Games Workshop has finally said they screwed up with how they release Warhammer 40k rules, but their solution possibly isnt much better…
So, what are we talking about? Well, free rules, or the lack thereof, and the fact that GW finally put to paper (or internet screen) that they might have made a mistake with how many rules have been put out for 9th Edition Warhammer 40k.
Games Workshop Finally Realizes They Screwed Up
Here’s what GW has to say about their Warhammer 40k rules releases while pitching Arks of Omen:
Following player feedback from across the community, this series won’t include extra rules for standard games of Warhammer 40,000. You’ve told us that you don’t want to juggle army rules spread over multiple books. No worries – we hear you.
Instead, you get something better. The first volume of Arks of Omen presents a self-contained expansion – a whole new game mode called Boarding Action. These rules will allow your armies to fight intense Boarding Action battles through the claustrophobic corridors of voidcraft, space hulks, bunkers, and more, using standalone sets of the new terrain first found in Kill Team: Into the Dark.
So, while it’s nice to see them at least admit they have heard the community, what they are giving us isn’t much better. Now, you’ll have a book that can’t be used in regular games and will still probably cost $50.
The other real issue is no one seems to be very interested in buying more rules, casual or otherwise, when we are so close to an edition change (not to mention the global economic issues that have folks counting every penny these days).
Don’t take out word for it. Judging by comments on Games Workshop’s Facebook page, this still may not be what people wanted in Warhammer rules…
The Community Reaction
It seems people aren’t too happy about another expensive book just to play some extra games or an apology about selling too many rules while previewing more rules to sell…
What Games Workshop Should Actually Try to Sell Hobbyists
So, what are really the best options for Games Workshop moving forward (at least according to us)? We think the solution is a Free Open Beta for Warhammer 40k (or Age of Sigmar) alongside free rules PDFs!
Games Workshop could still release a new faction each month to facilitate miniature sales. However, the rules themselves could be a 100% free download, but they could charge for a “codex” that is half lore (which it already basically is), and half would be dedicated painting guides, army showcases, and a battle report featuring the studio army!
Either way, this new pivot by Game Workshop could set a much bigger precedent for rules in a rumored 10th edition Warhammer. We say rumored because while some people want to deny the new edition, we’re almost through all the codexes (besides a possible Space Marines 2.0 reboot).
Plus, the three-year summer rotation is set to swing back to Warhammer 40k in 2023 from all indicators as well. So it seems like it’s coming soon, whether we’re ready or not.
Who knows, maybe Games Workshop will actually do some free rules and open beta testing; one can dream, right?
Check out the latest Warhammer 40k rumors for the rest of the 9th and even 10th Edition, new releases, and more!
View Gallery: 48 Images
Here’s the most up-to-date list of new Games Workshop bits from preview models that we should watch out for. Click on the gallery above to see dozens of Rumor Engines with new models still left to be revealed!
- New Primaris Space Marines 40k Rules & Minis
- Warhammer 40k 10th Edition Rules & Rumors
- Imperial Guard Rules & Rumors
- New World Eaters Codex & Models Rumors
All the Latest Warhammer Rules & Model Rumors
What format would you like to see rules-wise from Games Workshop going forward?
Let us know in the comments of our Facebook Hobby Group, and make sure you enter the latest monthly giveaway for FREE today!
Get ad-free access to our hobby videos, a monthly crate of miniatures, and support some of the best creators out there for as little as $6 a month on Patreon!
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.
