Customize your Space Marines with all the new Horus Heresy upgrade kits from Forge World that have been released for Age of Darkness.
We know now that these will be in Forge World resin, so if you were hoping for all-new plastics for your Horus Heresy models, it looks like we won’t be getting everything in plastic after all…
It also looks like they will eventually release upgrade packs for each legion in most armor marks and even Cataphractii plate, which should make customizing your forces much easier!
Also, it’s important to note that starting with the Black Friday 2022 releases, Games Workshop seems to be putting a delivery date on the product pages instead of just an arbitrary 180-day Made To Order period.
Here are all the current Forge World Horus Heresy upgrade kits that have been released thus far.
Salamanders MKVI Shoulder Pads: January 6th, 2022
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You can also look forward to a set of 10 shoulder pads to help complete the Salamanders’ look. These feature the Legion’s draconic emblem and a subtle ridged trim. You have to expect an artisanal touch from the XVIII Legion.
Salamanders MKIII Torsos: January 6th, 2022
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The Salamanders are a Legion of fiery guardians, warriors from the burning world of Nocturne who protect humanity to their very last breath. The XVIII Legion uses the firedrakes that roam Nocturne as their symbol, decorating their armour with flame and scale motifs. These courageous warrior-smiths treat their wargear with utmost respect, salvaging and reforging components from older armour into custom suits that are stronger than ever.
Salamanders MKII Shoulder Pads: January 6th, 2022
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This upgrade kit can be used to customise Legionaries with shoulder pads bearing the draconic heraldry of the Salamanders Legion. The kit includes 10 shoulder pads, each bearing a raised, sculpted icon that makes them simple to paint in the Legion’s signature colours, with a studded rim design appropriate to MKII ‘Crusade Armour’. Spread these components around your army and combine them with transfers to capture that signature XVIII Legion aesthetic, or outfit entire squads for an elite, unified look.
Word Bearers MKII Shoulder Pads: January 6th, 2022
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The Word Bearers are a Legion of zealous missionaries, once charged with branding the Imperial Truth across the soul of humanity, and now devoted to more otherworldly powers. The sons of Lorgar adorn their armour with burning scripture and daemonic symbols – as one of the largest Legions, they make use of armour both old and new, reconsecrating it for their hellish dogma.
Word Bearers MKIII Shoulder Pads: January 6th, 2022
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This upgrade kit comprises 10 resin components and is designed to be assembled with the MKIII Tactical Squad set, MKIV Tactical Squad set, and miniatures clad in MKV armour, which are all sold separately. These components are supplied unpainted and require assembly – we recommend using Citadel Colour paints.
Word Bearers MKIV Torsos: January 6th, 2022
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This upgrade kit comprises five resin components, and is designed to be assembled with the MKIII Tactical Squad set, the MKIV Tactical Squad set, and Forge World miniatures clad in MKV armour, which are all sold separately. These components are supplied unpainted and require assembly – we recommend using Citadel Colour paints.
Ultramarines MKIII Shoulder Pads: December 17th, 2022
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MKIII power armour is good honest ceramite, perfectly suited to dense combat environments – MKVI squads shouldn’t get all the love just because they’re the new kids on the block. Not only are the sculpted ‘Ultima’ symbols easy to paint, the tastefully thick trim means more of those gold embellishments the XIII Legion loves so much.
Ultramarines MKIV Torsos: December 17th, 2022
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MKIV ‘Maximus Armour’ offers a balance of agility and durability, and finds itself right at home in the Legions of Ultramar, which are renowned for their strategic flexibility. Customised by the artificers of the 500 Worlds, these MKIV torsos feature additional armour plating over their power cables – which leaves plenty of room for fancy sculpted Legion motifs.
Ultramarines Veteran Helmets: December 17th, 2022
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This upgrade kit can be used to customise your Space Marines with alternative heads bearing the imagery of the XIII Legion. The kit includes nine helmeted heads, each with an eagle-winged face plate and crest, plus one bare head. Spread these components around your army and combine them with transfers to capture that signature XIII Legion aesthetic, or outfit entire squads to mark them out as elite Legion Veteran Squads.
