Takeaways:
- Warhammer’s 11th Edition release will feature redesigned minis, brand-new characters, and unique push-fit options that are meant to be easier to build.
- The release also introduces updated rules and game mechanics intended to make gameplay feel more immersive.
- The narrative for the release is based around the Blood Angels and the Orks, so it’s in line with armies like the Raven Guard and White Scars.
Warhammer’s 11th Edition release was announced in March 2026. The storyline will begin after Armageddon: The Return of Yarrick ends. With updated lore, modified rules, and unique mechanics, there’s a lot to learn about this new release. Take a look at what we know so far, including what you can expect from key launch box models and rule changes.
Key Launch Box Models
The main launch box for Warhammer’s 11th Edition release features Space Marines against Orks. You’ll get both forces, each about 750 points. While the Space Marine models are themed around the Blood Angels, they don’t have any sculpted markings, so you can use them for any chapter.
Intercessors
A blend of Mk X Tacticus power armor and the Mk 7 pattern of “first-born” marines, the Intercessors get a big makeover in Warhammer’s 11th Edition release. You can expect greaves that look straight out of Horus Heresy mixed with Mk 7 helmets, as well as designs that thoughtfully blend the old and the new.
Librarian
While this character is one of the last in the box, it truly rounds out the iconic lineup ahead of us. This version still wields a staff, calling back to an older mini, but gets rid of the full robe set of the classic figures.
Land Speeder
Designed to pair perfectly with the Intercessor redesign, the Land Speeder mini also offers a nostalgic look that seems almost identical to the original. The biggest changes, however, ensure this Speeder has all three weapons instead of just one per Speeder. Get the Gatling cannon, multimelta, and missiles in one transport.
Chaplain with Jump Pack
There’s a new Jump Pack Chaplain in this box, an obvious choice, since the last redesign dates back to 2015. Revealed on April 20th, this updated version for Warhammer’s 11th Edition release is incredibly cool, featuring Baroque detailing, menacingly upgraded skull art, and an upgraded look for the jump pack itself.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the models you can expect on the Ork side of the battlefield.
Warboss
While the version included in the box set is monopose, the new Warboss for Warhammer’s 11th Edition release is still an imposing creature. More detailed than ever, this mini carries the Ork standard along with his weapons, just like the original.
Bigboss
A completely new Ork character, the Bigboss, sits right between a Bannernob and a Warboss. It’s got a little more authority than the masses, but doesn’t have as much clout as the top tier.
Bannernob
You’ve gotta get your Ork boys all riled up for battle somehow! That’s where the Bannernob comes in, ensuring your basic troops are causing the most possible havoc and chaos exactly where it’s needed.
Painboy
The final mini we’ll highlight for this release is the Painboy. While Orks may not suffer many debilitating injuries, they may need a little help getting back into the battle if something does take them out. Painboy can also switch from healer to fighter, using crude surgical tools that deal a ton of damage to opponents on the battlefield.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of everyone you can expect to see in the box set, just a few of our favorites! From Big Mek Dakkarig and Weirdboy to Vanguard Veterans and Ancients, this box is absolutely stacked.
Rule Changes
Let’s move on to some of the rules and mechanic changes for Warhammer’s 11th Edition release because there are some big ones.
Modular Detachments
In the past, you were forced to choose a single detachment, chaining you to a set of strategies and enhancements. With the new release, you can combine several detachments for a more diverse blend on the battlefield.
With new detachment rules come new detachment points. Detachments can cost between one and three points, depending on army size and buffs. You can expect two points for a 1,000-point game and three points for a 2,000-point game.
Army-Based Missions
So you won’t be drawing a random Primary Mission from the deck in Warhammer’s 11th Edition release. Instead, each player gets their own objective, dictated by their own army, as well as what you’re facing on the battlefield. Every detachment will have a unique Force Disposition to determine your objectives. Your Primary Mission is revealed once you compare Force Dispositions with your opponent.
Conceal Your Units
One of the biggest changes in Warhammer’s 11th Edition release, new concealment mechanics allow your forces to hide more completely. Beast, Infantry, or Swarm units that didn’t fire the previous turn cannot be targeted by any opponents that are more than 15 inches away.
Terrain is an Objective
Objective markers are gone for good. They’re replaced with terrain pieces that are now the main objectives for controlling the battle. You have to get completely inside the terrain, not dance around it. Pre-painted terrain sets will be available with the final release.
Cover Debuffs
Instead of enhancing your armor save, the Benefit of Cover will now debuff the enemy’s hit roll. This rule change feels more organic, as now, cover saves you by causing the shooter to miss instead of somehow enhancing your armor.
There are a few other rule changes to expect, including:
- Limited Stratagem Stacking - One per unit, per phase
- Leader Abilities Persist - Even when your squad dies
- Changes to Charging - Roll for max distance before deciding targets
- Unit Coherency - Changes distance rules between models
- Fast Rolling - Choose the order, roll all at once
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