Check out what is on the way from GW in this rumored (and confirmed) Warhammer new releases roadmap for summer 2020 as we brace for new previews Saturday, May 23rd.
Whew! GW is backed up! They’re a few releases behind on their schedule for 2020 but now that we’re beginning to see more and more businesses open their doors, there are a ton of release just waiting for GW to drop into stores.
Here is everything that is rumored and confirmed on the way soon(ish).
GW Previews & New Release Roadmap For Summer 2020
We’ve never seen GW this backed up before. With 2019-2020 being their busiest year yet in terms of the pace of releases, there are a bunch that’s clogging the pipes now. As for when we see all of this drop, there aren’t any official dates.
However, GW has already opened up its webstore and people are receiving what they order albeit a few weeks behind schedule.
Keep in mind that they still aren’t able to get a restock of supplies on time so they also told us to be aware of lengthier Out of Stock times. With all that being said, we’ll be going over the month-to-month scheduled releases that should have been out by now as well as what’s coming next.
April Releases Behind Schedule
GW has set the pace of their Psychic Awakening books with one book dropping every month. For April, we were supposed to have already gotten Engine War on the shelves. This book is still largely a mystery although we know that the Ad Mech are getting a bunch of new units that we’ve seen the rules slowly teased for.
Pteraxii Sterylizors
Pteraxii Skystalkers
Archaeopter Transvector
Archaeopter Fusilave
Archaeopter Stratoraptor
Skitarii Serberys
Skitarii Sulphurhounds
With Engine War looking to be ahead of all the other books, we’ll probably see this one drop first. Although it may only be a week or two after Engine War drops where we might see War of the Spider make it to the shelves.
We Also Need a Ton of Warhammer 40k FAQs!
For whatever reason, the White Dwarf containing the Deathwatch Psychic Awakening rules wasn’t hindered when it dropped. People that are subscribed already got their magazine and have the rules for their faction. However, it’s also worth noting that the Deathwatch Psychic Awakening support is also severely outdated and needs an FAQ.
Four New Warhammer 40k FAQs We Need To Start Playing Again
UPDATE: we’re still waiting for the Blackstone Fortress Zoat expansion as well. It probably should have been out by now.
May Releases
War of the Spider was slotted for May with Custodes, Assassins, Death Guard, and Chaos making their way into the book. We’ve been seeing short stories of Custodes killing traitor Primaris as well as videos of Fabius doing surgery on Custodes that fell fighting the Death Guard. However, what all of this is going to look like on the tabletop is largely a mystery.
As for models, we know that Fabius and one of his henchmen are confirmed. However, there was a faction mentioned that Fabius would lead called the Agents of Bile. We don’t know if we’ll see some kind of Bile-enhanced Custode model or if this will end up being something like regular Chaos models used with special rules.
Massive Lumineth Realm-lords Faction Drop
The Lumineth Realm-Lords are also something big on the radar. As the completely reworked Aelves in Age of Sigmar, they’ve gotten new models left and right on the same level as the Ossiarch Bonereapers when they hit the scene.
But before we see the entire faction’s model line hit the shelves, we might see the Army Box first…
This is a box containing the core rules, a Battletome, three units, warscroll cards (which look redesigned), some dice, and a 3″ measuring stick. If this is anything like the Sisters of Battle Army Set that dropped a few months before their whole faction came out, then we’ll probably see a rough three-month gap from the box’s release to when multipart kits from the faction drop.
That’s all speculation, but we’ve picked up on the pattern from what they did to Sisters in 40k.
Be sure to check out the entire Lumineth Realm-Lord model line if you haven’t seen everything already.
June Releases & Onward (Assumed)
We know Psychic Awakening: Pariah is on the way as well. If GW kept the pace of the usual book-per-month schedule then we should be seeing this expansion drop in June. As of right now, we only know that a handful of character models are on the way.
Ephrael Stern & Kyganil
Illuminor Szeras
Inquisitor Draxus
What we do know about Pariah is that Szeras is up to no good and starting to make trouble in the neighborhood. We saw a video of some Sisters, Ultramarines, a Knight, and an Inquisitor walk up on some Necron stuff going on. We don’t know much outside of that although there are rumors that Szeras isn’t going to be the only new model for the Necrons out of the expansion.
