Games Workshop hints at a new edition of Space Hulk, plus rumors of updated rules and miniatures for an exciting comeback in Warhammer 40k!
Updated January 8th, 2024, by Rob Baer with new information and links to relevant content.
The warp is swirling with chatter, and this time, it’s not just the Tyranid hive mind at work—Space Hulk might finally be making its big return (at some point)! Games Workshop has dropped a few tantalizing hints, and Warhammer fans are excited (which has been the case for the past few years, honestly…)
Between whispers of new rules, updated miniatures, and a fresh take on the classic, the stage seems set for Space Hulk to re-enter the fray. Is it time to revisit those dark, cramped corridors filled with Genestealers? Let’s crack open the rumor vault and see what’s lurking. But before we do, remember that these are rumors, so take them with as much salt as you need. Nothing is official until we hear it from Games Workshop…
Hints at a Return from Games Workshop
It’s no secret that Games Workshop has been tinkering with both Space Hulk and Battlefleet Gothic for ages. These legendary titles hold a special place in the history of Warhammer 40k, and hobbyists have been itching for their return.
But then came the Great Slowdown—you know, the global thing that put just about every plan on hold, and stores scrambling for stock. Still, even with delays, the “bio-signs” have been there for a new adventure.
Space Hulk: Rumors, Teasers, and The Anniversary Miniature Hint
The most recent spark came in a recent article about anniversary miniatures. For the first time in what feels like an eternity, GW mentioned Space Hulk explicitly, talking about “broods festering inside Space Hulks.” That’s no throwaway comment—it’s practically a neon sign for those of us paying attention.
Space Hulk fans, it’s time to grab your bolters and brace yourselves—Games Workshop might finally be giving us the revamped edition we’ve been waiting for. After years of whispers, a couple of cryptic teasers, and enough speculation to fill a Librarian’s archive, things are heating up in the Warhammer universe. Let’s break down the chatter, the breadcrumbs, and what might be lurking around the corner.
A History of Rumors and Hints
Let’s rewind a bit. In 2021, rumors (from /tg) were flying about a new Space Hulk edition, and they also posted a bunch of other rumors that came true, but the most important rumor:
- Space Hulk is getting a new edition Summer of 2022
The whispers gained traction when reliable sources started backing up the claims, though release dates always seemed like a moving target (thanks, pandemic chaos). Fast forward to March 31, 2022, when Warhammer Community dropped a teaser video. A new edition of Space Hulk? Fans thought so, but it turned out to be a little smaller…
The Track Record of Rumors: 2021-2022
To separate fact from fiction, it’s worth noting how solid some of these rumors have been. Predicting Tau, Chaos Knights, and Craftworld updates with pinpoint accuracy gave the sources a lot of credibility. Add to that their hints about renegade guard, Kill Team updates, and even Squats—they’ve been spot-on more often than not.
So when they started talking about Space Hulk, ears perked up. The big claim? A new edition was in the works, initially pegged for 2022. Timelines shifted, of course, but the possibility hasn’t faded. In fact, with Games Workshop’s consistent drip-feed of teasers, it feels more like a “when” than an “if.”
Here’s a quick rundown of these old rumors and what actually came true from the same source of the old Space Hulk 40k rumors:
- Will the Kill Team Octarius Orks/DKoK sets drop separately? Short answer: Yep. Long answer: Soon™—probably within the next 2-3 months. These eventually did get separate releases, so it’s spot on.
- What’s cooking in the Kill Team pipeline? Tau and Sisters are teaming up for a box, plus a shiny new Harlequins unit is making its entrance through the Kill Team lineup. Fancy footwork, anyone? This is another correct rumor, but it was Dark Eldar instead of Harlequins.
- What’s up with Tau? Get ready for a New Year’s surprise! Tau fans can expect a codex and a couple of shiny new models landing toward the end of January. This came true, and more Tau came out.
- More Sisters of Silence for Kill Team? Word is they’re getting something. What exactly? No clue—but the Sisters of Silence did get more support in terms of rules for Custodes and more. It could also be whomever was on the inside saw the new Novitiate kill team and thought they were Sisters of Silence.
Squats Happened Instead
And then… Squats happened.
Yes, the April 1st, 2022 teaser wasn’t for Space Hulk but for the Leagues of Votann, a fully fleshed-out return of Warhammer 40k’s classic “Squats.” While exciting, it wasn’t the update Space Hulk fans were hoping for. But that teaser kept the embers of hope alive—was it really just a distraction, or did it hint at more to come?
Something big is coming… but what could it be? #WarhammerCommunity pic.twitter.com/8jXgl8Kesj
— WarhammerCommunity (@WarComTeam) March 31, 2022
Connecting the Dots
Recent rumors suggest this edition could be part of a broader push by GW to reinvigorate fan-favorite titles. With Kill Team thriving and the Leagues of Votann making waves, it seems the company is keen on mixing nostalgia with innovation. A new Space Hulk could fit neatly into that strategy, especially with its appeal to both tabletop veterans and newcomers.
That anniversary miniature comment feels deliberate. Games Workshop doesn’t just drop words like “Space Hulk” without reason—it’s too loaded with fan expectations. Add in the reliable rumor mill, and there’s every reason to think we’re on the brink of an announcement.
What Fans Want
If a new edition is on the horizon, there are some clear hopes and dreams in the community:
- Updated Miniatures: High-detail sculpts are practically a given with modern GW. Imagine those Genestealers in terrifying detail.
- Balanced Gameplay: Fans want strategic depth without overcomplicating the rules. The original had a sweet spot—can the new edition hit it again?
- Solo Play Options: The rise of solo modes in tabletop games means this could be a great addition for those looking to take on the Genestealer threat alone.
- Fresh Lore: Expanding on the grimdark narrative of Space Hulks would add another layer of immersion.
Why Space Hulk Matters to 40k
For the uninitiated, Space Hulk isn’t just another board game—it’s a Warhammer classic. First launched in 1989, it brought the terrifying battles between Space Marines and Genestealers into our living rooms. The tight corridors of a derelict spaceship, the sense of impending doom, the tactical depth—it’s a recipe that’s kept players hooked for decades.
A revamped edition would bring fresh rules, updated miniatures, and perhaps even new lore to explore. It’s an exciting prospect not just for nostalgic fans but also for those new to Warhammer who missed out on the earlier editions.
What’s Next?
While we can’t confirm anything just yet, the signs are hard to ignore. Whether it’s a standaloneSpace Hulk revival or integration into broader Warhammer plans, something is definitely brewing.
For now, we can keep an eye on Warhammer Community’s announcements, dig through the rumor threads, and start prepping for what’s sure to be an exciting release—whenever it drops. The Genestealers may be lurking, but so is the promise of a glorious return to the corridors of a derelict Space Hulk
All the Latest Warhammer Rules & Model Rumors
Are you excited about these potential rumors of a new Warhammer 40k Space Hulk edition?
