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So I was looking at the models for 40k on FW and maybe this is obvious, but as a new player I was very confused. Most of these models aren't in their respective codex's. My understanding was that it is not legal to use models that are not in your armies codex so...beyond looking cool, why buy them? Or is there a way to use them that I am unaware of?

Thanks!

Buy the Imperial Armour supplements.

They have rules for the units, and often say that these units are to be included in the codex itself.

Some people are rather anal about not including FW units, so you generally need to get permission.

But then there's some people who whine about units produced in White Dwarf, too, even though that's where rules for units were originally placed before they were put into a codex.... Forgeworld is a part of Games Workshop just like White Dwarf, what is released in Forgeworld is an official Games Workshop release, merely done through Forgeworld in order to expand upon the game.

But if they are official GW releases, than why not just release them through GW to avoid the confusion? :S

I think it probably has something to do with GW's internal bureaucracy. But basically, FW uses a different set of sculptors and model designers, and they produce models in resin rather than plastic or metal. These models are occasionally "test runs" for future GW products, as well. The baneblade is probably the best example.

mazik765 wrote:But if they are official GW releases, than why not just release them through GW to avoid the confusion? :S

Because many (not all, just a bunch) of the FW units and rules are not balanced in "standard" 40k.

I would say that any FW model that isn't a superheavy, giant monstrous creature, or a flier, is more likely than not a balanced creation.

Superheavies, fliers, and the biggest monstrous creatures are meant for apocalypse play.

Huh...thanks for the quick responses guys!

Just seems a little needlessly confusing to a noob like me! But thanks for the clarification!

Melissia wrote:I would say that any FW model that isn't a superheavy, giant monstrous creature, or a flier, is more likely than not a balanced creation.

Superheavies, fliers, and the biggest monstrous creatures are meant for apocalypse play.

I agree that the majority aren't overpowered, but the opposite. However, many players don't understand that and see a FW model and freak out thinking it's going to destroy their entire army on turn 1.

Hey maz, I'm new to the game as well, but it's basically as Melissa said. A LOT of Forge world is dedicated to apoc style games where points are 5,000+

Couldn't imagine putting down a Necron pylon and seeing my opponents face on a 1500 point game ... actually I'd get a good laugh out of that... Only thing i'd worry about is phasing out too quickly! hah

Shrike325 wrote:

Melissia wrote:I would say that any FW model that isn't a superheavy, giant monstrous creature, or a flier, is more likely than not a balanced creation.

Superheavies, fliers, and the biggest monstrous creatures are meant for apocalypse play.

I agree that the majority aren't overpowered, but the opposite. However, many players don't understand that and see a FW model and freak out thinking it's going to destroy their entire army on turn 1.

then again, most people also claim "OMG IG IS OP!", "OMG VULKAN IS CHEATING!", "OMGWTF SPACE PUPPIES!" etc.

Taking tactical or game balance advice from a "normal" player, who complains that everything is overpowered except their army, isn't something I'd advise

True enough.

Also, you can sure as hell bet I'm buying the tomb stalker when it goes on sale on forge worlds website

Basically, you need to get permission from your opponent. 90%+ of players shouldn't have a problem with it, as long as:

1) They can read the rules and figure out what it is (most people are familiar with codexes but not FW stuff)
2) It's not something with non-standard rules, as Melissia already noted
3) The model isn't totally OP. This is obviously a judgment call, but most players will let most things pass

If you do really want to play with a superheavy or something like that, you need to let your opponent change his list around, as even "take all comers" lists aren't designed to handle a superheavy.

heres my tuppence worth on this. basically if you can afford it go for it, who doesnt want to fight a baneblade, stompa, phantom titan or squig tanks even. I personally dont mind if folk bring along fw stuff, al even seek them out in order to test my armies out against them. after all the bigger they are and all that. and in all of my games ive never found anything to be worth its points or value(£).

kryczek wrote:heres my tuppence worth on this. basically if you can afford it go for it, who doesnt want to fight a baneblade, stompa, phantom titan or squig tanks even. I personally dont mind if folk bring along fw stuff, al even seek them out in order to test my armies out against them. after all the bigger they are and all that. and in all of my games ive never found anything to be worth its points or value(£).

Could also make custom missions , like destroy the Necron Pylon, etc. Seems like it'd be a nice change from the usual.

off topic: Had no idea Scotland had an Airdrie, I live in Calgary AB Canada and the next city over is an Airdrie

Melissia wrote:These models are occasionally "test runs" for future GW products, as well. The baneblade is probably the best example.

I wouldn't say they are test runs, especially the Baneblade. Forgeworld had that thing for sale long before GW planned on making their own. They're just supplemental units and models. Sometimes GW will release their own version, and sometimes when that happens Forgeworld take theirs down (like the Trygon). That's the only model I'd consider a test run though, since they not only took it down when GW released their, but GW's looks nearly identical.

edit - looking at their site, the old Baneblades (both patterns) seem to be gone now too. Guess GW really wants people buying their plastic kits.

-Loki- wrote:

Melissia wrote:These models are occasionally "test runs" for future GW products, as well. The baneblade is probably the best example.

I wouldn't say they are test runs, especially the Baneblade. Forgeworld had that thing for sale long before GW planned on making their own. They're just supplemental units and models. Sometimes GW will release their own version, and sometimes when that happens Forgeworld take theirs down (like the Trygon). That's the only model I'd consider a test run though, since they not only took it down when GW released their, but GW's looks nearly identical.

edit - looking at their site, the old Baneblades (both patterns) seem to be gone now too. Guess GW really wants people buying their plastic kits.

If not the Baneblade, which seems like an okay example, how about the Nightspinner?