Games Workshop announced a new Deathwatch supplement, giving the faction its own army rules in Warhammer 40k 10th Edition after backlash online.
Update: December 10th, 2024. The new Deathwatch Index rules for Warhammer 40k have been released. Visit our breakdown article on the changes here.
Deathwatch Update in Warhammer 40k: Standalone Faction Rules Arriving Soon in a Supplement
The Deathwatch, long-standing Xenos Hunters, are finally receiving a long-awaited update, much to the relief of many Warhammer 40k players.
After backlash at the Imperial Agents codex and dozens of comments piled onto the recent Warhammer TV animation announcement, Games Workshop (GW) replied to comments that they are working on a new supplement via their socials that will allow players to field the Deathwatch armies as their own faction once again, rather than simply being an allied force for 10th Edition 40k.
According to GW, the new Deathwatch 40k rules supplement for the 10th Edition will have a release date of December 2024. This news comes after a wave of dissatisfaction with the way the Deathwatch was represented in the recent Imperial Agents codex.
A Frustrating Start for Deathwatch Players
As it stands, the initial release of the Imperial Agents codex left many Deathwatch fans feeling sidelined. Within the recent Imperial Agents codex, Deathwatch were presented as allies rather than as a fully fleshed-out army. The community reaction was swift, with fans voicing their frustration on various platforms, particularly on the official Warhammer Facebook page. The primary issue was the lack of a unique identity for the Deathwatch in this new codex, reducing their role to little more than an auxiliary force in the larger Imperial machine.
Players were concerned about the dilution of what made Deathwatch special—their elite status as Xenos hunters of the Imperium, handpicked from various Space Marine chapters and equipped with specialized gear for fighting the alien threat. This led to a flood of online discussions, with hundreds of comments asking for change.
GW’s Response and New Digital Update
The rules from the Imperial Agents Codex
In response to the widespread complaints, Games Workshop has promised to release a digital update that will address the issues. This update will allow players to use the Deathwatch as a standalone faction in games of Warhammer 40,000. Though details remain scarce, expectations are that the update will offer a short, streamlined set of army rules similar in scope to those for the current Emperor’s Children.
This new supplement could include a few key units, special army rules, enhancements, and stratagems, allowing Deathwatch players to bring their unique fighting force to life on the battlefield. We’d love to see them retain the ability to field generic Space Marine units, giving Deathwatch the flexibility they have long been known for while still emphasizing their role as specialized alien hunters.
The Legacy of Deathwatch and Units in Legends
The Deathwatch’s rich history in the Warhammer universe has been at the forefront of many fans’ attachment to the faction. They are a unique brotherhood of Space Marines, drawn from various chapters, united by their singular focus on eliminating the xenos threat. However, the transition of some iconic Deathwatch units to Legends status—units that can only be used in friendly games and not in official competitive play—was a major blow to the community.
Kill Team Cassius, a fan-favorite unit, along with various other adaptable Kill Team variants, were among those moved to Legends. While these units will still be usable in friendly games, it remains unclear whether they will be reintroduced with the new update or if the supplement will focus solely on the Deathwatch units from the Imperial Agents codex.
Looking Forward: The Future of Deathwatch
It’s clear that Games Workshop is feeling the pressure from the community’s vocal response. Fans of the Deathwatch have long waited for a proper representation of their beloved faction in 10th Edition, and this update represents a step in the right direction.
Whether the new supplement will fully satisfy their expectations remains to be seen, but there is hope that it will capture the essence of what makes Deathwatch special: its versatility, adaptability, and singular focus on combating the alien menace.
Final Thoughts on the Deathwatch Supplement Update
In the end, it looks like the Deathwatch are finally getting the spotlight they deserve, and not a moment too soon. The new update promises to bring some much-needed justice to the black-armored elites. While we don’t know every detail yet, it’s clear that GW is hearing the battle cries from the community.
So, if you’ve been waiting to purge alien scum with a faction that has both style and substance, now might just be your time to shine—or at least your time to load up some specialist ammo. Let’s see what GW brings to the table… hopefully, it’s something more than just “allies.”
All the Latest Warhammer Rules & Model Rumors
What do you think about the confirmation from GW on the new 40k rules and how we may play Deathwatch now?
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!
