From the Warhammer-Community page, GW talks to us about the future of FAQ releases. And, as I know folks will ask, the Beta rules are in effect for LVO.
An update for all you matched play gamers out there…
Warhammer 40,000 is great.
We believe that the current edition is the best one ever. And that is, in large part, thanks to all of you. From the outset, playtesters, players and Warhammer 40,000 community members alike have been giving us feedback and offering up suggestions. This has allowed us to provide regular updates to the game in order to keep things balanced, exciting and, most importantly, fun!
However, we know that for some of you, these updates have been coming thick and fast (when you’re balancing a game the size of Warhammer 40,000, turns out there are a lot of things to consider), especially with the sheer number of codexes we’ve put out in the last 6 months! (10, if you’re counting…)
So, we’ve been thinking long and hard about how to keep providing updates, but in a more structured and clear way, so that all players know what to expect and when.
Our new approach is broken into three parts: 1) regular, corrective updates through codex errata, 2) twice-a-year ‘big’ FAQs to deal with larger issues and address balance in the game and, of course, 3) Chapter Approved.
1: Codex Errata
A couple of weeks after the release of every codex and Chapter Approved book, we’ll review all the questions and comments we’ve received to see if there’s a need for an errata. If that’s the case, we’ll get one out quick smartish! These will address any ambiguities or issues that might have cropped up, such as how new rules and Stratagems might interact in certain edge cases, or when there is a genuine error in one of the rules that stop it from functioning as intended.
Speaking of which, we’ve just uploaded this errata for Chapter Approved 2017.
2: Big, Twice-a-year FAQs
Major game-wide questions will be answered on a biannual basis each March and September when a wider set of FAQ updates will be released. These will be focused on anything that might emerge as more codexes, and thus more unusual interactions, make their way into the game and will address issues across multiple factions and publications. We’ll also use these to address balance issues in the game, so these might include a few changes to rules for overly powerful, or underrepresented units.
3: Chapter Approved
As new codexes arrive, and certain styles of army come in and out of fashion, the relative effectiveness of certain units in matched play will change. So we’ll be using Chapter Approved as a chance to reassess the points values of all units across the game (just like we did with the first Chapter Approved).
Of course, Chapter Approved is far more than just these updates and will continue to include loads of new rules for every type of gamer and all three ways to play.
So that’s the process for official rules updates, errata and FAQs.
Occasionally, though, we’ll want to test a small number of new rules before we enshrine them in an official book or update, and we might use some of the world’s biggest tournaments and events as testing grounds for these potential changes. But don’t worry – if we do trial some rules at an event, we’ll also make sure they’re available for everyone, so even if you’re not attending the event in question, you can still try them out and send us your thoughts.
To make this is super-easy, we’ve created an email inbox just for Warhammer 40,000 rules related feedback.
Catchy.
All feedback will be read and factored into the twice-yearly FAQ updates.
Now then, with that in mind, here are the first “beta” rules we’re looking to test at the Las Vegas Open and AdeptiCon (two of the largest Warhammer 40,000 events in the world) in 2018, so do let us know what you think.
1: Targeting Characters
This rule means that characters can no longer be used to block characters, meaning Culexus Assassins are more likely to be used as the horrifying psyker-hunters they were always meant to be and not as elaborate human (or posthuman) shields.
2: Psychic Powers
Meanwhile, this proposed change to Smite means that the power is still a great way to dish out mortal wounds, but one that you’ll only be able to cast (easily) a few times in a turn. Using multiple psykers is still a great way to go, but rather than relying on a single trick, you’ll benefit from using a wider pool of psychic powers to secure victory in your games.
Depending on player feedback, these rules may very well make their way into the first big FAQ update in March, and later, in Chapter Approved itself.
If you would like to get in touch with your thoughts on these new rules after trying them out or pose other questions you’d like us to consider for the next FAQ document, drop us an email: 40KFAQ@gwplc.com
All that’s left is for us to say thanks once again to all of you, for all of your help in making this edition of Warhammer 40,000 the best ever.