Ultramarines MKIII Veteran Torsos: December 17th, 2022
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This upgrade kit can be used to customise Legionaries wearing MKIII, MKIV, and MKV armour with torsos representing MKIII ‘Iron Armour’ featuring ornate Ultramarines iconography. The kit includes five torsos, each with a different design – incorporating eagles, heavy armour plates, and the Ultramarines Legion icon. Spread these components around your army to capture that signature XIII Legion aesthetic, or outfit entire squads to mark them out as elite Legion Veteran Squads.
Thousand Sons MKIII Shoulder Pads: December 17th, 2022
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Well now, what’s this? Even the galaxy’s greatest logistical minds can make a mistake now and then. These Thousand Sons shoulder pads have somehow found their way to Ultramar – but they’re being repackaged and sent on to Prospero, where they’ll make a squad of Magnus’ sons very happy. They’re perfect for anyone looking for a thicker trim on their sorcerous shoulder pads.
Night Lords MKVI Heads: November 25th, 2022
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As the Night Haunter undoubtedly said more than once, release the bats! You’ll go bats in the belfry with this set of 11 resin heads for your MKVI Space Marines, 10 of whom sport skeletal beaks, with one additional bare head (high, tight, and debonair!)
Night Lords MKVI Shoulder Pads: November 25th, 2022
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Go big on the creepy vibes with a set of 10 resin shoulder pads bearing the Night Lords Legion symbol, a charming mash up of skulls and leathery wings showing that Kurze’s lot are completely committed to the bit.
Iron Hands MKVI Heads: November 25th, 2022
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Not content with their already-transhuman physiologies, the Iron Hands love nothing more than replacing their flesh with cybernetic enhancements. The set of 11 resin heads for MKVI Space Marines offers five different designs – three sets of three helmets, one fancy sergeant’s helmet, and a bionic bare head.
Iron Hands MKVI Shoulder Pads: November 25th, 2022
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Complete the look with a set of 10 resin shoulder pads. These are proudly emblazoned with the heraldry of Ferrus Manus – personally, if we’d managed to dunk our hands in molten metal, we wouldn’t want to be reminded of it, but Ferrus is clearly made of sterner stuff.
Iron Hands Cataphractii Shoulder Pads: November 11th, 2022
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Display your warriors’ devotion to the machine with this Forge World upgrade kit, which includes ten Iron Hands Legion-specific resin Cataphractii shoulder pads for use in games of Warhammer: The Horus Heresy. This upgrade pack contains enough components to outfit a squad of 5 Cataphractii Terminators.
Iron Hands MKIV Shoulder Pads: November 11th, 2022
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Included are 10 Iron Hands Legion-specific MKIV shoulder pads for use in games of Warhammer: The Horus Heresy – enough components to outfit a squad of 10 Space Marines. The components in this kit are supplied unpainted.
Iron Hands MKIII Shoulder Pads: November 11th, 2022
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10x Iron Hands sculpted shoulder pads that feature plain trim around their edges and bear the icon of the Iron Hands.
Iron Hands MKIII Torsos: November 11th, 2022
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This upgrade pack includes five Iron Hands Legion-specific resin torsos for use in games of Warhammer: The Horus Heresy, compatible with MKIII, MKIV, and MKV armour.
Night Lords MKVI Shoulder Pads: November 11th, 2022
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Ave Dominus Nox! The Night Lords are a twisted Legion, using terror tactics to instill fear and undermine enemy morale. The Legion icon is a sinister skull surrounded by spread bat wings, a common motif among the VIII Legion.
Night Lords MKIII Shoulder Pads: November 11th, 2022
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This Forge World upgrade kit includes 10 Night Lords Legion-specific MKIII shoulder pads to represent the VIII Legion in your games of Warhammer: The Horus Heresy, and contains enough components to deck out a squad of 10 Space Marines.
Night Lords MKIV Torsos: November 11th, 2022
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5x Night Lords torsos, replete with gothic designs and grisly trophies.
Death Guard MKVI Shoulder Pads: October 28th, 2022
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You’ll also be able to get a set of moulded resin shoulder pads for the XIV Legion. These are the perfect way to finish your miniatures if you’re looking for an alternative to the Legion transfer sheet.
