Let’s be honest we all want an Imperial Guard miniatures update, but there is one major problem they face for getting a model update.
Before you start yelling about Space Marines and Sisters getting all the new minis (we know it sucks for basically every other faction…) hear us out for a minute. It’s actually another faction that stands in the way of the regular human fighters of the Imperium. Who? the Genestealer Cults of course!
The problem is that the two factions have tons of shared minis, where the GSC versions are basically just the same kits with a few extra bits thrown in. That would mean that any new “generic” Imperial Guard miniatures would have to be backward compatible. Because GW would still have to keep producing all the old kits for the GSC, perhaps with the new model components as well.
While it’s not insurmountable, it’s something to think about.
It could of course actually not even be a consideration that goes through GW’s mind, but we thought it was worth a mention for sure to all our Xenos homies out there.
Problems Facing an Imperial Guard Miniatures Update
The Brood Brothers are a prime example of a kit that would have to be backward compatible. They are basically literally the Guard kit with different heads and a few bits. This is the biggest kit that could bring an issue, but if the rumors of DKoK getting a rework, maybe they wouldn’t have to worry about it.
Well, these are basically the same.
Almost Identical Kits
On the website, these are just the same mini for both factions. If they update this though, that could mean the GSC gets some free mini-updates as well.
This is just another kit that can be used by both and is basically identical.
Maybe a Dual Update?
Maybe because they have so much in common, we could see them as a dual release. Even though they have moved off on two a month releases, we could easily see them come out together. That would make sense since they would both be getting some new minis that could work for both. It would make sense and could make it easier for both factions.
Gaunts Ghost’s Reveal
Now that the first actual Imperial Guard miniatures are here in plastic since perhaps the Scion release, we know that GW has the chops to make dope-ass-looking Imperials of any doctrine for sure.
Just look at this preacher dude too, GW can easily crank out more guardsmen, and quite probably have them slated already for production (if the rumors are to believed).
If you read any of the books, then you know exactly who all these guys are! The minis all look amazing and capture the essence of each character. It feels like a plastic kit for them has been a long time coming and we are super excited it’s finally here.
So can GW make new guardsman? I’d say they’d have no problem at all doing som as the “backward compatible” issue isn’t insurmountable by any means. It is just another issue in the way of the poor Guard getting some new or updated stuff across the whole line.
Do you think we’ll see a Guard mini update this year? What faction do you want to see get an update the most?
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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.