We’ve been seeing more and more teasers on the Silent King. GW has been heavily hinting that he’s finally back and could be bringing new models with him too. Nothing is confirmed here but it’s something we can’t ignore.
RUMORED: 9th Edition
These are STRICTLY RUMORS. However, there are multiple sources that are beginning to stack up that a 9th edition might be on the way.
Chapter Master Valrak on B&C dropped some added info on what we can expect to see about the rumored “new 40k edition”.
next summer 9th edition, marines and Necrons.
Psychic Awakening To 40k 9th Edition?
Spotted on BoLS, the source of an Industry Insider mentioned:
- Psychic Awakening is setting the framework/testing what’s ahead for 9th edition.
- The Psychic Phase is getting reworked. (Which might be why we haven’t seen much psychic support in Psychic Awakening).
- Keywords will be reworked.
- More aspects of AoS will be ported over into the game. (We still don’t know about flat wound rolls).
- More codex supplements will continue to come out before 9th Edition drops.
- Look for 9th Edition 40k to hit sometime in 2020.
There are more rumors that these two sources. However, there are some highlights to make here. Necrons are mentioned along with a Summer release. Well, Pariah definitely contains Necrons and is looking to be slotted for June (Summer). On top of that, there are rumors of what might get changed in 40k like the Psychic Phase, keywords, etc. Take is all with a pinch of salt, but we can see how everything fits together.
Necromunda House of Blades
We also know that there’s some Escher support in store for Necromunda next. This was labeled as coming in Q2 of GW’s release schedule. So technically, they might’ve already been out by now if the crisis hadn’t shut the world down. However, we’ve been seeing a bunch of new girls headed their way:
New Matriarch model to get more wargear
Phelynx models
Wyld Runners
Death-Maidens
Other Necromunda Models On the Way
On top of everything on the way exclusively for Eschers, we’ve got some Underhive Informants which look to be a hirable asset to gangs in campaigns, as well as a new Cawdor mini named Rattus Tatterskin and an Enforcer named Scrutinator-Primus Servalen coming too.
Plus now we know of some chonky Ogryns that are on the way as well:
WHU Warbands: DoK & More Orruks
Later this year, Morathi’s chosen servants will arrive in Beastgrave with a warband that boils down this iconic army into its most distinctive elements – crazed cultists, shadowy mutants and one very deadly Hag Queen. Known as Morgwaeth’s Blade-Coven, this warband will bring the fast, tactical and gory play style of the Daughters of Khaine to your competitive battles.
They’re still on the list to drop as well. We know that it’ll be before the year is over and a part of Beastgrave.
If you love elite warbands, greenskins and playing aggressively, you’ll love gaming with these guys.
Aeronautica Imperialis: Taros War
Certainly a step in the right direction for GW expanding their AI player base, you don’t have to pick between Imperial Guard or Orks anymore. Tau are joining the fight with some really sweet looking minis. Specifically the Barracuda and Tigershark. For the Imperial Guard, they’ll be hitting the table with Navy Vultures and Avenger Strike Fighters
There is a new Box Set on the way coming with these models and everything you need to play called The Skies of Fire. And for the Tau fans, they gave us a tease at what kind of wargear they’ll be bringing to play.
If you think the weaponry of the T’au Empire is deadly on the ground, just wait until you see the aircraft of the Air Caste! Here’s a hint – almost all of them pack railguns and missile pods with unlimited ammo!
Along with all that, a new campaign book is on the way called Taros Air War. This is going to be touching on all the battles that took place to retake Taros from the Tau. There’s not too much we know besides that.
More ships for the game like the Arvus Lighter and Avenger Strike Fighters have also been revealed as on the way!
Adeptus Titanicus: Defence of Ryza & Cerastus Models
The Defence of Ryza is another supplement coming to Titanicus that we’ve been seeing teasers for. While Magera and Styrix Questor Knights are sitting on the cover of the book, the only kits we’ve seen right now are some new Cerastus models (Castigator and Acheron).
