Warhammer 40,000's July update is here, and it's a doozy! This month's patch notes are packed with changes, clarifications, and adjustments to the new edition of the game. As a player, it's essential to understand these updates, as they can significantly impact your strategy and gameplay. So, let's dive into the key changes and explore what they mean for the Warhammer 40,000 community.
Purging and Disrupting
One of the most talked-about aspects of the new edition is the balance between different force dispositions. The update addresses this by making adjustments to the Purge the Foe disposition.
Mission Maps
The first change is the addition of a sixth objective to Purge the Foe mission maps. This makes the game more accessible for the opponent, as they now have more objectives to capture or perform actions on. It also makes it harder for powerful units like the Titanic Knight or Defiler to dominate the battlefield without being challenged.
Detachment and Point Tweaks
Several Purge the Foe detachments have had their DP (Deployment Points) increased, and some have been reassigned to other dispositions. This means that players who want to build a Purge the Foe army will need to commit to that theme as their main force. Additionally, point tweaks have been made to overperforming units, such as mobile, high-output gun platforms, to balance the game.
Disruption Adjustments
Disruption, which has a couple of tougher match-ups, has also received some amendments to make it more viable. While it's still only marginally down in performance compared to other dispositions, the update ensures that players feel that all dispositions are viable choices.
And Stay Down!
The update also addresses specific rules interactions, such as character and healing in units.
Character and Healing Changes
A slain character that can revive now returns as a unit of one, rather than returning as part of their unit. This puts the reins on the much-feared "Unkillable Super Death Block" of Necron Warriors. Now, at least, you have a counterplay - wipe out the unit and the character, and only one model returns. Healing still remains a powerful ability, but not quite the game-breaking gotcha it was threatening to be in some combinations.
Other Changes
The update also clarifies that you can only generate a single extra CP (Command Points) per battle round. Additionally, dedicated transports like Rhinos, Devilfish, and Chimeras must start the game with a unit embarked within them. Units can now only use a single normal move per phase, and stackable debuffs have been removed in several places.
Combat Patrol Updates
The update also includes major changes to the Combat Patrol rules in the Warhammer 40,000 app. Now, players can track and score their Combat Patrol games digitally, with full mission support in the War Journal.
A Final Note
The Warhammer Studio Rules Team is committed to monitoring the data coming in about games of the new edition. They will continue to make adjustments and balance updates to ensure that the game remains fair and enjoyable for all players. In the coming weeks, they will be attending several large Warhammer tournaments to gather feedback and make informed decisions.
In conclusion, the July update is a significant step in the evolution of Warhammer 40,000. It addresses some of the most pressing issues in the game and provides new opportunities for players to experiment and innovate. As a player, it's essential to stay up-to-date with these changes and adapt your strategies accordingly. Happy gaming!
