The new year is creeping closer, and Warhammer is leaning into the gross vibes. So, this Sunday Preview is basically a love letter to Grandfather Nurgle.
Additionally, it sets up a big Maggotkin refresh for Age of Sigmar. Meanwhile, it also sprinkles in 40k Made to Order, White Dwarf, and Black Library news. Finally, it tees up what Warhammer Community will cover next week.
The Big Picture: Nurgle Season Is Coming
The article opens with a classic seasonal gag about spring flowers. However, it swerves into the “cycle of inevitability” and Nurgle’s embrace. So, the pitch is clear: new reinforcements are on the way. Additionally, it frames you as doing your part by spreading contagion in the Mortal Realms. Meanwhile, it confirms extra goodies too, like Made to Order, White Dwarf, and paperback Black Library releases.
Battletome Maggotkin of Nurgle and the New Rotten Wave
The preview leads with Battletome: Maggotkin of Nurgle. Also, it sells the faction as cheerful monsters who think disease is a gift. So, if you like attrition and grinding people down, this is your lane. Additionally, the text jokes about having a “green thumb,” but not the gangrenous kind.
The battletome is described as a 106 page guide. Moreover, it covers the bloated legions, diseased domains, and the ongoing fight in the Realm of Life. Also, the lore is backed by art plus miniatures galleries. So, it sounds like a full faction showcase, not just rules.
On the rules side, it promises updated battle traits and enhancements. Additionally, you get updated warscrolls and Path to Glory rules. Meanwhile, it includes two Regiments of Renown and two Armies of Renown. Also, there is a new Spearhead, which matters for fast format play.
There is also a smaller gamer’s edition. Moreover, that version includes 56 reference cards in the box. However, it is only available while stocks last, which feels very “get it early.”
Festus the Leechlord is the named hero spotlight. Also, he is pitched as leading the slow, steady push forward. Previously a plague doctor, he is now an alchemist of supernatural diseases. Moreover, he has ascended to daemonhood and rides a beast called Gathoblyt. Additionally, his deal is poisoning enemies and summoning parasitic leeches. So, he drains life from foes and fattens himself up. The kit is plastic and packed with diseased detail. Also, it includes two head options for Festus.
Sloven Knights come next, and they are described as a twisted mirror of noble cavalry. Meanwhile, they ride miserable, plague ridden steeds that trail despair. So, enemies get hit with a torpor effect before impact. Additionally, the knights smash targets with brutal blunted weapons, which fits Nurgle perfectly. The kit builds three knights, plus multiple head options.
Putrid Blightkings get a chunky description too. Also, they are framed as the most devoted mortals, swollen into unstoppable brutes. Moreover, their rotten mass becomes defense against all but vicious hits. Additionally, their stench and proclamations warp reality around them. So, enemy spells and prayers can fail as they try to cast. The kit builds five Blightkings. Also, it includes an alternate champion head and a standard bearer option.
Rotswords are presented as feverish wrecks who sprint into combat. Meanwhile, they are soaked with sweat and stink hard enough to shake even tough warriors. Additionally, they love carving people open to spread “gifts.” So, they fight like maniacs, hoping to earn Blightking status someday. The kit builds 10 Rotswords. Also, you get champion, musician, and standard bearer options. Additionally, the standard has two icon choices. The kit also includes 12 interchangeable heads. Moreover, it includes 10 weapons and 10 shields for mixing poses.
Pestigors expand the Nurgle roster with beastmen energy. Also, they worship Nurgle as Father Blight. Moreover, they are hunched, potbellied, and visibly ill, which sells the theme. Additionally, they act as roaming contagion vectors who wreck civilization. So, they fight with frenzied vigor while desecrating territory. The kit builds 10 beastmen. Also, it has champion, musician, and standard bearer options.
Then the preview pulls in Warhammer Quest: Darkwater content. Also, it highlights The Court of Gelgus Pust. Gelgus Pust is the Prince of Sores, and he is leaving the Jade Abbey. Moreover, he is helping Nurgle claim the Mortal Realms by polluting land and crushing foes. Additionally, he brings Belga the Cystwitch and Shaman Foulhoof. Belga punishes diseased enemies and summons Plaguebearers as things die. Meanwhile, Foulhoof buffs Pestigor combat and weakens enemy weapons with sorcery. All three are push fit and single pose.
The Cankerborn are another Darkwater carryover. Also, they are described as ancient daemons from a once larger group of seven. Moreover, they show up when land is desecrated in Nurgle’s name. Additionally, when the battlefield is polluted, they can blink away and reappear elsewhere. So, they can reposition and carve targets with colossal seeping blightblades. The push fit kit includes two Cankerborn. Also, it includes two Pestilent Pollutant tokens.
Pox-Wretches round out the gross infantry vibe. Also, they are outcasts and mutants who find comfort in Nurgle worship. Moreover, they cover themselves in filth and hunger for disease. Additionally, their rotten bodies attract slimy Mire Kelpies. So, those creatures help them spread sickness more effectively. This push fit kit builds 14 Pox-Wretches and six Mire Kelpies. Also, each group of seven has two build options. So, you can make 14 unique sculpts.