It looks like you will get TWO of each variant in the box!
“Everyone loves Knights. Everyone loves small versions of big things. Thus, it stands to reason that everyone is going to love the latest release for Adeptus Titanicus – teeny tiny versions of the Knight-Acheron and Knight-Castigator!”
The Final Blackstone Fortress Expansion: Ascension
Moving to Blackstone Fortress, these hit as part of some GW online previews. Showing two massive drones as new models in the box, this is the last chapter of the 40k adventure. If you look on the cover of the box, it also looks like a previous (assumed dead enemy) is back again…Obsidius!
New Warcry Warbands: Scions of the Flame & The Khainite Shadowstalkers
As with the other warbands that we’ve seen in Warcry, they worship a specific element of Chaos – in this case, the Ever-Raging Flame. Along with these incredible models, they bring with them a range of unique abilities that will help you conquer the Eightpoints. These denizens of Aqshy will be seeking Archaon’s blessing soon (you could say that they want to become flameous) so it’s time to start practising your flame effects. Oh, and while these are the last of the “missing” warbands from the Warcry Core Book, they are by no means the final warband for the game.
How SICK does this guy look? If he’s not used for a Scion of the flame leader he’ll be finding his way onto the hobby tables for some conversions. He’s perfect or an AoS Chaos Lord or maybe a Master of Executions in 40k.
With the quote from above, we know these guys like fire. Like really really like fire. So much that one of their guys is on fire. Going off looks alone, he could start the game already taking damage and be solely designed on running toward the enemy to set them on fire. Then burn to a crisp himself…
The Khainite Shadowstalkers are the spies that Morathi uses to enforce her will across the realms. Even for a race from a land of shadow and renowned for their innate stealth, these guys are sneaky! They’re like mist in the shadows, only the mist has a poison dagger and a repeater crossbow… These dynamic models hark back to a classic Dark Elf aesthetic from the world-that-was, that of Khaine worshippers like Assassins and Shades.
How cool is a dude with two repeating crossbow pistols???
These guys are unique as they’re the first non-Chaos Warcry set to hit the scene. To make them even more unique, from what we can tell, they are only three models, which could be a huge tactics changer. These Shadowstalkers were also previewed online.
Snotling Team Comes to Blood Bowl
No, you’re not hallucinating. Those are Snotlings. A team of Snotlings. Sure, they have a Pump Wagon, and sure there are loads of them, but, you know, they’re Snotlings. They make Goblins look fierce and Halflings seem thoroughly athletic by comparison.
Snotlings are also on the way to Blood Bowl, which are the Greenskin counterparts to the Halflings in-game.
It’s also worth mentioning that a Treemen are also coming to Blood Bowl.
Sons of Behemat
The Sons of Behemat aren’t hiding any longer. Warhammer Community revealed these huge chonky bois and the best part is that they’re all a part of one kit. You can also bring these guys as a part of any faction. Since Gargants only care about food or ale, they can be bought by armies that need a little bit of bashing power. These guys were just previewed so it’ll probably be a while before we see them hit the shelves.
Horus Heresy New Saul Tarvitz Model & The Lion Primarch!
Saul Tarvitz was one of the first-ever named Horus Heresy Space Marines (along with Garro and Varren, in 1988’s Space Marine rulebook), and his appearances in Black Library’s Horus Heresy novels only cemented his popularity. His death** at Isstvan III after he led a disparate army of Imperial loyalists in defiance of Horus’ betrayal made him a legend – and now you can bring that legend to your games of The Horus Heresy.
The new Lion El’Jonson model is every inch the perfect embodiment of the questing knight. He is clad in the finest armour available and covered in the iconography of the Dark Angels. The Primarch also comes with the option to be assembled with or without his helmet. This impeccable fighter even has a choice of which weapon he will cut through the traitors with – the Lion Sword or the Wolf Blade. Finally, his gaming base slots into a diorama base with a heap of dead Night Lords at his feet, representing part of the bloody Thramas campaign.
