What a year it's been for Warhammer, huh? A new edition of the Horus Heresy hit our shelves, bringing with it plastic Saturnine armor for the first time. I still intend to turn these Terminators into an Obliterator team when I get the chance, by the way. The Old World also went from strength to strength with the release of the Grand Cathay faction, some of the best miniatures Games Workshop has sculpted in a long time with terrifying rules to accompany them.
The realm of video games was not quite as successful. Space Marine Remastered was a resounding flop, and while 2024's Space Marine 2 continues to draw in players, two of its vital characters were unceremoniously killed off in a blog post so Titus could get a promotion.
But what about next year? Those of you who can count to three will expect the 11th edition of Warhammer 40k to be released next summer, and Dawn of War 4 promises a return to the glory days of RTS action after a miserable showing in the threequel eight years ago. These aren't predictions so much as expectations, but I've consulted the technodivinations of Orikan and executed a dozen psykers to bring you TheGamer's predictions for Warhammer 2026.
Lion el'Jonson causes a stir
It is Dawn of War 4 that I expect to cause 2026's first controversy. By introducing the Warhammer video games' first playable Primarch, developer King Art Games is practically begging for criticism. He's too strong! He's not strong enough! He's not voiced by Charles Dance!
Warhammer fans will never be happy, and the Lion's triumphant digital debut will be tarnished by people who just can't enjoy things. As a guy with ambitions to bring an all-Deathswinging army to the tabletop, though, I couldn't be happier.
Plastic Warhound Titan
Rumors have been circulating for a while now, but with the Workshop's new factory now built, I claim there are new and improved machines within these hallowed walls. This tool, blessed by the Omnissiah, will begin the production of a legion of titanic war machines the likes of which we have never seen before. At least not in plastic.
With Warhammer 40k games getting bigger and bigger thanks to scale creep and constant point drops (since when was my Ad Mech a horde army?), it's only a matter of time before we can field a Warhound Titan in a 2000 point battle. The only question is whether it will be balanced or not. I know what kind of money I have.
Kislev Release for the old world
Warhammer: The Old World has been a resounding success, with the Grand Cathay faction as the icing on the cake. Next on the list is Kislev, a long-forgotten faction that Workshop teased years ago before posting, allegedly due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The newly anointed FTSE500 company was based in Kievan Rus and could not afford a controversy with this series of miniatures.
However, the ongoing invasion has been largely dismembered by the public at this point, with the plight of Ukrainian soldiers barely registering on national news anymore. Thus, I could see gee-dubs finally dropping the Kislev faction to keep the old world momentum going strong. I'll be honest, I mostly want a plastic war mammoth, but I could easily see this sliding into 2027 or “when Putin gives up”.
More Primarchs, more often
Listen, I could choose the easy predictions. Any fool can guess that Workshop will go back to their atrocious Ork Boyz change. 11th edition will likely focus on Fast Attack for Space Marines. There will be an Ultramarines add before the 11th as well. But you are not here for the safe predictions. I know you. You want to see more Primarchs return.
The supposed focus on Primaris bikes in 11th edition lends itself to the idea that Jaghati Khan could be earmarked for a comeback. And I sort of understand. He's a bike guy. But the safe money is on Russ after GW seemingly leaked their addition to the Space Wolves Codex with forward compatible rules. I'd really like to see Ferrus Manus return (carry with me) in the guise of a Ghost Rider-esque Primarch of the Legion of the Damned. Range update for them too, thanks. But it will probably be Russ.
Dark Mechanicus Reveal
Okay, this is a wish list rather than a prediction, but you have to allow me a dream. I think I'm probably the biggest Dark Mechanicus fan in the entire universe, and I've been wondering when Workshop will make official minis for my beloved faction for years now. Even though Vashtorr seems to have been sidelined for a while now, I'm backing him to give me the goods next year. I just hope the GW sculptors can live up to my damn creations.
Henry Cavill is Captain Titus in the Amazon TV show
We'll get news about Cavill's Amazon show in 2026, I'm pretty sure. It may even go into pre-production. And my prediction: the news will be a casting announcement. Cavill is Titus. The show will follow his quest to defend the 500 worlds of Ultramar. I know you all want the Horus Heresy, but where does the face of 40k fit into that?
I've seen Cavill fancast as Guilliman, Dorn, and the Emperor himself, but none quite fit. Mark Strong would be a better Eisenhorn, but there's no way a live-action 40k show wouldn't have a Space Marine front and center anyway, so the point is moot.
However, Captain Titus just got a promotion. His Ultramarine compatriots Captain Acheran and Lieutenant Chairon were killed off to quickly make their comeback up the ranks outside of any game or animated short. I'm sure Titus will be the fictional face of 40k going forward, so why not let Cavill – the celebrity face of the hobby – take on the mantle?
They don't look that different, especially since Titus has lost some of the grizzled features of the first game and has become more conventionally attractive with each appearance.
With two video games, a campaign and an Amazon short under his belt, things are looking up for Titus. He's a shoe-in to lead the charge in Space Marine 3 and my guess is he's going to be the star of the TV show as well. If I'm right about this one, Henry Cavill needs to fight me as soon as he can.
Something for Age Of Sigmar, probably
Listen, I don't play AoS. I don't know what's going on over there. You will get something Stormcasty, I assume? 2026 is going to be an even more 40k heavy year than usual, sorry.
