If you're looking to turn your standard Space Marines into elite alien hunters, picking up a deathwatch upgrade kit is basically step one. It's one of those hobby purchases that feels small but makes a massive difference once you actually get the plastic on the table. We've all been there—you look at a squad of Intercessors and realize they look just like every other squad of Intercessors in the shop. They're a bit plain. They lack that "I've seen some things" energy. That's where these upgrade sprues come in to save the day, adding that necessary flavor to an army that thrives on being unique.
Why bother with an upgrade kit anyway?
The thing about Deathwatch is that they aren't your typical Chapter. They're a ragtag group of veterans pulled from every corner of the galaxy to go deal with the nastiest Xenos threats imaginable. Because of that, they shouldn't look like they just rolled off a factory assembly line. A deathwatch upgrade kit gives you the specific bits you need to show that these guys have history.
When you see a Marine with that distinct silver left arm, you know exactly who he is. It tells a story without you having to say a word. It says this guy has served his time, faced down Tyranids or Orks, and lived to tell the tale. Using the upgrade kit is the easiest way to bridge the gap between "generic blue marine" and "Special Ops monster hunter."
What's actually on the sprue?
When you crack open one of these packs, you're usually looking at a single sprue that's packed with personality. It's not just about the big pieces; it's the little details that really sell the look.
Those famous shoulder pads
The heart of the kit is, obviously, the shoulder pads. You get a variety of sizes, which is crucial. Usually, there are about ten pads for standard power armor (your typical Intercessors or older Tactical Marines) and then a couple of larger ones meant for Terminators or Aggressors.
Each pad is embossed with the Deathwatch icon—the skull and the stylized "I" of the Inquisition. These are a godsend compared to using decals. Let's be real, trying to get a flat sticker to sit perfectly on a curved shoulder pad without it wrinkling or looking like a mess is a nightmare. Having the detail molded right into the plastic means you just have to drybrush it or hit it with some Contrast paint, and it looks professional immediately.
The weapons and extra bits
Beyond the pads, you usually get some cool weapon options. Most kits include a Deathwatch power sword, which has a very specific, techy vibe compared to the medieval-looking blades the Dark Angels or Black Templars might carry. You also get some helmet options and maybe a chest plate or two, depending on which version of the kit you're looking at.
One of my favorite bits in the kit has to be the small Inquisition symbols you can glue onto bags, belts, or vehicle hulls. It's a tiny touch, but it ties the whole model together. It makes the armor feel "official," like they've been requisitioned by the high-level powers of the Imperium.
Primaris vs. Firstborn: Does it fit?
This is the big question everyone asks before they drop their hobby budget. The good news is that the deathwatch upgrade kit is surprisingly versatile. Games Workshop has done a decent job of making sure these bits work across the board.
The standard shoulder pads fit the Primaris line (Intercessors, Hellblasters, etc.) perfectly. If you're still rocking the older "Firstborn" Marines, they fit those too. The larger pads are designed for the "chonky" boys—the Gravis armor units like Aggressors or the heavy-duty Terminators.
The only thing to keep in mind is that some of the older kits were designed specifically for the older scale. However, the modern upgrade kits you find on the shelf today are built with the current range in mind. If you're kitbashing something truly unique, like an Outrider or a specific character, you might need to do a little bit of trimming with a hobby knife, but honestly, that's half the fun of the hobby.
Kitbashing and getting creative
If you aren't playing a dedicated Deathwatch army, you might think you don't need a deathwatch upgrade kit. I'd argue the opposite. These kits are gold mines for kitbashers.
Maybe you're building a custom Chapter that has close ties to the Inquisition. Or maybe you just want one "veteran" in your squad who spent a few decades serving in the Deathwatch before returning to his home Chapter. In the lore, when a Marine finishes his service with the Deathwatch, he's often allowed to keep his silver shoulder pad as a mark of honor.
Using a single pad from the kit on a Captain or a Sergeant in a totally different army—like Blood Angels or Space Wolves—is a fantastic way to give them some instant backstory. It makes that character stand out as a leader who actually has the experience to back up his stats on the tabletop.
Is the price tag actually worth it?
Let's talk money for a second. We all know this hobby isn't exactly cheap. You're looking at around $15 for an upgrade sprue, give or take. Is it worth it?
If you're trying to build a 2,000-point army and you want every single model to have the custom pads, the cost does start to add up. You might need five or six kits just to cover your basic infantry.
However, if you look at it from a "value per hour" perspective, it's a steal. The amount of character these bits add to a model is huge. If you're spending 5 to 10 hours painting a single squad, spending an extra couple of dollars to make them look exactly how they're supposed to in the lore is a no-brainer. Plus, you often end up with leftover bits like extra heads or purity seals that go straight into your bit-box for future projects.
Tips for painting your upgraded Marines
Once you've glued your kit together, you've got to paint it. The "Deathwatch Silver" arm is iconic, but it can be tricky to get right.
- Don't just use flat silver: Start with a dark metallic like Leadbelcher, then hit it with a heavy wash of Nuln Oil. After that, go back in and highlight the raised Inquisition runes with a bright silver like Stormhost Silver. It makes the text on the armor actually readable from across the table.
- The Black Armor: Since the rest of the model is usually black, the silver arm is your chance to add contrast. Try to keep the black armor "cool" (using blue-grey highlights) so the "warm" metallic of the shoulder pad really pops.
- The Lenses: Deathwatch often look great with bright red or glowing green eye lenses. Since the model is mostly dark and metallic, that tiny splash of color on the face draws the eye exactly where it needs to go.
Final thoughts on the Deathwatch look
At the end of the day, the deathwatch upgrade kit is about pride in your army. Sure, you could just paint a regular shoulder pad silver and call it a day, but it's just not the same. There's something deeply satisfying about seeing those embossed letters and the crisp Inquisition logo catching the light.
It's one of those rare hobby products that is genuinely easy to use but provides a high-end result. Whether you're a veteran of a hundred campaigns or you're just starting your first box of Marines, these bits are the secret sauce that turns a collection of plastic into a specialized strike team. Don't be afraid to chop them up, mix them with other kits, and really make your models your own. After all, the Xenos isn't going to purge itself, right?