Big changes are on the way for Warhammer 40k, with the final 9th Edition Dataslate making all kinds of adjustments!
Normally, the dataslate changes around a few things to keep the factions balanced, but this time, there’s a huge amount of change. It’s interesting to see them do this, but it makes sense as 10th isn’t probably dropping until late June, meaning we still have a few months left to play this edition.
These are actually some of the more significant changes we’ve seen in a single dataslate, so maybe GW is trying to show more of what the armies will play like in the new edition, or maybe this is just to try and end 9th with more fair armies. Either way, let’s dive into the changes!
Big Changes for 40k With the Final 9th Edition Dataslate
The dataslate comes from Warhammer Community.
Well, before we jump into the changes too much, Thousand Sons, Ad Mech, and Chaos Space Marines don’t really seem to get much help despite not having great win rates, but that’s a discussion for another day.
Here are the mission changes:
- Move Abhor the Witch to Purge the Enemy (should help armies who don’t want Warpcraft)
- They have changed the VP amounts for the different doctrines
- Broodswarm no longer scores for free
- Finally, Change Cull the Order so you can score 3 or 5VP.
There are changes to Arks of Omen secondary objectives that’ll particularly impact the Dark Angels and Iron Hands, Thousand Sons, Genestealer Cults, and Deathwatch.
Deathwatch needs a lot of help, and we’re not sure this is enough, but it’s better than nothing.
Dark Angels & Drukhari Changes
The headline here is a single targeted change to the Dark Angels Deathwing armies that are currently running rampant on the tournament scene. Their Inner Circle ability has been trimmed, removing the ability to shrug off unmodified wound rolls of 1-3, which should make them a touch easier to remove.
First, this is a huge change as they basically lose Transhuman altogether. However, it was doing really well, so it makes sense. Then, Both Talos and Cronos lose core for Drukhari, which is a big blow to a lot of armies currently being run. Here is another little help for Deathwatch, but again, we’re not sure this is big enough to bring them up in the ranks.
Tyranids & Tau Changes
On the other end of the scale, Tyranids are getting their Hyper-adaption and Synaptic Imperatives back in full, while CORE returns to T’au Broadside Battlesuits – just in time for a buff to Deathwatch Mission Tactics that’ll help them hunt down these foul xenos.
Next up, Broadsides going back to Core is pretty big for Tau, and we’re sure to see more right before the edition ends. Next up, it looks like they NERFed Tyranids too hard, and they are getting Hyper-Adaptation and Synaptic Imperatives back in full, meaning they should see a ton of play.
Astra Militarum & Adeptus Custodes Changes
To finish this off, the Astra Militarum Kasrkin are getting their Mortal Wounds capped. Now, you can only do six Mortal Wounds a turn. Lastly, Adeptus Custodes now only have Objective Secured on Troops infantry, and now you can only use one of the stratagems on a single unit in a single phase.
Overall, a lot of changes to the game right before the edition ends!
Click Here to Download the Whole Thing!
What do you think about all the latest Warhammer 40k Balance Dataslate changes?
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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!
