Grand Cathay crashes into Warhammer: The Old World with dragons, magic, jade warriors, and artillery; here’s what’s coming to the table now!
Grand Cathay just crashed into Warhammer: The Old World like a flaming cannonball, and it brought backup; dragons, artillery, elemental magic, and a wall of jade-armored warriors. This isn’t just a new army; it’s a statement.
With flying lanterns, towering sentinels, and spell-slinging dragonborn commanders, Cathay brings both style and serious battlefield punch. If you’re looking for an army that’s equal parts precision and power, with models that’ll steal the spotlight.
Let’s break down what makes Grand Cathay the new heavyweight.
New Old World Cathay Reveals from WCW
Updated on November 21st, 2025, by Rob Baer with new information, minis, WCW preview, and links to relevant content.
Games Workshop just fired off a fresh volley of Old World reveals, and Cathay Old World fans have a lot to be excited for again. New heroes, new guns, new mobs of brave peasants, and a big box packed with shiny Grand Cathay miniatures all showed up to remind Chaos that the Great Bastion still bites back.
These models look fantastic on the shelf and downright mean on the table, so let’s break down what’s new.
Grand Cathay Astromancers in Old World Cathay
The new Astromancers bring peak Cathay Old World energy, robes swirling and star charts glowing. You can field them on foot or on horseback, and each one comes with that mysterious Crowman familiar who looks ready to hex your opponent’s dice tray.
Crane Gun Teams, New Grand Cathay Miniatures
These sharpshooters lug tower shields and giant rifles, turning battlefield sniping into an art form. If a Chaos hero pokes their head up, the Crane Gunners make sure it goes right back down.
Iron Hail Gunners, Close Range Old World Cathay Firepower
Short range, big boom. These blunderbuss troops kneel in ranks and unleash rolling volleys that turn cavalry into confetti. Perfect for anyone who likes their Grand Cathay models loud and smoky.
Peasant Levy Units in Grand Cathay Old World Armies
Spears, bows, ragged banners, and pure stubborn heart. The Peasant Levies might not be fancy, but they fill the table with classic Cathay Old World grit. Great for anyone who wants a sea of bodies pushing back Chaos one spear at a time.
Defenders of the Great Bastion Grand Cathay Box Set
This huge set stacks your shelves with 53 Grand Cathay miniatures: Astromancers, Crane Gun Teams, Iron Hail Gunners, and a wall of Peasant Levy. It is the complete starter punch for defending the Great Bastion in style.
New Grand Cathay Miniatures for Warhammer Old World
Games Workshop finally did it. Grand Cathay has stormed into Warhammer: The Old World with a battalion box full of dragons, jade-armored badasses, and artillery that literally breathes fire. Yeah, it’s that kind of energy.
Now we know Grand Cathay Army’s release date for Warhammer: The Old World was July 5th, 2025. Cathay is bringing something fresh to the table, in plastic.
Grand Cathay Old World Faction Models Overview
Grand Cathay is the first all-new army built from the ground up for Warhammer: The Old World. We’re talking about immortal dragons, philosophical balance, and a war machine that looks like it came out of a mythical history book written by Sun Tzu after a few drinks.
The core box gives you 50 plastic miniatures that make up a fully playable, battle-ready force. Here’s what you’re working with:
- 30 Jade Warriors (the backbone, built tough and stylish)
- 10 Jade Lancers (heavily-armored cavalry with some real kick)
- 2 Artillery Pieces (your choice of the Cathayan Grand Cannon or Fire Rain Rocket Battery)
Be sure to check out our full review with values and pricing on this release here.
Jade Warriors: Core Grand Cathay Models
Most core troops are built to die well. Jade Warriors? They’re built to hold the line with style. Clad in ornate armor and wielding halberds or sword-and-shield combos, these troops don’t just survive, they dig in and refuse to move.
These aren’t your generic grunts. They look and feel elite, and they’ll make your opponent think twice before charging your line.
Jade Lancers for Old World Cathay
Fast cavalry that hits like a truck? Yes please. Jade Lancers are recruited from among the Jade Warriors, meaning they’re already seasoned before they even get their mount. They were trained for close quarters in Cathay’s narrow alleyways and bridges, so when they hit the open field, they go full tilt.
Line them up, give ‘em a target, and let those lances do the talking.
Cathay Old World Artillery, Grand Cannon and Rocket Battery
Now we’re into the fun stuff, artillery. The Grand Cannon is your precision hitter, styled to look like a dragon and designed to ruin someone’s day. Then there’s the Fire Rain Rocket Battery, less accurate, more “watch the sky explode.”
Pick your flavor: direct death or chaotic carnage.
Shugengan Lord Model for Old World Cathay
Cathay doesn’t just bring the muscle, it brings the magic. The Shugengan Lords are part-dragon commanders who wield martial arts and elemental sorcery in equal measure, or put one on the back of a Great Spirit Longma.
This is the kind of model people will pause to stare at mid-game.
Gate Masters in Grand Cathay Old World Armies
The Gate Masters of the Celestial Cities are your tacticians, hardened vets who’ve earned command through a decade of defense. They see the battlefield like a chessboard, and they play to win.
Grand Cathay Miniatures: Sky Lanterns
Sky Lanterns are floating command centers powered by Vermilion Warbirds. They hover above the battlefield, relaying orders, sniping targets, and dropping bombs on anyone who gets too close.
Think of them as hot air balloons with sniper rifles and explosives.
Cathayan Sentinels for Old World Cathay Armies
Nothing says “don’t mess with us” like a city guarded by giant statues that come to life when trouble shows up. Cathayan Sentinels are part statue, part magical WMD. They’re made from jade, terracotta, and even warpstone, each material giving them different abilities.
Once they wake up, they crush anything in their path.
Miao Ying Model in the Grand Cathay Old World Range
Here’s the big name: Miao Ying. The eldest daughter of the Dragon Emperor, Miao Ying is both a deadly mage and a brutal combatant. She’s got centuries of experience, and now she’s left Cathay to clean up the mess in the Old World.
Her model shifts between human and dragon form, and she leads with the calm rage of a storm about to break.
Arcane Journal for Grand Cathay Old World Rules
If you like your tabletop with a side of lore, the Arcane Journal: Armies of Grand Cathay has you covered. It’s 48 pages of background, rules, magic items, and the twin Lores of Yin and Yang.
Why Start an Old World Grand Cathay Army?
- Brand new plastic range with standout models
- Unique playstyle built on harmony, magic, and artillery
- Lore-rich faction that adds depth to any campaign
- Powerful centerpiece characters like Miao Ying
- Flexible unit options that work in both casual and tournament play
Grand Cathay is more than just the new kid in town. It’s a fully realized army that plays differently, looks different on the table, and brings some serious firepower, both magical and literal.
Final Thoughts on New Grand Cathay Models for Warhammer The Old World
Grand Cathay isn’t just a fresh face; it’s a full-force army packed with dragons, sky lanterns, artillery, and magic that hits hard and looks sharp. If you’re after an army with strong visuals, flexible tactics, and a unique playstyle, Cathay’s got your table covered.
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