Your guide to the latest Warhammer 40k Balance Dataslate 10th Edition Update, including points changes from 2024 to March 2025.
Updated on March 22nd 2025, by Rob Baer with the latest points and Balance Dataslate updates from Games Workshop.
Whether you’re looking for the latest winners to celebrate or the losers to commiserate, this guide has everything you need to stay ahead of the meta and make the most of these latest updates for Warhammer 40k.
Latest Warhammer 40k Balance Dataslate Update
GW released another 10th Edition Warhammer 40k Balance Dataslate in March 2025 along with updated point changes to the Munitorum Field Manual. They followed it right up with a big Daemons update, and new detachments for the Orks, Custodes, and Tau. Now, some factions are already soaring to new heights while others are licking their wounds.
March 2025 Detailed 10th Edition 40k Rules Updates By Faction:
The latest Warhammer 40k Balance Dataslate updates are here, and as always, it’s shaking things up across the battlefield. Some factions are getting much-needed buffs, while others are feeling the weight of new restrictions. Let’s break down the biggest winners, the units that took a hit, and what it all means for your next game.
Imperial Faction Changes
The Q1 2025 balance update has hit the Imperium factions hard and fast, with points changes across the board. Plus a few key rule tweaks that have left some armies cheering while others scramble to adjust.
Adepta Sororitas: Faith and Fortune Adjusted
The Adepta Sororitas have been struggling, and Games Workshop is throwing them a lifeline. The Miracle Dice mechanic has been tweaked once again, reverted to pre-NERF. This brings back the rule that grants a die each time a unit is destroyed.
We think this should help balance out their reliance on faith-based abilities. A few point drops here and there make the faction a bit more forgiving to play, though they’ll still need smart positioning and tactical patience.
Expect Sisters players to have more control over key moments in the game, and with a few point drops, they might be dominating. Miracle Dice are powerful, but they still need to be spent wisely.
Adeptus Custodes: The Emperor’s Chosen Get a Reality Check
If you’ve been facing down Custodes lists and thinking, “These guys are a bit much,” you’re not alone. The Blade Champion and Custodian Wardens are getting a points increase, which should make elite-heavy lists a little trickier to build. On top of that, the Venerable Contemptor Dreadnought and Telemon Dreadnought are also seeing cost hikes, thanks to their strong showing in the Solar Spearhead Detachment.
On the flip side, some less-used units like Aleya and Shield Captains are getting slight discounts. This should open up a few more list-building options while keeping Custodes from feeling oppressive.
What this means: Custodes armies will still hit hard, but running the same power picks over and over will be more difficult. Players might start experimenting with different unit combos to stay competitive.
Astra Militarum: Remote Mines and Scion Tactics Adjusted
The Astra Militarum has had a strong showing lately, and this update reins in some of their most effective tools. The Combat Engineers’ Remote Mine now deals D3 Mortal Wounds instead of a flat value, bringing it in line with the Kasrkin Melta Mine.
The Bridgehead Strike Detachment also gets a points increase on boosted units. Plus the Fire Zone Purge rule now adds +1 to Hit instead of +1 to Wound. This change reflects the new Tempestus Scions Storm Trooper ability, which grants re-rolls to wound instead. On top of that, the Firing Hot Stratagem now costs more CP, which makes sense—it was getting out of hand.
What this means: Guard players will need to think twice before spamming mines, and the Bridgehead Strike Detachment won’t be quite as overwhelming. It’s still strong, but it’s not an automatic win condition.
40k Balance Dataslate Xenos Faction Changes
The latest balance update for Warhammer 40k has brought significant changes to the Xenos factions. From point adjustments and a few major updates, players will be forced to rethink their strategies.
Aeldari: Asurmen’s Power Dialed Back
Games Workshop dropped a new Aeldari 10th Edition codex FAQ in the last round of changes, shaking things up with new attachment rules and point adjustments. But that’s not all; if you liked the Forge World options, it’s time to say goodbye, as most have slipped into Legends territory.
Now, the Aeldari still have plenty of tools to cause headaches. However, the Asurmen’s Hand of Asuryan ability has been adjusted. Its Anti-Infantry effect now triggers on a 5+, reducing the number of Devastating Wounds flying around. This is a subtle but impactful nerf, keeping Asurmen from deleting entire squads without breaking a sweat.
Now, Aeldari players will need to work a little harder to get the same results, but they’re still a force to be reckoned with.
