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Would changing the factions mean a new range of Easy to Build models to put into the small starter box and the Next Steps section of the shop/website?

It might not be a thing for the people already into the hobby, but would be a consideration for GW when making this decision.

Marines versus Xenos seems logical.

Deathwatch would therefore fit - but the fact you can only take them "as Deathwatch" would seem too much of a limiting factor. They will want something everyone can use - and really that means Marines.

Primaris Wave 3 therefore seems a better bet. Especially if this doesn't drop until 2021.
Tbh almost every Xenos faction has units that could be redone - or have room for new units that slot in over the top of what is there. I doubt it would be something niche like Harlequins - but either of the other Eldar Factions, Orks, Tyranids, Necrons and Tau could all produce interesting sculpts.

I would like a non primaris set vs Nids or Crons myself, if they have to have Primaris then I would want a non character unit of Primaris Vets or Teriminators, this would be to push that mixed nature that marines have now.

Syrup_of_Fig wrote:
Would changing the factions mean a new range of Easy to Build models to put into the small starter box and the Next Steps section of the shop/website?

It might not be a thing for the people already into the hobby, but would be a consideration for GW when making this decision.

This. To introduce new "regular kits" would be to change the way they have done starter sets for decades. Of course as with Deathguard etc. it would indicate new stuff to come.

I want to say GW needs to drop the Codex model altogether and just do Indexes, with any new rules getting introduced in CA. GW has always had problems with Codex Creep, at least if everyone's rules are getting a once-over at the same time then they're less likely to wind up with something like Marines 2.0 carpet-nuking the game balance.

If it's time for 9th ed it's way past time to do something about their rolling codex obsolescence.

Wakshaani wrote:

Crispy78 wrote:
Necron warriors are on sprues of 6 aren't they? Unless they get redesigned, your numbers are off...

The big assumption, here, is that you get a new Necron Warrior model debuting here (as well as new Flayed Ones, topped off with a Heavy Destroyer in plastic instead of Finecast) … it's one that'd drive older players that wanted in, move away from the green rod style (shame as I dig those things!), while the Marine half brings in the new players.

This would let you drop a new "Start Collecting necrons" box, using 10 of the new Warriors and new Flayed Ones, the Heavy Destroyer, and toss in a command model (lord or Cryptek) as a bonus to call it done.

I figure Necrons are the move, since they get the last DA book, which would roll into the new edition hype, and have never co-starred in a starter box.

Good News: You get new Necron Warriors.

Bad News: They get Cultist'd and are only ever available in the new box.

Dai wrote:

Syrup_of_Fig wrote:
Would changing the factions mean a new range of Easy to Build models to put into the small starter box and the Next Steps section of the shop/website?

It might not be a thing for the people already into the hobby, but would be a consideration for GW when making this decision.

This. To introduce new "regular kits" would be to change the way they have done starter sets for decades. Of course as with Deathguard etc. it would indicate new stuff to come.

He never said anything about "regular kits". He said "easy to build models".

Dark Imperium and Soul Wars both have two sets of Easy to Build armies and additional components that are designed to expand the core boxes while still being beginner friendly. There is no downside to them to do something similar for other armies. Hell, GW actually took the core box components of the "Realmgate Wars" box for AoS and turned them into two Start Collecting sets. Potential new avenue for SC sets there, created by retiring the previous Core box and releasing the sides individually after a refresh of core boxes.

Tyel wrote:
Marines versus Xenos seems logical.

Deathwatch would therefore fit - but the fact you can only take them "as Deathwatch" would seem too much of a limiting factor. They will want something everyone can use - and really that means Marines.

Primaris Wave 3 therefore seems a better bet. Especially if this doesn't drop until 2021.
Tbh almost every Xenos faction has units that could be redone - or have room for new units that slot in over the top of what is there. I doubt it would be something niche like Harlequins - but either of the other Eldar Factions, Orks, Tyranids, Necrons and Tau could all produce interesting sculpts.

