Hello all, Rawdogger here to talk about the new cross codex formation GW is introducing and what it means for the hobby.
A couple days ago the news broke that the upcoming Codex Adeptus Mechanicus will include a never before seen cross codex formation which includes detachments from Codex Skitarii, Codex Adeptus Mechanicus, and Codex Imperial Knights. The detachments included in the formation are
- Cult Mechanicus Battle Congregation Detachment (Unknown)
- Skitarii Battle Maniple (1 unit Vanguard, 1 unit Rangers, 1 unit Ruststalkers, 1 unit Infiltrators, 1 unit Sydonian Dragoons, 1unit Iron Strider Ballistarii, 1 unit of Onager Dunecrawlers.
- Imperial Knight Oathsworn (1-3 Knights)
So depending on whom you believe or who has a leaked codex the formation looks to run you between 1500-2000 points. Without the Adeptus Mechanicus codex being released we really don’t have a way of knowing. As per the new normal, taking these detachments in this formation unlocks some amazing abilities.
- All units have the Canticles of the Omnissiah special rule (Unknown)
- If a Tech Priest Dominus is your Warlord you can re-roll on the Warlord Trait Table (the usual benefit but cool nonetheless)
- All weapon and wargear items taken in this formation, including Relics from both the Codex Skitarii and Codex Adeptus Mechanicus are free. All weapons also ignore the gets hot special rule. (OH MY FACE)
Ok, so the last benefit here obviously has caused a lot of heads to turn and for some good reasons. Players who take this formation will be essentially playing with more points than their opponent since all the upgrades will be free of charge. This will be the first time that we see a formation in which the units get ‘free’ items just for being taken together. Now, there are some serious drawbacks from taking this formation in the form of the Skitarii Battle Maniple. You can only take a single unit of all the units listed in the detachment, so we won’t be seeing mass Vanguard spam with Plasma in this formation. You also are taxed with taking units like the Rangers and Infiltrators, which are not as great as taking the Vanguard or Vanguard (yes that’s right). We also have no idea what the units included in the Cult Mechanicus Battle Congregation will be. They could be Terminators for all we know! Wouldn’t that be funny? Here you go guys, a 40 point 1W T4 model. BUT THEY LOOK SO COOL!
So what does this mean for future releases?
Look, Games Workshop has seen the financial success from the creation of formations within codices. I mean, they ran out of Eldar Vypers the same week Codex Eldar was released. ELDAR VYPERS? They probably didn’t sell a single one of those kits in the years leading up to the new release. It was only a matter of time before the boys in the accounting department caught on to the idea that if they expand the formations to include units from OTHER codices, the players would then likely purchase other codices as well as models from those factions. I’ve said it, your mom has said it, hell even GW themselves have said it. They are a company in the business of SELLING MODELS. This really shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. The fact that these formations have major purchase incentives in the form of powerful special rules is just icing on the cake. I would be majorly impressed in their business model if I didn’t feel so dirty every time a make a purchase to follow their tune.
Ultimately, no matter how much wailing and gnashing of teeth occurs over this formation it will increase the sales of the models and GW will do the same for future releases. With the Space Marine codex rumored to be coming out soon (right before their fiscal end of year, eh?) we can expect to see formations which include Astra Militarum and Ultramarines that ignore cover or something.
So what do you think? Are you ok with GW financial dictating the way the game is played? Do you love all of these new options? Am I just an old cynical bastard?