Big changes are coming to Warhammer 40k and Horus Heresy, with 11th Edition rumors, new codexes, and a major update for Horus Heresy.
According to what we have been hearing from industry insiders, big changes are coming to Warhammer 40k and Horus Heresy, and the rumors are starting to heat up.
If you’ve been keeping an eye on Games Workshop’s release cycles, you already know that a new edition of 40k lands every three years. That puts 11th Edition Warhammer 40k on track for summer 2026, and all signs point to a refresh rather than a full rules overhaul.
Think of it as a cleanup job—streamlining mechanics, rolling out fresh codexes, and setting up a new round of faction updates.
The Grim Dark & Age of Darkness
On the Horus Heresy side, a major update is expected this summer, possibly a full 3.0 revision or a polished 2.5 version.
With new codexes rolling out, a fresh narrative arc building, and big faction updates in the works, the next couple of years will be packed with action. Let’s take a closer look at what’s shaping up for Warhammer 40k and Horus Heresy.
Warhammer 40K & Horus Heresy Rumors: What’s Coming Next?
Big changes are on the horizon for Warhammer 40K and Horus Heresy, and if the latest rumors (which follow the patterns we have been discussing for years) hold any weight, there’s a lot to get excited about.
Games Workshop seems to be keeping up with its three-year refresh cycle, meaning the 11th Edition for Warhammer 40K could land in the summer of 2026. That might sound like a long way off, but with new codexes rolling out (the roadmap above has almost the rest of the codexes for 10th already teased) and a growing focus on narrative play, things are shaping up for an interesting transition.
40k’s Next Chapter: A Tweaked Ruleset, Not a Revolution
When 10th Edition dropped, it was a massive shift—cleaner mechanics, a streamlined approach, and a fresh start for factions. If the rumors are true, 11th Edition won’t be nearly as drastic. Think of it as a refined version rather than a complete overhaul.
Games Workshop still has a stack of codexes left to release, including Leagues of Votann, Drukhari, Space Wolves, and more (not in the above roadmap). The plan seems to be getting most of these out by late 2025 before shifting focus to new campaigns.
And speaking of campaigns, there’s a pattern here. Right before 10th Edition launched, the Arks of Omen books rolled out to set the stage, along with a swath of new battleforces and boarding patrol bundles.
Now, a fresh set of narrative books is making the rounds, hinting that the transition is already underway. Expect the game to start leaning harder into story-driven battles leading up to the next edition.
Orks vs Space Marines: The Big Box Battle
Launch boxes have become a tradition when a new edition drops, and this time, all signs point to Orks throwing down with Space Marines. If you’re an Ork player, this might be the plastic update you’ve been waiting for. The word on the street suggests new Nobz, Storm Boyz, and a Warboss—kits that have been begging for a refresh.
On the Marine side, expect fast and heavy units, possibly Vanguard Veterans or something equally punchy (maybe the new Armor Marks that have been rumored).
It makes sense. Orks are getting more attention in the narrative, and Space Marines always headline a new edition. If you’re looking to start a new army or expand an existing one, this could be the perfect entry point.
Horus Heresy 3.0 (Or Maybe 2.5?) Is Coming
Warhammer 40k isn’t the only game getting a shake-up. Horus Heresy is due for an update alot sooner, and as we have been saying for years, this summer should bring a fresh ruleset. Whether it’s a full-blown 3.0 or just a major revision, expect new units, new mechanics, and a renewed focus on the setting.
The big rumors? A launch set perhaps featuring Salamanders vs. Iron Warriors box packed with Mark II armor, Praetors, Saturnine Terminators, and some serious firepower. If you’ve been waiting for new plastics and an updated ruleset, this might be the biggest shift since the game’s relaunch.
Pro-Series Paint?
Also on the horizon for a cyclical three-year drop from Games Workshop are new hobby supplies. Back in 2022, we got Contrast 2.0 with 25 new paints and seven shades. Now there are rumors about a brand-new line of paint explicitly aimed at professionals, which they’re calling “Pro-series.”
This could be a game changer for those of us looking to elevate our painting skills. And guess what? They might even be going to dropper bottles! Hobbyists have been asking for this for ages because it makes dealing with paint so much easier. It’s interesting to see how this aligns with their three-year cycle for 40k, Age of Sigmar, and Citadel Hobby Supplies.
Final Thoughts on the Big Rumors
Regardless of whether these are rumors or just predictable patterns, changes are on the way for Warhammer 40k and Horus Heresy, and the next couple of years are going to be packed with new models, rules tweaks, and plenty of narrative action.
Warhammer 40k’s 11th Edition looks set to be more of a refinement than a complete overhaul, with fresh codexes rolling out ahead of the update. If the rumors hold, Orks and Space Marines will headline the launch box, bringing more long-awaited plastic updates.
On the Horus Heresy side, a major rules update is expected this summer, likely bringing new mechanics and a Salamanders vs. Iron Warriors launch set filled with exciting new kits. If you’ve been waiting for Mark II armor and Saturnine units, this could be the moment.
See the Latest GW Roadmap & Rumors Here
What do you want to see in the 11th Edition Warhammer 40k Starter set?
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!
