Did 40k just jump the rules shark? Vigilus Defiant and Chapter Approved are both coming out in the same week this December. Can the game survive this much change?
First of all, this is an honest thought. 8th edition’s basic game mechanics are extremely easy for anyone to pick up.
However, on the backside of things, there are supplements, codexes, indexes, etc. that all have some kind of “useful and pertinent” information in them. Coming out of the last Big FAQ on September 29th, hobbyists started to remark about how bloated and convoluted the game was becoming not even 1-1/2 years into its life.
Now with TWO separate supplements dropping in not just the same month- but the same week even, warning bells may be going off in even more hobbyist’s minds.
That is if you go by the latest round of comments on hobby forums around the internet after GW’s preview’s yesterday.
Vigilus Campaign Book
The Vigilus Defiant book is going to serve as a narrative milestone for the 40k lore. It’s also going to have a host of new formations that unlock trees of exclusive Warlord Traits, Mega-Stratagems, and more. These will be compatible with the current rules and stratagems in the army’s codex as well.
So far, it seems like this book is completely optional. But depending on the way these formations turn out power level-wise, everyone may be almost forced to purchase a copy.
Chapter Approved 2018
Here’s the big kicker. Judging by the previews thus far, essentially everyone will need to get a copy of this book, especially Space Marine players. Half of the community is waiting with their fingers crossed hoping that Space Marines, the poster children of Warhammer 40k, get better. There are supposed to be new rules, the Sisters of Battle beta codex, points changes, and more.
Yet another book to pile onto your Index, Codex, and other supplements.
Some would say 8th edition is bloated enough as it is. Reportedly Games Workshop also came out said that they didn’t want people to have to carry around a stack of supplements to play a game of 40k during casual chats with hobbyists at the Vigilus open as well.
Question is, why wouldn’t they mold both of these books into one and call it a day?
Are you going to get both of these books? Does 8th edition feel bloated to you? Are you happy these will be separate from each other?
Let us know in the comments of our Facebook Hobby Group.
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.