The thing is, they could do Deathwatch without it being limited if they chose to do a Phobos kill team approach. Warsuit, incursors/infiltrators and a *new* suppressor kit plus character vs Xenos. Could be used as regular Vanguard marines, although I think if we were to see a new box, it would probably include the next wave of Primaris...either Gravis or Outrider.

Or they could do Deathwatch if they just packed Intercessors, Reivers, etc.

Literally anything can be Deathwatch with shoulderpads...except Vanguard, because you ain't getting Vanguard, so move on.

 Kanluwen wrote:
Or they could do Deathwatch if they just packed Intercessors, Reivers, etc.

Literally anything can be Deathwatch with shoulderpads...except Vanguard, because you ain't getting Vanguard, so move on.

Deathwatch could easily have Vanguard. We won’t move on. It would be great to see in a new starter box or related releases. Move on with your anti-Vanguard Deathwatch sentiments.

Not marines.

 Apple Peel wrote:

 Kanluwen wrote:
Or they could do Deathwatch if they just packed Intercessors, Reivers, etc.

Literally anything can be Deathwatch with shoulderpads...except Vanguard, because you ain't getting Vanguard, so move on.

Deathwatch could easily have Vanguard. We won’t move on. It would be great to see in a new starter box or related releases. Move on with your anti-Vanguard Deathwatch sentiments.

Try writing a letter of concern to GW, maybe they'll listen because frankly I'm done with it.

You lot got nearly everything that Marines got, but with an additional rule tacked on for reasons and a unique transport and two unique HQs...but still you just want to be Marines +1 and think you should get every single Marine item.

 Kanluwen wrote:
Necrons vs AdMech, featuring a Skitarii Primus 2 set and Skitarii Alpha Primus.

Hold onto your butts people, 8.5's gonna be a wild ride.

I thought they already did AdMech vs Necrons, I think it would be cool if they did something like, Orks vs Tyranids.

 Kanluwen wrote:

 Apple Peel wrote:

 Kanluwen wrote:
Or they could do Deathwatch if they just packed Intercessors, Reivers, etc.

Literally anything can be Deathwatch with shoulderpads...except Vanguard, because you ain't getting Vanguard, so move on.

Deathwatch could easily have Vanguard. We won’t move on. It would be great to see in a new starter box or related releases. Move on with your anti-Vanguard Deathwatch sentiments.

Try writing a letter of concern to GW, maybe they'll listen because frankly I'm done with it.

You lot got nearly everything that Marines got, but with an additional rule tacked on for reasons and a unique transport and two unique HQs...but still you just want to be Marines +1 and think you should get every single Marine item.

Maybe don’t read and reply to stuff about Deathwatch getting Vanguard stuff, then. There. Your problem is solved. Butt out if you don’t like thing. Congratulations.
I don’t play Deathwatch, but I would jump on in a heartbeat if they got fun Vanguard Killteam rules for 40K and Killteam.

Deathwatch is Marines +1! That’s the whole point! Specialized gear that costs more that means less marines on the field. I didn’t seriously expect that needed to be pointed out to you.

 Conservative Heretic wrote:

 Kanluwen wrote:
Necrons vs AdMech, featuring a Skitarii Primus 2 set and Skitarii Alpha Primus.

Hold onto your butts people, 8.5's gonna be a wild ride.

I thought they already did AdMech vs Necrons, I think it would be cool if they did something like, Orks vs Tyranids.

Forgebane wasn't a 'starter set', but rather a 'battlebox'.

 Kanluwen wrote:
Literally nowhere except Bell of Lost Souls has referred to it as "9th edition" seriously. Any mention is just "new starter set" or 8.5.

Also, we have Tau auxiliaries. They're called Kroot and Vespid.

