Brace yourself, the preview is about to begin! In just a few minutes, you’re going to learn more about the next generation of Warhammer 40,000 codexes than ever before. Hold on tight – it’s gonna be a wild ride…
You can watch the feed live right here (or replay the event if you’re arriving a bit later).
The reveals kick off at 2:00 pm BST, so make sure you have drinks and snacks at the ready!
2:00 pm – Codex: Necrons
Here’s a codex worth waiting 60 million years in a tomb for! One of the first codexes to hit the shelves is Codex: Necrons, and for the lore alone, it will be an unmissable read for every Warhammer 40,000 fan. With even more brand-new units on their way and an army-wide rules overhaul, this book will also be a (literal) game-changer for the Necrons on the battlefield!
LORE
So what’s new with the Necrons lore? Well, for starters, their ancestral ruler, the Silent King, has returned from self-imposed exile – that’s galaxy-shattering news! However, his reappearance has caused something of a crisis of faith among the dynasties, and not all have welcomed him back…
The new codex also expands the lore of the Szarekhan – the dynasty of the Silent King himself – and reveals the impact that their rise to prominence has had on the other Necron Phaerons and their dynasties. The book also showcases some stunning artwork that really helps to bring the Necrons to life, such as this incredible piece that sees numberless phalanxes assembled before the Silent King to pay homage.
RULES
Speaking of the Szerakhan, they’ll be receiving their own Dynastic Code, Uncanny Artificers, which provides them with a significant edge (or three, to be precise!) in the battle. The codex even includes rules for creating your own Dynastic Code, too!
But what’s all this talk of ‘command protocols’? Well, consider it one of the perks of biotransference which enables Necrons of high status to impose their will upon those who serve them. It may sound harsh, but don’t worry – for you, this is definitely a good thing! Here’s how it works…
If your army of Necrons all hails from the same dynasty and is led by a Character with the Noble keyword, then at the start of the game, you can secretly assign one of six command protocols to utilise during each battle round. After revealing your selected command protocol, you’ll need to choose which directive you will activate. Any of your units within 6″ of your Characters will then benefit from that directive. With careful strategy and forethought, command protocols can really throw off your opponent while giving you a massive advantage.
The mysterious Crypteks are about to bring another string to your tachyon bow – OK, so a tachyon arrow doesn’t need a bow to fire, but you catch our drift! In fact, they're about to bring four strings! There are now four, fully fledged varieties of Cryptek, divided according to their hypertechnological specialisation, and each benefits from their own datasheet replete with a plethora of thematic rules. The Plasmancer that made its debut in Indomitus was just the start!
Furthermore, they can be given an item of Cryptek Arkana for a nominal cost in Power or points, representing the wondrously esoteric techno-magic of the ancient Necron empire. Not only can these items be very handy in a tight spot, but they offer a versatile way to top up or round out your army list. As a master of temporal manipulation, a Chronomancer, for example, can be equipped with a means to slow your enemies to a crawl at crucial moments – but more on them later!
NECRONS ON CRUSADE
One of the most exciting features of Warhammer 40,000’s newest and best-ever edition is the narrative-driven Crusade campaign system. The awesome thing is that every new codex is going to have a section dedicated to providing that faction with loads of new and wonderfully thematic options just for Crusade. We defy anyone to read this section of their codex and not immediately want to start a Crusade campaign – seriously!
You can look forward to faction-specific Agendas, Requisitions, Battle Traits, Crusade Relics and, in the case of the Necrons, even Dynastic Epithets – bespoke titles that offer unique upgrades or abilities. Here’s one such example, The Slow Decay of the Self Requisition, which represents a Character succumbing to the mindless lust for violence embraced by the Destroyer Cult.
If like us, you thought the basic Crusade rules in the Warhammer 40,000 Core Book were already pretty rad, you’re gonna love all the extra narrative goodness in the new codexes!
We mentioned the Silent King earlier, and unless you’ve been slumbering in a tomb world for countless aeons, you’ll no doubt have seen the jaw-dropping model of Szarekh that’s coming soon.
You’ve probably been chomping at the bit to find out what he’s actually like on the battlefield, and we can’t blame you. Well, suffice it to say he’s utterly terrifying. But then, he is the leader of the entire Necron race, is accompanied by two other Phaerons (completing the Triarch) and has the limitless power of a bound C’tan (the Enchained) at his disposal, so that’s fair enough, really! However, we will treat you to a few highlights…
That's a pretty hefty stat line and no mistake. What’s more, it's backed up with a whole swathe of special rules, including aura abilities to buff your troops and hamper the opponent's units. They can also help you destroy your enemies in a variety of ways, improve the Silent King’s durability, and generally make him perhaps the most formidable Character in all of Warhammer 40,000!
