Here is the new 2025 Warhammer 40k Codex roadmap with faction updates, release dates schedule, and gameplay shifts for 10th Edition!
Updated on September 1st, 2025, by Rob Baer with all the new preview reveals for Imperial Knights and Space Marines.
Games Workshop revealed the official 2025 Warhammer 40k codex release schedule, outlining new updates and models across the 10th edition codex roadmap for all major factions.
Here is what is on the horizon for the nearly 30 factions in 2025, which is shaping up to be another blockbuster year for the Warhammer Community.
Overall 10th Edition Codex Roadmap Update
Let’s break down the overall Warhammer 40k 10th Edition release schedule so far, but first, a quick look at what is on the horizon now:
Quick Reference: 2025 40k Codex Release Schedule
- June: Chaos Knights
- August: Grey Knights, Black Templars, Salamanders (Rules PDF), Leagues of Votann
- September: Imperial Knights, Imperial Fists (Rules PDF), Raven Guard (Rules PDF)
- More factions “On the Horizon”: White Scars, Iron Hands
Looking back on last summer, Codex Imperial Agents was released in August of 2024. No one suspected that Games Workshop would reveal new 40k Inquisition rules, character models, and three new battleforces all at once.
They were followed by the Blood Angels Army box and a separate codex release. Then, Deathwatch even got their rules updated via a new index in December 2024 for Grotmas!
First out of the gate in 2025 was Astra Miltarium, followed by Aeldari, and Emperor’s Children with Chaos Daemons. Then, the remainder of the Chaos legions (Thousand Sons, World Eaters, and Death Guard) plus Chaos Knights were released, heading into Summer.
As the temperatures rose, we got the new Space Wolves, Black Templars, Grey Knights, Leagues of Votann, and Salamanders.
Now Imperial Knights, Raven Guard, and Imperial Fists are dropping as we head into fall.
Currently, all that’s left for the Space Marines, besides a rumored 2.0 codex, are new models and PDF supplements for White Scars and Iron Hands.
Also potentially waiting in the shadows is the new Drukhari codex, and any sort of campaign or supplement series GW rolls out to lead up to the release of 11th edition in the summer of 2026.
2025 Warhammer 40k Codex Release Schedule:
The updated 2025 Warhammer Codex Roadmap for 10th Edition is like a gift that keeps on giving. While dates can sometimes shift, Games Workshop has provided a flexible timeline to help you plan your next big army overhaul.
Here are the key release dates to mark on your calendar for all the upcoming new 10th Edition Warhammer 40k codex books. Don’t forget that you can access all these new 40k rules on both the Warhammer App and Wahapedia.
Warhammer 40k Codex Release Dates by Faction
Upcoming 10th Edition Codex Roadmap
Here’s the scoop on which factions still need their 10th Edition Warhammer 40k codex books compared to the 9th edition, along with what’s coming up next from the new release roadmap.
- Drukhari (Dark Eldar) Unknown
- Space Marine Supplements: It looks like the new First Founding Space Marine chapters are getting PDF rules updates with the release of their characters and Combat Patrols.
- Space Marine 2.0 Codex (with new units like the Drop Pod)
- A new Campaign Supplement Series (Like Arks of Omen or Psychic Awakening) leading up to the 11th Edition release is still Unconfirmed.
Impact of 9th Edition on 10th Edition Codexes and Rules
The Warhammer 40k release date was July 2023. When 10th Edition launched, it effectively put the 9th Edition Codexes out to pasture. The transition to 10th Edition brought such a sweeping change that Games Workshop decided to let 9th Edition books retire peacefully rather than patch them up. So, while you may still love those beautifully illustrated 9th Edition Codexes, they’re no longer valid for 10th Edition play.
That said, they’re still worth keeping around for the lore and artwork! But on the battlefield, only the 10th Edition Indexes or Codexes will keep you in the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a Warhammer 40k codex?
A: A codex is your army’s playbook. It’s packed with rules, unit datasheets, stratagems, and background lore that shape how your faction fights on the table. Think of it as both the instruction manual and hype guide for your chosen army.
Q: Do you need a codex to play Warhammer 40k?
A: Not strictly. You can run games with just the free rules and datasheets GW puts out, but a codex gives you the full toolbox of faction rules, stratagems, relics, and lore. If you want the complete experience, the codex is the way to go.
Q: Do I need a new Codex if I have an Index?
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: The Indexes were an awesome (and free!) starting point for players, packed with basic rules to get armies rolling when 10th Edition launched. However, as each Codex is released, it replaces the Index for that faction.
Codexes bring out each faction’s personality with new abilities, lore, and a sharper edge in the rules department. Think of the Indexes as a sampler platter and the Codex as the full banquet. If you’re serious about wielding your faction’s full tactical might, the Codex is where it’s at.
Q: How are Codexes updated in 10th Edition?
A: Games Workshop has a clever system in place. Each Codex release is tailored to match the streamlined mechanics of 10th Edition, focusing on simplification without losing depth. Once a Codex is out, it’s also backed by digital updates, like Balance Dataslates and FAQs, ensuring players stay current without scrambling for entirely new books every few months.
Plus, with the My Warhammer app, digital codes found in the back of the Codexes mean players get updates directly in their app, no hunting required.
Q: How Do You Redeem Warhammer 40k Codex Codes?
A: On the back page of every codex, there is a code that will grant you online access to the rules and the army builder function within the Warhammer 40k app. You will need to have a My Warhammer account to redeem the code. Once you have that setup, you can go into the Warhammer 40k app and type in the code that comes on the back page of the codex.
Once you have entered the code, you will then be able to access the rules within the 40k App, which will be automatically updated when GW updates the rules, and you can also use the army builder in the app to make your army lists. The code can only be used once, so don’t share it!
There are also plenty of free third-party army builders (like Battlescribe or New Recruit) and the awesome Wahapedia 10th Edition reference guide you can use as well to make lists for your Warhammer 40k games.
Final Thoughts From Us On The 40k Codex Books
Warhammer 40k’s 10th edition release schedule 2025 is showing no signs of slowing down. From the arrival of Astra Militarum, Imperial Knights, and Aeldari to the highly anticipated standalone Codex for the Emperor’s Children, the rest of the year is still packed with potential game-changers.
Each 10th edition 40k codex brings new mechanics and balance changes to the Warhammer codex roadmap, contributing to the evolving meta in 2025. Plus, with Games Workshop’s commitment to balancing and updating, we’re all set for another year of epic skirmishes, strategic battles, and, yes, a little Chaos.
Click the links below to find out more about Warhammer 40,000 and the tabletop game!
- Latest Warhammer 40k Rumors
- New models 40k release schedule
- Horus Heresy New Release Roadmap
- Warhammer 40k 10th Edition Balance Dataslate Updates
- Lore & Faction Guides
- 2025 Warhammer 40k Codex Roadmap
- Warhammer 40k Combat Patrol Box Set Guide: Pricing & Values
- Best Warhammer 40k Armies
- Exclusive Warhammer Miniatures
- 40k Base Sizes Resource Guide
Latest New Release Roadmap For Warhammer
Are you excited about the 10th Edition Warhammer 40k Codex Roadmap and the 2025 40k Games Workshop release schedule?