Death Guard MKVI Heads: October 28th, 2022
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The kit includes nine helmeted heads in three different designs, each with a sinister trench spike and industrial rivets, as well as two heads designed for Sergeants – one bare head with a rebreather, and one helm with a unique grille and imposing spike. Spread these components around your army to add some XIV Legion flavour, or outfit entire squads for an elite, unified look.
This upgrade kit comprises 11 resin components and is designed to be assembled with the MKVI Tactical Squad set, which is sold separately.
Blood Angels MKVI Heads: October 28th, 2022
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The Blood Angels have long been fans of aesthetic beauty, and the new Mark VI helmet set from Forge World perfectly reflects their artistic tendencies. Along with nine helmets for your troops in three designs, there’s a Sergeant’s helm and a bare head, showing off lush locks with a centre parting. It was the style at the time on Baal during the Horus Heresy.
Blood Angels MKVI Shoulder Pads: October 28th, 2022
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Sanguinius is bound to be happy with those new looks. As with the other Legions, such as the Death Guard, White Scars, and Emperor’s Children, there’s also a set of moulded shoulder pads coming out – the ideal way to finish off your miniatures.
World Eaters MkII Torsos: (October 7th, 2022)
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Many World Eaters veterans prefer the heft and brutality of the classic MkII Crusade armour, and their venerable suits often end up customised to evoke the gladiatorial traditions of Nuceria. This pack includes five resin torsos for upgrading your XII Legion Space Marines.
these simple Torso swaps give a hint of World Eater flair!
World Eaters Cataphractii Shoulder Pads:
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The World Eaters loved to employ Terminators wearing Cataphractii armour in bloody frontal assaults, so deck out your Legion’s heavy hitters with five stylish pairs of resin shoulder pads.
The Cataphractii Pads has the iconic World Eaters logo that is simply unmistakable.
World Eaters MkII Shoulder Pads:
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Match your MkII Torsos with a set of 10 resin Crusade-era shoulder pads – great for elite units and giving your important characters a dash of veteran flair.
The Mark 2 Pads have the same iconic logo, with a thick border along the edge.
World Eaters MkIV Shoulder Pads:
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The World Eaters’ legion insignia makes it very clear what they’re all about, so equip their advanced MkIV power armour with 10 resin shoulder pads to let your opponent know exactly what’s in store for them.
The Mark 4 Pads are almost the same but trade the think border for a more thin outside edge.
Blood Angels MkIII Shoulder Pads:
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The IX Legion can make even the workhorse MkIII Iron armour look like a work of art, as shown by the intricate insignia on these 10 resin shoulder pads.
Blood Angels MkIV Torsos:
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The Blood Angels are known as much for their artistic talent as their ferocity in combat, with veterans frequently modifying their armour to include hand-crafted filigree and dedications to Baal. Upgrade your own MkIV Space Marines with this pack of five resin torsos.
Conversely, you can pick up these torso swaps instead if they tickle your fancy! (not to mention they are noticeably more additive than the World Eaters variant)
World Eaters MKVI Heads: (September 30th, 2022)
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This set of 11 resin heads from Forge World contains five unique designs which will fit the new plastic Mark VI Tactical Squads. There are three sets of three crested helms for the rank-and-file, plus one slightly more ostentatious one for a squad leader, and a leering bare head replete with Butcher’s Nails.
World Eaters MKVI Shoulder Pads:
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These helmets will pair delightfully with a set of 10 resin shoulder pads which are also forthcoming for the World Eaters from Forge World. There are five designs in total – you get two of each – all embossed with slightly more subtle Legion iconography than you’ll see on the battlefields of the 41st Millennium.
Space Wolves World Horus Heresy Upgrade Kits
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Despite what their enemies might claim, there are definitely wolves on Fenris, home planet of the VI Legion. So it makes sense that the Iron Priests would design some helmets that look like snarling wolf heads! Of course, for those who prefer the topknot and beard look,* there’s a bare head too – and even a classic combo of helmet and top knot!
These are actually really cool and are plenty wolf-like!
The sons of Russ are also getting a set of snazzy shoulder pads featuring the Legion’s symbol. It’s the perfect way to finish off your Space Wolves.
