Emperor’s Children have a release date of 2025, from an army box to a 10th Edition codex, and even Fulgrim; here’s what the rumors say is on the way for Warhammer 40k.
Updated December 18th, 2024, by Rob Baer with updated information and links to relevant content.
The wait is finally over—or at least, it’s almost over. The Emperor’s Children are making their grand return to Warhammer 40k in 2025, and the rumors are louder than a Noise Marine concert. From a shiny new 10th Edition codex to revamped legionnaires and even whispers of a stunning Fulgrim model, Slaanesh’s finest are set to steal the show.
If you’re ready for sonic weapons, dazzling decadence, and a whole lot of Chaos, this sneak peek at what’s coming will hit all the right notes.
Fulgrim’s Legion Long-Awaited Return
From revamped legionnaires to a new Fulgrim model (that could even put Angron to shame in terms of sculpt), here’s what we know so far about the iconic Emperor’s Children faction, their current rules for Warhammer 40k 10th Edition, and what this means for Chaos Space Marines going forward.
Rumored Emperor’s Children New Releases
- Emperor’s Children Codex Book
- Emperor’s Children Launch (Army) Box
- Revamped Legionnaires
- New Noise Marines
- Daemon-Fused Swordsmen: A New Elite Unit
- Lucius the Eternal
- New HQ Model
- Daemon Primarch Fulgrim
As it stands, the Emperor’s Children have always been a cornerstone of Chaos Space Marine lore. Known for their devotion to Slaanesh, the Chaos God of excess, this legion has a rich history in the Warhammer 40k universe. But unlike their fellow Chaos legions, such as the World Eaters and Death Guard, they’ve been left without a dedicated codex for some time.
Even though we still don’t have the exact drop date for the full codex (although rumors say Q1 od 2025), we’ve gotten a cheeky little teaser with the Warhammer 40k index rules for the Emperor’s Children. It’s widely believed we can expect a release that’s pretty much a mirror image of what the World Eaters got in 9th Edition. Fingers crossed!
RUMORS: New 40k Emperor’s Children Model Lineup & Release Date
While Games Workshop hasn’t officially confirmed anything, whispers about new models, units, release dates, and characters have been steadily gaining traction for the new Emperor’s Children line. Here are all the units rumored to be on the way in 2025 reportedly starting in Q1:
Emperor’s Children Army Box
Recent rumors point to an Emperor’s Children box set that emphasizes infantry units over heavy armor. With the focus on their infamous Noise Marines and revamped Legionaries, the new Army box is rumored to include two squads of Noise Marines, likely between 5-6 models each, and 20 newly sculpted Emperor’s Children Legionaries.
The updated sculpts may showcase the ornate, decadent aesthetic the Emperor’s Children are known for, emphasizing their obsession with beauty, sensation, and excess.
Adding to the box’s appeal is a new character model. While it is not a named figure, the inclusion of a leader unit tailored to the Emperor’s Children theme could provide narrative richness and powerful customization options. As with the Death Korps of Krieg, this new box set will reportedly feature an exclusive cover artwork codex.
New HQ Model and the Long-Awaited Fulgrim
Fulgrim’s Horus Heresy model
Another exciting piece of speculation is the potential inclusion of a new HQ model. While details are still unclear, this new lord could offer an alternative to Lucius, expanding the faction’s leadership options and potentially introducing fresh dynamics to their command structure.
Rumor has it that upgrade sprues will also be part of the package, offering players the opportunity to personalize their HQ unit and align it with their army’s specific theme.
Perhaps the most exciting—and most highly speculated—rumor revolves around Fulgrim, the Daemon Primarch of the Emperor’s Children. Fans have been clamoring for a plastic Daemon Fulgrim model for years, and rumors suggest that Games Workshop has created what could be one of their most impressive models to date.
While nothing is confirmed, the thought of Fulgrim finally making his appearance is very exciting to consider!
Revamped Legionnaires
The Upgrades for the HH Marines
According to the rumors, the core of the Emperor’s Children army may see an overhaul with updated legionnaire models. In the launch box, we should get a full unit of ten that pays homage to classic artwork, bringing back the distinctive visual elements that made the III Legion stand out—plumed helmets, heresy-era shoulder pads, and bolters that reflect the glory of their pre-Heresy past.
Fans hope that these new models will strike the right balance between nostalgia and the latest in model design for 10th.
It’s also speculated that the release will include a variety of customization options in line with the recent Chaos Space Marine/Space Marine upgrades. Supposedly, additional upgrade sprues could be provided to allow players to bring their older Emperor’s Children models up to modern 40k standards, making this a highly anticipated aspect of the rumored release.
Or, the box will not be new; it will just have an upgrade sprue added to the Legionnaire box, like the Night Lords Kill Team box.
New Noise Marines: Sonic Firepower
One of the most intriguing rumors involves the iconic Noise Marines. These units, according to leaks, could be reimagined with six models per squad, maintaining their signature sonic weapons while introducing new tools of war. While details are murky, there’s talk of additional weapon types beyond the traditional sonic blasters, potentially broadening their tactical uses on the battlefield.