– Warhammer Community Team
P.S. Here’s a list of common questions we thought you might have about the FAQ/Errata process and some snazzy answers.
Are these updates essential for my game?
From the errata to the major FAQs to Chapter Approved itself, these updates are part of our ongoing efforts to make sure that Warhammer 40,000 is the best it can possibly be.
We think these updates improve the game, and we reckon you’ll really enjoy using them. We’re considering errata, FAQs and Chapter Approved official, while beta rules are an opportunity for you try out experimental content and give feedback. It is, of course, up to you whether you use any rules in any of our publications – it’s your game after all!
Does this cover Forge World models and rules as well?
No. This schedule of updates covers updates for all Warhammer 40,000 Citadel miniatures. We’re sure that, in time, Forge World will have its own process for rules updates in place, and we’ll keep you posted.
What about Warhammer Age of Sigmar
It’d make sense if we rolled out a similar process… Check back soon!
I’m not a tournament player – do I need to use the beta rules in my game?
These beta rules are designed primarily with tournaments in mind, though they can be tried in any matched play game, and if you think they’d improve your open and narrative games, then feel free! Right now, these rules are an optional tool.
If I’m going to an event, which of these rules should I use?
You should always check with the event first – how they run it is up to them. Many tournaments and campaigns use their own house rules, missions or narrative additions to the game. Both Games Workshop events and those run by our partners at supported independent tournaments will be using all recent FAQs, errata and Chapter Approved, and at the discretion of the organisers, beta rules.
If I’ve got the rules in beta for free, should I still get Chapter Approved?
Definitely! Firstly, Chapter Approved is absolutely packed with content – as well as your rules updates, you’ll find new missions, new ways to game for every kind of player and fun stuff like the vehicle design rules, Apocalypse and whatever surprises the future may bring. Following your feedback throughout the year, the “beta” rules may well change before their inclusion in Chapter Approved – getting your copy is the best way to ensure you get your hands on the final versions.
Will Chapter Approved just contain the rules from the two annual updates, or will it have more content?
Chapter Approved is designed to be the ultimate annual resource for every Warhammer 40,000 player. Part of that means providing a handy reference guide for the latest rules updates for fans of matched play, but that’s a mere fraction of what you’ll find in your copy. There’s new missions, rules for playing epic narrative campaigns and much much more in each edition – in fact, you’d be able to get many hours of play out of the book even if you completely ignored any matched play content.
I’ve got a great rules idea I want to share with you – how do I do that?
We’d love to hear it! The best way to submit your feedback is by sending us an email at 40KFAQ@gwplc.com
Balancing the game sounds great, but isn’t keeping up a bit complicated!
We agree – that’s why we’re introducing the new approach. You’ll know exactly when you can expect to see major changes, while beta rules give you some visibility of – and the opportunity to provide feedback on – the latest thinking from the rules writers.
Not everyone is a matched play diehard, and if this isn’t relevant to how you play, then worry not. You shouldn’t feel obliged to use any of these updates if you don’t want to. We’d always recommend picking up Chapter Approved each year, as in addition to a roundup of any rules updates you might have missed, you’ll find plenty more content for how you play.
I’m looking for some change in a specific area – after I’ve submitted feedback, when might I expect to see that?
We can’t promise every single question will be answered, but we can promise every piece of feedback will be taken on board when we write FAQs, errata and future publications.
Our rules team are constantly working on ensuring Warhammer 40,000 is the best it can possibly be. This can take some time, but you can be reassured that we read through all the feedback we receive and that it all goes towards making Warhammer 40,000 even more awesome.
Do make sure to send your suggestions to us! You never know – if there’s a burning issue you think is essential to your army, you might be the first to think of it.
As always, the best place to keep up to date with what’s coming soon for Warhammer 40,000 is on the Warhammer Community website and the Warhammer 40,000 Facebook page.
And remember, Frontline Gaming sells gaming products at a discount, every day in their webcart!
