GW reversed course on Dan Abnett’s Hive, canceling the in-store release for a print-on-demand run on the Warhammer webstore from May 30 to June 5.
Games Workshop revealed a near-empty slate this Sunday. Then they walked it back with an update on the Hive Special Edition after fan pushback over limited in-store stock.
Black Library: New Special Edition
That’s right, Hive isn’t an in-store grab anymore. Both the Special Edition and the regular hardback go up for print-on-demand on Warhammer.com from Saturday, 30 May until 08:00 UK on Friday, 5 June, and every order placed in that window is guaranteed to ship.
Outside Hive, it’s still a calm-before-the-storm scenario. That storm is the Armageddon Starter Set, of course, that big 11th Edition launch box sitting next on the 2026 Warhammer Roadmap.
HIVE Goes Print-On-Demand: Special Edition and Hardback on Warhammer.com
Updated on May 29, 2026, by Rob Baer with the latest from GW.
The Hive release for the Special Edition and the regular hardback will now be available for direct order on Warhammer.com. They also both share the same Saturday, 30 May, to 08:00 UK, Friday 5 June print-on-demand order window, too.
It’s the same tale of intrigue, treachery, and rebellion as the hardback that’s already out, so the story hasn’t changed. What’s changed is the package. The Special Edition is a slipcase that holds both volumes, featuring unique cover artwork, blood-red page edges, and red ribbon bookmarks.
One catch, though, unlike the version GW originally announced for stores, this Special Edition isn’t individually numbered or signed.
No “while stocks last” panic this time. Every order placed in the window is guaranteed to ship. The trade-off is patience because GW says production and shipping can take up to 180 days due to print to demand. Walking in still works too if you’d rather not order online; your local Warhammer store can place the order through the in-store terminal.
FAQ About the Hive Special Edition Sunday Preview
Are there any new Warhammer pre-orders this week?
Yes. GW reversed course; the Hive Special Edition and the regular hardback go up for print-on-demand order on Warhammer.com on Saturday, 30 May.
When is the Hive Special Edition available?
Saturday 30 May through 08:00 UK time on Friday 5 June, on Warhammer.com. Print-on-demand, so delivery can run up to 180 days.
Is there a pre-order for the Hive Special Edition?
Yes. Both editions are order-only on Warhammer.com during the five-day window; the in-store release was canceled.
What’s in the Hive Special Edition?
A slipcase holding both volumes, with unique cover artwork, blood-red page edges, and red ribbon bookmarks.
Note: unlike the originally announced in-store edition, this version isn’t numbered or signed.
Who wrote Hive?
Dan Abnett.
Where can I get the Hive Special Edition?
On Warhammer.com between Saturday 30 May and 08:00 UK time on Friday 5 June, or through any Warhammer store’s in-store terminal.
Final Thoughts on the Quiet Sunday Preview
A week that was supposed to be empty turned into a five-day print-on-demand window on Hive, but that still doesn’t change what is on the horizon as the Armageddon Starter Set is so close we can taste it…
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- Updated Warhammer 40k 2026 Roadmap & Release Schedule
- The Best Warhammer 40k Black Library Books & Series
