Rumors say to watch for a ton of model releases for all the new 9th Edition 40k codex books that are coming in 2020 and 2021!
If you’ve seen all the releases that have been revealed for 9th Edition in the last batch of online previews, you know there’s a busy year in store for codex releases extending into 2021. But reading between the lines of the previews, the new books could also be accompanied by a splash release of a new model or two for each faction. With the roadmap for codexes also revealed, we now have a better idea of what to expect and when. Here’s that we’re talking about.
RUMORS: New 40k Model Releases With 9th Codex Books
We’ll be taking a quick look at each codex that was given the spotlight in the previews as well as some books that could be appearing sometime in 2021. With that said, let’s start with Space Wolves.
November 2020: Space Wolves
For the Space Wolves, right in the center of the codex frame is what looks like some kind of character with a double-headed axe and wolf shawl. This model doesn’t exist right now and it’s probably not by chance that he’s in the center of the frame with the most lighting effects on him.
What would make the most sense, and be the easiest release, would be Primaris Ragnar Blackmane by himself. He was in the Prophecy of the Wolf box but still hasn’t got his own separate kit yet. Since they already have the mold it would make sense to release him along with some data cards and dice.
Deathwatch
For the Deathwatch, we can see a cover full of Primaris. What’s interesting is the wargear involved. There’s what looks to be an Intercessor with a Deathwatch Storm Shield stonewalling some enemy fire.
With their “placeholder index” showing that Heavy Intercessors can be combined with Eradicators in a couple of kill teams, it would make sense for them to release the Heavy Intercessor and Eradicator kits along with this codex.
It would then also make sense why they’ve held back on those kits up till now, not guaranteed but it seems like a good guess to us!
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December 2020: Blood Angels
While the previews didn’t show any new Blood Angel models, we do have the codex cover to go off of. If you look closely, there’s the Sanguinor and what looks to be some Sanguinary Guard flying above the rest of the Blood Angels. On that note, all of the Blood Angels on the ground are all Primaris (including Mephiston).
Since they love running into combat, it would make sense for GW to release the Assualt Intercessor stand-alone kit along with the codex. Like with the other releases they will most likely also get data cards and dice.
Because the Sanguinor’s armor is so unique and the Sanguinary Guard are so far in the backdrop, it’s difficult to tell if they’re actually Primaris. However, with the obvious trend of everything switching over to Primaris, it looks like we could be getting some upgraded Sanguinor/Sanguinary Guard in the future.
Yeah, he’s past due for an update…
Plus as we’ve seen a teaser of the Gladiator Tank and Storm Speeders since December 2019 in Blood Angels Red, perhaps it would be fitting for GW to releases them along with this wave of updates to 9th.
It’s not unheard of for them to release Marine, and Death Guard kits during the holidays, they did that very thing back in December of 2017 with the ETB Aggressors, Redemptor, Death Guard Myphic Blight Hauler, and Lord Felthius with Blight Lord Termies.
Death Guard
Next, there’s the Death Guard which has already had two models showcased. It looks like there’s some kind of Plague Furnace terrain piece as well as the new Lord of Virulence. No stats on these guys, but as for the Lord of Virulence, he’s got what looks to be a double-barrel Plaguespitter and a Power Fist.
What About Codexes Set For 2021?
Well, we know that codex support is still going to be a thing in 2021. They released some teaser artwork recently, but it looks to just be place holder art, so we still have to wait a little longer for confirmation. GW left the fans with this comment:
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.
So what could be some models/bits that we’ve already seen that may make their first appearance in 2021?
Dark Eldar
Will the first new Xenos book release after Necrons be Dark Eldar? Well, we know of at leases one new model out there that is on the way for them.
For the Dark Eldar, it looks like Lelith Hesperax is going to be the next model in line for a makeover. We’ve seen some angles of a new model that just look like a more updated version of the current Lelith Hesperax model. On top of that, the models both share the same insignia.
Orks
For Orks, it looks like there’s some kind of Bowser-looking dude that may be coming eventually.
It would also make sense for them to also put out Ghaz with the Ork codex release if they’re putting out Ragnar for Space Wolves as well.
Sisters of Battle
There’s also this new Sisters model with Plasma Pistol and Ecclesiarchy Rosary on the way at some point.
Adeptus Mechanicus
Finally, there’s this Ad Mech duder that looks to be another coming Tech-Priest of some kind. He’s got some kind of command rod in his left hand as well as something strapped to his back.
There’s no denying that there’s a lot on the table for 40k. But signs are looking pretty good that GW could be releasing a model or two whenever the time comes to bring a faction up to speed via codex (plus dice, datacards, and other potential accessories).
What minis do you think will be released with each codex? What Xenos army do you think will get the first book?
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About the Author: Travis Pasch
Travis Pasch
Job Title: Head Writer & Editor
Socials: @paschbass
About Travis Pasch: Travis has been a Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the 1990s, playing the game since Third Edition. Through extensive traveling, he’s seen a lot of the miniatures hobby from across the world, giving him a unique perspective on the latest gaming topics and trends.
Travis’s brother even owns a commission painting studio, where he’s picked up a lot of good advice and techniques for painting Warhammer and tabletop miniatures over the years, as well. Travis joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the lead writer since 2020.
Currently, he’s working on converting all his 40k Adeptus Mechanicus models and becoming a true tech enjoyer, complete with both sad and happy robot noises!
