GW’s Secret to Selling New Heresy Saturnine Box Set

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There’s a simple secret GW could use to sell more Horus Heresy Saturnine boxes, but with a decision back in 2022… It’s probably not happening.

Games Workshop is dropping the new Horus Heresy 3rd Edition Starter Box, packed with sleek new Mark II Marines, Saturnine, big value, and a ton of plastic. But why are we dubious of it selling as well as it could?

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Warhammer 40k players just don’t care. And GW should’ve know that would happen.

The Legend-ification of 2022:

Back in 2022, GW pulled a fast one on stores and players alike. Most of the classic Horus Heresy kits—Contemptors, Spartans, Leviathans, even basic squads—were quietly marked “Legends” for Warhammer 40k.

Translation: You can’t use them in matched play. Well, at least not officially.

That move slammed the brakes on Horus Heresy-40k cross-play. Previously, if you bought a Heresy specialized unit (such as big tanks or walkers), you could use the kits in both systems. Now? Not so much.

Horus Heresy Isn’t 40k

Here’s the thing: Horus Heresy is great, but it’s a smaller scene of players now. The fanbase is passionate, but nowhere near the scale of 40k. And GW knows it.

By keeping Saturnine-exclusive kits locked to HH, they’re limiting who’s even remotely interested.

Compare it to the 2nd Edition Horus Heresy Starter Box—that set was full of units that easily slipped into 40k armies. Tactical Marines (scaled up to almost Primaris size), Terminators, Dreadnoughts. Nothing was too out of scale, and collectors from both games were on board.

This new Saturnine box? It’s mainly Horus Heresy or bust.

The Value’s There—But Who Cares?

Let’s not kid ourselves—the box is stacked. Tons of new Mark II Marines, Saturnine (in all its forms)plastic upgrades, and plenty of Heresy-specific bling. But if you’re a 40k collector? It’s mostly dead weight. The sizes don’t match Primaris proportions, and you’re not legally using these in matched play anyway.

GW essentially told 40k players, “This isn’t for you.” And they will most likely listen with their wallets.

GW’s Cheat Code They Won’t Use

Here’s what would change everything: make the units inside legal in 40k. Just say the word, and the box becomes gold overnight. It’s honestly not that big of a secret, and seems to be plain as day to everyone EXCEPT Games Workshop.

Imagine 40k players eyeing the value again, and buying multiple sets for custom units, conversions, or new army builds.

GW would have another runaway hit. But so far, they’re holding back, likely to avoid balancing chaos. And hey, maybe that’s fair. 40k’s already spinning enough plates.

So, Who Will Buy This?

If you’re already invested in Horus Heresy, this box is a no-brainer. The new sculpts are clean, the new rules seem tight, and you’re getting serious plastic for your money. It’s a strong jumpstart or expansion.

But if you’re a 40k player? Unless you’re kitbashing or running narrative campaigns, it’s probably a pass.

Final Word

The Horus Heresy Saturnine Box is great—just not for 40k. It’s a strong move for a niche crowd, but that’s all it’ll ever be unless GW decides to open the gates.

Until then, it’s going to sit on shelves while 40k players scroll past, waiting for something they can actually use.

The Massive Value Inside Saturnine!

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