrouded in secrecy. Even their own Legion takes measures to adapt its appearance, ensuring that both twins can navigate without detection amongst their most trusted followers. Interestingly, in the 41st millennium, Alpharius is broadly believed to have perished at the hands of Rogal Dorn; however, given the enigmatic nature of Alpharius and Omegon, this could be revised in future narratives.

15 Angron: Angronius of Nuceria & The Lord of the Red Sands

Primarch of the 12th Legion: The World Eaters

While many perceive Angron as one of the mightiest Primarchs due to his relentless fury and fervor for combat, he has faced defeat at the hands of his loyalist siblings more often than he has triumphed over others. His story illustrates that raw power, whether in an individual or faction, transcends mere physicality. When initially discovered by the Emperor, Angron was embroiled in a losing war on his home planet, displaying a distinct lack of strategic acumen.

As a quintessential champion of Khorne, Angron thrives in chaotic battles, embracing violence and rage. Despite his formidable combat skills, his strengths are limited to aggression alone; he lacks tactical finesse, leadership ability, and grapples with implanted technology that inflicts pain unless he remains in a constant state of fury.

14 Jaghatai Khan: The Great Khan & Warhawk

Primarch of the 5th Legion: The White Scars

Among the Emperor’s many Primarchs, Jaghatai Khan stands out as the one endowed with common sense. Leading the White Scars, a Legion reminiscent of the Mongol Empire, Jaghatai’s forces excel in speed—exceptionally unmatched in speed compared to others. His combat prowess positions him mid-tier among the Primarchs, yet his unparalleled speed during battle allows him to overwhelm opponents, as witnessed in encounters with Orks where he dispatched them at such a rapid pace that even they could not enjoy the fight.

Jaghatai earned respect but not outright fear from his fellow Primarchs, and he regularly displayed strategic brilliance in his narratives. Uniquely, during early conflicts of the Horus Heresy, he demonstrated keen judgment by considering the perspectives of both traitor and loyalist factions, making himself a diplomatic figure amidst the chaos.

13 Fulgrim: The Phoenician & Palatine Phoenix

Primarch of the 3rd Legion: The Emperor’s Children

As the leader of the traitor Emperor’s Children Legion, Fulgrim bears a name that mocks the Imperium following his betrayal. He is primarily remembered as the favored Daemon Prince of Slaanesh, having infamously slain his brother Ferrus Manus in a brutal decapitation to illustrate his total submission to Chaos. An outstanding combatant, Fulgrim is perceived as one of the few traitor Primarchs to exhibit remorse over the slaughter of his brothers during the events on Istvaan V.

Though debates about Fulgrim’s abilities continue within the fandom, his initial pursuit of ‘perfection’ as a principle seems to have twisted into depraved motivations following his descent into Chaos. Currently, as a Daemon Prince, Fulgrim’s understanding of perfection has drastically changed to reflect a more sinister interpretation, letting go of any former heroic qualities he may have embodied.

12 Corvus Corax: The Raven Lord & Liberator

Primarch of the 19th Legion: The Raven Guard

Known as the ‘Raven Lord’ and ‘Liberator’, Corvus Corax is an imposing figure in both appearance and in war. As the leader of the Raven Guard Legion, he possesses exceptional abilities in stealth and evasion, resembling an unmatched assassin against his enemies.

His skills, coupled with steadfast loyalty to the Imperium, allowed him and some Raven Guard Astartes to survive the deadly massacre at Istvaan V when many did not. Despite facing deep grief over the loss of his brothers, Corvus sought the Emperor’s permission to attempt recreating his Legion with the same technology that birthed the Primarchs. Unfortunately, this led to failure, and Corvus was forced to dismantle his creations.

In seeking vengeance against his treacherous brothers, he ventured into the Warp, transforming into a being that many speculate is a Daemon. His current state allows him to manipulate shadows and wind, and he exists as a spectral figure challenging the meaning of his former humanity.

11 Magnus The Red: The Crimson King & Red Cyclops

Primarch of the 15th Legion: The Thousand Sons

Primarch Magnus the Red, leader of the Thousand Sons, possesses one of the most heartrending narratives among the Emperor’s children. Known as a formidable psyker, Magnus reached a level of psychic prowess second only to the Emperor at his peak. His Legion was esteemed as the strongest psyker faction within the Imperium, and Magnus created a prosperous haven called Prospero for his people.

