Christmas Battleforce shortages leave game stores struggling for the second year in a row; learn how limited allocations impact Warhammer fans and local shops.
If you are looking for the value and savings on all the new 2024 Warhammer Christmas Battleforces boxes, be sure to read our breakdown article here for the latest pre-order and pricing information along with the announcement from Games Workshop with the confirmed release date.
So, you’re ready for the biggest Warhammer haul of the year? The Christmas Battleforces are here, loaded with armies that could make the Emperor himself smile (if he could still do that). But there’s a plot twist worthy of the 41st Millennium: local game stores are getting allocated fewer boxes than a single Ork’s chance at subtlety.
That’s right—despite a wish list full of Dark Angels, Knights, and everything in between, most shops are looking at a stockpile more like a lone guardsman holding a lasgun.
GW New Allocation Leaves Local Hobby Stores in a Bind
This holiday season, Games Workshop’s latest Christmas Battleforce release has raised eyebrows and frustrations across the hobby community. With local game stores (LGS) receiving only a fraction of the stock they requested, fans of Warhammer and other Games Workshop (GW) products are questioning what this allocation means for the availability of these popular sets.
For many hobbyists, the Christmas Battleforces are an annual highlight, a time to secure large collections of miniatures at a good value. However, this year, securing these boxes may be harder than usual due to the significant reduction in stock allocated to LGS.
What Happened with the Christmas Battleforces Allocation?
This year reports from stores indicate that Games Workshop allocated only between one-sixth to one-tenth of the Battleforce boxes they requested. For context, this allocation system works as follows:
GW sends out a “want sheet” where stores indicate the number of units they would like to order. After two days, stores submit these numbers. A few days later, GW’s sales representatives inform each store whether they will meet their desired quantities, usually by phone. This allocation system was intended to give stores an estimate of how many boxes they might receive.
Unfortunately, the difference between what stores received and what they requested shows a considerable gap. GW’s late communication about these reduced allocations, especially only days before the product goes live for preorder, has placed many LGSs in a difficult position.
These stores rely on high-demand products like Christmas Battleforces to boost holiday sales. Without these units, LGS may lose out as customers turn to other sources—often GW’s own online store—to find the products they want.
The Impact on Local Game Stores and the Hobby Community
For local stores, holiday releases like the Christmas Battleforces are vital. They represent an opportunity to attract both long-time players and new fans to their shops, offering a chance to connect with the community, showcase products, and build lasting relationships.
With the current allocation model, LGS are not only limited in how they can meet customer demand but are forced to operate with uncertainty regarding stock levels. The consequences of this shortage extend beyond lost sales, as it may diminish foot traffic and affect smaller stores’ ability to compete with online giants.
The lack of transparency around this new allocation model only compounds these challenges. By leaving LGS uncertain of how many units they can count on, this approach can make planning and budgeting for holiday inventory more difficult. For stores, there’s also a sense of missed opportunity.
While GW’s product allocations mean limited stock at LGS, corporate GW stores and the online shop may hold a larger share of products, creating a frustrating experience for retailers who feel they’re being left out.
Fans’ Reactions and the Broader Implications for Games Workshop
The Battleforces allocation raises questions among fans about Games Workshop’s approach to community support. Many players appreciate the way LGS create spaces for play and socialization.
They often serve as a first introduction to Warhammer for newcomers and provide support, expertise, and community that cannot be replicated online. As stores face these allocation limitations, fans may worry that GW’s policies prioritize online sales over supporting the local hubs of the community and keeping the lion’s share of the profits for themselves.
For longtime followers of Games Workshop, the situation is reminiscent of past challenges with limited stock releases but with a new model that feels more constraining than before. While GW has always balanced its own stores with independent retailers, this year’s approach has left some wondering whether the scales are tipping in favor of centralized sales channels.
Moving Forward
The outcry over Battleforce allocations underscores the importance of the LGS in the Games Workshop ecosystem. As players prepare for the new releases, the experience at a LGS may be very different from previous years. For those hoping to secure a Christmas Battleforce, the best approach may be to keep an eye on both their local stores and online options to increase their chances.
Meanwhile, Games Workshop’s handling of this situation highlights the need for a balance that supports the broader community, from retail giants to the cherished neighborhood game store
Wrapping up the Battleforce & Allocations
In the grim darkness of holiday shopping, it seems there is only…allocation. As local game stores brace themselves for a Battleforce season that’s a bit thinner than expected, the quest for these prized boxes may feel like chasing a rogue Harlequin through the Webway.
For those hoping to snag a Battleforce, consider this your reminder to act fast—or possibly consider allying with your friendly local shop for future drops. Whether you’re a new recruit or a battle-hardened Chapter Master, one thing’s clear: the game of wits between hobbyists and supply shortages has become almost as fierce as any tabletop skirmish.
Here’s hoping next year brings reinforcements—and a few more boxes to go around.
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What do you think about the allocations? Are you planning on grabbing one from your LGS?
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!
