Warhammer 40k’s 10th Edition may end with Fulgrim’s return and a loyalist Primarch rising, giving us another two Primarchs around the release of 11th.
How 10th Edition Will End With 2 New Primarchs
Warhammer 40k’s 10th edition has brought sweeping changes to the game, and the speculation surrounding the final chapters of this edition is intensifying. A closer look at Games Workshop’s recent release cycles and the current lore suggests that we may witness the return of not one but two Primarchs before this edition wraps up.
Drawing from established patterns and the latest rumors, it’s becoming more evident that the galaxy is poised for a clash of titanic proportions.
Games Workshop’s Predictable Release Patterns
Games Workshop (GW) has established a recognizable release pattern over recent years. This three-year cycle tends to see major narrative arcs unfolding across new editions, similar to how previous campaigns like Psychic Awakening and Arks of Omen unfolded in 8th and 9th editions, respectively.
With 10th Edition currently at its midpoint, players can expect more significant events before the inevitable transition to 11th Edition in 2026. Basically, every year in the three-year cycle, they release a major game or paint. Before we move on to the Primarchs, here’s the current release cycle, ending with 11th Edition in 2026.
- 2023: 10th Edition 40k
- 2024: 4th Edition Age of Sigmar
- 2025: Rumored new Citadel Paints
- 2026: Rumored 11th Edition Warhammer 40k
Emperor’s Children on the Horizon
The first major event expected towards the end of 10th Edition is the return of the Emperor’s Children, one of the Traitor Legions led by the infamous Fulgrim, a Daemon Primarch. The timeline for this release is set for sometime in 2025, perhaps throughout the year, aligning with previous rumors and insider information.
This mirrors how the World Eaters and their Daemon Primarch Angron were introduced towards the end of 9th Edition. The parallels are striking: a long-awaited Traitor Legion returns with a major character, setting the stage for significant conflict within the Imperium.
The Emperor’s Children and Fulgrim’s return could provide a rich narrative opportunity. Known for their obsession with perfection and excess and their allegiance to the Chaos God Slaanesh, their presence would challenge the Imperium in new and dangerous ways.
The return of Fulgrim would be an event that shakes the galaxy, forcing the Imperium to respond with full force. However, this story doesn’t end with just the forces of Chaos.
A New Loyalist Primarch’s Return
Forge World Horus Heresy Primarch
If the Emperor’s Children and Fulgrim’s return spark chaos, then the response from the Imperium could come in the form of a long-awaited loyalist Primarch. Leaks and speculation point towards the return of either Leman Russ or Rogal Dorn.
Both Primarchs have been missing for millennia, but recent hints in the lore have suggested that their return could be imminent.
Russ, the Primarch of the Space Wolves (here are the rumors for his return), famously left the Imperium, claiming he would return during the galaxy’s darkest hour. Rogal Dorn, known for his staunch defense of Terra, disappeared after the Horus Heresy.
His fate remains shrouded in mystery, but the return of either of these iconic figures would be a monumental event for the Imperium. The returning loyalist Primarch would likely face Fulgrim in a narrative climax, much like the showdown between Lion El’Jonson and Angron in the Arks of Omen campaign.
Setting the Stage for 11th Edition
After the release of these two Primarchs, all signs point towards GW launching 11th Edition Warhammer 40k in the summer of 2026. This transition would follow their established pattern of moving the narrative forward with new rulesets and campaigns to accommodate the galaxy-shaking consequences of the return of these Primarchs.
The final days of 10th Edition promise to be full of dramatic confrontations, monumental character returns, and significant lore developments. The battle between loyalist and traitor Primarchs will undoubtedly reshape the future of the Warhammer 40k universe, leading directly into (or during) the next edition with more expansive lore and gameplay opportunities.
Final Thoughts on the Possible New Primarchs for 10th Edition Warhammer 40k
All 9 Loyalist Primarch Models From Forge World
In the end, it looks like we’re in for quite the ride as Warhammer 40k’s 10th edition barrels toward its rumored conclusion in 2026. With the Emperor’s Children tuning up their instruments of excess and Fulgrim itching to make his grand return, the forces of Chaos are ready to turn the galaxy into their playground.
On the other side, the Imperium might just find a long-lost hero stepping out of the shadows—be it Leman Russ, with his wolves, or Rogal Dorn, with his iron resolve.
Whether you’re someone who’s been tracking every Primarch rumor since the Horus Heresy or you’re just starting to dip your toes into the grimdark future, this finale promises to be nothing short of epic. So, keep an eye on the release calendar because things are about to get loud, chaotic, and downright legendary.
Get ready for one heck of a showdown before the galaxy resets for 11th Edition Warhammer 40k.
All the Latest Warhammer Rules & Model Rumors
What Loyalist Primarch rumors do you expect to see next for Warhammer 40k?
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.
