Your guide to the June 2024 Warhammer 40k Balance Dataslate 10th Edition updates, points changes from the MFM, and Rules Commentary.
Updated December 15th, 2024, by Rob Baer. If you are looking for the most up to date Balance Dataslate guide, be sure to read this article here.
Warhammer 40,000 10th Edition Balance Dataslate Guide: June 2024 Q3
This is your complete guide to all the latest updates in the Warhammer 40k Balance Dataslate that are transforming the battlefield this June (and January). These new rule adjustments aim to maintain excitement and balance in games of 40k headed into the fall of 2024.
What is the Warhammer 40k 10th Edition Balance Dataslate?
The last two 10th Edition 40k Balance Dataslates in January and June were like the universe’s way of keeping things fair. Every few months, the Warhammer Studio reviews tons of data from battles fought across kitchen tables and tournament halls alike. They then tweak points, adjust rules, and sometimes overhaul entire strategies to keep the game dynamic and engaging.
June’s update is packed with changes that are bound to shake things up. We’ve got core rules modifications, movement overhauls, and targeted balance updates for various factions. Both the June and January 40k Dataslates have done well with that and followed up by the points updates, core rule changes, new movement rules, and faction tweaks; there’s plenty to see.
Maybe just as important as the points, Games Workshop said they will now only be doing 40k Balance Dataslate updates every other quarter (initially, they stated every quarter), and at the same time, they confirmed the points changes will be every quarter.
However, to make things even more muddled, they mentioned that a new Balance Dataslate would be coming “later this year,” which seems to indicate a potential December 2024 release, perhaps to be legal for events like LVO 2025.
Our next update later this year (2024) will bring a Balance Dataslate alongside an updated Munitorum Field Manual, as well as any further additions that may be needed to the FAQ and Errata
Major Core Rules Changes in Warhammer 40,000
The June 2024 10th Edition Balance Dataslate (not so much the January one) brings some game-changing updates to the core rules of Warhammer 40k. These changes are designed to refine gameplay, making it more strategic and balanced. Let’s break down the most significant modifications.
Indirect Fire Weapons
First up, Indirect Fire Weapons always miss on a 1-3. Previously, indirect fire could be a bit too reliable, allowing artillery units to dominate from the safety of the backline.
Now, these weapons always miss on a roll of one, two, or three. This flat 50/50 chance adds a new layer of unpredictability and strategy, making indirect fire a bit more of a gamble.
No More Overwatch For Titanic Units
Next, Titanic Units and Overwatch Restrictions. Titanic units can no longer fire Overwatch, and they don’t have line of sight through ruins unless they are partially within them.
This change in the June 40k Dataslate levels the playing field, preventing these massive units from dominating every engagement with ease. It forces players to think more strategically about positioning and movement.
Movement Pivots
New Movement Pivot Values are another big update. Units now have a “pivot value” that affects their movement. This is zero for most units, but it is two inches for monsters and vehicles.
This means every pivot costs these larger units two inches of movement. This simplification makes movement rules clearer and prevents players from gaining unintended advantages through tricky maneuvers.
Tank Shock Stratagem
The Tank Shock Stratagem Nerf is a welcome change. Previously, this stratagem allowed high-strength melee units to inflict devastating mortal wounds easily.
Now, the number of dice rolled is based on the unit’s toughness, not the weapon’s strength, and there are no bonus dice for higher strength. This balances the stratagem, making it less overpowered.
Insane Bravery
Insane Bravery usage limitation is another important update. This stratagem can now only be used once per battle and must be used before a unit takes a battle-shock test. This prevents players from relying too heavily on this stratagem to save their units in critical moments, adding more depth and strategy to gameplay.
Devastating Wounds
Finally, there’s a subtle but significant change to Devastating Wounds. Mortal wounds caused by these abilities can no longer spill over to more than one model.
