Here is the surprising reason why we think Games Workshop is finally doing a good job and giving hobbyists what they have been asking for.
We’ve been saying it for a while now, but the price of getting into the game of Warhammer 40k can be a bit high for newer players, especially when you consider how much just getting the rules actually is. So, it’s nice to see GW actually give away rules for free and then not allocate the boxes so much (well… other than the Regiments of Renown and Boarding Patrols).
We recently looked at how much it would cost to buy every codex and supplement, which is not pretty. So, just something to keep in mind for free rules, but they’ve done more than that this time!
Games Workshop is Finally Crushing it
Games Workshop is finally crushing it with better pre-order polling, good value boxes, and actually giving out free rules!
Let’s start with the rules side of things. What could Games Workshop actually do to make Codex Book releases provide more value for hobbyists? Well, a big step in the right direction would be what they just did with Agents of the Imperium and then the contents of the Wrath of the Soul Forge King box!
Then, for the AoS side of things, they even released all the Regiments of Renown rules for free, which a lot of people can take advantage of.
Let’s face it, every codex book’s rules are DOA on releases, as every single one is updated significantly within 30 days. So, just giving away rules (even if it just is for smaller releases), is just a huge step in the right direction! Not to mention the fact you can easily update them via the living document download too.
When you look at the Assassins, the new characters for 40k, and the Agents of the Imperium, now it might get people to actually pick them up and add a few new models to their army! It’s more enticing when you don’t have to pay $55 for a codex book (or $11 for a White Dwarf) just to see what everything does!
This may explain why more people seemed to be interested in the Soul Forge box, according to stores.
Polling Stores
If you saw the allocations for the Wrath of the Soul Forge King, there were actually 100 allowed per store. Compared to the normal numbers we see, this is just insane! Basically, stores could get as much of the new hotness as they could want.
We think this box (which has a Space Marine codex faction inside and is not “generic”) seems to be so popular for two reasons, value, and accessibility.
We talked about accessibility above, but we think it is not just accessibility to the product in general. The popularity of this box set may also have to do with the fact that the rules are also freely accessible too.
Value
Last but not least, they have actually been giving really good value in all the new boxes (well, other than the Regiments of Renown). If you look at the new Boarding Patrol boxes, they are averaging somewhere around $60-70 for only about $110-$125.
Then, the last few box sets have actually had pretty wild value. If you look at the Soul Forge box, it has about $165 in value for only $210! You almost get double value in this box, which is also great for splitting with a friend.
Then, when you look at Strike Force Agastus, you get about $100 in value. So, let’s hope the trend continues and GW keeps giving good value for the money! Obviously, they have had some missteps, but overall, you can make the argument that they may be moving in the right direction toward 10th Edition.
Check out the latest Warhammer 40k rumors for the rest of the 9th and even 10th Edition, new releases, and more!
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!
- New Primaris Space Marines 40k Rules & Minis
- Warhammer 40k 10th Edition Rules & Rumors
- Even More Warhammer Going For Super Cheap on eBay
- Latest New JOYTOY Action Figures & Discounts for Warhammer 40k
- Get 40k RPG Books & Black Library Cheap On Humble Bundle
All the Latest Warhammer Rules & Model Rumors
What do you think about the recent changes? Do you like free rules and high-value box sets?
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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.
