Fingers crossed this is real, check out the rumors about new 40k Imperial Guard and Orks models and a return to Armageddon in 2021!
Someone posted a rumor on B&C, about new Death Korps of Krieg, Orks, and some Cadians models coming during 2021 and even into 2022.
What are the rumors? What do we think? Let’s dive right in cause this is a hot one!
Initial Rumors: Death Korps, Orks, & Cadians
Heard third-hand; take with the usual pinch of salt.
2021: 10 plastic DKoK troopers, initially as part of a Kill Team 2nd Edition box set with plastic Ork Kommandos and Ork terrain.
2022: Cadians are getting re-done. They’ll have more of a veteran, weather-beaten look. Greater focus on individuals (whatever that might mean).
So the core of the rumor is as follows (for 2021):
- A squad of 10 plastic Death Korps of Krieg
- Plastic Ork Kommando and Ork Terrain
There is also a rumor even into 2022:
- Cadians getting an update, supposedly more focused on “individuals”
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Rumors: Return To Armageddon?
Orks and Death Korps are an interesting mix, and for them to be bundled together in the same rumor? hmm… The thing is DKoK just got an update in the FW compendium and is undoubtedly a best seller for Forge World, so it’s hard to think that they would be crossing over to plastic form from GW.
However, Death Korps has a striking resemblance to another Guard faction who we haven’t seen in 20 years… The Steel Legion.
Steel legion first appeared over 20 years ago (in July 2000), along with Orks Speed Freaks, Salamanders, and The Black Templars in Codex Armageddon.
You might also recall another rumor featuring Black Templars and their update coming to 9th edition 40k. GW has also been updating Space Marine chapters with Blood Angels and Deathwatch both getting updated recently. Could Salamanders be coming over the horizon shortly.. all around the same time perhaps?
Let’s assume for the sake of the argument all of this is true. Orks, Steel Legion (not Death Korps), Black Templars, and Salamanders all might get rules updates the same time, and if they do…
Warzone: Armageddon?
Like we mentioned Armageddon is a 20-year-old book that introduced a conflict of the factions above on the planet of Armageddon (aka the Third War for Armageddon). We also haven’t seen the Steel Legion model wise since the book’s debut in July of 2000, quite a long hiatus. Curiously they do have current rules in the Imperial Guard codex, but no models available at this time…
Who is to say that it is Steel Legion and not Death Korps of Krieg as the original rumor suggests? Well, Forge World just purged their lineup, and Death Korps of Krieg is very much a Forge World staple, so its seems far fetched IMHO.
It is also not too big of a stretch to say the originator of the rumor may have confused Death Korps with Steel Legion. The only major aesthetic differences being slightly shorter coats & longer boots plus a different helmet and gas mask. After all, usually, when you see guardsmen in a gas mask, you just assume that’s Death Korps, it’s one of their most unique visuals and an easy mistake to make.
More food for thought: The recent Warzone: Charadon, the first major narrative expansion for the 9th edition is only Act:1, and GW has confirmed there will more additions to the Warzone line. Psychic Awakening had 9 installments, meaning this new wave could be of similar length if GW so chose. The shift to focus on planets/systems also helps out this theory a bit.
I think this is relatively likely, but ultimately this is all wish-listing off a few rumors and a couple of nods to actual facts that may support it. But I think everyone is on board to see a return to Armageddon, along with the Steel Legion though!
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What do you think about the rumors? Is a return to Armageddon & Steel Legion possible? Are plastic Death Korps really coming to GW?
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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.