Speculation also suggests that upgrade bits will be plentiful, giving these warriors a more elaborate 40k look to match the Emperor’s Children’s obsession with excess and perfection. With this being such an iconic unit, we imagine they will get quite the overhaul.
Daemon-Fused Swordsmen: A New Elite Unit
Another exciting rumor suggests that the Emperor’s Children will receive a brand-new elite unit: daemon-fused swordsmen. Allegedly, these warriors will come in units of three to six and will wield dual swords, highlighting the faction’s dedication to combat mastery and Slaanesh’s influence.
The launch box is rumored to include three models, which might offer a brutal close-combat option in line with the swordsmanship seen in other elite Chaos units. There was also a Rumor Engine that could very well show off what their “swords” would look like (above)!
This elite unit could be a strong melee force designed to complement the Emperor’s Children’s other strengths, and its daemon-fused aesthetic is said to be striking. Fans are already speculating about how these new swordsmen could fit into the faction’s overall playstyle and whether they’ll introduce new strategies for the tabletop.
Noise Marine Doom Siren Rumors
According to rumors, the Emperor’s Children might be getting a new rockstar in 2025, and he’s turning the volume all the way up. Enter The Cacophonist—rumored to be a slick update to the classic Noise Marine leader, and let’s just say, subtlety isn’t on the setlist.
This guy apparently struts into battle with a massive organ backpack (think literal organ pipes) that buffs nearby Noise Marines, making their sonic assault even more devastating. This seems to be a remake of the classic Doom Siren, so not really surprising this would get a dope rework.
But here’s the kicker: no long-range guns for this loud lad. Instead, he’s getting a close combat weapon and a pistol (and probably the weapon renders we saw recently and above) so he can slam straight into the action. Perfect for leading his squad of Noise Marines on a close-up tour of carnage and chaos.
Lucius the Eternal: A Possible Model Update
It’s also rumored that Lucius the Eternal, one of the most infamous champions of Chaos, will be getting a new model. Fans have long anticipated this update, and the rumors suggest that the new model will capture Lucius’ arrogance and the curse that makes him impossible to kill. His updated look could emphasize the twisted, narcissistic perfection that defines his character.
If true, this model would be a key addition to any Emperor’s Children army and a focal point for collectors and hobbyists alike.
The First Glimpses of New Models From GW
Games Workshop recently dropped a few tantalizing teasers for the stylish yet ruthless sons of Fulgrim, and their potential new models that might be hitting shelves soon. They showed off some sleek new renders of Emperor’s Children model parts, very much in the style of the 2022 World Eaters preview that led to the revamped models we’re now seeing on tables everywhere.
New Weapon Renders
Just like with the World Eaters, GW isn’t stopping at fancy shoulder pads! They’ve unveiled four slick new weapons, including updated sonic blasters and more gear for either Noise Marines or revamped Legionnaires. Either way, these weapons are oozing Slaanesh style, giving Emperor’ss Children players exactly the decadent flair they’ve been waiting for!
New Emperor’s Children Helmets Showcase Chaos and Elegance
The recent reveal of three Emperor’s Children helmet sculpts has offered a fascinating glimpse into the Slaanesh-fueled decadence of the Legion, hinting at potential upcoming releases while delighting both lore lovers and collectors alike.
Each of these heads tells a story. Two feature helmets adorned with ornate designs—sharp edges and intricate flourishes that perfectly capture the twisted perfectionism of the Emperor’s Children. These helmets scream style and cruelty, ideal for warriors who treat war as both art and indulgence.
The third sculpt stands out as a bare, expressive face. Its rapturous focus practically vibrates with the promise of excess, as if the wearer can already taste the intoxicating chaos of battle. This reveal aligns with recent rumors suggesting a new Emperor’s Children box set is on the horizon.
Supposedly, the set will feature two squads of Noise Marines (5-6 models each) and 20 reimagined Legionaries (more details below this). These renders seem to support the idea, With one very obviously for Legionaries, one most likely for Noise Marines, and possibly a Possessed head (or just another head for the Legionaries).
Rendered Shoulder Pads
First out of the game, Games Workshop teased some awesome new shoulder pad renders for the Emperor’s Children, and let me tell you, they look fantastic! This was our first sneak peek at the new models, and it’s got everyone excited.
The designs are sleek and stylish, capturing that distinctive flair the Emperor’s Children are known for. You can really see the attention to detail in these renders, and it’s making fans eager to see what else is in store.
It feels like a real throwback to the World Eaters preview in 2022, which turned out to be a huge hit. So, it looks like the Emperor’s Children might finally get their time to shine, and if the rumors are true, 2025 could be a big year for these notorious traitors.
When & Where Could We See the Emperor’s Children Release Revealed?
With the long-awaited return of the Emperor’s Children on the horizon, speculation has already begun about when and where Games Workshop might reveal the full codex and release date.