What I mean by "Real alien auxillaries" is getting back to the place where Kroot and Vespid could have a small dex like the Harlequins so that hardcore Tau fans could play through the formation of the Tau's alliance with these species as a campaign. Kroot once were sufficient, but they lost units like the Greater Gnarloc, Gnarloc Riders; no effort was made this edition to make them independently viable, and the the HQ Shaper model is weak. Kroot Hounds and Krootox are Finecast only. Yes, technically, we can still make detachments out of them at least.

Vespid are far worse off; the only unit they've ever had is stingwings- no HQ, so no independent detachment. The existing models, in my opinion are terrible, and I think they're also finecast.

I want playable plastic detachments for both species. I'd like a third member species of the alien auxiliary as well.

This is what would make me buy Tau. Until it happens, I'm not going to bother- there's too much else to buy. But if the Gnarloc riders and greater Gnarloc came back and the range was updated in plastic, I'd preorder a playable Kroot army in a heartbeat. And then I'd buy the First Contact team of Tau, and we'd campaign it out until the treaty was signed.

So from my point of view, what we currently have is a unit entry that uses the words "Alien Auxiliary" without actually being the alien auxiliary that loyal Tau players deserve. And I'd rather have that than a 9th edition. And it really is a choice between those two things- if we get a 9th, we get a year to a year and half of rereleasing marines that everyone already has. The same rerelease of marines that everyone has gleefully purchased for the last seven editions at the expense of people who want to see new material developed.

And thanks for reassuring me that by 9th, most people actually mean 8.5; it helps me to know that even if change comes, it need not be the end of my golden age.

Knarlocs were lost because Forge World.

See, when I think "auxiliaries" I'm not thinking "I can make a whole army out of these".

I'm thinking "These items can be taken in my army with no penalty", like how Bullgryn/Ogryn and Ratlings can be taken for Guard. If you want more stuff for Kroot or more alien gubbins? That's a different story. I've thought that the ability to take 'pure' Detachments of subfactions would be aces for all armies.

 Conservative Heretic wrote:

 Kanluwen wrote:
Necrons vs AdMech, featuring a Skitarii Primus 2 set and Skitarii Alpha Primus.

Hold onto your butts people, 8.5's gonna be a wild ride.

I thought they already did AdMech vs Necrons, I think it would be cool if they did something like, Orks vs Tyranids.

There was Forgebane, but it wasn't a starter set (officially) - like some of the others they've done recently it was to "clean out old kit" and drop a couple new models (Armiger Helverins & Necrotech).

Looking back, they haven't done one yet with Imperium vs. Craftworld. A Custodes vs. craftworld would be an interesting set, and they could drop another Eldar plastic aspect kit (updated Warp Spiders might not be bad for a starter set).

PenitentJake wrote:

 Kanluwen wrote:
Literally nowhere except Bell of Lost Souls has referred to it as "9th edition" seriously. Any mention is just "new starter set" or 8.5.

Also, we have Tau auxiliaries. They're called Kroot and Vespid.

What I mean by "Real alien auxillaries" is getting back to the place where Kroot and Vespid could have a small dex like the Harlequins so that hardcore Tau fans could play through the formation of the Tau's alliance with these species as a campaign. Kroot once were sufficient, but they lost units like the Greater Gnarloc, Gnarloc Riders; no effort was made this edition to make them independently viable, and the the HQ Shaper model is weak. Kroot Hounds and Krootox are Finecast only. Yes, technically, we can still make detachments out of them at least.

Vespid are far worse off; the only unit they've ever had is stingwings- no HQ, so no independent detachment. The existing models, in my opinion are terrible, and I think they're also finecast.

I want playable plastic detachments for both species. I'd like a third member species of the alien auxiliary as well.

This is what would make me buy Tau. Until it happens, I'm not going to bother- there's too much else to buy. But if the Gnarloc riders and greater Gnarloc came back and the range was updated in plastic, I'd preorder a playable Kroot army in a heartbeat. And then I'd buy the First Contact team of Tau, and we'd campaign it out until the treaty was signed.

