GW revealed the Warhammer 40k Operation Hivestorm preview coinciding with rumors of new Tau Vespid and Scions with jump packs is a go!
40k Operation Hivestorm Preview: The Chalnath Dispatches and the Rumors Swirling Around It
It seems the folks at Warhammer Community are up to their old tricks again, tossing out tantalizing teasers and leaving us all scratching our heads in anticipation. The latest breadcrumb? A mysterious dossier tied to the enigmatic Chalnath Expanse with the Kill Team logo and something ominously titled “Operation Hivestorm.” There looks to be Astra Militarum weapons shown, and they use cheeky phrases like “feel the buzz”, and “drop-in,” lending more fuel to the new Astra Militarum fire!
Updated August 17th by Rob Baer with supposedly leaked images of the Jump Pack Tempestus Scions. and the Cinematic Trailer.
If that doesn’t get your Warhammer 40k senses tingling, nothing will. Scheduled for Saturday, August 17th, 2024, this preview promises to shed some light on what exactly is happening in this troubled sector of the galaxy. But of course, until then, we’re left to speculate, theorize, and wildly guess what might be in store.
Operation Hivstorm Cinetmatic Trailer
The Operation Hivestorm cinematic trailer gives us a sneak peek at the latest Warhammer 40k Kill Team box, and it’s looking intense. We’ve got Tempestus Scions dropping in from the skies with grav-chutes, squaring off against some buzzing Tau Empire Vespids. These insectoid warriors are zipping around the battlefield like they own the place, armed with some slick new Tau weaponry. The trailer doesn’t just tease the units; it also hints at a bigger shift in gameplay, with a focus on vertical combat and fast-paced tactics.
And let’s not ignore that massive cannon looming in the background. Is it an ancient relic or a mission objective waiting to mess up your plans? Whatever it is, it’s definitely more than just set dressing. The trailer’s got all the hallmarks of a big Kill Team update—cinematic tension, fresh units, and that “something big is coming” vibe. Longtime fans are already comparing it to the launch of previous editions, which suggests this isn’t just another expansion—it could be the start of something bigger for Kill Team.
New Kill Team Factions and Units
The real excitement lies in the fresh blood (and bugs) introduced in Operation Hivestorm. On one side, we have the Tempestus Scions, decked out with grav-chutes and all the polished military tech they’re known for. On the other, we have the Tau Empire’s Vespid auxiliaries, a force we haven’t seen featured in quite some time, bringing something buzzing and dangerous to the battlefield.
Tau Empire Vespids and Unique Weaponry
The Tau are no strangers to recruiting non-Tau species into their ranks, but this time, it’s the Vespids who are taking center stage. These insectoid auxiliaries are a far cry from the rugged Kroot. Where Kroot are more about brute survival and tactical prowess, the Vespids appear to lean heavily into specialized roles with equipment that’s unmistakably Tau in design—clean lines, efficient energy weapons, and gear that complements their natural abilities.
In the trailer, we get a glimpse of them darting across the battlefield with fluid, airborne precision, likely taking advantage of their wings to maneuver past obstacles that would slow down ground forces. Their weapons, too, are clearly designed with Tau principles in mind—expect high accuracy, range, and maybe a few nasty surprises built into their armaments.
Tempestus Scions with Grav-Chutes and Drop Servitor Sentry Gun
The Tempestus Scions aren’t about to be outdone, though. Known for their precision strikes and disciplined tactics, this time, they’re kitted out with grav-chutes, allowing them to drop in from above and rapidly redeploy. This verticality is a game-changer for mission dynamics, offering players the chance to execute high-risk, high-reward strategies that could swing a game in a single daring move.
And let’s not forget that sentry gun. Yes, it has legs, and yes, it’s walking straight into your nightmares. From the glimpses we get in the trailer, it looks like a compact, portable turret with enough firepower to give even the most tenacious Xenos pause. Could it be a new companion unit for the Scions, deployed to lock down key areas? The potential is endless, and it’s sure to add a tactical wrinkle that both sides will have to plan around.
The Imperium’s Massive New Weapon: Vehicle or Emplacement?
Finally, let’s talk about the biggest, juiciest rumor: the Imperium building a massive new weapon. This is the kind of thing that gets fans buzzing and heretics sweating. While details are scarce, speculation is running wild. Is it a new super-heavy vehicle that will dwarf even the mighty Baneblade? Or maybe it’s a colossal weapon emplacement, something akin to the fabled planetary defense lasers?
Whatever it is, you can bet it’ll be packed with enough firepower to send even the most stubborn xenos or traitor scurrying for cover. The Imperium doesn’t mess around when it comes to its war machines, and this new addition could shift the balance of power in the Chalnath Expanse—or beyond. The only real question is: how many points will it cost to field this behemoth in your next battle if it is a model?
What’s Next for Warhammer 40k?
So there you have it—our best guesses and hopes for what Operation Hivestorm might bring. Will we see new Vespid warriors soaring into battle alongside their Tau masters? Will the Tempestus Scions rain down from above, jump packs blazing? And just what is this new weapon the Imperium is cooking up? All will be revealed soon enough, but until then, let’s keep the speculation going—August 17th is shaping up to be one heck of a day.
All the Latest Warhammer Rules & Model Rumors
What do you think about Warhammer 40k’s Operation Hivestorm preview and the rumors of new Tempestus scion (or Elysian) drop troops, T’au Empire Vespid, and a return to Chalnath?
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 Las Vegas Open, which attracts over 350 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 Adepticon 40k Team Tournament.
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.
