Horus Heresy: Saturnine – A New Edition Rises from the Ashes!

After what felt like an eternity of leaks and teases (thanks, Games Workshop, for the controlled chaos!), the new edition of Horus Heresy is finally here. And let me tell you, it’s shaping up to be a total game-changer. If you’ve been following the rumors, the Saturnine box set probably isn’t a huge surprise, but the sheer *awesomeness* of the contents definitely justifies the hype.

Saturnine: More Than Just a Box of Minis

So, what’s inside this behemoth of a box? We’re talking brand-new Terminators with those glorious, retro shoulder pads that’ll make any old-school gamer weep with joy. A previously unseen, absolutely massive Dreadnought (prepare to be intimidated). And, of course, a revised core rulebook that tweaks existing mechanics without completely rewriting the script. Games Workshop says we can expect to get our hands on this bad boy this summer. Can it get here sooner? Because the wait is killing me!

A sneak peak at the Saturnine Box Set

Why This Edition is Hooking Me (and Probably You Too)

I’ve been dancing around the edges of Horus Heresy for ages, never quite taking the plunge. But this new edition? It’s pushed me right over the edge into full-blown “take my money!” mode. Here’s why:

Gritty and Granular Gameplay:

Tactical Status: Units now react to different battlefield conditions, offering even more granular immersion. Suppressed? Pinned? Routed? Each status provides dynamic consequences.
Leadership Reimagined: The old Leadership stat has been broken down into categories like “Cool.” This creates a better sense of your warriors’ individual strengths and weaknesses. Someone with high “Cool” knows to keep calm under fire.
Focus on the Rank and File: While there are big personalities in Horus Heresy, the focus tends to be more toward the regular trooper. The focus on this level helps set it apart from Warhammer 40K

Diving Deeper: Tactical Statuses – More Than Just Numbers on a Datasheet

Games Workshop is digging deeper with this edition. Let’s break down the new “Tactical Status” mechanic. In the new edition, units can find themselves Pinned, Suppressed, Stunned, or Routed. A key deviation is units being routed, showing they’ve been so battered they need to fall back. What this does is that it shows off how the units will actually react to certain cirumstances that the miniatures will actually be placed in.

And the “Cool” stat? A much better sense of your warriors strengths will be presented here. But the breakdown can be seen on all the stats.

Thematic Narrative: Istvaan V Front and Center

This edition isn’t just about cool models and updated rules (though those are definitely a huge draw). It’s about the lore. The Dropsite Massacre of Istvaan V is front and center, and this is a cataclysmic event where multiple Space Marine legions were decimated after being lured into a trap by traitors. Think massive betrayal, brutal combat, and the utter destruction of entire armies. That’s why the Salamanders are enjoying the spotlight for Saturnine; they were badly affected by this event, becoming one of the Shattered Legions who never really recovered. Can you feel the epic scale of it all?

The Isstvan V Dropsite Massacre

And the best part? You’re not locked into playing just Salamanders or Iron Warriors (the two factions represented in the Saturnine box). Those models can be used for any legion. So go ahead, paint them up in your favorite colors and unleash them on the battlefield.

Saturnine’s Stars: New Units That’ll Make Your Opponents Sweat

Let’s talk about the shiny new toys, shall we?

The Saturnine Dreadnought: This thing is a *monster*. It’s packing a massive defensive cannon that can obliterate anything in its path. Seriously, this is one of the most dangerous units to ever grace the Horus Heresy battlefield.
Saturnine Terminators: These guys are the definition of “tough as nails.” They can dual-wield incredibly heavy weaponry and are practically impervious to damage. You get fewer of them, but trust me, they’ll be worth it. These Terminators pack an extra punch thanks to their ability to dualwield incredibly heavy weaponry.

The lore behind these new units is pretty cool, too. Saturnine gear is ancient tech, incredibly difficult to make, and was only perfected by Vulkan (Primarch of the Salamanders). He shared the plans with the other Legions just before the Heresy… a decision he’s probably regretting now. Talk about a tragic irony!

A Closer Look at the Saturnine Box Contents

Games Workshop has officially revealed the contents of the Horus Heresy Saturnine box, which serves as the launchpad for the game’s third edition. It’s an absolute treasure trove, packing 50 brand-new miniatures to kickstart your Horus Heresy journey.

