Get the latest on the new Warhammer 40k Kill Team seasons, what units are getting retired to Legends, and free rule updates!
GW Announces Which Kill Teams Are Being Retired, New Season & Free Rules
A new chapter is about to unfold in the Warhammer 40k Kill Team saga, and things are about to get tactical, thrilling, and, dare I say, a bit ruthless. With 33 kill teams standing at the ready, Warhammer’s skirmish-sized slaughter-fest is gearing up for its next phase with a healthy balance of old favorites and new challengers.
So, what’s the buzz this season? Well, it all starts with lovely free rule updates. That’s right – free. However, there is some not-as-fun news: a total of 14 teams are going to Classified status (which means they are not being kept in the rules rotation or legal for tournaments). Currently, there are only 18 Kill Team items in total on the Games Workshop webstore that are still listed for sale- ouch!
The Kill Team Rule Reboot – Free and Ready
Warhammer’s new online-first rules method is a breath of fresh air. No more wondering if your team’s rulebook has become ancient history – they’ll be updated regularly, ensuring that no one’s left behind in the tactical arms race. The rules drop every quarter, and with new teams on the horizon, the game will stay lively. There’s a beautiful promise here: no team will feel stale because the updates keep rolling, with smaller tweaks to keep things smooth.
And let’s be real – nothing’s worse than dusting off your Orks only to find out your rules are more outdated than a servitor’s playlist. Now, with Kill Team rules updates as frequent as Imperial propaganda, you’ll always have that edge in battle.
Two Seasons in the Sun (or Grimdark, if You Prefer)
There’s a solid strategy here, too – every kill team gets its moment in the sun for two full seasons, each typically lasting a year. That means your beloved Tau Fire Warriors or Tyranid operatives will enjoy an extended tour of duty before they’re rotated out of the main lineup. It’s a way to keep the range fresh without overwhelming the market with an ocean of minis.
You’ve got time to master your crew, refine your strategies, and get all sentimental before they leave the stage, knowing they’ll still be playable outside the Classified circuit. And who doesn’t want that steady cycle of fresh blood (well, metaphorically speaking, unless you’re Chaos)?
The Classified List (40k Kill Team’s Version of Legends) – Officially Ready for Action
Now let’s talk shop – what does it mean for your team to be Classified? Think of it like getting your certification to be the deadliest force at Warhammer events. If your squad’s on the list, it’s primed for high-stakes action at major tournaments like the US Opens or the World Championships of Warhammer. But once their season’s up, they leave the Classified roster and basically go to Legends.
Let’s say you’re a Kommando aficionado. This scrappy Ork kill team will remain Classified throughout the first season. When the season closes, the box and the official tournament eligibility get the boot. But don’t worry; your green-skinned hooligans are far from obsolete. You can still bring them to your local club nights and friendly games or even deploy them as NPOs (Non-Player Operatives). Those sneaky gits will keep receiving updates throughout the edition – just don’t expect them to pop up at high-end competitive events after they exit the Classified list.
For the casual player, Classified status won’t cramp your style. You’ll still be swinging swords or blasting bolters with your team in every setting that matters – except those hardcore tournaments. You’ll be able to jump into co-op, solo play, or even narrative-driven battles without a hitch.
There’s an undeniable charm to watching the Warhammer community rally together with their favorite kill teams. Whether it’s Joint Ops, themed narrative events, or something entirely wild, players are encouraged to keep the mayhem going, Classified or not.
So, with a steady stream of new rules, fresh teams, and events on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to gather your operatives and get scheming. Kill Team is alive and kicking – and your next tactical masterpiece awaits.
Final Thoughts on the New Kill Team Season & Teams Being Retired To Legends
In Warhammer 40k, even the smallest skirmish can have galaxy-wide consequences, and Kill Team knows exactly how to keep things spicy. Whether you’re stepping into the game for the first time or you’ve painted more minis than an Imperial Forge World has servitors, this new season brings something for everyone. With those sweet, free rule updates and a rotating cast of kill teams, you’ll never run out of ways to ambush your opponents—or accidentally get ambushed yourself.
All the Latest Warhammer Rules & Model Rumors
What do you think about the Kill Teams being retired in the new edition?
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!
