Warhammer 40,000 new 10th Edition: a new era of tabletop gaming?
After months of anticipation, Games Workshop has finally unveiled the 10th edition of its flagship miniatures wargame, Warhammer 40,000, at the annual AdeptiCon convention. With a stunning CGI trailer featuring the heroic Ultramarines and the Alien-like Tyranids, this new edition promises to deliver a more streamlined experience for both new and veteran players.
Revolutionary Rule Changes?
In an effort to reduce the complexity and cost of entering the Warhammer 40,000 hobby, the 10th edition introduces a new approach to rules. Gone are the days of carrying multiple hardback books to play a single game. Instead, players will now utilize “datasheets,” large notecards containing all the rules needed to run a single unit of miniatures. This format, already familiar to Warhammer: Age of Sigmar players, allows for easier sharing of rules with opponents before starting the game.
Universal Special Rules (aka USRs) are also making a comeback in the 10th edition. These USRs, akin to Magic: The Gathering’s keywords, can be applied to any army in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, leading to fewer rules to memorize overall and a reduction in late-game surprises that can drastically change the course of a match.
Introducing Combat Patrol: A New Format for New Players
To attract newcomers to the hobby, Games Workshop has devised a novel format called Combat Patrol. For years, the company has been distributing Combat Patrol boxes containing a few dozen units and a vehicle for under $150. These boxes have traditionally been used to start or supplement larger army projects. Now, with the introduction of Combat Patrol rules, each box will function as a small, balanced army, providing a more accessible entry point into the hobby.
The Combat Patrol format is designed to be a more straightforward version of the full Warhammer 40,000 ruleset, but not overly simplified. This makes it easier for new players to transition from Combat Patrol to the full game. Games Workshop also plans to support Combat Patrol with organized play and other activities.
The Arks of Omen: Bridging the Gap Between Editions
In addition to the announcement of Warhammer 40,000 10th edition and the new Combat Patrol format, Games Workshop has resolved a long-standing mystery in the 40K lore. The Arks of Omen series of books, which introduced a new format called Boarding Action, serves as a bridge between the 9th and 10th editions of the game. All Boarding Action rules are compatible with both editions, making the Arks of Omen series a unique transition point between the two systems.