So from my point of view, what we currently have is a unit entry that uses the words "Alien Auxiliary" without actually being the alien auxiliary that loyal Tau players deserve. And I'd rather have that than a 9th edition. And it really is a choice between those two things- if we get a 9th, we get a year to a year and half of rereleasing marines that everyone already has. The same rerelease of marines that everyone has gleefully purchased for the last seven editions at the expense of people who want to see new material developed.

Hear hear!

Tau have a wealth of auxiliaries in the background already, and those are just the canon ones that are already mentioned. You can easily make a auxiliary codex out of just what is there and just expand troop types for certain species.

The best box set would be one with two revamped model lines - Eldar are probably the faction most in need of plastic models, as so much of their range is Finecast. After Eldar, Orks and Imperial Guard probably have the most antiquated model lines, at least in regards to basic infantry.

So, Eldar vs Guard or Orks.

 Stormonu wrote:

There was Forgebane, but it wasn't a starter set (officially) - like some of the others they've done recently it was to "clean out old kit" and drop a couple new models (Armiger Helverins & Necrotech).

It's worth mentioning that this isn't necessarily true. They're smaller, theme based forces around the size of a Start Collecting set than what used to happen where it was a big chunk of stuff at a deep discount.

Forgebane, for example, utilized the Dominus(which spiked the cost of the AdMech side significantly in terms of points and cash), Skitarii(which the box had you build as Rangers), and the Armiger Warglaives(Helverins didn't come out with Forgebane, the close combat variant dropped first) as a kind of 'security detachment' for a Dominus investigating Blackstone. Necrons got Immortals, Wraiths, and the new Cryptek with the Scarab Cloak.

Looking back, they haven't done one yet with Imperium vs. Craftworld. A Custodes vs. craftworld would be an interesting set, and they could drop another Eldar plastic aspect kit (updated Warp Spiders might not be bad for a starter set).

They did a battlebox of Imperium v. Craftworld with 'Wake the Dead'.

If new Warp Spiders or other Aspects came in a starter set, there would be hell to pay.

Catachans & Deathworld Jungle vs. Cursed/Damned

 Grimtuff wrote:
You can easily make a auxiliary codex out of just what is there and just expand troop types for certain species.

An auxiliary codex sounds a bit weird though: why would vespid be working with kroots and others random species if there are no Tau around to explain why the union?

Does anyone actually imagine it would occur without one side being Primaris Space Marines? (likely a selection of new units/models). It seems the thread has leaned heavily into the "my dream starter box would be..." rather than logical guesses.

PS: The one exception I could make is if, for the first time ever, really, GW offered 2-4 options of a starter box. I actually think a reduced content box with a softback rulebook and 2-4 options...would actually be a really solid idea and a much better way to get more people into the game. So in that instance I'd expect a few without marines.

Martel732 wrote:
Not marines.

That's what I was kind of thinking... When eighth edition came out the models were brand new and not seen anywhere else, So if Necrons are the bad guys maybe guard with
long coats like we have been waiting on for decades. Maybe even a new type of imperial force never seen before would be cool also...
But the box set will be nothing we have seen before, so I don't think any unit that already exists will be in it.

I play marines and I"m so sick of them.

Martel732 wrote:
I play marines and I"m so sick of them.

Yes, Martel. For the 37th time, we know.

So no one else is sick of marines?

I would be very surprised if this wasn’t the place where the next primaris expansion appears (the blurry bikes/speeder, terminator equivalent?).

As for the op-for? Neurons seem like a good choice as they seem to be the final baddy for PA and as a starter force they can be an easy painting option too. Another reasonable choice would be Emperors Children so it would kinda mirror the current starter

I don't even expect a new box at all. I think they'll do 8.5 edition with the return of some universal special rules, refined terrain and simply put a new rulebook in Dark Imperium - basically what they did in 7th edition.

Yeah, have to agree with this. Since they said there will "not be a ninth edition", my guess is either new rulebook in Dark Imperium, or a reboxing of the Sdadowspear stuff along with said rulebook.