Big changes are coming to Warhammer 40k, with 11th Edition rumors, and new codexes, and a major update for Horus Heresy.
Updated on June 18th, 2025, by Rob Baer with new information about what armies will get a rework in 11th Edition and the Horus Heresy Starter Set.
According to what we have been hearing from industry insiders and rumors seemingly everywhere, significant changes are on the way for Warhammer 40k.
Some long-forgotten factions may finally be getting the attention they deserve, and there’s even talk of a brand-new army crashing onto the scene.
New Grim Dark Rumors
If you’ve been keeping an eye on Games Workshop’s release cycles, you already know that a new edition of 40k lands every three years. That puts 11th Edition Warhammer 40k on track for summer 2026, and all signs point to a refresh rather than a full rules overhaul.
Think of it as a cleanup job—streamlining mechanics, rolling out fresh codexes, and setting up a new round of faction updates. Either way, the rumors are starting to heat up.
On the Horus Heresy side, the new Saturnine starter set is rolling out in the summer of 2025. With new codexes rolling out, a fresh narrative arc building, and big faction updates in the works, the next couple of years will be packed with action.
Alright, grab your clippers and settle in—because if the 11th Edition Warhammer 40k rumors are even half true, we’re in for a wild ride.
Grey Knights: From Relic to Relevant
Let’s be honest—Grey Knights have been looking like they time-traveled in from a discount bin at a retro game store. 10th Edition barely threw them a bone. One nudge to the Dreadknight, and that was it. Everyone else got new toys, and they got… nostalgia.
But now the rumor mill’s rattling louder than a Land Raider with no suspension. Word is, 11th Edition might finally give the Grey Knights the plastic glow-up they’ve been begging for. New sculpts, modern kits, and maybe—just maybe—Strike Squad legs that don’t look like they’ve been locked in a heroic squat since 2009.
This isn’t just a makeover. We’re talking about kits that actually look like they belong in the same galaxy as the rest of the updated Marines. No more Terminators built like vending machines, no more poses that scream “this was cool when MySpace was a thing.”
If this pans out, expect the Grey Knights to feel way sharper on the table—and not just because they all carry swords.
If you’re a Grey Knights player, now’s the time to hold off on eBay kits and wait to see what gets reworked. Start budgeting, because if they redo core infantry, Dreadknights, and characters, it could be a collection-wide revamp.
Drukhari: Finally Escaping the Finecast Dungeon?
The Drukhari range is, let’s say… vintage. Sure, they’ve got style, but a lot of it is trapped in outdated sculpts and resin nightmares. GW accidentally leaked a new model recently (oops), which tells us at least something is brewing. But the big whispers say 11th Edition might bring a full range refresh.
And honestly? It’s about time. The Craftworld Eldar got their facelift, so it makes perfect sense that their twisted cousins are next in line.
Imperial Guard: Another Regiment Marching In?
The Astra Militarum has a galaxy’s worth of lore, but model-wise, most regiments get left behind while Cadians hog the spotlight. The word on the street? A new regiment is coming—and Catachans are the top contenders.
That said, it could be something entirely fresh. So if you’re a Guard player looking for new army inspiration or just sick of converting your own squads from third-party kits, 11th Edition might be your lucky draw.
Dark Mechanicum: Yes, It’s Finally Happening
LI Dark Mechanicum
This is the big one. A new faction. Not a one-off, not a detachment, a full-blown new army—Dark Mechanicum. These heretek-cyber-ghouls have been teased for years, especially with Vashtorr creeping into the lore and the Legions Imperialis release teasing models.
If the rumors hold, this release could be on the scale of the Leagues of Votann—meaning you’re looking at a solid launch box, multiple units, and enough lore to fill a codex. Start clearing shelf space and maybe your bank account.
Warhammer 40k: What’s Coming Next?
Big changes are on the horizon for Warhammer 40k and Horus Heresy, and if the latest rumors (which follow the patterns we have been discussing for years) hold any weight, there’s a lot to get excited about.
Games Workshop seems to be keeping up with its three-year refresh cycle, meaning the 11th Edition for Warhammer 40K could land in the summer of 2026.
That might sound like a long way off, but with new codexes rolling out (the roadmap above has almost the rest of the codexes for 10th already teased) and a growing focus on narrative play, things are shaping up for an interesting transition.
40k’s Next Chapter: A Tweaked Ruleset, Not a Revolution
When 10th Edition dropped, it was a massive shift—cleaner mechanics, a streamlined approach, and a fresh start for factions. If the rumors are true, 11th Edition won’t be nearly as drastic. Think of it as a refined version rather than a complete overhaul.
Games Workshop still has a stack of codexes left to release, including Leagues of Votann, Drukhari, Space Wolves, and more (not in the above roadmap). The plan seems to be getting most of these out by late 2025 before shifting focus to new campaigns.
And speaking of campaigns, there’s a pattern here. Right before 10th Edition launched, the Arks of Omen books rolled out to set the stage, along with a swath of new battleforces and boarding patrol bundles.
Now, a fresh set of narrative books is making the rounds, hinting that the transition is already underway. Expect the game to start leaning harder into story-driven battles leading up to the next edition.
Orks vs Space Marines: The Big Box Battle
Launch boxes have become a tradition when a new edition drops, and this time, all signs point to Orks throwing down with Space Marines. If you’re an Ork player, this might be the plastic update you’ve been waiting for. The word on the street suggests new Nobz, Storm Boyz, and a Warboss—kits that have been begging for a refresh.
On the Marine side, expect fast and heavy units, possibly Vanguard Veterans or something equally punchy (maybe the new Armor Marks that have been rumored).
It makes sense. Orks are getting more attention in the narrative, and Space Marines always headline a new edition. If you’re looking to start a new army or expand an existing one, this could be the perfect entry point.
Pro-Series Paint?
Also on the horizon for a cyclical three-year drop from Games Workshop are new hobby supplies. Back in 2022, we got Contrast 2.0 with 25 new paints and seven shades. Now there are rumors about a brand-new line of paint explicitly aimed at professionals, which they’re calling “Pro-series.”
This could be a game changer for those of us looking to elevate our painting skills. And guess what? They might even be going to dropper bottles!
Hobbyists have been asking for this for ages because it makes dealing with paint so much easier. It’s interesting to see how this aligns with their three-year cycle for 40k, Age of Sigmar, and Citadel Hobby Supplies.
Final Thoughts on the Big Rumors
Regardless of whether these are rumors or just predictable patterns, changes are on the way for Warhammer 40k and Horus Heresy, and the next couple of years are going to be packed with new models, rules tweaks, and plenty of narrative action.
Warhammer 40k’s 11th Edition looks set to be more of a refinement than a complete overhaul, with fresh codexes rolling out ahead of the update. If the rumors hold, Orks and Space Marines will headline the launch box, bringing more long-awaited plastic updates.
On the Horus Heresy side, a major rules update is expected this summer, likely bringing new mechanics and a Salamanders vs. Iron Warriors launch set filled with exciting new kits. So, if you’ve been waiting for Mark II armor and Saturnine units, this could be the moment.
See the Latest GW Roadmap & Rumors Here
What do you want to see in the 11th Edition Warhammer 40k Starter set?
