Pirates galore, a revamp of Henry Cavill's favorite army, new undead storming through the Age of Sigmar, Warhammer 40K teases, and more have taken center stage in the New Year Warhammer Preview 2026.
Now that we're halfway through January, Games Workshop is finally lifting the curtain on what we can expect this year from its various game systems - and hobbyists will need to clear a lot of space on their desks, by the looks of things. Warhammer 40K, Age of Sigmar, and Horus Heresy have all received enormous updates in the New Year Warhammer Preview 2026, with everything from revamped factions to beloved heroes making their grand return.
New Year Warhammer Preview - Warhammer 40,000
The biggest reveals so far can be found in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, with a big faction revamp, a significant update to the ongoing campaign storyline that began with 500 Worlds, and the return of major characters.
We're also staring down the barrel of an Iron Warriors rework in the not-so-distant future...
Pillage 'n' plunder with Red Corsairs and Aeldari pirates
Following on from 500 Worlds and the Titus expansion (which made one of our favorite Warhammer 40K armies much better), the next instalment of the campaign will be the ominously-titled 'Maelstrom: Lair of the Tyrant.' This takes place in and around the titular Maelstrom, a vast warp storm in Imperial space, and features two piratical factions crossing swords. The first are the Chaos Space Marine Red Corsairs, led by cyborg psycopath Huron Blackheart (who has been in dire need of a new miniature for years) and his entourage of champions. They'll be battling Aeldari Corsairs – coming in a new box set called "Eldritch Raiders" – fronted by the returning Prince Yriel.
Both characters have been highly anticipated by the community, but the Aeldari Corsairs in particular were generating a lot of buzz ahead of time. While it's not a full faction in its own right, it features plenty of reworked units that were begging for a spruce-up. That includes a two-for-one vehicle, making a new version of the venerable Vyper or the 'Starfang.' The latter has been described by the Warhammer livestream as a "Space Marine-killer" that can also give your infantry stealth as a cheeky bonus.
New Year Warhammer Preview 2026 - Age of Sigmar
The cool reveals aren't limited to 40K in the Warhammer New Year Preview; the Mortal Realms are also enjoying an influx of goodies. There's a rebooted faction to contend with in 2026, not to mention new Battletomes and champions.
Ossiarch Bonereapers, reborn
Much like the Aeldari, fans were pretty sure that Nagash's undead had been teased in the preview for this livestream – and they were right. The Ossiarch Bonereapers have been due an upgrade for some time, and now they finally have one befitting these elite skeletons.
As has been the case for other major revamps (be it the Helsmiths of Hashut or Nurgle, which have been encouraging me to fix my Warhammer bad habit), players can expect a host of units to go with a new Battletome and heroes.
I've always been hesitant when it comes to the Ossiarch Bonereapers because it feels like they're retreading ground already covered by the Soulblight Gravelords, but this refresh appears to position the new units as a ranged, roguish force that's all about keeping your enemies at distance while stabbing rival champions in the back.
New heroes & Battletomes for Tzeentch & Lumineth
Two other factions in need of new Battletomes are getting their moment in the sun, and a couple of hero models have been added to the mix as well. First up are the Lumineth Realmlords (AKA High Elves in old-hammer speak). They've received a new Vanari Lord Regent to help them out on the front lines. This can be built one of two ways and feels like a dynamic addition to the range with either the classic sword and shield or rippling banners on their back and a pose '80s action heroes would be proud of.
The sorcerous Disciples of Tzeentch have also been given a boon this year via a new faction terrain set, the Argent Shards, and the intriguing Fatemaster. This faction terrain screams 'Chaos' and I reckon it would make for great scenery even if you aren't a Ruinous Powers player.
New Year Warhammer Preview - Horus Heresy
As expected thanks to this month's teaser, the Emperor's personal bodyguards are enjoying a refresh in 2026. However, what we didn't expect was for them to be featured in the Horus Heresy game system rather than 40K.
These golden-hued warriors (who can go toe-to-toe with Space Marines and win, by the way) are now available in plastic with very shiny new sculpts. These guys are famously Henry Cavill's favorite army, and I suspect he'll already be planning a new force of them based on these reveals.
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