Horus Heresy 3.0: My Personal Concerns and Some Hope

The recent leaks for the Horus Heresy 3.0 Loyalist Liber has left me torn between excitement and hesitation.

As someone who’s been deeply invested in this game, I have some serious reservations about the changes being implemented, but there’s still a flicker of hope that the final product may alleviate some of these concerns.

Loss of Customization: A Blow to the Hobby

For me, one of the most disappointing changes in 3.0 is the reduction in customization options. The beauty of Heresy was always the ability to craft a force that felt uniquely yours. Whether it was tweaking weapons or assembling squads in creative ways, the game supported a wide range of choices. Now, with the “no model, no rules” policy, this freedom seems to be stripped away. My friend’s Dark Angels, for example, are losing their iconic Hexagrammaton wings, and while there are new detachment rules to represent the wings, they lack the flavor they once had. I am concerned the deep connection I have with my army, where I could bring its character to life through unique loadouts, is being pushed aside in favor of more standardized builds.

Nerfs and Unnecessary Streamlining: A Sense of Loss

Another issue I can’t ignore is the heavy-handed approach to nerfs and streamlining. Some of the changes, like the removal of certain units or the reduction of weapon options, feel like they undermine what made the game exciting in the first place. For example, the Destroyer squads, a fan favorite, are now either harder to use or simply gone. This feels like a major loss for many of us who built entire forces around these options. Sure these units may return in a future release, but with such a short 3-year cycle it is still annoying at best. The introduction of more bland army-building rules also doesn’t sit well with me. I’m worried it’s a way to funnel players into a specific set of “standard” builds, stifling the individuality that Heresy thrived on.

Hero-Focused Gameplay: A Double-Edged Sword

The shift toward a more hero-focused game also raises concerns. While I understand that players love their Primarchs and named characters, the focus on these figures might alienate those of us who enjoyed the massed battles between regular Astartes. For me, Heresy was about my dudes—the personalized, underdog soldiers who didn’t need to be a big-name hero to be memorable. It’s hard to get excited about a system that feels more like herohammer, especially when it seems to reduce the focus on regular troops. I can see how this could appeal to some, but for me, it might dilute the experience I’ve loved for so long.

A Glimmer of Hope: Supplements and Future Updates

Despite these concerns, I’m still holding onto a bit of hope. The leaks and rumors hint that many of the missing units and customization options will eventually be released in supplementary PDFs or books. While I’m not thrilled about the “paywall” approach, it’s comforting to know that Heresy might not be as restricted as it initially appears. If these options are reintroduced down the line, it could alleviate some of my frustration and make the game feel more like it used to.

Final Thoughts: Holding Out for More Information

Ultimately, I’m approaching 3.0 with caution. While the direction Heresy is taking feels like a departure from what I loved, I’m not ready to abandon it just yet. I’ll keep an eye on the final release and hope that the game will evolve in a way that strikes a balance between streamlining and customization. For now, I’ll continue enjoying Heresy 2.0 and wait for more details to emerge. It’s a difficult time for longtime fans like myself, but I’m hopeful that this edition will surprise me in the end.

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