However, his affinity for Warp capabilities brought him into direct conflict with his father, the Emperor, who aimed to sever ties with Chaos altogether. During and surrounding the Horus Heresy, Magnus not only lost Prospero but also inadvertently disrupted the Emperor’s webway project and was subsequently ensnared by Tzeentch, the God of Change and Sorcery. Now a Daemon Prince of Tzeentch, Magnus generates psychic ripples that destroy surrounding minds, altering reality as he strides.

10 Perturabo: The Lord of Iron & Hammer of Olympia

Primarch of the 4th Legion: The Iron Warriors

Perturabo suffered a tragic downfall, succumbing to Chaos largely due to his feeling of underappreciation. As Primarch of the Iron Warriors and a Daemon Prince among the myriad Chaos factions, Perturabo operates with a mind sharpened by meticulous analysis and battlefield engineering finesse. His ability to swiftly grasp the mechanics of technology around him is almost superhuman, having been aware of his purpose immediately upon emerging from his gestation pod.

In one-on-one confrontations, Perturabo may not stand out as exceptional, but his strategic brilliance shines when he meticulously orchestrates schemes, leaving enemies to grapple with convoluted circumstances as they approach him on the battlefield.

9 Vulkan: The King of Drakes & Unbound Flame

Primarch of the 18th Legion: The Salamanders

Vulkan emerges as one of the very few benevolent figures in the dark and harsh universe of Warhammer 40k. As the leader of the Salamanders Chapter, Vulkan champions humanitarian efforts, and his appearance belies a kind heart. Despite their fearsome aesthetic, derived from the radiation of their volcanic homeworld Nocturne, the Salamanders genuinely strive to protect humanity rather than intimidate it.

Physically, Vulkan is both incredibly large—towering over 10 feet—and embodies unmatched strength, making him the most powerful Primarch. His demeanor is neither ruthless nor vindictive; he is generous and compassionate while being nearly impossible to end permanently because he possesses the gift of being a “Perpetual”. His storied recruitment by the Emperor showcases a rare parallelism, as he held his own against the Emperor’s might. Although Vulkan is presumed dead in the ongoing Warhammer narrative, many believe his immortal nature means he will eventually return, as he is known to have resurrected multiple times.

8 Konrad Curze: The King of Terrors & Night Haunter

Primarch of the 8th Legion: The Night Lords

Also known as the Night Haunter or the ‘Dark King,’ Konrad Curze led the Night Lords, a Legion plagued by tragedy from the outset. Gifted with the power to glimpse potential futures—often the darkest iterations—Konrad’s existence was set against a backdrop filled with crime and strife on his native planet, Nostramo. His upbringing fostered a grim persona, wherein he learned to fight for survival in absolute solitude.

Despite his harrowing beginnings, Konrad grew to symbolize a figure of fear for his world, reigning as a vigilante in an oppressive city. However, the Emperor’s arrival ignited the visions of twisted futures concerning both the Emperor and his retinue. Ultimately, Konrad’s journey spiraled deeper into darkness and madness, leading his allegiance to Horus amongst the traitorous Primarchs. His demise came via assassination, with many believing he allowed it, following his foresight of his own fate.

6 Rogal Dorn: The Unyielding One & Praetorian of Terra

Primarch of the 7th Legion: The Imperial Fists

While this discussion of the strongest Primarch could focus solely on brute force, Rogal Dorn is included for his unparalleled mastery of defense. Known largely for his leadership of the Imperial Fists, Rogal succumbed to many hardships, yet he successfully defended Terra during the Horus Heresy against overwhelming odds that outmaneuvered Horus’s forces.

Additionally, Rogal lacks the overtly potent abilities of some of his brothers. His unique talent lies in repelling the Warp, placing him in a nuanced position similar to that of a ‘Blank’. It’s interesting to note that the Imperial Fists gained significant recognition partly due to their starship, the Phalanx, in the Battlefleet Gothic Armada 2 game. Rogal’s fate remains ambiguous, as he is presumed dead but could potentially return, following a recent trend of Primarchs coming back into the fold.