We will, however, treat you to one full datasheet. But before we do, let’s look at the models first – meet the Ophydian Destroyers!
This horrifying breed of burrowing Destroyers comes complete with a multipart Plasmacyte in the kit. Well, we say ‘burrowing’, but rather than tunnelling underground in the traditional sense (Raveners, we’re looking at you), these murderous machines tear their way through the veil of reality from their own pocket dimension to slice and dice their prey! Check out their datasheet to see how they shape up.
Cool, huh? What’s more, they’re not the only new Necrons unit on the way. Take a look at the new Flayed Ones – reimagined in glorious plastic!
With a revised datasheet for the new edition, the Flayed Ones’ long flayer claws can shred armour with even greater ease, as they now strike with an AP of -1. And as one would expect for a unit whose rather gruesome modus operandi sees them cover their metallic bodies in a macabre second skin made from the flensed flesh of their victims, they’re at their best when killing squishy stuff.
It’s about time we showed you the aforementioned Chronomancer (if you’ll forgive us for the dodgy pun).
Chronomancers are masters of time and temporal manipulation. One of their favoured party tricks (what is a battle if not a glorified party?) is to utilise the chronometron they each bear to slow the incoming fire of their enemies, allowing their warriors to effortlessly avoid harm.
And while we’re on the topic of Crypteks, here’s the incredible new Psychomancer miniature too.
They say Space Marines know no fear, but they've yet to meet this dread form of Cryptek! These Necrons’ techno-arcane mastery is over fear itself. By channelling the same dread power for which the Nightbringer was so greatly feared, it can cause even the most stoic foes to flee in terror before it.
All that and more is on its way for the Necrons. And that’s only the first topic of today’s preview!
2:20 pm – Codex: Space Marines
Simply put, the Space Marines are about to receive the biggest and best codex to date – the nearest thing to an actual Codex Astartes that we’ve ever made! In fact, it’s so all-encompassing that its enormous background section and in-depth rules cater for every loyal First Founding Chapter and their successors – yes, we’re talking Blood Angels, Dark Angels, Space Wolves, and even the Deathwatch!*
In addition to detailed lore on all the First Founding Chapters and some of their most famous successors (such as the Black Templars and Crimson Fists), the new codex is the biggest ever, with a whopping 98 datasheets covering all of the common units available to the armies of the Adeptus Astartes.
It will serve as a core book for future codex supplements that will formally reintroduce each Chapter’s bespoke units and Characters (we’ll have more on these later). Existing codex supplements such as that of the Ultramarines are still perfectly compatible with the new book, and we’ll be providing the Blood Angels, Dark Angels, Deathwatch, and Space Wolves with get-you-by rules so you’ll be good to go from the outset.
As with the Codex: Necrons, the new Space Marines book is chock full of awesome supplemental Crusade rules for the Angels of Death. One of our favourite additions is the Requisition Even in Death I Still Serve, which sees a beloved but badly wounded Character from your Order of Battle interred within a Dreadnought’s sarcophagus to continue the fight!
That’s just one of the cool things you can do. There’s even the opportunity for one of your firstborn Characters to brave crossing the Rubicon Primaris, though doing so does not come without risk…
The new codex has also consolidated many of the most popular rules features that first made an appearance in the various Psychic Awakening books. The Chapter Command rules are one such example, meaning you’ll be able to upgrade one of your Chapter’s Chaplains, Librarians, Techmarines, and a variety of other Characters to the head of their order, but at a small cost in Power or points instead of using a Stratagem.
We’ve already shown you some of the brand-new Adeptus Astartes units, but to save you from struggling to identify all 98 units, we’re going to show the rest right now! First up, check out the Captain with Master-crafted Heavy Bolt Rifle – and yes, he’s wearing Mark X Gravis armour!
Wait a minute… a heavy bolt rifle? Yes, indeed! Heavy bolt rifles also happen to be the standard armament of… wait for it… Heavy Intercessors! And they’re called that for a reason – like their Captain, these bad-boys aren't just heavily armed, they’re heavily armoured too, thanks to their Gravis armour. A Toughness 5 Troops unit with 3 Wounds apiece, anyone?
OK, we’re so excited about these guys that we can’t resist – here’s their full datasheet!
