Differences between current sm codex and previous edition?

Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you:

No adverts like this in the forums anymore.
Times and dates in your local timezone.
Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance.
Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely.
Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net.

If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

**JustaerinAtTheWall**

Hey, as I attempt to increase my sm army, i'm utilizing the previous sm codex as a reference. Is there a need to update to the current codex, or is it just a gw cash-grab? If it's worth the upgrade, does anyone know a place I can get it for less? $58 is a lot for just one book.

**AnomanderRake**

You do need the update, GW Codexes are slightly less transparent-money-grabs than math textbooks that just re-number all the problems, important things do change. I can see if I've got a 6e book lying around if you want to know what's actually changed, but off the top of my head all the Chapter Tactics got revised and the formations got added.

The non-hyperlinked ebook is $24 on the iBooks store, it doesn't look like a hard copy will be much cheaper than $45-50 or so on Ebay.

**JustaerinAtTheWall**

I own a 7e codex, but it's the first 7e one. I'll provide a pic for clarification. Also, the $24 copy would be great, if it's available. It's an ebook I assume?

**Stormonu**

If I remember correctly, between the 6E and 7E books, Grav was changed and formations were added. I never did buy into the 7E codex, so I'm not sure if there were any point change costs to units. I don't think any new units were added, though.

**Waaaghpower**

Centurions got cheaper, but Grav weapons on centurions got slightly more expensive, to make the other options less overcosted in comparison.

**Nevelon**

I remember doing a quick review when it came out.

<rummages around his blog>

Ah, here are some of the high points, as a first impression, filtered though my perspective.

I’ve read through the new codex once, and am going back and flipping between it an the old one looking for subtle changes. Most notably the ones that impact me.

The three formations I’ll most likely use (demi-co, 1st and 10th) seem reasonably balanced. I’d start tossing lists around, but I’m lazy and am waiting for Battlescribe to update.
Love the new dread rules. Squadrons are nice, 4 attacks each is huge, and helps them play up to their fluff as walking wrecking machines. Lower points on some upgrades helps as well.
Point drops on all flavors of vets, in one form or another. I field them all, so I’ll take it.
MotF gone, but techmarines buffed to just shy of where they were. So more like the entries were merged. This means the axe/BP, servo arm tech I’ve had on the shelf since 3rd is going to see some table time. His points stayed the same, but he gained a wound and an attack. Score.
Calgar got a mixed lot. He just gets to pick his trait now, rather then the draw three thing he did. Simpler. Fists strike at I now, which is very nice. He lost some of his special rules though, like the choose to pass/fail tests, and ability to re-roll when crumping tanks. And the change to the tactics system makes his re-use a doctrine a lot less appealing when using the new formations. The demi-comapny can already use the tactical doctrine 3 time a game. 4 seems a bit overkill. In a CAD, he still brings a lot to the table, but as part of the strikeforce, he’s just a beatstick.
Talion and Chronos as HQs could open up a lot of fun theme lists.
The stalker AA tank got some very nice buffs. As did the TFC. Picking up a new AA tank might work it’s way up my buy list.
More LS point drops. The AsC is starting to look attractive. Might have to model one.
Scouts back up to WS/BS4 is pretty nice

While there were a lot of pretty pictures, it felt very light on fluff. The page count went up, so I’m not sure what’s up. Seemed to be more focused on current events then history.

I’m sure there is more, I’m still sifting through. Overall the book got a slight bump in power, but I think remains solidly in the middle of the pack. Sure, there are gimmicky things you can do, but for the average FLGS, I think it should play just fine.

Other things of note are most vehicles ability to squadron, and of course all the formations.

It’s worth having the latest codex. While there is not a huge difference between the 6th and 7th, those that exist are kinda significant. How often do you get games in? If you don’t play that often, and have a more relaxed FLGS a/o someone you can share a book with, I might wait. But if you play regularly, having the latest rules is nice.

**JustaerinAtTheWall**

Well, my current situation is two friends who play, and a nearby gw that has frequent visitors to play. Friends are pretty chill about it, but idk about some gw players.