WARHAMMER 40,000
The Ninth Configuration
Just when you thought it was safe to go back on your tabletop.
RELEASED OUT NOW! Publisher Games Workshop
Firstly, some clarification. Indomitus is the boxed edition of the brand new ninth edition of Warhammer 40,000. It contains everything you need to get started: the Core Book (which doubles as a both a lore guide and a rule book); a campaign booklet with missions to play through; and two armies, Space Marines and Necrons. You can buy the Core Book separately and may well choose to, as Indomitus is a limited edition that sold out almost instantly, and is now only available “made to order”.
2017’s eighth edition brought in some large-scale changes to the way that 40K plays. Broadly, the ninth is the same game, but with numerous aspects expanded and refined. The Stratagems that were introduced in the previous edition have now become an integral part of the game.
The rules for terrain have been tinkered with, allowing for much more complexity; and Actions give you more flexibility in what your units can do in order to complete an objective.
The biggest addition is the Crusade system – a reworked Narrative play mode. You start out with a small army and track them as they grow and change, gaining experience points with every battle fought. Characters can be equipped with rare relics; units can be blessed with honours or beset by lingering injuries.
It’s a similar mechanic to the campaign system from Warcry and adds a real sense of progression, while its onus on personal army development means that every battle makes a difference, rather than just the ones played against your regular opponents.
As for the models, they’re brilliant. The Marines have doubled down on their “crusading knights” aesthetic with the Blade Guard elite and the Judiciar, but we also love the dynamic poses on the Assault Intercessors. The Necrons have always been a touch goofy and giving some of them giant scythe hands doesn’t change that, but the imposing Canoptek Reanimator and the sinister Plasmancer are fantastic.
If you already play 40K, then upgrading to the ninth edition is a necessity – but you may want to save some cash (and most probably a long wait) and just pick up the Core Book. If you’re new to the game, however, Indomitus is the ideal place to start. May god have mercy on your wallet.
Will Salmon
Games Workshop is now worth more than Marks & Spencer and Centrica! Everyone loves Space Marines, it seems.
A limited edition that sold out almost instantly