White Scars Horus Heresy Upgrade Packs: (August 8th, 2022)
Click here to get yours for less from these retailers: | Amazon | Dicehead Games | Frontline Gaming | eBay | Games Workshop’s Store Link
As you can see, part of these traditions were luxurious locks in a stylish loose topknot. You can recreate peak Chogorian style with this set of 11 resin heads for MKVI armoured Tactical Squads. As well as helmets for the regular Legionaries, there’s a bare head with a truly exquisite ‘do, and a sergeant’s helmet with extra fancy plumage.*
Some pretty cool heads are included, and if you play the legion, it might be worth picking a couple up!
There’s also a shoulder pad kit that comes with 10 trim-free resin pauldrons with the Legion’s thunderbolt icon sculpted on them, a canvas for the abstract angular patterns that make up the Fifth’s livery.
Like all the other sets, they keep that classic feel while upgrading them into the new edition.
Sons of Horus Resin Upgrade Kits
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This set of 11 detailed resin heads adds some malignant variety to your MKVI Legion Tactical Squads. There are three sets of three different designs, plus a bare-headed option criss-crossed with battle scars, and a magnificent helmet with a traditional top-knot fit for a Praetor.
Similar to the Imperial Fists ones, these will be in resin but are pretty cool considering the starter sets and main sets will not have any type of legion-allegiance.
Originally known as the Eye of Terra, this ominous symbol once represented the watchful gaze of the Emperor himself. Now this eye belongs to the Warmaster, and it’s watchful in a rather less comforting way.
Both sets will be up for pre-order soon, alongside their Imperial Fists counterparts. Further sets of heads and shoulder pads will be released for each of the Legions in good time.
Dark Angels Forge World Horus Heresy Upgrade Kits
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With nine regular helmets in a mix of three Calibanite styles – plus a winged Sergeant helmet, and a bare head with a snazzy beard and noble diadem – this pack of 11 heads is a great way to personalize your troops in Mark VI armour.
These are actually some pretty cool heads! Just remember, these are going to be resin, not plastic.
Also coming soon is a set of Mark VI shoulder pads for Dark Angels. The embossed Legion symbol on these pauldrons is perfect for ensuring your fully-painted sons of the Lion stand out in the heat of battle. Now they can proudly stand beside Madruk Sedras and his massive sword.
Nothing too insane, but if you really want to show off that legion pride, then these are going to be right up your alley!
Iron Warriors Upgrade Kits
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This set of 11 resin heads allows you to accessorise and upgrade your own sons of Perturabo with an extra twist of Legion flair. On top of nine skull-faced helmets in three different designs, there’s a cyborg bare head and an appropriately-decorated helm for officers – why waste bolter shells when you can recycle them into a fancy crest?
These are the way to go if you really want to show your legion pride!
Although designed for the new Mark VI Space Marines,* these heads will work just as well on any mark of power armour. But why stop there? Shoulder pads are a perfect canvas for eye-catching customisation, and a large sculpted Legion icon really pops against a black pauldron. Show the Lord of Iron you’re one of his most dependable minions valued subordinates with this pack of 10 resin shoulder pads, usable on almost any Space Marine model. Both upgrade sets are coming later this year, and pair wonderfully with Iron Warriors Transfers – as well as the Made to Order Iron Warriors MkIV Shoulder Pads and MkII Torsos coming to pre-order this weekend.
These have the classic feel, which is always something we like to see!
Emperor’s Children Forge World Upgrades
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See how that fabulous helmet plume puts other Legions in the shade! These eleven heads are ideal for creating Legion Veteran Squads, or making your Tactical Squads look even swankier.
The heads are pretty cool and will make your marines stand out!
These resin shoulder pads will make your miniatures look great – and the sculpted Legion icon is a doddle to paint – and perfectly complement the elegant iconography found on the Emperor’s Children transfer sheet, for those who want to add even more Legion markings.
Here’s the most up-to-date list of new Horus Heresy Rules & Product Leaks. Click on the gallery above to see new Horus Heresy models and rules rumors!
- 4 New Plastic Horus Heresy Starter Box Sets
- All the Horus Heresy New Models & Rules
- Horus Heresy Legion Rules
- Horus Heresy Weapon & Unit Rules
All the Newest GW Model & Rules Previews
What do you think about these new Forge World Horus Heresy upgrade kits?
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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.