Orks: Keeping Da Boyz in Line
Orks are all about organized chaos, but some mechanics were a little too generous. The Lissen ‘Ere rule now forces a Leadership test when units get their tactical orders, making it riskier to rely on multiple stacking buffs.
Meanwhile, Tankbustas now have to see their target before launching Bomb Squigs, and they can only unleash one at a time. No more sending in invisible, exploding critters from across the battlefield. Lastly, they also grabbed a brand new detachment, which is all about giving your Orks more Dakka!
What this means: Orks still bring the fun, but they won’t be pulling off as many unintended combos. Expect a bit more planning when setting up their biggest plays.
Leagues of Votann: Judgement Day Comes a Little Sooner
If you thought the Leagues of Votann weren’t judging you hard enough, think again. The Army Rule now lets players slap two Judgement Tokens on enemy units before the game even starts. This should help Votann armies get rolling a bit faster, making their grudge-fueled firepower more consistent right out of the gate. This also means the new Hearthband detachment will get much stronger, as with a Kahl on the board, you can have three units judged turn one.
To balance things out, the Oathband Detachment starts with fewer pre-marked enemy units (but the same number in total), which keeps things from spiraling out of control too quickly.
What this means: Votann armies won’t have to wait as long to start punishing key targets. Target priority just became even more important.
Chaos Faction Changes
The Q1 2025 balance update has only touched one faction on the Chaos side of things, and the Chaos Daemons are receiving all kinds of changes…
Chaos Daemons: Excess No Longer Comes Free
The Legion of Excess was starting to live up to its name a little too much. The Seductive Gambit rule has been toned down—units no longer get full re-rolls to Hit and Wound outside of Shadow of Chaos. They’ll still be nasty in the right circumstances, but this stops them from steamrolling opponents without effort.
The Thieves of Pain Stratagem also got a small but meaningful tweak. Now the unit absorbing the damage has to be visible to the attacker. No more sneaky shenanigans where wounds magically disappear into hidden units.
Lastly, the Overwhelming Excess Stratagem loses its Battle-shock effect, but now it gives -1 to Hit in both the Shooting and Fight phases. This makes it a bit more reliable, even if it’s lost a bit of its psychological warfare potential.
So, Chaos Daemons still bring the pain, but they have to work a little harder for it. Expect more careful positioning and timing from Daemon players who want to keep their buffs rolling.
Space Marine Rules Changes
The Oath of Moment ability is now explicitly tied to Codex: Space Marines detachments, stopping certain subfactions from bending the rules. Uriel Ventris now only grants Deep Strike to Phobos, Gravis, and Tacticus units, keeping him from enabling unexpected teleportation tricks. And for those sneaky Phobos Lieutenants? Their Strategic Dispersal Rule now prevents them from charging after moving, which was letting them pull off some ridiculous mobility plays.
What this means: Space Marines are still flexible, but some of their most surprising tricks are off the table. Expect a more predictable (but still powerful) game plan.
March’s 40k Balance Dataslate’s Impact on 10th Edition Gameplay & Meta
Competitive Play Implications: Who’s Winning, Who’s Whining?
This dataslate is a game of give and take—some factions are getting the nudge they need to stay relevant, while others are being reined in before they spiral out of control. Adeptus Custodes, who were living the high life, have been knocked down a peg with points increases on their best units. They’ll still be strong, but list-building just got a bit trickier.
Meanwhile, Adepta Sororitas got a Miracle Dice boost and point reductions, which should keep them in the game and maybe let them start breaking back into the top table. Expect Sisters players to get a little more mileage out of their faith-based plays!
Leagues of Votann just got a serious early-game buff with their new Judgement Token rules, meaning they can start punishing key targets right away. Expect to see more Votann lists pushing the tempo, which could shake up the early turns of many matchups.
The Losers?
Chaos Daemons, on the other hand, got their wings clipped. The Legion of Excess detachment is less punishing for opponents now. With means no more free re-rolls to Hit and Wound unless they’re in Shadow of Chaos. It’s a hit, but not one that will send them into the abyss.
Astra Militarum and Orks both got important rule clarifications—Guard players will have to work harder for their Bridgehead Strike Detachment benefits, while Orks can’t launch Bomb Squigs blindly anymore. These changes tone down the more abusable aspects of these factions while keeping them playable.
