GW suspended new pre-order releases two weeks ago, with nothing new hitting shelves this week, but here are other cool hobby products to check out.
Updated on May 18th, 2025, by Rob Baer with new information and links to relevant content
Games Workshop had a “break week” on May 3rd, meaning no new pre-orders for any game system are hitting shelves this week for May 17th.
If this was an unofficial delay, there is no way to tell, and Games Workshop certainly won’t tip their hand publicly. That being said, we’ve got a few other things worth checking out that are on the way, hopefully in 2025.
What do you think of the break this week from new releases hitting store shelves?Why Has Games Workshop Halted Pre-Orders?
While we haven’t really seen this move before, and if last year’s script is anything to go by, a price increase could be peeking over the horizon. In May 2024, GW dropped the price hike bomb, giving us all a few weeks’ warning before it hit our wallets in June.
It wouldn’t be shocking if a similar move is brewing right now. After all, with the way costs are rising across everything from sprues to staff, GW giving things a week-long breather could signal that they’re preparing for a “new pricing structure” announcement, or perhaps getting ready for their yearly inventory.
Changes To Pre-Order Deliveries to Stores
Previously, stores would receive their bills a week after their confirmed pre-order releases, (or at least what small allocations GW blessed them with). Now, as soon as the numbers are finalized, GW charges the stores’ cards, and the orders are immediately dispatched.
This means that the Chaos Death Guard and World Eaters were on their way to stores when this break was announced to hold and stock on May 10th.
So now, GW has effectively created a three-week buffer to either catch up on typical production or to address whatever issues they are facing at the moment.
Free Mini of the Month: Is It Emperor’s Children Time?
While we’re on the topic of “what’s next,” there’s another treat coming up — the new free mini of the month. And from what we were picking up, it had the smell of Emperor’s Children all over it, which turned out to be true!
What to Order This Week Instead of Warhammer
You might not be adding a new army box to the pile, but you can grab tools and upgrades that’ll actually make your hobby life easier. Here are ten hobby must-haves worth throwing in your cart this week.
Snag your new hobby goodies from our handpicked list of retailers, and give us a high-five in support! Every qualifying purchase helps Spikey Bits keep the lights on and the fun going.
New Dauntless Paint Brushes Are Built to Handle Miniatures!
Meet the new Dauntless Brushes from Monument Hobbies—affordable, durable, and made for everyday painting without the stress or high price tag. Read More
Game Envy LUCENT Art Hobby Product Light
Lighting makes a massive difference, especially when you’re squinting at tiny details at 1 a.m. The LUCENT Hobby Light has a clean, bright beam that doesn’t wash out colors.
Plus, Spikey Bits readers get 10% off with code SPIKEY. Way better than that old desk lamp you’ve been using since college.
Wet Palette– The Army Painter
First off, this thing is built for people on the move. Heading to a paint night? Packing up for a weekend of dice, glue, and caffeine? Toss it in your bag and go. No need to play Tetris trying to make room. It slides in without fuss, and—bonus!—it’s got a cozy little spot for your brushes too.
That’s right, no more fishing them out from the bottom of your backpack like a gremlin hunting for snacks.
Now, let’s get real. A year ago, we gave this wet palette a solid thumbs up. It was easy to use, didn’t cost a fortune, and managed to combine all the basics into one sleek little setup. But the real kicker? Rob’s been using his for over four years (don’t let the video title mislead you). Yep, four plus. And he’s still happily dabbing paint on it like it’s day one.
And if you’re short on table space (or suitcase space, or life space), this thing is slim enough to stash everything, minus your paints, in one tidy case. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of paint gear, minus the tiny scissors.
Godhand Clippers
These things cut like a hot knife through butter. If your sprue-cutters feel more like plastic crackers, it’s time for an upgrade. Godhand Clippers are razor-sharp, precise, and surprisingly affordable right now.
Say goodbye to stress marks and hello to smooth cuts that barely need cleanup.
Monument Hobbies EVO GoBag
Portable hobby station? Yes, please. The EVO GoBag fits your paints, brushes, tools, lights—pretty much your whole workstation. It’s great for travel or just making your dining table look less like a hobby explosion between meals. Solid build, smart design, and actually fits what it says it does.
If you’re on the fence, check out Rob’s review here!
Tamiya Extra-Thin Cement (Quick-Setting)
If you haven’t tried Tamiya Extra-Thin Cement, you’re missing out. This stuff seeps right into joints and sets fast—perfect for push-fit models, spindly bits, or reposing plastic without the dreaded finger glue prints. One bottle lasts a while, but you’ll wonder how you built models without it.
Winsor & Newton Brush Cleaner
Got crusty brushes? This cleaner handles dried paint like it owes it money. It’s industrial-strength stuff, so don’t use it on plastic—it will melt it. But if your Kolinskys are looking more like old broom bristles, Winsor & Newton Cleaner can bring them back to life. Here’s a quick tutorial on how to use this!
Wowstick Motorized Pin Vise Drill
Drilling barrels? Magnetizing arms? The Wowstick turns those boring chores into smooth operations. It’s fast, precise, and way easier on your wrists than a manual pin vise. Also kind of fun to use, if we’re being honest.
Harder & Steenbeck Ultra Airbrush 2024
Starting airbrushing and don’t want to drop a paycheck on gear? The H&S Ultra 2024 is a fantastic entry-level airbrush that performs way above its price tag. Clean lines, easy maintenance, and it doesn’t fight you every time you want to paint a squad. See all the best airbrushes for miniatures here!
Cool Hobby Products: Master’s Black Spray Booth
If you’re still priming models over a cardboard box in your garage, it’s time for an upgrade. The Masters Black Spray Booth is a game-changer—affordable, compact, and it pulls fumes away so your lungs don’t take a hit every time you pick up a rattle can.
It’s an updated version of their previous model, and if you’re doing any kind of airbrushing or spray work indoors, you’ll wonder why you waited.
Collapsible Tournament Push Cart
Rolling up to an event with minis, rulebooks, terrain, snacks, and drinks? This Collapsible Push Cart makes you look like a pro. Load it up, wheel it in, fold it down under the table. Saves your back and saves time between rounds. It’s that one accessory you didn’t know you needed.
Skip the Refresh Race, Gear Up Instead
No Warhammer new releases this week? Good. Take a breather and treat yourself to gear that’ll actually make hobby time smoother, cleaner, and more fun. Prices probably aren’t getting better any time soon, and let’s be real—we were all going to buy something anyway. Might as well make it something that lasts.
Our Top Miniatures Hobby Products List
What do you think of the break this week from new releases?