Based on past patterns, there are several major Warhammer events in 2024 and early 2025 where we could see significant previews or even the full unveiling of the Emperor’s Children codex.
- Las Vegas Open (LVO) The Las Vegas Open, typically held in January, is one of the premier Warhammer 40k events in North America. In recent years, Games Workshop has used LVO to showcase new product announcements and sneak peeks at upcoming releases. Given the timing, LVO could be a strong contender for where we first see detailed previews of the Emperor’s Children codex, especially since fans are eagerly awaiting a Chaos-related announcement at such a large-scale event.
- AdeptiCon 2025 AdeptiCon, held in March, is one of the largest tabletop gaming conventions in the world and a key date for Warhammer fans. Games Workshop often uses this event to unveil big news about their most popular games. The Emperor’s Children could be a highlight here, with potential model reveals, more information on the codex, or even first looks at new units like a plastic Fulgrim or updated Noise Marines.
- Warhammer Fest Warhammer Fest, usually held in the spring, is Games Workshop’s flagship event for showcasing the future of their games. This is where we often see major announcements for new editions, codexes, and miniature ranges. If the Emperor’s Children codex hasn’t already been revealed at LVO or AdeptiCon 2025, Warhammer Fest could be the perfect stage for GW to provide a more in-depth look at the faction, including new lore, models, release date, and game mechanics.
10th Edition Codex Rules That Need To Be Fixed
The Emperor’s Children have always been one of the most iconic Chaos Space Marine factions in Warhammer 40k, with their obsession for perfection and dedication to the Chaos God Slaanesh. But for a legion that prides itself on precision, their current rules in 10th Edition Warhammer 40k feel more like a rough draft than a masterpiece.
Sure, they’ve got some cool elements, but overall, they’re lacking the polish and punch that fans expect from these devotees of excess. This brings up a common question for both newcomers and seasoned players alike: Are the Emperor’s Children even a playable faction right now?
The short answer is, yes, they’re playable—but not in the way they deserve to be. For a faction with such rich lore and unique aesthetics, their rules feel underwhelming. Noise Marines, for example, are a fan favorite, but their current in-game performance doesn’t quite hit the high notes.
For an army that’s all about sonic weaponry, you’d expect these units to rip through enemies like a heavy metal riff. Instead, their impact feels more like playing a kazoo in a death metal concert—noticeable, sure, but not exactly earth-shattering.
Right now, players can field them, but it often feels like you’re pushing an underwhelming army compared to the more updated Chaos legions. So, while technically playable, they aren’t performing at the level you’d expect from such a flamboyant and vicious legion.
Current Index Rules Overview:
The index released by Games Workshop comes just in time for the new Chaos Space Marines codex, and while it’s somewhat limited in scope, there are still some interesting elements. The Emperor’s Children retain their characteristic Slaanesh marks, which must be selected for all units.
Notably, Lucius the Eternal returns as a mandatory Warlord, ensuring that his cruel legacy remains front and center on the battlefield.
Lucius The Eternal 10th Edition 40k Rules
Then there’s Lucius the Eternal, a character who is supposed to be one of the most terrifying duelists in the galaxy. In the lore, he’s an unkillable champion of excess, but on the tabletop, his rules don’t quite match his fearsome reputation. Fielding Lucius is mandatory, but right now, it feels more like a checkbox on a list rather than an exciting powerhouse leading your forces.
If the Emperor’s Children are to truly be a playable—and fun—faction, Lucius needs a bit more flexibility and some serious power-ups to make him feel as formidable as his backstory suggests.
Detachment Rules
Additionally, the detachment options for Emperor’s Children are currently limited. While other Chaos legions like the World Eaters and Death Guard have received dedicated rules and attention, the Emperor’s Children are still lumped in with the generic Chaos Space Marines.
It’s about time they got their own set of detachment rules that reflect their obsession with perfection. Imagine each unit having the ability to reroll hits or wounds, representing their relentless pursuit of flawlessness. A simple rule like that could transform them from “barely playable” to a real contender on the battlefield.
So, while the Emperor’s Children are technically playable, they’re not quite living up to their full potential. Fans are hoping that the upcoming 2025 codex will finally give them the spotlight they deserve, with new models, enhanced rules, and detachment options that bring the chaos and excess of Slaanesh to life.
The Future of Emperor’s Children in 10th Edition Warhammer 40k
So, whether you’re a Chaos devotee waiting to unleash your Noise Marines or someone new wondering why these space marines are so obsessed with loud music and perfection, the release date of 2025 is shaping up to be quite the time for the Emperor’s Children and Chaos in general.
With Lucius the Eternal sharpening his blades and Fulgrim possibly plotting his plastic debut, it looks like Slaanesh’s favorite legion is ready to make some noise—literally and figuratively in the first few months of 2025.
All the Latest Warhammer Rules & Model Rumors
What do you think of the latest on the Emperor’s Children 10th Edition Warhammer 40k lineup and codex book rules set for a release date in 2025?
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!
