So, too, begins the muster. The call to arms that will set a million feet in motion, marching inexorably alongside grinding tracks and thunderous war machines. The declaration of war that will crack worlds in its wake and split the universe asunder.

In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war.

Imperator! The announcement is official: Warhammer 40,000 5th edition is coming. A new set of rules for the greatest sci-fi tabletop game in the world (and yes, I'm fully aware there are others out there - but I wouldn't work for the company if I didn't think it was the best!). I was lucky enough to attend the national manager's meeting at Nottingham detailing the launch of the new game, and while it's not worth my job to reveal anything strictly confidential, there are a few things I'd like to put to rest. A brief Q&A, if you will.


Isn't this just a patch to 4th edition?
No. Absolutely not. To anyone who plays Warhammer Fantasy, the differences in 6th and 7th editions were more 'fixes' to things that were considered overbalanced, or that affected gameplay adversely in competitive situations. The changes and additions were relatively few, meaning the core rules remained much the same, but this made for a very different game. The same, too, with 5th edition 40K. There are rumours all over the internet about what the new rules may be, but I'll say only that they make for a faster, more 'cinematic' game. I've played a couple of games already and it was a riot.

Will this invalidate anything in my army?
No. Absolutely not. There's that line again! Nobody's miniatures will be made redundant through the change in rules. What I will say is that many will be rethinking tactics and use for some of their units; shooting and combat are different beasts, now, and no single unit can exist in a vacuum. This presents interesting tactical challenges, which appeals to me immensely.

Did they nerf rending?
I'm still taking Land Speeder Tornados in my army. Next question.

What's in the book?
So much. The rules aside, there's a wealth of information for hobbyists and inspiring photographs of miniatures, tables and scenery that left me blown away. There's also a comprehensive timeline with some very interesting revelations that will leave some shocked and suprised, as I was. Marneus Calgar, how could you?!

I can't really go into very much more detail than that, so I'll leave it to you to decide where to proceed from. Jaunt down to your local hobby center and talk to the guys there, find out what they're doing for release day and make sure you get to take part. It's going to be epic. This is the rebirth of Games Workshop's greatest and most prolific gaming system.

This is the way the Imperium ends.

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40K Countdown: [link]