Five years after Space Marines moved to 32mm bases, Games Workshop has rolled out a new base size for the Eldar in Warhammer 40k…
Nearly five years ago Games Workshop started putting Space Marines on 32 mm bases. Now the new Eldar Aspect Warriors from the Blood of the Phoenix (both Howling Banshees, and Incubi) come on 28 mm bases.
To be honest this isn’t the first time we’ve seen 28 mm bases, they were previously introduced in the Warcry starter over the summer, however, this is the first time if I recall correctly we have seen them in Warhammer 40k.
What the impact will be on the Hobby will be hotly debated, of course, however the most obvious is that over time we may see more Xenos releases coming on 28thmm bases such as the rest of Eldar, Tau, and perhaps smaller Tyranids as well.
Another thing to remember is that this is all following hot on the heels of Ork Boyz being re-released on 32-millimeter bases as well.
While there isn’t an official base sizing guide (besides individual listings on Games Workshop webstore for Warhammer 40k), that’s not to say that they won’t publish one in the future. Now that it looks like Xeno’s factions may be getting base updates, it could start getting a little confusing overall about what model is “supposed” to go on what size base.
You may remember also Age of Sigmar just recently got an official base guide for that game last year, so it’s not too out of the realm of possibility for GW to release such a guide for Warhammer 40k. We all know how they like to roll out “beta” changes for 40k in AoS first in recent years.
Speaking of GW’s site, there is no official mention of the new 28mm base size under the Blood of the Phoenix box set. Perhaps this is due to it being a bundle box or perhaps it’s an oversight- it’s impossible to tell currently.
So going forward it looks like Xeno’s factions are going to get base size adjustments starting first with Orks and now Eldar. For more of an idea of how this will impact the hobby one can just look back over the past 5 years since the Marine base size change to draw your own conclusions.
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Gamewise it does make it easier to spread out, capture objectives, and project auras and abilities. Plus for the most part, models just look more dope on bigger, nicely painted bases.
How do you think this will shake out in Warhammer 40k in the future? Will we see an official base size guide at some point? Are you planning to rebase all of your Eldar going forward?
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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.
