Today, I’m not just thankful for friends, family, and a table full of carbs—I’m also super grateful to be part of this incredible hobby community- Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving is upon us, and while most people are carving turkeys and passing mashed potatoes, Warhammer 40k fans are dreaming of painting miniatures, debating lore, and, yes, imagining how Guilliman and Yvraine might spend the holiday. It’s the perfect time to give thanks for our grimdark universe—and maybe poke fun at the Imperium’s inability to relax.
Games Workshop Gets Festive With Offical Warhammer Thanksgiving Art
Games Workshop dropped an official Thanksgiving-themed art back in 2017, and the fandom can’t get enough of it. Whether it’s the hilarious juxtaposition of space marines with roasted turkey or the subtle nod to the community’s shared love of painting, it’s a reminder that even the galaxy’s most serious warriors might occasionally take a break.
Or, as we imagine, Guilliman would demand to be both head chef and rule-setter for the feast, while Yvraine calmly counters with some Aeldari elegance and snark. The art itself feels like a nudge from GW to the community, saying, “Hey, take a day to laugh. Even the Emperor might smirk.” It’s a refreshing contrast to the high-stakes tension we associate with 40k and a reminder that humor has its place, even in the grimdark.
Free Warhammer Wallpapers:
Games Workshop knows how to make Thanksgiving hobby special. Over the years, they have graced us with a ton of free art featuring none other than the games we play! Best of all, these Warhammer wallpapers are free! Perfect for decking out your desktop or phone while you assemble and paint those never-ending piles of sprues.
Giving Thanks for Miniatures and Madness
While the galaxy burns, here on Terra (aka Earth), we have a lot to be thankful for as hobbyists. Whether you’re painting your first miniature or your thousandth, Thanksgiving is a great time to reflect on the joys of creativity, camaraderie, and yes, endless arguments over the proper way to edge highlight.
Games Workshop’s willingness to lean into holidays like Thanksgiving shows how much they value the quirky, dedicated fanbase that keeps the 40k universe alive and thriving. It’s a small but welcome gesture that acknowledges our passion, and maybe even gives us a bit of inspiration for hobby projects. Thanksgiving diorama, anyone? Guilliman wielding a carving knife could easily be kitbashed into existence.
Black Friday Bonanza: The Miniature Sales You’ve Been Waiting For
Thanksgiving isn’t just about the feast—it’s also the calm before the storm of Black Friday sales. The miniatures hobby has unleashed a massive amount of deals that will make your paint pots quake with excitement. Whether you’re looking to start a new army, expand your existing collection, or grab some much-needed hobby supplies, there’s something for everyone.
Highlights include discounts on some of the latest miniatures, limited-edition starter sets, and essential paints and brushes. Be sure to check out your local game store early—because once these deals are gone, they’re gone faster than a Tau recon drone in a hot zone.
Pro tip: Keep an eye out for Christmas Battleforce bundles featuring some of this year’s big faction releases. They’re an incredible way to bulk up your armies while saving a little for the holiday fund.
Exclusive Warhammer Miniatures: Holiday Cheer in Plastic Form
Thanksgiving also marks the season of exclusive miniatures. Once again this year, Games Workshop is rolling out its holiday commemorative models, perfect for collectors and painters alike. These seasonal miniatures are as fun as they are thematic, often featuring characters in over-the-top, festive poses. They’ve become a cherished tradition for hobbyists.
Hobby Goals Before the Year Ends
Putting the finishing touches on my Death Korps of Krieg magnetized Octo-Baneblade.
As we dig into pumpkin pie and turkey sandwiches, let’s set some goals for the rest of the year. Whether it’s finally finishing that backlog of unpainted miniatures or trying your hand at custom conversions, there’s no better time than now to commit to your projects. After all, even Guilliman himself needs a well-painted army to lead.
So, from official Games Workshop art of Guilliman and Yvraine, to all of us, Happy Thanksgiving! May your dice roll sixes, your glue never clog, and your turkey legs rival the best primarch armor designs.
Here at Spikey Bits, we’re thankful that all our great readers are here to share it with me! Once again, the big question is, what projects were you working on last year around this time, and what are you working on now?
About the Author: Rob Baer
Rob Baer
Job Title: Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
Socials: Rob Baer on Facebook and @catdaddymbg on X
About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures.
Rob also co-founded and currently hosts the Long War Podcast, which has over 350 episodes and focuses on tabletop miniatures gaming, specializing in Warhammer 40k. and spent six years writing for Bell of Lost Souls.
Every year, along with his co-hosts, he helps host the Long War 40k Doubles Tournament at Adepticon and the Long War 40k Doubles at Las Vegas Open, which attracts over 350 players from around the world.
Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including multiple first-place finishes in Warhammer 40k Grand Tournaments over the years and even winning 1st place at the Adepticon 40k Team Tournament.
With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. As a member of GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association), he advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.
While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1980s, Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and models made of both pewter and resin.
