I think we all know that the day is coming (and we are closer to that day than further from it) when GW will drop the axe on the old Space Marine units and press forward with a primaris-only line. It’s been almost six years since the first primaris marines appeared, and they are slowly taking over the codex. With the release of 10th edition we should also expect to start seeing more terminator primaris and jump pack primaris marines. Given how packed the Space Marine codex is already, and the frequent rumors of the re-issuing of indexes for 10th, is this the moment of transition?
I think everyone should breath a bit, as I don’t think now is the moment the big transition, although I think it will happen in 11th or 12th. The primaris line is a little sparse still. As it stands, there are 36-ish primaris, or recently released space marine kits (including dual-builds) it’s still thin for a headline faction. They would be missing out on a few key unit types, such as a flyer, artillery unit/tank, and (crucially) a drop pod unit. All this assumes we are getting primaris terminators and jump units in 10th too. But aside from these roles the roster is starting to fill out. I would expect first-born marines to be largely unused in the competitive world shortly as GW introduces new, shiny units.
So how should GW ease this transition? Since the writing has been on the wall for a while, I imagine many players will be expecting this transition which will make it easier. They can also nod to the legends index, reminding people these units are all playable in non-competitive settings. I think there is another option that might work as a way to harvest some extra cash while also giving players with older collections a way to use their minis: The Great Scouring Option
The Great Scouring Option
The Great Scouring was the Imperium’s counter-attack after the Siege of Terra ended. It was at this time when the second-founding happened, and many of the armor patterns and vehicles we know and love in 40k came into being. With the narrative for the Horus Heresy ending there is a space to start exploring this part of the lore. I think GW can build off of the success of the 30k game by adding in rules for playing battles during the Great Scouring. Many of the units in the 40k line can be drafted in making it easier for new players. This could also soften the blow of losing rules for first-born marines if they can still be used in a different game type.
Now this won’t be as lucrative as GW would be eating their own tail here. They would still be producing a ton of kits that they would need to maintain, and most players would already have an army. I am not sure how monetization this option is which is what may doom it. It would be a nice gesture to players with large, old, Space Marine collections and could extend the life of units across all factions.
We still don’t know if GW will wait for all First-Born marine players to die of old age or to cut off the units sharply at some juncture. My money is on the latter, and I think we are getting pretty close to that point. In the same way, the 30k narrative is wrapping up and the question of what comes next looms large. GW can kill two birds with one stone by taking away with one hand and giving with another. By creating a place for first-born marines you mollify some dissent and squeeze a bit more revenue from existing stock. At the same time, I doubt this will be a strong stream of revenue and might not justify the costs.
What are your thoughts? Do you like this idea? Do you think something else would work better? Let me know in the comments.
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