Is good guy GW back? After the recent Space Marine FAQ update to Marines (specifically Iron Hands) can we start to believe in Games Workshop again?
GW took us by surprise when they updated all Space Marines. Fixing Stratagems and the way Doctrines work for all Astartes across the board, it wasn’t too heavy-handed and wasn’t too limp-wristed either. The outlook on 40k is looking great once again as we can begin to see what games shake out to be with the new rules.
On that note, the way that GW came about all of these rules updates is definitely worth noting. They’ve just recently shown that they are actually receptive to the community and even worked with Adepticon organizers. Which, by the way, thank goodness this update came out early enough that people still have plenty of time to adjust to the changes.
We Can Start To Believe in GW Again After Space Marine FAQ
We highly suggest you read through the designer’s commentary. The GW team has been upfront and clear that they have been attentive to the tournament results from recent events. Space Marines were always in the top 3 with Iron Hands mostly leading the charge. However, it seems like all of the latest updates reigned them back within reasonable levels. Keeping the focus on fun and not just winning and abusing dice rolls, they’ve made a great (and effective) attempt at making the 40k meta healthy once again.
But that’s not all. Adepticon is just around the corner and after the LVO results, with literal copy/paste Iron Hands lists plaguing the army roster, it was safe to say that we were about to see the exact same results at this year’s Adepticon. However, joining along in the designer’s commentary, the Adepticon tournament organizer, Jason Lippert’s commentary was seen published alongside the FAQ- meaning that they know ahead of time as to what changes will be taking place.
GW Crushes Space Marines With FAQ NERF Bat!
So not only has GW been receptive to the opinions of the 40k player base, but they have also been working with tournament organizers! This is fantastic news as they have proven to us that they are wanting to have a positive presence in the community.
And with Adepticon 2020 commencing at the end of March, people still have plenty of time to adjust their lists accordingly. (In other words, there are no surprise day-of changes that people scramble to react to, which has happened in the past).
Overall, we owe a round of applause to GW for shocking the community with a welcome update as well as thinking about tournaments ahead!
What are your opinions on the Space Marine FAQ? Are all Space Marines back on the same playing field once again?
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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.
