The new edition of Warhammer: The Horus Heresy keeps the core spirit of the game you’ve known for years but adds fresh depth, most notably with the introduction of Advanced Characteristics.
These expanded stats bring richer nuance and clearer mechanical personality to each unit, shaping how they behave and excel on the battlefield.
Rather than letting Leadership (LD) handle every mental check, the game now splits out three more traits: Cool (CL), Willpower (WP), and Intelligence (IN). Cool reflects a unit’s composure under pressure, Willpower governs psychic resilience and strength, and Intelligence represents technological or tactical knowledge — like repairing machinery or reading sensors. These stats aren’t just a nostalgic nod to the earliest days of Rogue Trader or Necromunda; they let the game model specialists more precisely, giving each unit its own strengths and weaknesses beyond just how bravely it charges into the fray.
Mechanically, these characteristics come into play through simple 2D6 tests, aiming to roll equal to or under the relevant stat. Normally, tests are made using the lowest value in a unit, but Sergeants can roll on their own, and Commanders attached to the squad can lend their stronger stats when needed. Leadership still governs rallying and resisting panic, Cool helps units shrug off battlefield debuffs like suppressive fire, Willpower fuels or resists psychic powers and Warp effects, and Intelligence helps with interactions involving devices or battlefield technology.
The new system creates fascinating contrasts. A standard Space Marine is competent across all stats, generally rolling under 7 on 2D6, while a Sergeant bumps Leadership up to 8 to help hold the line. A Centurion shines across the board, as you’d expect from an elite veteran, while the Master of Signals has ordinary Cool and Willpower but boasts Intelligence 10, making him a master of tactical coordination. Then there are the titanic Primarchs — Magnus the Red, with Willpower 11, dominates the Warp, while Horus Ascended’s Leadership 14 makes him a rallying force immune to even the most severe battlefield penalties.
On the flip side, lesser troops reveal interesting vulnerabilities. Tech-Thralls lack meaningful Intelligence but are stubbornly obedient, while Charonite Ogryns hit rock bottom on Intelligence but make up for it with sheer brutal dependability, rarely flinching under fire. These Advanced Characteristics don’t just add crunchy numbers — they open up whole layers of tactical and narrative variety, shaping how armies behave beyond simple attack rolls and saves.
This is just the first look at the upcoming changes. Soon, we’ll dive into the new Tactical Statuses and Weapon Stats, giving you even more ways to sharpen your strategies and bring the legendary battles of the Age of Darkness to life. Keep your eyes on the Warhammer newsletter — there’s a lot more still to come.
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