Warhammer 40K: Black Templars Were Totally OP For About 30 Minutes Today
Let’s take a look at what was perhaps the quickest “FAQs” in 40K history! Read on my friends.
This morning GW put out a teaser for the upcoming Black Templar codex. A small detail in it set people off with declarations that the book was going to be broken. However, after what people are calling the quickest FAQ of all time, the Black Templars have been toned down. Let’s take a look at how it all went down.
A New Flamer Makes Them Broken
This morning (or morning in the US) GW put out a new teaser for the upcoming Templar book. The bulk of the teaser focused on a new Black Templar weapon, the Pyreblaster. This is in effect the new upgraded Primaris flamer. It was toted as a flamer with better range and AP. And that’s true, with 15″ range and -1 AP its a step up from the normal flamer and a good buff. However, people quickly noticed something else about the Pyreblaster. It was D2 – OMG!!!
This pretty quickly set the internet off. D2 weapons are a big deal right and are really good. While they aren’t exactly rare, they are highly sought after. They are a huge deal when dealing with MEQ units, and also allow you to get by some defensive buffs, while also being useful vs light vehicles. And D2 auto hitting flamers? Well, anyone remember Drukhari and how they had to be FAQ’d to take that away? Yeah. It’s REALLY good.
Some Questions, and A Broken Book?
Of course, there were a lot of questions about the Pyreblaster. Mostly it revolves around who can take it. If it’s just something that’s one a squad, then it’s not a huge deal right? On the other hand, Primaris units normally all come with the same equipment. This means its possible, likely even, you can take units of these (like say Hellblasters for example). That’s a pretty scary thought, with the Marine ability to run them up the table. They could use Impulsors, or maybe even deep strike these guys. It could really put the hurt on people. Some people then started to get a little worried. If this was the general power level of the book , it must really be a broken and OP book.
The Nerf Comes
Roughly 30 minutes after posting their article, GW quietly updated it changing the damage of the Pyreblaster from 2 to 1. It’s pretty amazing how quickly GW has learned to react to issues with the game these days. Once upon a time, it took weeks or months to get an FAQ. Now within about 30 minutes of putting up A TEASER they are able to put out a “FAQ” and nerf. It’s so amazing that Black Templars, a low-tier book at the moment, are getting nerfed before their book even comes out. They are coming pre-nerfed! (Note: I have no idea if their new book is good, broken or bad, I haven’t seen it.)
Honest Mistakes
All joking aside, it’s clear this was an honest type-o (I myself have made one or two in the past) and not some sort of actual FAQ. The mistake was noticed quickly and fixed in a prompt manner, all well and good. Still, I feel a bit bad for the Black Templar players out there. They’ve been stuck with a sub-par army for some time getting a lot less love them other Marine chapters. Now for one bright moment (of about 30 minutes) it seemed like they might be getting something really good and powerful that would be just theirs. They could see the makings of a really good book coming, and now it’s all been ripped away. Instead of something awesome they’re getting something that’s mildly better. It’s cool, but not something to get super excited about yet. Even though it was just a quick typo it probably feels like a nerf.
Ah well, we know Black Templars can’t really be happy, then they’d have no rage to channel into their crusades.
