Warhammer Sunday Preview Roundup: Battleforces, MkIV Space Marines, and Commissar Ciaphas Cain

Games Workshop has unveiled another packed Sunday Preview, and there is a little something for almost every corner of the hobby. Warhammer 40,000 players are getting a new wave of Battleforce boxes alongside the long-awaited tabletop debut of Commissar Ciaphas Cain, while Horus Heresy fans can finally get their hands on brand new MkIV Space Marines in the Maximus Battle Group. Add in several Black Library releases, and this is shaping up to be one of the more exciting release windows of the year.

Commissar Ciaphas Cain Finally Joins Warhammer 40,000

Few characters in Warhammer fiction have earned a fan following quite like Ciaphas Cain. Depending on who you ask, he is either the Imperium's greatest hero or the luckiest coward in the galaxy. Either way, his arrival on the tabletop has been a long time coming.

The new miniature depicts Cain alongside his loyal aide Jurgen, whose trusty meltagun has saved the Commissar more times than he would probably admit. The pair can apparently be assembled either as individual miniatures or as a small scenic display, giving hobbyists a few options when adding them to their collection.

For fans of the novels, this release is significant. Cain has been one of Black Library's most beloved characters for decades, and seeing him make the jump from the page to the tabletop feels like a natural next step.

Four New Battleforce Boxes Arrive for Warhammer 40,000

Battleforce boxes have become one of the best ways to start or expand an army, and this latest wave covers four very different factions.

The Tyranid Battleforce is exactly what swarm players would want. A Hive Tyrant leads the force, supported by a mix of Warriors, Hormagaunts, Termagants, Von Ryan's Leapers, a Lictor, and Ripper Swarms. It offers a combination of monsters, infiltrators, and masses of infantry that could easily serve as the foundation of a growing Tyranid collection.

Chaos Space Marine players are also getting a strong option. The new Battleforce combines Legionaries, Chaos Cultists, Obliterators, and a Venomcrawler under the command of a Lord Discordant riding his Helstalker. The mix of infantry, daemon engines, and characters captures the faction's chaotic nature while providing a varied painting project.

Meanwhile, Necron collectors can expand their dynasties with a box led by a Catacomb Command Barge. The force includes Necron Warriors, Flayed Ones, Ophydian Destroyers, a Canoptek Doomstalker, and Scarab Swarms. It feels like a balanced collection that includes both classic units and some of the faction's more aggressive options.

Finally, Astra Militarum players are receiving a Battleforce themed around a frontline platoon. The force combines infantry, artillery, and armour, featuring a Commissar, Cadian Command Squad, Cadian Shock Troops, a Basilisk, Field Ordnance Battery, and the formidable Rogal Dorn tank. For Guard players who love the image of disciplined soldiers supported by heavy guns, this box looks particularly appealing.

New Astra Militarum Vehicles Expand the Motor Pool

The Astra Militarum is also receiving two brand new vehicles.

The first is the Centaur Rapid Strike Vehicle, a lightweight transport designed to ferry Guardsmen across the battlefield. It appears to focus on mobility and flexibility, giving infantry forces another option for getting troops where they need to be.

Alongside it comes the Hippogriff Armoured Fighting Vehicle, a more heavily armed platform that can be equipped with a range of weapon options, including gatling, melta, and lascannon variants. Its emphasis on speed and firepower suggests it could become an interesting addition for players looking to field a fast-moving armoured force.

Horus Heresy Gets New MkIV Space Marines

Arguably the most exciting announcement for Horus Heresy fans is the Maximus Battle Group.

MkIV Maximus armour has long been one of the most iconic Space Marine armour marks in the setting, and Games Workshop is finally introducing brand new plastic kits. The Battle Group includes twenty Tactical Marines in MkIV armour, ten Assault Marines, a Sicaran Battle Tank, and a Contemptor Dreadnought.

For veteran hobbyists, this release is loaded with nostalgia. MkIV armour was everywhere during the Great Crusade and the Horus Heresy, making it one of the defining visual styles of the era. For newcomers, it offers an easy way to start a Legion army with a cohesive and classic aesthetic.

The box is also expected to be a limited release, following the same pattern as previous Horus Heresy Battle Groups.

Whirlwind Missile Tank Returns to the Horus Heresy

Heavy support is arriving in the form of the Whirlwind Missile Tank.

Armed with either high explosive or Pyrax missiles, the Whirlwind is designed to strike enemy infantry from long range while remaining safely behind the front lines. Artillery has always played an important role in the Horus Heresy, and the Whirlwind gives Legiones Astartes armies another option for clearing objectives and softening enemy formations before an assault.

Black Library Celebrates Ciaphas Cain

The literary side of Warhammer is also having a strong week.

A new illustrated and annotated edition of For the Emperor is arriving, giving fans another chance to experience the first Ciaphas Cain novel with additional commentary and new artwork. Considering how influential the Cain series has become, this edition feels like a celebration of one of Black Library's most enduring success stories.

Elsewhere, The Sabbat Worlds Crusade is returning in hardback, while Rynn's World is receiving a premium special edition. Several novels are also making their paperback debut, giving readers even more ways to explore the Warhammer universe.

Final Thoughts

This week's Sunday Preview feels unusually balanced. Warhammer 40,000 players have new Battleforces and characters to look forward to, Horus Heresy fans are finally getting updated MkIV Space Marines, and Black Library readers have several exciting releases on the horizon.

The standout announcement will probably depend on your corner of the hobby. Some players have waited years for Ciaphas Cain to become a miniature. Others are already planning new Horus Heresy armies around the Maximus Battle Group. And for collectors, Battleforce season is always an exciting time.

Whatever your preference, the next few weeks are shaping up to be busy ones for Warhammer fans.