5 Lion El’Jonson: The Lion & Master of the First

Primarch of the 1st Legion: The Dark Angels

Primarch Lion El’ Jonson commands significant prowess in battle, earning the title ‘The Duelist’ from the collective forces of Chaos. His remarkable skills in hand-to-hand combat and speed are matched by very few, showcasing reflexes that grant him an edge in personal confrontations. Unlike his brothers, who may question their capabilities when facing one another, Jonson approaches it with confidence.

At various points, he nearly claimed victory over Konrad Curze by employing Curze’s prescient abilities against him, creating a tactical loop of adaptation. Jonson embodies the classic ‘Knight of the Round Table’ imagery, and his re-emergence in the latest Warhammer narrative indicates he continues to play a vital role in the ongoing saga.

4 Leman Russ: The Wolf Lord & Emperor’s Executioner

Primarch of the 6th Legion: The Space Wolves

The myriad Primarchs and their Legions often illustrate differing concepts from history, and Leman Russ embodies the traits of both the Viking culture and Norse mythology. Residing on the barbarous world of Fenris, he and his Space Wolves are effectively Space Vikings, rejecting psychic or sorcerous applications outright and demonstrating a deep-rooted xenophobia against alien species.

While known for his exceptional fighting capabilities without reliance on psychic abilities, Leman Russ inexplicably vanished after his foretelling of dire events. Despite frequent ‘Great Hunts’ by the Space Wolves to locate their missing leader, his fate remains uncertain.

3 Roboute Guilliman: The Master of Ultramar & Blade of Unity

Primarch of the 13th Legion: The Ultramarines

Roboute Guilliman, the Primarch of the Ultramarines, has jointly assumed the role of a surrogate Emperor during the Imperium’s tumultuous current phase. He is deeply committed to revitalizing the weary empire cluttered with zealots and Inquisitors, aiming to restore order amidst chaos. His foundational world, Macragge, is akin to a Roman echo, exemplifying his mastery of governance and organization.

Roboute is competent as a fighter, but his brilliance lies predominantly in leadership and administration. His adeptness in military strategy and diplomatic proficiency has placed him on the bullseye of Horus’s strategic efforts to distance him from critical battlefields during the Horus Heresy. The Ultramarines reflect the epitome of Adeptus Astartes ideals—they serve as the unofficial standard for what a Space Marine ought to represent, depicted in various Warhammer 40k adaptations such as the film ‘Ultramarines: A Warhammer 40,000 Movie’.

2 Sanguinius: The Great Angel & Brightest One

Primarch of the 9th Legion: The Blood Angels

This fabled Primarch, often referred to as the ‘Great Angel’ or ‘Red Angel,’ leads the Blood Angels Legion and is regarded for his extraordinary capabilities. As Horus’s closest ally, the Warhammer narrative in “Fear to Tread”suggests that even Horus harbored a quiet fear for Sanguinius—a testament to his formidable nature—and believed he possessed all the qualities necessary to lead the Great Crusade.

Ultimately, Sanguinius met his demise while valiantly defending the Emperor against Horus aboard the traitor’s flagship. Fan theories have emerged surrounding potential undisclosed links between Sanguinius and the Necron, heightening the intrigue around this enigmatic figure. However, one consensus remains—Sanguinius was recognized by his peers as an unparalleled swordsman and a powerful psyker, often favored across varied fan circles, including notable personalities like Henry Cavill, who publicly expressed admiration for the Blood Angels.

1 Horus: Warmaster, Lupercal, & Perpetrator of the Horus Heresy

Primarch of the 16th Legion: The Luna Wolves

As the Emperor’s prized son and Primarch of the Luna Wolves or Sons of Horus, Horus epitomizes the role of the Warmaster orchestrating humanity’s Great Crusade, yet also bears the title of history’s most notorious traitor. His actions catalyzed the Horus Heresy, marking mankind’s decline into a shell of its former glory.

Horus possessed remarkable strength and extraordinary abilities, making him a paragon of power within not only the Imperium but also in the eyes of Chaos. Nevertheless, his tragic flaw lay in his pride, which ultimately enabled the Chaos Gods to shatter his resolve. In the end, it was the Emperor’s psychic might that obliterated his physical form, leaving a haunting legacy as a cautionary tale throughout Warhammer 40k history.

Source

Image Credits: Gamerant.com

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