While we’re on Gravis-armoured Space Marines, check out the multipart kit for the melta-toting Eradicators that made their debut in Indomitus.
The kit includes loads more options, such as the ability to swap out their melta rifles for an even harder-hitting heavy version. You’ll even be able to give one Eradicator in the set a multi-melta, complete with its devastating new profile…
That’s right – the tanks of the 41st Millennium are going to be quivering in their tracks! Get wrecked.
The Bladeguard Veterans are also set to be treated to a multipart kit, offering dynamic new poses and the ability to equip the squad’s Sergeant with a neo-volkite pistol.
As of the new codex, Bladeguard Veterans will also be officially picking up the Deathwing/Wolf Guard keywords too, so they’ll seamlessly fit in as members of the fighting elite within the structure of the Dark Angels and Space Wolves Chapters.
A multipart Assault Intercessors kit is also on its way. In addition to more flexible posing options throughout, the squad’s Sergeant can be assembled with a hand flamer or plasma pistol, and can even wield a power sword, power fist, or thunder hammer too!
Last, but by no means least, is one of the coolest Primaris releases so far – the Storm Speeder! This awesome assault craft comes in three patterns, each equipped with a blistering array of heavy weaponry designed to eliminate a particular type of enemy. First up is the anti-infantry specialist, the Storm Speeder Hailstrike.
Armed with an onslaught gatling cannon, two ironhail heavy stubbers, and a pair of fragstorm grenade launchers, it can dish out some serious firepower.
Next up is the anti-armour variant, the Storm Speeder Hammerstrike.
Equipped with tank-busting missiles, grenades, and even a tri-barrelled melta, the Hammerstrike packs a serious punch. Check out the brutal weaponry at its disposal.
Lastly, the Storm Speeder Thunderstrike can also serve in an anti-tank role, though its twin Icarus rocket pods make it an effective dogfighter too, able to hunt down enemy aircraft with unerring accuracy.
Hungry for more? Stick around, refresh your browser, we’ll have more reveals shortly.
2:40 pm – Next in Line
All this awesome stuff and we’ve only covered the first two codexes! Indeed, this is just the start – there is plenty more in the pipeline…
In fact, we can confirm that there are four more books planned for this year alone! Among them are three codex supplements designed to ensure that those Chapters who are the most divergent from the Codex Astartes aren’t left behind, along with an update to the oldest of the Heretic Astartes codexes. Speaking of which, did you get a look at this guy in the video?
He's coming soon too, and we’ll tell you more when we know more, right here.
Dark Angels fans won’t have to wait much longer – your codex supplement will be on its way early next year, along with the first xenos codex of 2021.
As with the Space Marines and Necrons codexes, each of these books will be packed full of updated datasheets and weapons profiles, new Stratagems, and loads of bespoke Crusade content too. It really is a great time to be a Warhammer 40,000 fan!
2:50 pm – Forge World Updates
Fans of the Forge World’s devastating tanks, Titans, Dreadnoughts, and more also have much to look forward to in the form of a brand-new Imperial Armour: Compendium book.
Gaze upon its glory and prepare your armies for war!
This compendium is jam-packed full of updated datasheets and new rules designed to bring all of the amazing kits designed by Forge World right up to speed with the new edition. As well as loads of updated units and weapons profiles, you’ll also find a brand-new Regimental Doctrine for the mighty Death Korps of Krieg…
…as well as the return of some old favourites such as the Ork Warboss on Bike – looks like the Meks have finally fixed his ride. Waaagh!
That’s it for this preview, but it’s fair to say that you’ve got plenty to look forward to! Join us on our Warhammer 40,000 Facebook page, Instagram, and Twitter to let us know which of these reveals you’re most excited about.
Usually at this time of year, we’re at the NOVA Open, and many of the cool reveals previewed here may well have been shown off for the first time at that event. As with many events in this tumultuous year, it’s sadly not been possible for the organisers to run it. It’s one of our favourite events of the year, and we miss it dearly, but we hope that at this time in 2021, we’ll be there again, and previewing loads more awesome new stuff in-person to a thousand eager Warhammer fans!
In the meantime, we encourage you to keep up to speed with all the latest news on their website and today, the Nova team are also running their own virtual event.
* As a Chapter of psykers created to prosecute the extermination of Daemons above all else, the Grey Knights are the only completely unique founding of the Adeptus Astartes, and fight in a manner quite unlike any other Space Marines. The Grey Knights are therefore the only Chapter who won’t use Codex: Space Marines as their core faction book. Keep the faith, Daemon hunters!