All of the Saturnine Box Set’s Contents

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll find inside this massive box:

Hardback rulebook
Booklet with quickstart rules
6 Saturnine Terminators
Saturnine Praetor
Centurion in Mk II Power Armor
Saturnine Siege Dreadnought
Arachne Quad Accelerator Platform
40 Space Marine Legionaries in Mk II Power Armor
2 Disintegrator weapon sets
Templates, tokens, dice, range rulers, and transfer sheet

The Saturnine Terminators can be equipped with various devastating options, including disruption fists, heavy disintegrators, or plasma bombards. Their armor features inbuilt teleporters and shoulder mantles containing thermal diffraction fields. The Saturnine Praetor, a force commander in colossal terminator armor, can wield either a Saturnine Disruption Hammer or a Saturnine War Axe, along with a wrist-mounted plasma weapon.

Dreadnought and Support Units

The Saturnine Siege Dreadnought is an entirely new addition, unmatched by anything seen before in Horus Heresy lore. It’s the largest Dreadnought in the game, equipped with a heavy plasma bombard, a heavy disintegrator cannon, and twin concussion resonators or photonic incinerators. The Centurion in Artificer Armor, accompanied by a cyberfamiliar, adds a touch of Mechanicum influence to your forces.

For artillery support, the Arachne Quad Accelerator Platform provides an invulnerable save aura for friendly troops. And, of course, the core of your army will be the 40 Space Marine Legionaries in Mk II Power Armor, equipped with various command options and weapons.

The New Rules: Tactical Statuses and More

The third edition of Horus Heresy brings substantial changes to the core rules, including new Tactical Statuses that reflect the conditions of units on the battlefield. Units can be Pinned, Suppressed, Stunned, or Routed, each status imposing different penalties and effects. These statuses are typically applied when a unit fails an advanced characteristic test. With new advanced characteristics, you’ll want to pay attention to which ones you’ll need when going up against your opponent.

A picture of the massive Saturnine Dreadnought

New Advanced Characteristics

Cool: Used for resisting sniper fire and sudden shocks.
Willpower: For psychic tests and resisting psychic powers.
Intelligence: The ability to perform technical actions under duress.

Weapon stats have also been overhauled, with new names for clarity. Each weapon has a Damage stat, and melee weapons have an Initiative Modifier, streamlining combat. These revisions aim to better reflect the differences between unit types and allow for more thematic army compositions.

Horus Heresy Cinematic Trailers

Let’s soak in the glory of this new edition and everything that it brings. Make sure to take a look at some of the trailers that were just released!

Warhammer: The Horus Heresy – The New Edition Cinematic Trailer (via Warhammer)

Warhammer: The Horus Heresy The New Edition – Official Cinematic Trailer (via IGN)

Everything you need to know about SATURNINE!

HORUS HERESY NEW EDITION! Everything you need to know about SATURNINE! (via Arbitor Ian)

Extra Model Reveals: A Glimpse into the Future

Games Workshop didn’t stop with the Saturnine box. They also revealed several other upcoming releases, including Liber army books for various factions, a plastic Legion Fellblade, and more!

Liber Army Books: Five Liber books will be released, containing army rules for traitor and loyalist Space Marines, Solar Auxilia, Mechanicum forces, and Imperial and Mechanicum Knights.
Journal Tactica: The Isstvan V Dropsite Massacre: The first in a series of books focused on the titular Dropsite Massacre.
Plastic Legion Fellblade: An iconic Space Marine super-heavy tank with alternate weapon options.
Legion Tarantula Turret: An automated heavy weapon platform with various weapon options.
Rapier Batteries: Self-propelled gun platforms with different weapon configurations.
Mark II Legion Assault Marine: Equipped with a massive chainaxe.
Mark III Legion Breacher: New plastic breachers are coming!

Additionally, there are mystery models on the horizon, including a plastic Space Marine with a volkite pistol and a plastic Mechanicum Skitarii. The future of Horus Heresy is looking incredibly exciting!

Final Thoughts: The Heresy Beckons… Again!

So, there you have it. The new edition of Horus Heresy is shaping up to be something special. From the gritty gameplay to the immersive lore and the stunning new models, it’s got everything a wargamer could want. Games Workshop, you got me again. Guess I’ll be spending my summer building and painting legions of Space Marines. Now, the only question is… which Legion will I choose first?

Are you as hyped for this new edition as I am? Let me know in the comments below!

Top 5 Reasons to Dive Into Horus Heresy 2.0 (Besides the Awesome Models!)