This prevents devastating abilities from wiping out entire squads with a single lucky roll, ensuring that each model’s survivability is more consistent.
Simplified Movement Rules Are a Game-Changer
Previously, moving models could be a bit of a headache, especially with larger units or those with overhanging parts. Now, movement is all about straight lines and pivots.
No more tricky measurements or arguments about whether a model fits through a gap- if the base fits, it moves through. Movement is the heart of strategy in Warhammer 40,000, and the latest 10th edition Balance Dataslate brings some major changes to how units move on the battlefield.
These updates simplify the rules, making gameplay smoother and more intuitive. Let’s break down the key changes.
New Pivot Value System
Units now have a pivot value that determines how much movement is required to turn. For most models, this value is zero, meaning they can pivot freely.
However, for monsters and vehicles (excluding aircraft) that aren’t on round bases, the pivot value is two inches.
This means every pivot during movement costs these units two inches. This new rule simplifies movement calculations and ensures consistency in how units navigate the battlefield.
Impact on Vehicles and Monsters:
This change is particularly significant for large models like tanks and monstrous creatures. Previously, navigating tight spaces or turning to face an enemy could lead to complex calculations and disputes.
With the pivot value system, movement becomes more predictable and fair.
For example, a tank with a pivot value of two inches will have to plan its turns carefully to avoid losing too much movement, adding a layer of strategy to its maneuvering.
Specific Unit Base Changes
There are some interesting edge cases with the new pivot rules. For example, round-based vehicles can pivot without losing any movement, which can lead to some unintended advantages.
This issue is addressed in the Pariah Nexus Tournament Companion, which modifies certain units’ rules to prevent the pivot value’s exploitation.
This ensures a level playing field and minimizes potential for rule-bending. For example, some round-based vehicles like the Necron Monolith or Drukhari Raiders could previously gain unintended movement advantages through pivoting.
The companion guide adjusts these rules to maintain fairness.
Adjustments for Terrain and Battlefield Edges:
Another significant change is how models interact with terrain and the edges of the battlefield. Models can no longer overhang the battlefield edge with their base at any point during movement.
However, overhanging parts of the model, like wings or weapons, can extend beyond the battlefield edge, but they cannot be used to draw line of sight. This rule ensures that all movement and positioning are realistic and within the boundaries of the playing area.
Warhammer 40k Munitorium Field Manual Points Updates Across Factions
One of the most eagerly anticipated aspects of any 10th Edition 40k Balance Dataslate is the updates on points. These adjustments can dramatically alter how armies are built and performed on the battlefield.
The 40k Balance Dataslate 10th Edition and the points changes are sure to keep things fun, balanced, and engaging Click the links below for the latest updates from the Warhammer 40k universe and tabletop game!
- Best Warhammer 40k Armies Now
- Free GW Warhammer 40k App Army Builder for 10th Edition
- 10th Edition Warhammer 40k Rules FAQ & Rules Commentary
- Full 10th Edition Warhammer 40k Core Rules Book
- Free PDF Download for 10th Edition Warhammer 40k USR Rules
What do you think about all the latest rules and points changes in the Warhammer 40k 10th edition balance dataslate from June 2024?
About the Author: Rob Baer
Rob Baer
Job Title: Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
Socials: Rob Baer on Facebook and @catdaddymbg on X
About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures.
Rob also co-founded and currently hosts the Long War Podcast, which has over 350 episodes and focuses on tabletop miniatures gaming, specializing in Warhammer 40k. and spent six years writing for Bell of Lost Souls.
Every year, along with his co-hosts, he helps host the Long War 40k Doubles Tournament at Adepticon and the Long War 40k Doubles at Las Vegas Open, which attracts over 350 players from around the world.
Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including multiple first-place finishes in Warhammer 40k Grand Tournaments over the years and even winning 1st place at the Adepticon 40k Team Tournament.
With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. As a member of GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association), he advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.
While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1980s, Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and models made of both pewter and resin.
