Predicting future Space Marine releases is secretly easy because they already exist in another GW game currently. They have been here all along…
Almost may also count for predicting new Space Marine models. Especially when there is a roadmap to follow from another GW game system!
We dug this one out of the archive to share with you as new “Vanguard” Primaris models were just spotted.
You might have heard in the past that GW has tested some of their ideas for 40k on concepts in Age of Sigmar. Check out what we’ve noticed.
Games Workshop is constantly adding new levels of spice to their games. They usually do this through new units with brand new rules that shake up the meta. We’ll be taking a closer look at Stormcast and Primaris specifically so let’s jump in.
Pre-Stormcast AoS & Pre-Primaris 40k
Back in the day, before Stormcast Eternals existed, the real fighting force for the Human race was the Free Peoples. They rode Horseback and were your general Knights that really had no special twist about them besides some steam-powered technology here and there. The Free People were an age-old faction that proved themselves.
Looking at 40k (and even the Horus Heresy), the standard Marine was a super soldier that had been around for ages. They were the original Space Marine. All of the gear, weapons, and vehicles for the faction were geared around them.
Now, look at what happened when the Stormcast Eternals got introduced.
Stormcast Models Hit & Primaris Follow
Stormcast Eternals are literal better all around fighters than what the Free People could offer. They are bigger, have more wounds, and hit harder. Sound familiar to what’s happening in 40k right now? Keep in mind that the Stormcast were around a while before the first Primaris model was even spotted.
However, after a while, “a better Marine” was introduced being called the Primaris. They are essentially the super soldier super soldiers lore-wise. They don’t have the problems that some Marines have, can go further, last longer, are stronger, and can take more of a beating than a normal Marine.
Did GW test the idea of a better, stronger super soldier in AoS first?
After about a year the Stormcast had some time to settle into AoS, GW released the “Vanguard” line. These were Stormcast Eternals geared towards intercepting the enemy and killing them ahead of the line.
Units like the Vanguard Raptors, Hunters, and Palladors were either mounted and fast or had ranged weapons to pick enemies off from afar.
Now, looking at 40k, we have the Vanguard Primaris. What do they do? Well, they intercept the enemy advancement by having the ability to infiltrate. Their rules and psychic powers are designed to cause as much disruption as they can before the rest of your force can arrive to help! Looking at the Vanguard Palladors below, they are fast mounted cavalry.
We’ve been hearing rumors of Primaris hovercraft like jet bikes and a new transport in the works…What could be going on there?
While that new Dreadnought is no Stormcast Chocobo, it still looks pretty fast if you ask us!
Stormcast Got Wizards: What’s Next for Primaris
Fast forward another year, and the Stormcasts got casters!
You probably remember seeing this video a while back. This was the turning point from Stormcast having basically no Wizards at all in the faction to getting a whole wave of Wizards. The Sarcosanct Chamber was opened and brand new spell-slinging Stormcasts were dropped onto the shelves with faction-specific spells.
Looking at the Primaris, will GW be bringing in a new line of units in the future? Will they all be gifted Psykers? Up to this point, there aren’t any “mainstay” non-HQ Psyker units that normal Space Marines can take.
That’s about the only thing Grey Knights have going for them right now. What would they think about that?
We did get a Vanguard Psyker in the Shadowspear box but it’s nothing on the level of support the Stormcasts got when GW decided to give them spells. Will we be seeing Psychic Primaris Elites in the future releases? It would follow-suit with the Stormcast pattern.
Obscuration discipline for new Vanguard Librarian
GW has been using Stormcast to test the popularity of potential Primaris concepts. However, it’s a pattern that we can draw connections between. What do you think about the Primaris/Stormcast similarities?
Should we look to see what Stormcast get to make guesses for what’s on the way for Primaris in the future? 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 the Las Vegas Open, each of which attracts thousands of 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 2011 Adepticon 40k Team Tournament. He was even featured for his painting in issue #304 of Games Workshop’s White Dwarf Magazine.
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.
