Hear our take on the latest Warhammer 40k balance update as we break down how Knights and Death Guard got trimmed back and what it means for the game.
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Episode 485
Article Table of Contents:
Show Summary:
This week, the crew discusses the future of tabletop wargames. Here are the key takeaways, section by section:
- (00:02–02:18) Rob and Kenny kick off with jokes about their decade-long intros, Rob’s nine-year Twitch streamversary, and a look back at old hobby phases (fedora era, long hair era).
- (04:12–05:26) Side banter includes Kenny’s “hobo beard” look, jokes about fedoras, and mention of Haspel’s return to 40k with Blood Ravens after the new Nightbringer reveal broke his self-imposed hiatus.
- (06:37–08:51) News: Horus Heresy Combat Forces starter sets revealed (Mechanicum, Solar Auxilia, Legiones Astartes), expected around $170 each. The crew notes GW’s history, “start collecting” boxes, and contrast paints essentially saved the company financially.
- (09:23–11:28) Broader industry shift: companies like AMG also lean on larger starter/affiliation packs while raising prices (GW’s 5% vs AMG’s 10–15%). Starter sets are framed as crucial for new hobbyists overwhelmed by too many choices.
- (11:28–13:43) Leaks and previews: early Nightbringer and Kill Team 2026 announcements spark debate on whether GW “sanctions” leaks. Rob speculates that GW is cutting editing staff and relying on AI-generated articles (like the Combat Forces write-up).
- (14:14–17:38) Excitement for Dawn of War 4 (launching 2026), promising a return to RTS roots and Last Stand mode. Also mentions the Target-exclusive Dawn of War board game (~$50), Kill Team beginner box, and STL terrain files based on Dawn of War buildings.
- (17:57–19:32) More products: Warhammer Encyclopedia pre-orders bundled with a Titus mini (~$20) and Army Painter’s new Speedpaint markers, which Rob praises for saving hobby time (he’s even painted knights with Sharpies).
- (20:00–24:26) Plug for Bourbon & Bolters, a premium wargaming retreat in North Carolina. Rob stresses it’s legit despite “Fyrefest” jokes, budgeted liquor (~$400 per guest), catered food, swag gear, and guests like Mike Haspil and Brad Chester.
- (25:42–31:32) Main topic: Balance Dataslate (early release).
- Imperial Knights: Large knights up 30–40 points, Armigers +10, Canis Rex +35 (but still cheaper than older editions). Likely pushes lists back toward mixed builds (2 big knights + 6–7 small).
- Death Guard: Popular units like Deathshroud, Plagueburst Crawlers, Putrifiers, and Typhus all see 5–20 point hikes. Forces spammy lists down by 100–200 points.
- (33:41–36:36) Salamanders buffs: Firestorm detachment units (aggressors, eradicators, infern squads) all cheaper, Vulcan still only 100 points with strong utility. Discussed as a quiet winner of this update.
- (37:09–41:22) Philosophical take: Frequent rules tweaks don’t ruin collecting if you love the building, painting, and hobby ritual. Those chasing meta power will be frustrated, but Rob argues GW “taking toys away” keeps the hobby fresh and fun.
- (44:12–47:10) Nostalgia: they recall past missteps (buying tons of screamers/flamers before a nerf) and how knights have always been tricky to balance (from D-weapon stomps to hull points). Rob likes knights being strong because they attract newcomers with big, flashy models.
- (47:44–55:05) Wrap-up: Knights may never be “balanced,” Death Guard’s OP spam justified their nerf, and secondary markets (3D prints/third-party models) always fill gaps. They finish by stressing that chasing meta is a trap, it’s better to create your own fun and meta in the hobby.
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