From sprues to shoulder pads, we break down the new Warhammer 40k Captain Centos kit in our unboxing and review. See if this model is worth it.
Originally published in June 2025. Updated August 26th, 2025, by Rob Baer with the latest release information from GW, unboxings, and how the region-specific boxes ended up all over the world.
Guess who just stomped back onto the 40k battlefield? Captain Centos. Yep, the crimson-caped Space Marine legend is back, and he’s flexing harder than a Primaris in a powerlifting comp.
If you missed him on the initial release date of August 9th, 2025, or the last time around (back in 2016), GW said this would be the first time he’s offered. Remember, not a single model GW produces is truly collectible.
Here is the latest on this incredible mini!
Captain Centos and the Great Box Shuffle
Hobbyists recently discovered that Captain Centor has region-specific packaging, but instead, the US, UK, and EU versions ended up scattered worldwide in a cardboard free-for-all. The only real difference was the US box’s “Celebrating 200 North American Stores” banner, which somehow showed up in places far from North America (people reportedly got them in Warhammer World in the UK).
We even grabbed a box in the US, and it was the EU version.
Collectors expecting a tidy release got a quirky packaging lottery instead, with boxes landing wherever GW needed to fill shelves. It’s the kind of harmless mix-up that turns into a talking point, and a reminder that GW’s distribution can still surprise like an unexpected dice roll.
Limited Release: Should We Act Fast?
Well, it depends. According to the announcement, Captain Centos will only be exclusive to Warhammer stores during this global celebration. Which we should read as “yes, they can bring him back at any time to resell another way.”
GW has already admitted that their miniatures are not collectible.
So what does that mean? Well, if you dont want to spend over triple to score him on eBay right now, just wait for the next big GW event like LVO or even Adepticon in the States, or Warhammer World, for example, to see if he pops up for sale.
Regardless, he initially appeared as the Warhammer store exclusive during GW’s 500-store celebration on August 9th, 2025. He was only around while stocks lasted, and he wasn’t the only thing worth grabbing.
Rob scored Capt Centos in Fayetteville, NC
Also happening on that same day, you could have snagged the Free new miniature of the month for August!
While you’re there, you could also score a free Collector’s Pin Badge and grab a Commemorative Coin when you spend over £60 (or your local currency equivalent).
Find your local Warhammer store here.
What’s New With Captain Centos?
This isn’t just a rerun of the 2016 model. The updated Centos holds that iconic pose, cloak billowing, bolter ready. You can build him helmeted or bareheaded, your call. And yes, the back banner is still doing more work than a Techmarine in a scrap pile.
The ‘Eavy Metal team stayed true to the bold red cloak and bolter look, but if you’re feeling spicy, try a green armor scheme. Warboss Green as the base gives a solid punch of color without stealing the spotlight from his blinged-out banner.
The original inspiration for Centos dates back to 1991. While that version’s lost his cloak to time (as we all have), the silhouette lives on in this reboot.
Plus, he gained a back banner!
Unboxing Centos
Rob got his hands on Captain Centos, and the build turned out to be both fun and surprisingly straightforward. The kit comes loaded with goodies: a towering banner, molded base, separate arms, cape, and shoulder pads that make painting a whole lot easier.
The pads even have a nice curve so you can add your chapter icons without fuss, and Rob appreciated having both a helmeted and bare head option. Of course, no Space Marine would be complete without a tactical rock, and Centos comes with one baked right in.
The only snag Rob ran into was the cape; it really wants to be glued, so no clever workarounds there.
To tackle the sprues, Rob pulled out some new Wargames Atlantic tools. The nano files handled those rounded edges like a charm, and the compact clippers sliced clean for under $25; a solid alternative to God Hands. With a bit of Blue-Tack, post-it masks for airbrushing, and the banner kept separate for future-proofing, Rob set himself up for a smooth paint job.
Standing eye-to-eye with Mephiston and towering over a regular Ultramarine, Centos looks every bit the captain, and for $45, Rob reckons he’s worth the shelf space.
Other YouTube Reviews
If you’re looking for reviews on YouTube, be sure to watch your favorite presenters talk about the new army set at the links below:
Final Thoughts on Captain Centos
Limited-edition models don’t show up often, and they don’t last. Centos isn’t just shelf candy; he’s a chance to mark a milestone in the Warhammer story with your own hobby time.
Whether he ends up leading your homebrew chapter or standing proud in a display case, he’ll be one of those models you talk about years from now.
I have the original from 1991 in a bits bag somewhere. It may be with the command squad from 3rd-4th ed. I’m not sure if I have his cloaked backpack. I believe I even have the similar sculpt used for the LotD minus power fist. I’d love to have this one to convert to the powers of Chaos, but with the limited run, scalpers buying the stores out of stock and the gouging cost on Ebay, I’ll pass and keep my original.
I have a complete one for a all second edition crimson fists project I am starting. Cost me far to much for him.
guy in front of me got the last one and the last space marine pin as well ! oh well that’s what I get for not getting there at doors open !! I went to the Waco Tx store and they had received 21 of the new model Capt. Centos , after leaving store went and looked on Ebay and model was averaging $200 already GEEEEEEZE I can live with out it , sure the price mat calm down a bit or GW will rerelease it ! let hope they have a warehouse find and reissue !!! haahaha Waco Warhammer store is SupaKools!! Chris that runs it is cool and a hella mini painter , worth the trip to see his work!! Happy they opened a GW shop close to me , even though its an hour away but been a GW acolyte since 1979 so no changing now!
hope GW find that missing crate of Centos minis soon ! HAH !