Spoilpox Scrivener returns as a solo release too. Also, the lore paints them as miserable Plaguebearer accountants. Moreover, they catalog the tally of sickness and death. Additionally, they enjoy bullying other daemons into working harder. This mini was previously in the Maggotkin Spearhead box. Now, it is coming back as its own release.
The article also calls out Regiments of Renown. Also, one is The Pustules, a tallyband of Plaguebearers. Moreover, they arrive and seed a Feculent Gnarlmaw for healing and regeneration. Additionally, a Spoilpox Scrivener keeps them on task. This box is available while stocks last, so it is a limited grab.
Spearhead support gets a lot of love here too. Also, Spearhead: Bubonic Cell is pitched as a tight mixed force. Moreover, it blends daemons and mortals into one package. It includes a Rotbringer Sorcerer leading Rotmire Creed. Additionally, you get two packs of three Nurgling bases. Also, there is a Beast of Nurgle for pure chaos energy. So, the force leans into the corruption cycle to overwhelm opponents.
Other Boxed Releases and the 40k Made to Order Drop
The preview also shifts to the Helsmiths of Hashut. Also, it frames them as extractors who see everything as resources to take. Moreover, it highlights Spearhead: Helforge Host from the earlier Army Set. The box includes a War Despot. Additionally, it includes 11 Infernal Cohort, a Dominator Engine, and a Tormentor Bombard. Also, it comes with a transfer sheet featuring 450 decals. So, it is a very hobby friendly package.
Maggotkin support items get called out as well. Also, there is a Warscroll Cards and Dice Set. It includes 45 reference cards for warscrolls. Additionally, it includes cards needed for the Bleak Host and Bubonic Cell Spearheads. The dice set is 16 dice. Moreover, they are pale green swirl with brown pips. Also, the six face has the faction icon.
Then it pivots to Warhammer 40,000 Made to Order. Also, the Sisters of Battle Army Set is returning. So, it is aimed at starting a new Sororitas force or expanding one. The contents are listed very clearly. You get a Canoness, a Penitent Engine, and a Repentia Superior. Additionally, you get four Sisters Repentia and three Arco-flagellants. Also, there is a five model Seraphim squad and a 10 model Battle Sisters squad. It also includes a transfer sheet with 290 decals. The order window runs from 1 January 2026. Additionally, it closes at 8am GMT on Monday 12 January 2026. However, production and shipping can take up to 180 days.
White Dwarf 520, Black Library Paperbacks, and Warhammer TV Plans
White Dwarf Issue 520 is the first issue of 2026. Also, its main focus is 500 Worlds: Titus for Warhammer 40,000. Moreover, it includes discussion of the new supplement and an intro to the minis. Additionally, there is an interview with the designers behind Titus and his cohort. It also mentions Nekrosor Ammentar and the C’tan Shard of the Nightbringer. So, it sounds like a big lore plus model spotlight.
The magazine also dives into Warhammer Quest: Darkwater content. Also, it promises a deep lore plunge into the Jade Abbey. Additionally, it includes painting tips for the Darkwater villains. Moreover, it includes a guide to making truly disgusting Nurgle terrain for Age of Sigmar. There is also an army showcase for the Silver Skulls. Meanwhile, it includes a Shyish themed Age of Sigmar collection too.
On the Black Library side, Verminslayer returns in paperback. Also, it is set in Ghyran around Greywater Fastness. Moreover, the city is choked with industry and pollution. Additionally, it suffers raids from the Dreadwood Sylvaneth, so life is already rough. Gotrek Gurnisson shows up looking for answers about his waning Fyreslayer rune. However, he finds a Skaven threat beneath the city building something awful. It will be available for pre-order on Saturday.
Grombrindal: Ancestor’s Burden is also coming in paperback. Also, it is an anthology by Chris Thursten. Moreover, it collects six short stories plus a short novel called The Maker’s Promise. Additionally, it follows Grombrindal and the Oathbreakers. So, the hook is lifting an ancient curse afflicting one of their number. It is also up for paperback pre-order on Saturday.
There is a Horus Heresy note for French readers as well. Also, Dropsite Massacre by John French is getting a French edition. Moreover, it revisits the betrayal that shattered Legions and pushed Horus toward Terra. The eBook is up for pre-order next Friday. Additionally, the French paperback follows next Saturday.
Warhammer TV also has a busy week. Also, the final episode of Blacktalon season 2 airs as the story finale. Additionally, Brainboyz has an end of year special with two teams facing off. Citadel Colour Masterclass features Ed teaching non-metallic metal gold. So, it is aimed at fancy cape and banner trim. Finally, Loremasters has Alex looking at Skitarii operations during the Horus Heresy.
Next week on Warhammer Community is mapped out too. Also, they will dig deeper into White Dwarf 520. Additionally, they will mull over the new Maggotkin rules. Moreover, they will reveal the best miniatures and Black Library books of 2025. Finally, they will keep the New Year celebration rolling.
In the end, this preview is a full buffet. So, Nurgle players get new rules, new kits, and format support. Additionally, everyone else gets magazine hype, Made to Order, and fresh reading. Finally, it closes with a simple “enjoy,” which feels like a threat from Nurgle.
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