Forge World quietly died when GW replaced its 40k models as part of a website merger between Forgeworld.co.uk and the new Warhammer site.
Updated February 2nd, 2025, by Rob Baer with updated information and links to where you can still buy Forgeworld models.
Forge World’s slow fade into obscurity felt less like a dramatic battle cry and more like a quiet shuffle offstage. Once the crown jewel of Games Workshop’s premium offerings, Forge World’s identity started to dissolve when GW merged its beloved Forgeworld.co.uk site into the Warhammer portal.
This rebranding wasn’t just a website overhaul—it marked the end of an era for collectors and hobbyists who saw Forge World as the elite tier of resin models and exclusive rules. So, what happened?
Where did Forge World go, and why did its distinct legacy fade into the background of the broader Warhammer ecosystem? Let’s break down the quiet demise of this once-mighty titan in the hobby world.
The Impact of Rebranding Forge World
Known for producing highly detailed and specialized models, Forge World has long held a special place in the hearts of hobbyists and collectors alike. The rebranding represents an important yet sad moment for the Warhammer hobby in general. Games Workshop, on the other hand, has been seeking to harmonize Forgeworld’s identity with its overarching vision, ensuring a seamless experience for its devoted fan base.
We’ll get to the new Warhammer website roll-out, but even as recently as 2022, Games Workshop was already rebranding Forge World miniatures as “expert-level model kits” on their main webstore.
Warhammer Replaces Games Workshop & Forgeworld’s Websites
Much like their physical stores rebranding to Warhammer, now Games Workshop has got it all in one place with Warhammer Plus+, events, painting, and both stores in a single shopping spot.
Now, with everything under one “Warhammer” brand, it looks like GW is trying to get up close and personal with customers and build its brand into a “lifestyle business.” They’re saying stuff like:
Games-Workshop.com and Forgeworld.co.uk are together at last as Warhammer.com! It’s a one-stop online shop where you can find the entire range of Warhammer miniatures in one place, as well as rules, boxed sets, paints, and a selection of Black Library novels.You’ll be able to get miniatures that aren’t available in most Warhammer stores, and you can get your orders delivered to your local Warhammer shop for free. Plus, our returns and exchange policy is there to ensure you get the best possible customer service.
It’s not a huge surprise that all the typical GW products are on here, but even all the Black Library titles are as well. So now you can go to one place for basically everything Warhammer-related.
GW Confirms Forge World’s Dead In FAQ
Along with their design, Games Workshop put out an FAQ for their 2023 Warhammer.com site launch. In it, they confirmed our fears: Forgeworld is no more.
Even The Iconic Boxes Are Dead Now
There is something a little strange about getting a box without the iconic branding. We recently saw this box and were sad that there is no mention of Forgeworld, the cool cog skull, or anything.
Just like on the website, it simply says Expert Product 15+ on the box. Some people may still get boxes in the old packaging, but anything newer will most likely look like this from now on.
Forge World FAQs: Cleaning, Assembly & Tournament Legality
So, you’ve got your hands on a Forge World model—congrats! Now what? If you’ve ever cracked open one of those resin kits, you know they come with a mix of excitement and mild panic. Unlike the usual plastic sprues from Games Workshop, Forge World models require a little extra love before they’re ready to hit the battlefield (or the display shelf).
Dark Bunny Studio Painted Our Forge World Warlord Titan
Whether it’s figuring out how to clean that oily residue off your resin, assembling those fragile parts without supergluing your fingers together, or making sure your prized mini is even legal for tournament play, these are the questions every hobbyist runs into at some point. So, let’s get into it—without the frustration of trial and error.
How to Clean Forge World Resin Models
So, you just cracked open your Forge World box, and you’re itching to start building? Hold up! That resin beauty is probably coated in mold release agents, which are great for casting but terrible for priming. Grab some warm, soapy water (not hot unless you want a resin meltdown), a soft toothbrush, or even a sonic cleaner.
Give the parts a gentle scrub to nix the greasy residue. And, for the love of your future paint job, don’t skip this step—unless you enjoy watching your hard work flake off like bad sunburn. Let everything dry thoroughly before assembly or painting. Patience is a virtue!
How to Assemble and Paint Forge World Resin
Assembling a Forge World Warlord Titan
Got your resin model squeaky clean? Cool, now treat it like the delicate, temperamental diva it is. Resin doesn’t flex like plastic, so handle it with care—especially the thin bits. For cutting pieces off the sprue, use a sharp knife (slowly) or a razor saw for chunky bits.
