The new Slaves To Darkness Vanguard box is just wild for a number of reasons, and some of these you may not have even noticed yet. Check out what GW is up to now…
The box is an interesting mix of new and old models put together. It’s so similar to the old start collecting box; it’s hard to know the difference (well, besides price). However, Games Workshop definitely put some gotchas in this box that might look different than they first appear.
So, while there will probably be decent value inside, not everything is exactly as it seems with the box.
6 Things You Need To Know About The New Slaves to Darkness Vanguard Box
First, they replaced the Chaos Lord on Karkadrak with a Chariot and a Lord on foot (who has some issues we’ll discuss later). Other than that, the box has the same contents, with what appears to be the same miniatures, but they are quite different.
Second, the price is obviously higher than the old Start Collecting box as well, but that’s sort of to be expected as prices are always rising, so that’s not what we’re going to focus on.
However, it is worth a mention that the old box in December of 2019 was $95, and the STD Vanguard box is at a new high of $140– as the Vanguard boxes were previously $130.
New Chaos Warriors Miniatures
Third, the Chaos Warriors will actually be completely new multi-part models, so that’s a plus to get upgraded minis with more weapon options than the Easy To Build (ETB) ones that came in the Start Collecting Box.
This is a brand new multipart kit with new options, including a choice of hand weapons or halberds, an aspiring champion, a standard bearer, and a musician.
Chaos Knights Models
Here’s where the first actual gotcha comes in with the contents:
Charging into battle on blood-caked hooves, Chaos Knights are ready to make a shish-kebab of the enemy. The knights from the Start Collecting! Slaves to Darkness box will get a standalone release, with a new command retinue frame. There is also the option of an ensorcelled warhammer for their Doom Knight champion.
And per the item description: five Chaos Knights with the new upgrade sprue
So, these models will still just be the ETB Knights from the previous start collecting box with an upgrade sprue to make a musician, standard bearer, and a new weapon for the champion. So, just know, if you are buying this, you are getting the same Knights with an upgrade sprue, not entirely new minis (but neither is the new stand-alone kit either, it’s also just an upgrade sprue with the ETB Knights).
Saws Out For The Chaos Lord
Next up, and possibly the biggest issue, is the Chaos Lord.
As you can see, the model is made to be mounted on the terrain that is literally part of a square base used in Warhammer Fantasy times (unless they reworked the model for this kit, and we doubt it). So this means you’ll have to saw off the model from the base and put him onto a round base (which we assume comes in the box).
Or you could just mount him standing on something else tactically, like another rock, or a helmet, whatever. Either way, this model is far from something you just “build and base” to play with.
This isn’t the biggest issue of all time, but it is something to consider when buying the box.
Chaos Chariot
Lastly, the chariot is just what it is. So nothing groundbreaking there, but with the increased price, it’s good to understand what actually changed about the box.
View Gallery: 35 Images
Here’s the most up-to-date list of new Games Workshop bits from preview models that we should watch out for. Click on the gallery above to see dozens of Rumor Engines with new models still to be revealed!
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About the Author: Travis Pasch
Travis Pasch
Job Title: Head Writer & Editor
Socials: @paschbass
About Travis Pasch: Travis has been a Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the 1990s, playing the game since Third Edition. Through extensive traveling, he’s seen a lot of the miniatures hobby from across the world, giving him a unique perspective on the latest gaming topics and trends.
Travis’s brother even owns a commission painting studio, where he’s picked up a lot of good advice and techniques for painting Warhammer and tabletop miniatures over the years, as well. Travis joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the lead writer since 2020.
Currently, he’s working on converting all his 40k Adeptus Mechanicus models and becoming a true tech enjoyer, complete with both sad and happy robot noises!
