Remember the days when Games Workshop was “Johnny on the Spot” with FAQ’s? Well those days seem to be gone, and now it looks like we have been left holding the proverbial bag as of late.
I figure it’s either a staffing issue, or Games Workshop is just leaving it to us to sort it all out. Either way here’s my list of the Top Five 40k rules that need a FAQ.
5). Daemonkin Summoning – When do units arrive that are summoned via the Blood Tithe, or their various wargear mechanics. The hot bed issue here seems to be some wording that hints that units appear before normal reserves do, thusly enabling a Bloodthirster summoned this way to be much more of a threat.
4.) Who’s Denying the Witch? – There is some loose wording when it comes to Denying the Witch (depending on how you read it), and when the Eldar dropped some players got pretty excited about the perceived loop hole. Problem is this same reasoning makes Kharn the Betrayer ungodly powerful. I think overall this conundrum is more trouble than it’s worth, but it would good to put his one to rest none the less.
3.) Summon THIS! – It’s possible that either Black Library’s digital arm juxtaposed something wrong, OR they know something the GW studio doesn’t. Either way there is a discrepancy between the digital and paper version as to weather Space Marines have access to Daemonology: Malefic.
2.) Death from Above – The new Skyhammer formation is a great tool for Space Marine players. Problem is everyone seems to want to add characters to the formation to benefit from assaulting after deep striking. This technically may fall under the Independent Character special rule wording BUT there is a huge flow chart to follow to even attempt to resolve the enigma.
1.) Feeling Froggy – The Iron Hands can rock an impressive 1+ Feel No Pain roll either by chance, or by design with psychic powers etc. Does a 1+ roll have a place in this game? Seems like the only way you’d be able to kill that chapter master is via a stomp, or a failed look out sir to D. Problem is you can have whole squads with similar “saves” as well…
Now granted in a friendly game you should be able to sort these out with your buddy, but I get that sometimes it’s a little more cut throat on the tourney scene.
Remember always check with the Tournament Organizer to see what FAQ, if any is in effect for that event. Plus it may be a good idea to have any questions about rules, etc. answered ahead of time instead of mid event to be fair to your opponents as well.
I feel like part of bringing hobby back is to play with your opponents, not against them!
What other rules would you like to see FAQed?
Episode 11 – Top 5 Game Companies GW Doesn’t want you to know about & ATC Recap (The Long War)
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.