OH BOI HE COMIN! Lion El’Jonson is stepping onto the tabletop cleaving through any marine stupid enough to cross his path. With two head and weapon options, you might want to magnetize him once he finally drops. Let’s face it, there’s a pretty big difference between a chain/power weapon.
With all of this finally announced, we’re sure if you listen close enough, you can hear Dark Angels fans cheering all around the world right now. The Lion’s model is stunning and intricate. It’s going to be awesome to watch him wading through traitors on the table.
Horus Heresy Campaign Book Nine- Crusade
Another campaign book is also coming pitting Dark Angels and Night Lords against one another in the Thramas sector. It’ll be titled “Crusade” and we can also expect new models (probably Legion-specific) to hit the arsenal as well.
That’s not all! Along with the book, 2020 will see some amazing new models released that tie in with the Thramas conflict – all of which we’ll take a look at in due time. Meanwhile, the Siege of Terra series from Black Library will continue apace as Horus and the traitors press on with their attack on the Imperial Palace.
Kill Team: Killzones Supplement
Kill Team is getting an interesting wave of support called “Kill Team Killzones” This is more than likely going to be a supplement for different maps/missions. However, this release is largely left in the dark right now.
Fixing 40k Forge World Units
In the midst of all the LVO previews, WHC had this to say:
Since the release of the Forge World indexes a couple of years ago, Warhammer 40,000 has changed a lot. While the indexes were a great reference resource, we want to give you something even better – which is why the Warhammer 40,000 studio embarked on a project to bring you a series of all-new books with updated rules for these units and armies.
But that wasn’t all that they announced. A little while later, Warhammer Community dropped another posed honing in on the announcement.
The Warhammer 40,000 Studio – those industrious people behind rulebooks, codexes and expansions like the Psychic Awakening books – are hard at work on a new series of tomes that will cover the range of Warhammer 40,000 miniatures Forge World produce. These books will include updated datasheets and army rules that give these glorious models abilities and benefits that are comparable to the rest of the forces in the game.
As far as we can tell, only the RULES will be changing. That means we may see the current points cost sit at where they currently are and have rules added or taken away to create for more playability/fairness.
To their credit as well, GW has also said that the rules making for Forge World units was going back to the main studio as well that handles 40k at large.
LOTR: Middle Earth Book & Characters
LOTR is getting a new book called Quest for the Ringbearer. You’ll be able to play through a bunch of narrative missions along with some new characters on the way.
Quest of the Ringbearer allows you to retell the epic story of The Lord of the Rings™ through loads of interlinked narrative missions, as you follow the Fellowship through their greatest battles. This is a great way to rediscover the Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game of your youth or, if you’re a new player, experience the joys of guiding the Fellowship through epic moments you remember from the motion pictures.
Anborn and Mablung, Rangers of Ithilien.
These two Rangers are also on the way to make your fellowship that much stronger. They did a pretty good job on their faces this time too.
How Could This All Drop From GW?
It’s safe to say that GW is fully loaded for content in 2020. We’ll just have to wait and see how they decide to release it. However, they could very well start to rapid-fire releases in the days ahead. We saw GW do that with Blood of Baal and Ritual of the Damned as they were released within one week of each other.
Plus, with GW’s financial year ending on May 31st, 2020, they may want to gather up as much revenue as they can before the new fiscal year begins.
GW has already dropped a financial report saying that they’ve been impacted, however, projected to still make £70 million profit by the end of this month.
Remember, this has all just been our two cents on everything that could be dropping. With so many releases to keep tabs on, it’s almost impossible to guess with 100% correctness of what order we’ll see things drop in.
With that said, we also have a new preview to look forward to where GW will be showcasing even more goods on the way Saturday, May 23rd online. We’ll be reporting everything and will more than likely also have more to update this massive list of releases!
So what do you think will be revealed in this next batch of previews? When do you think Engine War will be making it to the shelves? Is there anything on this list of releases you’ll be buying first?
Let us know in the comments of our Facebook Hobby Group, and make sure you enter the latest monthly giveaway for FREE today!
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.