And forget plastic glue—super glue is your BFF here (affiliate link, thanks). Just a dab, though; too much, and you’ll end up with melted details and sticky regrets.
When painting, prime the resin first—it’s smoother than plastic and needs the extra grip. Once primed, paint away! But if you’re tackling a massive Titan, consider an airbrush. Unless, of course, you’ve got endless patience and a wrist of steel.
Forge World kits take some extra love, but the end result? Totally worth it. Check out how Rob repaired a beat-up Forge World model here!
Are Forge World Models Tournament Legal?
Short answer: Yes, Forge World models are tourney-legal in most Warhammer 40K events (here are the Forge World 40k rules). Long answer: It depends. Official Games Workshop events usually allow them, and Forge World units are even part of GW’s balance updates. But don’t assume your shiny Warhound Titan is automatically welcome everywhere.
Tournaments often have point limits, and overpowered Forge World units can upset the vibe. Bringing a Titan to a casual 1,000-point game? Congrats, you’re that player. Always double-check event rules because restrictions can vary. TL;DR: Legal, but play nice!
Where to Buy Forge World Models
If you’re looking to amp up your Warhammer 40K army, Forge World is where it’s at! This article breaks down the best ways to grab those amazing resin models, whether you want the latest Titan or a unique Horus Heresy character.
For the freshest picks, buying straight from the Games Workshop Forge World store is a smart move—it’s like getting a front-row seat to the resin release party. Plus, if you find yourself at Warhammer World in Nottingham, you might just score some exclusive models that aren’t available anywhere else. And guess what? There are no shipping fees if you buy in person, which is a win if you’re lugging home a £1,000 Thunderhawk!
But if you’re on the hunt for something more elusive, third-party sellers and eBay can be a real lifesaver. It’s like navigating a treasure map where you’re hoping to stumble upon that rare Primarch model or a discontinued Ork Battlewagon.
Just keep an eye on the seller’s ratings to avoid getting stuck with a dodgy recast—it’s more common than you think! Let’s not forget why we love these models. Forge World miniatures aren’t just collectibles; they bring personality to your army. No one wants a cookie-cutter Space Marine army that looks like it rolled off an assembly line.
With Forge World, you can truly make your force unique and give your friends something fresh to drool over during game night. Check out the full article for all the juicy details and tips to help you build the Warhammer army of your dreams!
The Forge World Era: Summary & Timeline
Forge World, a name that evokes both nostalgia and awe among Warhammer hobbyists, was born in October 1998. Imagine the masterminds behind the original Thunderhawk Gunship, decided that regular models just wouldn’t cut it. They wanted something bigger, something bolder – something that could give your wallet a workout.
Here’s the history and future prospects of Forge World and how its iconic models continue to captivate Warhammer hobbyists.
2023: Forge World 40k is No More on the New Warhammer Site
All the Forge World Horus Heresy and 40k products are now on the new combined Warhammer dot com site, and when you try to go to their previous Forgeworld co uk website, you’ll end up back here. Sadly, we could not find one instance of the term Forge World on this new retail site anymore.
Looks like Forgeworld is doing the vanishing act in their product listings. Now it’s just “15+ Expert Kits” without any mention of Forge World. It seems like they’ve pulled a Houdini and Forge World is basically no more. Sadly, our rebranding theory from years ago seems to have come true!
The Horus Heresy upgrades are also now called Expert Kits, meaning everything that was Forge World is now just an “Expert Kit.”
This page is the only thing that remains of Forge World after the rebrand, no 40k. However, even this Facebook page has only been about Horus Heresy since 2020. Plus, as you can see, the website is linked to the new Warhammer site.
2022: Rebranding of Horus Heresy Resin Forge World Products
You can provide your own sartorial flair to the VII Legion with this upgrade set containing 11 detailed resin helmets, each one positively festooned with noble foliage. There are three sets each of three different knightly designs, plus one helmet with a transverse crest for your Praetors and Sergeants, and one square-jawed feller with a bare head.
Packs like these started coming out in the summer of 2022, and the branding radically differed from the previous resin products. In terms of packaging, product listings, and marketing copy, they simply called them detailed resin pieces.
2021: Manufacturing & Packaging
Google Street view of where they’re adding on
Then, in 2021, GW built a new warehouse, and all they said was they would be using the space to make more paint and resin. However, it was all under the GW banner, meaning they were, perhaps, one step closer to absorbing Forge World back into the company overall.
