What looks to be a leaked Warhammer Old World Wood Elves Noble pack sparks speculation: are they arriving before the Beastmen? Here’s what we know.
Every so often, something appears online that makes the Warhammer community collectively do a double-take. This time, it’s a full box of Wood Elf Noble models for Warhammer: The Old World popping up on eBay before any official announcement. That’s right—a faction that hasn’t had its release announced just had a box of models surface in a way that’s either a mistake or something more questionable.
Wood Elves Next For Warhammer The Old World?
With all eyes on the release calendar for The Old World in 2025, this unexpected find raises plenty of questions. Are the Wood Elves coming sooner than expected? Did these models fall off the back of a truck (metaphorically, of course)? And what does this mean for the Beastmen, who many assumed would be next in line? Let’s break it down.
How Did These Wood Elf Nobles End Up on eBay?
The most obvious question is how these Wood Elf nobles got into someone’s hands before an official announcement. The most likely scenario? A logistical mishap or employee with “sticky fingers.” Warehouses full of upcoming Warhammer products are constantly shifting stock, and sometimes, things do get misplaced. Whether it was an early shipment sent to the wrong place or an employee slipping a box into the wild ahead of schedule, mistakes happen.
Then there’s the more interesting (but less flattering) possibility—someone took these models and listed them online. This wouldn’t be the first time a Warhammer kit surfaced ahead of schedule, only for Games Workshop to quickly shut down the eBay sale (which seems to have happened already.) If this was a case of something going missing from a production line or warehouse, expect swift action.
What This Means for The Old World’s Release Schedule
If the Wood Elves Nobles are already boxed and ready to go, it could suggest they’re arriving much sooner than expected. The Old World roadmap for 2025 has been a point of speculation, with many assuming that Beastmen would be next in line after the Tomb Kings and Bretonnia (which was not the case.)
Now, this eBay appearance raises the question: will Wood Elves hit the shelves before the Beastmen, or are they coming right after? The Beastmen’s inclusion makes sense given their historic rivalry with Bretonnia, but Wood Elves aren’t far behind in that regard. Their deep forests border both Bretonnia and the Empire, making them a natural fit for the early stages of The Old World’s relaunch.
If these models were misplaced but not yet slated for release, it’s possible the Wood Elves are being prepped for late 2025. That would leave the first half of the year open for another faction—most likely Beastmen—before Athel Loren’s finest step into the spotlight.
Will Games Workshop Adjust Their Timeline?
Leaks like this always put pressure on a company. If Games Workshop had planned a big reveal for the Wood Elves later in the year, they might move things around to capitalize on the sudden attention. This could mean an official announcement sooner than planned, just to get ahead of the conversation.
On the other hand, if these wood elf nobles weren’t meant to be seen yet, Games Workshop may double down on keeping things under wraps. They’ve been known to pivot before, and if the focus was on Beastmen first, they might stick to that plan regardless of what’s surfaced online.
What Should Players Expect?
For anyone holding out hope for Wood Elves in The Old World, this is the most promising sign yet. Whether they arrive before or after the Beastmen, they’re clearly deep in production. Expect new sculpts, updated rules, and likely a return to their classic hit-and-run playstyle when they do arrive.
For those betting on Beastmen first, there’s still a strong chance they’ll lead the charge in 2025. The faction makes too much sense as a next step, given their role as raiders of both Bretonnia and The Empire. Wood Elves might not be far behind, but unless Games Workshop shifts their plans, Beastmen still seem like the logical next entry.
Final Thoughts on The Wood Elf Nobles
An eBay listing isn’t exactly the grand reveal anyone expected for Warhammer: The Old World, but it’s certainly added a new layer of excitement. Whether these models were misplaced or taken, their existence confirms that Wood Elves are well on their way.
Now, the only real question is who gets their release first—Beastmen or Wood Elves? Either way, The Old World is shaping up to have a massive year in 2025.
Check out some of the other Warhammer The Old World Previews below!
- Cathay Artwork previews
- Cathay Getting New Minis
- Warhammer Old World Timeline
- Base Sizes and Time Period
See The Latest Old World Roadmap Here!
Are you excited about the the upcoming Wood Elf Releases for Warhammer The Old World?
About the Author: Sam Duguid
Sam Duguid
Job Title: Freelance Writer
Socials: @duguid_mr
About Sam Duguid: Sam has been into Warhammer 40K for about half his life, starting back in 2006 with the Battle for Macragge starter set in 4th edition. He got really competitive and even became the Top ITC Eldar Corsair player in 2019, using a sweet list made up entirely of Venoms and Reavers bands.
While Sam is all about the different flavors of Eldar, they also enjoy playing Astra Militarum, Charcharodons, Night Lords, and Knights! When they’re not focused on 40K, Sam loves to get into Warhammer Fantasy, Horus Heresy, Age of Sigmar, Legions Imperialis, Battlefleet Gothic, and even Titanicus.
They’re always looking for any game that they can convince their friends to play with them. Currently, Sam is working on their airborne Astra Militarum army along with several Age of Sigmar and Old World armies.
