Looking back at this past year, we’ve started to notice a slow but steady trend, as it looks like some 40k terrain rules are starting to morph to match AoS…
Not that 9th edition 40k is even happening, but there have been multiple rumors talking about a 9th edition, that’ll bring more elements of Age of Sigmar into 40k. While we don’t know what those elements are, more and more sources keep mentioning it.
Now looking back at the past year, we’ve noticed some subtle nods toward AoS in 40k already.
Warhammer 40k Rules Are Morphing Again…
Stretching back to the big Chaos overhaul, the Noctilith Crown was a terrain piece that emerged specifically for Chaos. It was immobile, as you’d expect a terrain piece to be but also let friendly Psykers reroll their casting rolls as well as give a 5++ invuln save with an increasing aura bubble.
Granted, this terrain piece isn’t played too often, mainly because it costs points. However, it is a faction-specific piece of terrain exclusive to Chaos only.
Sisters of Battle: Battle Sanctum
For the Sisters, they got a Terrain piece called the Battle Sanctum. This gives miracle dice, bonus leadership, as well as cover benefits for friendly Infantry nearby. It’s only at Power Level 3 as well, which means it’s really not that expensive and could be usable in competitive lists that like to “hang back”.
Ork Terrain Updated in Saga of the Beast
The Orks have also gotten updated rules for their terrain piece in Saga of the Beast. When the Big Mek Workshop dropped, it realy wasn’t all that spectacular. You had to roll just right and the unit that parked next to it basically had to sit for a turn. So what most people did was convert it into terrain/display board pieces. However, in Saga of the Beast, GW made it a bit more viable with rules like:
They really went all out giving this terrain piece rules. It upgrades just about everything mechanical in the Ork armory. With that said, it’s clear that GW is focusing in on terrain more and more.
Now, amidst the rumors of a new 9th edition bringing more Age of Sigmar elements to 40k on top of these faction-specific terrain pieces, we may be seeing each major force in 40k get their own big terrain feature in the future.
The main differences between 40k and AoS right now on the topic of terrain is mainly:
- 40k terrain costs points
- There isn’t nearly the amount of faction terrain in 40k as there is in AoS
As GW went back and overhauled factions in Age of Sigmar, one of the most common pieces of support is a terrain piece. It’s a big draw for factions that have access to them, mainly because they don’t cost any points. And if you’re a Sylvaneth player, you’ve probably spent a small fortune in trees because its a huge mechanic for them.
It’s hard to say for sure that each faction is getting terrain in 40k anytime soon right? However, from a business standpoint, it seems to make sense for GW to release another new element to the factions because it’s something they can sell to hobbyists who have nothing else to buy for their factions besides new rules and accessories.
What are your thoughts on terrain in 40k? Is there an element to AoS you would like to see come to 40k? Would you drop a few bucks on a terrain kit if your faction had its own specific piece?
Let us know in the comments of our Facebook Hobby Group, and sign up to get your free hobby updates newsletter (with discount coupon codes) each morning as well!
About the Author: Wesley Floyd
Wesley Floyd
Job Title: Staff Writer
Joined: 2018
Socials: @RealmbrushPainting
About Wesley Floyd: Wes has been in the Warhammer hobby since 2015 and joined the Spikey Bits writing team in 2018. He is known for his satirist takes on trending topics and imaginative yet amazingly affordable hobby solutions to painting Warhammer miniatures.
Imperial fanboy, tabletop fanatic, and the self-proclaimed King of Sprues. He knows for a fact that Mephiston red is the best-tasting paint and is the commission painting equivalent of a Wendy’s 4 for $4. If you like what he writes and want to contact him or have your tabletop minatures painted (to a mostly okayish standard), message him on Instagram.