Looking back, we assume this was to help with all the recent resin upgrades and new character products for Horus Heresy. However, back then, we weren’t sure what they would be making and if it would even still be “Forge World” 40k or hours Heresy products anymore.
2020: The Social Media Rebrand
Let’s start with the first rebrand as the Forge World Facebook page was rebranded to HH when they knew behind the scenes that a big new edition of Horus Heresy was in the works.
This post came out in 2020 when they started focusing on Horus Heresy: Age of Darkness more (30k and Adeptus Titanicus). It was a big tip-off to a new edition of Horus Heresy, but it took about a year and a half from this for the current 2022 edition of the game to actually drop.
Origins and Early Days
In its infancy, Forge World was all about crafting exquisite Warhammer terrain and jaw-dropping limited-edition models. Think of it as the haute couture of the miniature world. Their debut in White Dwarf magazine coincided with the third edition of Warhammer 40,000, instantly cementing their place in the hearts of gamers.
Who could resist the allure of detailed, resin-cast giants towering over your standard plastic troops?
Key Milestones and Achievements
Over the years, Forge World expanded its horizons. From the majestic Elysian Drop Troops to the colossal Titans that could make even the bravest Space Marine gulp, they left no stone unturned. They didn’t just make models; they crafted legends. By 2005, the Elysian Drop Troops were dropping jaws, and Forge World had become synonymous with intricate designs and unparalleled quality.
In 2018, they evolved into the Specialist Design Studio, focusing on projects like the Horus Heresy and Epic Scale games. But as all epic tales go, even legends have their twilight. By 2024, Games Workshop quietly folded Forge World into its main brand, ending an era but ensuring the spirit of Forge World lived on in the resin-cast dreams of hobbyists everywhere.
Iconic Forge World Projects and Models
Imperial Armour
Imperial Armour was the rules series that made us all believe our armies weren’t complete without a monstrous creature or a tank that could double as a small apartment. This was Forge World’s playground for exotic vehicles and titanic terrors, where imagination knew no bounds, and practicality was left at the door.
Exotic Vehicles and Monstrous Creatures
Imperial Armour wasn’t just a product line; it was an experience. From the sleek lines of the Eldar vehicles to the brutish might of the Ork war machines, every model told a story. And let’s not forget the monstrous creatures – beasts so detailed you could practically hear them roar as you painted their scales. These models weren’t just for show; they were the stuff of Warhammer legends, turning ordinary battles into apocalyptic sagas.
The Horus Heresy
If Imperial Armour was the playground, then the Horus Heresy was the grand stage where heroes and villains clashed in tales of betrayal and glory. Set ten thousand years before the grim darkness of the 41st millennium, this series brought the Age of Darkness to life.
Horus Heresy Fulgrim Transfigured Model
The Horus Heresy was all about the lore, diving deep into the history of the Imperium and the tragic fall of the Primarchs. With rules, scenarios, and characters straight out of Warhammer’s most pivotal era, it gave fans a chance to reenact the battles that shaped the galaxy. And the models? Let’s just say if you’ve ever wanted to own a piece of Warhammer history, this was your golden ticket.
Specialist Games
Forge World’s Specialist Games were the hidden gems in their crown, catering to niche tastes and hardcore fans alike. Whether it was the sprawling battles of Epic or the intense skirmishes of Necromunda, these games offered something unique and thrilling.
Epic Scale and More
Epic, Battlefleet Gothic, Adeptus Titanicus – these names may not ring as many bells as Warhammer 40,000, but to those in the know, they represent a world of strategy and detail. Forge World’s contributions to these games were nothing short of spectacular, offering finely detailed miniatures that brought each universe to life.
Whether you were commanding fleets or titans, the level of craftsmanship was second to none, making each game a miniature masterpiece.
The Future of Forge World & Its’ Models
In conclusion, Forgeworld may have undergone a significant transformation, but its impact on the world of miniature-wargaming is undeniable. From its early days crafting colossal resin models to its modern incarnation within the Games Workshop empire, Forge World has always been about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the hobby for models.
While the brand name might have faded, the spirit of innovation and quality lives on, ensuring that both newcomers and veterans of the game have plenty to look forward to in Warhammer hobby. It looks like the time for Forge World Models has ended, and the age of Expert Kits is here.
Latest New Release Roadmap For Warhammer 40k
What do you think about the fate of Forgeworld with Forge World Models being rebranded into expert 15+ kits by Games Workshop?
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!
