Warhammer 40K: 10th Edition Questions & Answers
Games Workshop answers some of the questions we all have about Warhammer 40,000 10th Edition. This is just the tip of the iceberg.
Warhammer 40K 10th Edition is coming this summer from Games Workshop. There’s a lot of questions going around about what it all means. Eventually, all will be revealed. In the meantime, GW did gather some questions to go over. Perhaps this was in regard to some of the reaction folks were having about the reveal and the overall community vibes.
Warhammer 40K: 10th Edition Questions & Answers
“With a new edition of Warhammer 40,000 on the way, it’s no surprise that you probably have a few questions. While we can’t say too much at the moment, there are some things that we can certainly clear up right now.”
Question 1: Is this a totally new edition?
According to GW: “[Warhammer 40,0001 10th Edition] is a complete revision of the game you know and love. ” So yes, it is a new edition. However, I think this is going to feel a lot more familiar than that statement makes it seem. I mean, look at the Termagant datacard:
The formatting is different. The stats are moved around. But there’s still a TON of stuff that’s recognizable. Unless GW did something drastic to things like the Strength vs Toughness chart I really think this is going to feel a lot like putting on a new pair of shoes that were the same brand/size as your last pair. They might feel new but walk around for a bit and they will be just as comfortable as before.
Now, to their credit, they very well might have touched on “every single element of the game” — I would hope so! Even if it was just to confirm that yep, that rule still works. Plus, the Boarding Actions rules aren’t going away so that means there are a lot of elements that made the jump. And that’s totally okay!
Question 2: Will it be quicker and easier to play?
“Thankfully, the days of flicking through multiple books to find the one rule you need are now over! Datasheet Cards for your faction now contain all the information you need to play the game at your fingertips.”
Okay, that’s pretty much confirmation that the game should at least be quicker to play. Will all the rules you need to play consolidated down, yes, that should help with the speed of play. Will it be easier? Well, they keep saying this phrase: “simplified, not simple.” I think that translates to the act of playing might be “easier” but there’s still going to be the tactical complexity we all know comes with a tabletop wargame like 40k.
Question 3: How easy is it to get into the game?
For all the vets out there with a current 2000 point army (or two…or three…or more (I have a problem)) then getting into the game on day one is going to be a breeze. All the rules will be available — Core Rules AND army rules — on launch day. Oh, and they will be free. Same with the points! That’s pretty awesome if you ask us.
As for brand new players GW is launching a new Combat Patrol mode. We’ve got questions about that particularly. But the basics of the mode will allow players to snag a Combat Patrol box, build it, and play with those models in a balanced game. That sounds great. For new players, I don’t think it will be much easier to get started. Now,about that whole “balanced game mode” thing…
Question 4: How are Combat Patrols balanced?
“How have the Warhammer Design Studio managed to balance different boxes against each other? With great ingenuity – this really is a silky smooth way to dip your toes into the 41st Millennium. We’ll have a lot more on this new way to play in coming articles, including a deeper explanation of how balance is achieved among such disparate forces.”
Yeah…I REALLY want to see how this is balanced. Because, if I were looking to play in a Combat Patrol style tournament, I’d give the Adeptus Custodes a HARD look as my entry. Anyhow, apparently GW has been working on the balance for this mode and we don’t have a lot of details yet. But you can bet we are going to cover all that info when GW showcases the mode (and they will) in time.
Question 5: Will my collection and codexes be compatible?
Short answer: Yes and no. You collection of miniatures will be compatible — that’s not really changing here folks. Will the codexes be compatible? …C’mon, man. You know the answer to that question already and I don’t need to spell it out. But, in case you’re still holding on to some sliver of hope, here’s the GW answer:
“Your miniatures aren’t going anywhere, and we’ll have plenty more to say about what codexes will look like early next week. Rest assured you won’t be wanting for options in the new edition.”
You can read between the lines there. Plus we already know that GW is going to give all the rules away for free and the Indexes are returning. I have mixed feelings about it, too. But it’s a new edition and this is just how the cycle works. You want a new edition that means your old codexes aren’t going to be compatible. But hey, you can always agree to keep playing with your current rules — no one is stopping you there!
People still play 2nd edition. The GW police can’t stop them!
Question 6: Are Universal Special Rules returning?
My answer: Did they ever go away? Sure, the named changed but every still called it “deep strike” or “feel no pain” anyhow. And it looks like GW learned that lesson, too:
“Ultimately the Warhammer Design Studio decided that having the same special rule under a dozen or more separate faction names had become a bit of a barrier to the smooth running of the game – not least because many players simply referred to them by a single name anyway, such as Deep Strike and Feel No Pain.”
So this is really just a reformatting thing — and that’s not bad by anymeans.
Question 7: Do Vehicle and Monster profiles still degrade as they take damage?
Basically, yes. The formatting changed and the rules will reflect those updates. But for the most part Monsters and Vehicles will typically degrade in performance as they take damage. GW will have more on this later.
Question 8: What is the OC stat?
Objective Control. This stat will replace the Objective Secured rules. We don’t have all the details but GW will go into more details later.
Question 9: When can I get the new box and start playing?
The summer. GW already announced that 10th is coming this summer. When? We don’t know the exact date but I’m gonna guess….June/July. You could technically buy a Combat Patrol box right now…does that count? The rules will all be out on day one though, so you might want to get your stuff built and painted!
