Games Workshop releases major balance update boosting Space Marines and Chaos factions

Key points

• The update increases the Toughness of most Space Marine units, including those in Tacticus and Terminator armor, as well as many Chaos units, making them more survivable against small arms fire.
• Phobos-armored Space Marines gain a Move characteristic of 8, allowing them to act as fast-moving harassment units and block enemy movement, though this comes with a points increase.
• Boltguns and chainswords, the primary weapons for Space Marine factions, gain a Strength of 5 and, in some cases, improved Armor Penetration, increasing their damage output.
• The Death Guard benefits significantly from the weapon upgrades, as their boltguns and plague knives now have Strength 5 and Armor Penetration -1, while they do not receive the Toughness increase or associated points hike.
• The Adeptus Custodes receive minor bolt weapon adjustments in anticipation of their upcoming new Codex release.
• The update is designed to accompany the release of Codex: Space Marines and will likely result in armies fielding fewer but more durable units, potentially altering detachment combinations and Force Dispositions.

Background

This update follows a series of balance adjustments in 2026, including an August update that recalibrated points for Chaos Daemons, Emperor's Children, and other factions, and adjusted map layouts to reduce first-turn advantages. The August update was noted as the last monthly balance pass before a shift to a quarterly cycle, with September changes informed by August data. The current update aligns with the broader autumn preview events, which included reveals for new Codexes and miniatures, and precedes the release of Codex: Space Marines and the upcoming Adeptus Custodes Codex. The update also coincides with the announcement of Total War: Warhammer 40,000, which will feature Space Marines as one of its launch factions.

Why it matters

The balance update significantly impacts the competitive and casual play of Warhammer 40,000 by strengthening the core Astartes and Chaos factions, which are central to the game's lore and popularity. The changes to Toughness, Move, and weapon stats will alter army composition, list-building strategies, and tactical approaches, potentially favoring fewer but more durable units. The specific benefits for the Death Guard, which does not receive the Toughness increase, may shift the power dynamics between Chaos factions. The update also sets the stage for the upcoming Codex releases, ensuring that new players and existing enthusiasts have a balanced and engaging experience as new content is introduced.

What to watch

Players should download the new balance update and adjust their army lists accordingly, considering the increased points costs and enhanced survivability of Space Marine units. The upcoming release of Codex: Space Marines and the Adeptus Custodes Codex will provide further details on new units and rules, which may interact with the current balance changes. Games Workshop is expected to continue monitoring the impact of these updates and may release further adjustments in future quarterly balance passes. The release of Total War: Warhammer 40,000 in 2027 will also incorporate these balance changes, ensuring consistency across the Warhammer 40,000 ecosystem.