For Aeldari, Asurmen’s tweak to Devastating Wounds means one of their best units is slightly less terrifying. That being said, Aeldari were already strong, so this is more of a gentle nerf rather than a major hit.
Overall, the meta still favors elite, durable armies, but we might see more variety as players adapt to these shifts. Custodes are still great, but they’re no longer a no-brainer pick. Votann’s early game is stronger, which might make them a surprise contender. And Chaos Daemons will have to be more careful with their buffs.
Warhammer 40k Munitorium Field Manual Points Updates Across Factions
One of the most eagerly anticipated aspects of any 10th Edition Warhammer 40k Balance Dataslate in 2024, and 2025, are the updates to the points. These adjustments can dramatically alter how armies are built and performed on the battlefield.
Rationale Behind 40k Points Changes For Key Units:
The rationale for these 40k points changes is to promote fairness and balance in the game. Units that were previously undercosted and thus overly popular have seen points increases to curb their prevalence and power. Conversely, units that were less effective or underused have had their points reduced, making them more attractive choices for players. You can read more in our Munitorum Field Manual changes article that breaks down each faction in detail.
Buffed Factions:
- Adepta Sororitas: Celestian Sacresants, Seraphim, Zephyrim, and Repentia all cheaper.
- Adeptus Custodes – Aleya, Knight-Centura, and Shield-Captains cost less.
- Adeptus Mechanicus – Belisarius Cawl and Tech-Priest Dominus got discounts.
- Chaos Knights – Knight Desecrator, Despoiler, and Tyrant all reduced in cost.
- Chaos Space Marines – Forgefiend and Lord Discordant on Helstalker cost less.
- Drukhari – Wyches and Kabalite Warriors now more affordable.
- Emperor’s Children – Flawless Blades, Daemonettes, and Fiends all cheaper.
- Grey Knights – Interceptor Squads and Purifiers got a points drop.
- Imperial Knights – Castellan and Valiant down by 30 points, so even bigger stompy destruction.
- Thousand Sons – Scarab Occult Terminators got cheaper, meaning more psychic death.
- World Eaters – Daemon Princes, Lords on Juggernauts, and Eightbound are all cheaper.
NERF-ed Factions:
- Aeldari – Dire Avengers, Fire Dragons, and Striking Scorpions cost more.
- Astra Militarum – Cadian Heavy Weapons Squad and Tempestus Scions went up in price.
- Blood Angels – Rage-Fueled Warrior now costs more, because being angry isn’t free.
- Chaos Daemons – Be’lakor got a massive +50 point increase. Then, also received NERFS in the Dataslate.
- Chaos Space Marines – Chaos Predator Annihilator more expensive, because GW hates Chaos shooting.
- Death Guard – Predator Annihilator got pricier.
- Genestealer Cults – Neophyte Hybrids +15 points because inflation affects uprisings too.
- Orks – Tankbusting got more expensive.
- T’au Empire – Kroot Lone-spear and Krootox Rampagers more expensive.
- Tyranids – Exocrine and Tyrannofex got a points hike.
40k Balance Dataslate 10th Edition: Comprehensive FAQs & Clarifications
The latest 10th Edition Balance Dataslate for 2024 and 2025, along with Warhammer 40k rules commentary, isn’t just about points and rules changes. It also includes a wealth of FAQs and clarifications. These updates address common questions and ambiguities, ensuring that everyone is playing by the same rules and preventing disputes during games.
March 2025: No Changes
February 2025: Changes
The Aeldari entries in the balance datasheet were removed. Points were updated, and some units were removed. You can see more in our breakdown article here.
Impact of The Warhammer 40k Balance Dataslate 10th Edition
This dataslate isn’t just about numbers—it’s about reshaping narratives and win rates. Once again, the latest 2025 10th Edition Warhammer 40k Balance Dataslate and points changes guarantee to keep things exciting! If this update wasn’t for you, look for the next Balance Dataslate to be released in June of 2025.
You can download all the changes here, and we have the updates from June 2024 right here as well. Click the links below for the latest Warhammer 40k news and updates.
- Best Warhammer 40k Armies Now
- Free GW Warhammer 40k App Army Builder for 10th Edition
- Full 10th Edition Warhammer 40k Core Rules Book
- Free PDF Download for 10th Edition Warhammer 40k USR Rules
What do you think about all the latest rules and points changes in the Warhammer 40k 10th edition balance dataslate?
