Big changes are coming to 11th Edition Warhammer 40k, with new rumors, codexes, and a release date that is closer than you think.
Updated on September 17th, 2025, by Rob Baer with new information about Warhammer 40k’s new edition.
According to what we have been hearing from industry insiders and rumors seemingly everywhere, significant changes are on the way for Warhammer 40k.
Some long-forgotten factions may finally be getting the attention they deserve, and there’s even talk of a brand-new army crashing onto the scene.
If these 11th Edition Warhammer 40k rumors are even half true, we’re in for a wild ride.
Warhammer 11th Edition
If you’ve been keeping an eye on Games Workshop’s release cycles, you already know that a new edition of 40k lands every three years. That puts the Warhammer 11th Edition release date on track for summer 2026, and all signs point to a refresh rather than a full rules overhaul.
As far as the rules go, think of it as a cleanup job. Streamlining mechanics, rolling out fresh codexes, and setting up a new round of faction updates. Either way, the rumors are starting to heat up.
Rumors Point to a Smoother Jump into Warhammer 40k 11th Edition
If the chatter is true, Warhammer 40k’s 11th edition is shaping up to be more of a tune-up than a teardown. Think streamlined mechanics, fresh lore, and a shiny new launch box, without nuking your current codex from orbit.
This isn’t the seismic shift we got from 9th to 10th edition, where the core rules were rebuilt and everyone started from scratch with indexes.
The word is that your 10th edition codex will still be good to go in 11th, just with an update sheet to tweak points, adjust faction rules, and keep things in line with any core mechanic changes. Very similar from 8th to 9th.
That’s great news for armies like Leagues of Votann, and Dark Eldar, who are the last codex drops in 10th. You’ll get more than a few months of table time before the next big shake-up.
If GW sticks to their usual pattern, the major overhauls only drop every other edition, meaning this style of refresh comes about every six years. Expect free PDFs with the changes, so your army stays competitive without having to shelf your current book.
We think this *could* be a fairly painless edition change yet.
Drukhari: Finally Escaping the Finecast Dungeon (Maybe in 11th)?
The Drukhari range is, let’s say… vintage. Sure, they’ve got style, but a lot of it is trapped in outdated sculpts and resin nightmares. Recently, GW confirmed their codex, a new Archon, and Lady Malys. However, it’s not a big refresh like people were wishing for, and some major units are missing from the lineup.
Grotesques, Beast Packs, Court of the Archon, and Urien Rakarth are all missing from the new codex. Luckily for us Dark Eldar players, the rumors still point to 11th Edition as being the big refresh for the line (find the full rumors here). While people were wanting the big refresh to come in 10th Edition, 11th Edition seems to be on the table for Drukhari players.
And honestly? It’s about time. The Craftworld Eldar got their facelift, so it makes perfect sense that their twisted cousins are next in line. Let’s just hope it happens.
Imperial Guard: Another Regiment Marching In?
The Astra Militarum has a galaxy’s worth of lore, but model-wise, most regiments get left behind while Cadians hog the spotlight. The word on the street? A new regiment is said to be coming, and Catachans are the top contenders.
That said, it could be something entirely fresh. So if you’re a Guard player looking for new army inspiration or just sick of converting your own squads from third-party kits, 11th Edition might be your lucky draw.
Dark Mechanicum: Yes, It’s Finally Happening
LI Dark Mechanicum
This is the big one. A new faction. Not a one-off, not a detachment, a full-blown new army, Dark Mechanicum. These heretek-cyber-ghouls have been teased for years, especially with Vashtorr creeping into the lore and the Legions Imperialis release teasing models.
If the rumors hold, this release could be on the scale of the Leagues of Votann, meaning you’re looking at a solid launch box, multiple units, and enough lore to fill a codex. Start clearing shelf space and maybe your bank account.
What’s Filling the Gap Before 11th Edition
With 11th Edition looming next summer, Games Workshop suddenly has months of open space to keep players busy. And they’re not about to let things go quiet. When codex releases dry up, narrative campaigns swoop in to carry the torch.
We’ve seen it before: Psychic Awakening pushed the story forward in 8th, Boarding Patrols shook up 9th, and the Lion/Vashtorr arc in Arks of Omen. Expect the same treatment this time around.
Rumors point to fresh storylines led by Huron Blackheart and Trazyn the Infinite, setting the stage with shiny new rules and likely some plastic crack to tempt wallets. Campaigns like this aren’t just filler; they give factions new tricks, let hobbyists paint up themed forces, and keep the competitive scene guessing.
There’s even talk of an Ultramarines supplement and a big Aeldari release rounding out the cycle (possibly the last release of 10th).
So, what fills the gap? Expect campaign books, limited box sets, and a steady stream of models tied to these arcs. If you’re planning your next project, this lull between editions is shaping up to be a goldmine for narrative gamers and competitive list builders alike.
After that, there are already rumors floating around of what to expect with the 11th Edition Launch Box.
Orks vs Space Marines: 11th edition 40k Starter Box?
Launch boxes have become a tradition when a new edition drops, and this time, all signs point to Orks throwing down with Space Marines. If you’re an Ork player, this might be the plastic update you’ve been waiting for. The word on the street suggests new Nobz, Storm Boyz, Bikes, a type of new mech, and a Warboss kit that have been begging for a refresh in WH40k 11th edition.
On the Marine side, expect fast and heavy units, possibly Vanguard Veterans or something equally punchy (maybe the new Armor Marks that have been rumored).
It makes sense. Orks are getting more attention in the narrative, and Space Marines always headline a new edition. If you’re looking to start a new army or expand an existing one, this could be the perfect entry point.
Final Thoughts From Us: 11th Edition 40k
So if you were wondering: “When is 11th edition 40k coming out?” Next summer is the tentative release date, we feel that springtime is just too ambitious and 100% unprecedented.
Regardless of whether these are rumors or just predictable patterns, changes are on the way for Warhammer 40k and Horus Heresy, and the next couple of years are going to be packed with new models, rules tweaks, and plenty of narrative action.
Warhammer 40k’s 11th Edition looks set to be more of a refinement than a complete overhaul, with fresh codexes rolling out ahead of the update. If the rumors hold, Orks and Space Marines will headline the launch box, bringing more long-awaited plastic updates.
See the Latest GW Roadmap & Rumors Here
What do you want to see in the 11th Edition Warhammer 40k Starter set, and what do you think the Warhammer 40k 11th edition release date will be? Summer 2026?
