Warhammer 40K: Psychic Awakening – Deathwatch Previews
The Deathwatch are getting their Psychic Awakening Rules in White Dwarf and GW is previewing a few now!
It’s been confirmed by Games Workshop that the Deathwatch and Harlequins are not getting a rules release in a new Psychic Awakening Book. That said, as part of the event, they are still getting rules updates via White Dwarf. Today, GW is previewing the rules for the Deathwatch. So let’s dive on in!
“[The Deathwatch] gain the Angels of Death suite of abilities, including Shock Assault, Bolter Discipline and Combat Doctrines.”
Well this was to be expected and should be a welcome bonus for the Deathwatch. It brings them inline with the rest of the Space Marines and makes total sense. Combat Doctrines will also stack with the Special Issue Ammo so you know those weapons are about to get even nastier! Plus, a new suite of stratagems is coming to enhance them even further.
Stratagems of the Deathwatch
These are just the tip of the spear and should look pretty familiar to anyone who’s play against marines in the past few months – which , according to the stat trackers, was probably everyone who play in a tournament.
Again, we’ve see most of these in some form or fashion already. They shouldn’t be a big shock. That said, when you combine a lot of these with the Special Issue Ammo you know they are going to be even more brutal than before. Can you imagine a squad unloading Auto Bolt Rifles at half-range with Boltstorm active and using Hellfire Rounds? Ouch.
In total the Deathwatch are receiving 14 stratagems with this update. This is going to be pretty good for the marines in black.
Litanies of the Deathwatch
The Deathwatch are also getting access to Litanies which is another welcome addition.
Yeah, these are your typical +1 to wound or hit. They are also getting “…other litanies will allow more reliable charges, enhanced melee ability or even the ability to shrug off mortal wounds.”
Sounds about right. Deathwatch Chaplains are going to be worth bringing back to the tabletop for sure.
Other Details
The last bit of news that GW shared was about Deathwatch Intercessor Sergeants. They are getting access to new weapons options “…including hand flamers, power fists and thunder hammers…” which is another welcome addition. All of these changes are bringing the Deathwatch inline with all the other Space Marines and it’s just going to make them objectively better off than they were before.
These rules will be in White Dwarf 453 – aka the April 2020 issue. Which is out in stores (hopefully) May 2nd.
