Grand Cathay is about to feel very different on the tabletop. With a new wave of miniatures arriving, list building suddenly opens up in exciting ways.
While earlier releases leaned hard into elite Jade Host units and big centerpiece models, this update goes wider. Instead, it fills the army with depth, bodies, and flexible firepower. As a result, Cathay now feels more like a living nation at war than a parade of elites.
Peasant Levy Bring Numbers and Staying Power
The biggest shift comes from the Peasant Levy. These kits represent the masses pulled from towns and fields when the Dragon Emperor calls. While they lack the Weapon Skill and Leadership of Jade Warriors, they compensate through sheer presence. More importantly, their long spears grant Strike First and Fight in Extra Rank. Because of that, even elite enemies can bog down when charging headlong into a packed levy block.
Alternatively, peasants can be armed with warbows. In that role, they provide much needed ranged pressure. They can also swap Close Order for Skirmishers, which lets them harass and screen effectively. Therefore, they are not just filler, but tools that reward smart positioning.
Gunpowder Troops Define Cathay’s Fire Lanes
Crane Gunner Teams and Iron Hail Gunners push Cathay’s gunpowder theme forward. Crane guns are long ranged, high strength weapons that threaten even heavily armored targets. With Strength 6, AP minus 2, and Armour Bane, they hit far above their size. Meanwhile, tower shields grant a 3 plus save from the front, which makes them stubborn anchors.
Iron Hail Gunners work differently. Their shorter range blunderbusses trade raw power for volume. Each hit causes D3 hits, which adds up fast. Since they ignore common shooting penalties, they remain reliable under pressure. Moreover, their ability to fight in Open Order or as Skirmishers makes them ideal flank guards. As a result, fast and lightly armored units suddenly have real problems.
Astromancers Expand Cathay’s Magical Game
Magic also gets a serious upgrade. Astromancers of the Celestial Court arrive as flexible Wizards that can be fielded on foot or mounted. They range from Level 1 all the way to Level 4. More importantly, they draw from Battle Magic, Elementalism, High Magic, and Illusion. On top of that, they choose Yin or Yang, which shapes their spell identity.
Their signature rule, Mastery of the Elemental Winds, encourages clustered spellcasting. When nearby Astromancers work together, they gain casting bonuses. Therefore, Cathay magic becomes more consistent without breaking core risks. The included Onyx Crowman familiar also adds welcome character to the model.
Updated Rules and New Army Identity
Alongside the models, Cathay receives updated special rules and a refreshed Grand Army composition in Arcane Journal: The Breaching of the Great Bastion. Additionally, a new Army of Infamy called Warriors of Wind and Field leans heavily into these new units. Consequently, players can now field forces that feel grounded and defensive, rather than purely elite. FAQs and errata will support these changes shortly.
Summary
In summary, this update transforms Grand Cathay in Warhammer: The Old World. While elites remain strong, the army now thrives on synergy, numbers, and layered threats. Peasants hold lines, gunners shape movement, and Astromancers tie it all together. As a result, Cathay finally feels like a complete war machine. Pre-orders begin Saturday, and if this wave excites you, the Cathay Battalion is ready right now.
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