Okay, so we’ve drooled over the miniatures, dissected the rules, and marveled at the lore. But what *really* makes this new edition a must-try for wargamers, old and new? Here are my top 5 reasons why you should consider taking the plunge:

The Challenge is Real: Forget “easy mode.” Horus Heresy rewards tactical thinking and careful planning. Every decision matters, from list building to troop deployment. If you’re craving a game that tests your strategic mettle, this is it.
The Community is Passionate: The Horus Heresy community is legendary for its dedication to the lore, the miniatures, and the game itself. Jump into online forums, local gaming groups, and painting contests to connect with fellow hobbyists and share your passion.
The Narrative is Rich and Deep: This isn’t just a game; it’s an epic saga spanning centuries. Explore the tragic fall of the Emperor’s sons, the brutal battles that tore the Imperium apart, and the moral complexities of a galaxy at war.
The Customization is Limitless: From choosing your Legion to meticulously painting your miniatures, Horus Heresy offers unparalleled opportunities for customization. Create a unique army that reflects your personal style and tactical preferences. Want a force of meticulously planned out Iron Warriors or crazed Khorne Berserkers from the World Eaters? The choice is yours.
The Game is Only Getting Started: With new models, rulebooks, and expansions on the horizon, the Horus Heresy 2.0 is just beginning its journey. Get in on the ground floor and experience the evolution of this incredible wargame.

Beginner’s Tips: Getting Started with Horus Heresy

So you’re convinced, huh? Awesome! But where do you even *begin* with such a massive and complex game? Here are a few tips to get you started on the right foot:

Start Small: Don’t feel pressured to buy everything at once. The Saturnine box is a great starting point, giving you two balanced forces and the core rulebook. Build and paint your miniatures gradually, focusing on mastering the basic rules before diving into more advanced tactics.
Pick a Legion That Resonates: The Horus Heresy is all about the Legions. Each one has its unique history, combat doctrines, and iconic units. Read up on the different Legions and choose one that you find interesting. This will make the painting and collecting process much more enjoyable.
Learn the Basics First: Focus on mastering the core rules before diving into advanced tactics or unit-specific abilities. Understanding the fundamentals of movement, shooting, and melee combat will give you a solid foundation for success.
Find a Local Gaming Group: Playing with other people is the best way to learn and improve your skills. Look for local gaming groups or hobby shops that host Horus Heresy games. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and learn from experienced players.
Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes: Everyone makes mistakes when they’re learning a new game. Don’t get discouraged if you lose a few battles or make tactical errors. Learn from your mistakes and keep practicing.

Painting Masterclass: Bringing Your Legion to Life

One of the most rewarding aspects of Horus Heresy is painting your miniatures. It’s a chance to express your creativity and bring your Legion to life on the tabletop. Here are a few tips to help you achieve stunning results:

Prime Your Miniatures: Priming is essential for creating a smooth surface for paint to adhere to. Use a primer that is specifically designed for miniatures, and apply it in thin, even coats.
Thin Your Paints: Thinning your paints with water or a paint thinner will help you achieve smoother, more consistent coverage. It will also prevent the paint from clogging up the details of your miniatures.
Use Washes and Highlights: Washes and highlights are essential for adding depth and definition to your miniatures. Use washes to fill in the recesses and create shadows, and use highlights to pick out the raised areas and create highlights.
Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and colors. The more you practice, the better you’ll become.
Watch Tutorials: There are tons of great painting tutorials on YouTube and other websites. Watch tutorials from experienced painters to learn new techniques and improve your skills.

The Future of Horus Heresy: What’s Next?

Games Workshop has made it clear that they’re fully committed to the new edition of Horus Heresy. We can expect a steady stream of new models, rulebooks, and expansions in the coming months and years. Here’s a glimpse of what’s on the horizon:

More Legion-Specific Content: Expect new models, rules, and campaign books that focus on individual Legions, allowing players to delve deeper into their favorite factions.
Campaign Expansions: Look forward to campaign expansions that recreate iconic battles from the Horus Heresy, such as the Siege of Terra or the Battle of Calth.
New Unit Types: Games Workshop is constantly expanding the Horus Heresy universe with new and exciting unit types, from super-heavy tanks to elite infantry squads.
Continued Rule Updates: The rules for Horus Heresy will continue to evolve and be refined based on player feedback and playtesting.

The Horus Heresy is back, bigger and better than ever. With its deep lore, strategic gameplay, and stunning miniatures, it’s a wargame that’s sure to captivate gamers for years to come. So grab your bolter, muster your Legion, and prepare for the Age of Darkness!

Horus Heresy Saturnine Edition: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Horus Heresy?

The Horus Heresy is a prequel setting to Warhammer 40,000, exploring a galaxy-spanning civil war that tore apart the Space Marine Legions.

What is in the Saturnine Box Set?

The Saturnine box set includes 50 miniatures, a hardback rulebook, quickstart rules, Saturnine Terminators, a Saturnine Praetor, a Centurion in Mk II Power Armor, a Saturnine Siege Dreadnought, an Arachne Quad Accelerator Platform, 40 Space Marine Legionaries in Mk II Power Armor, disintegrator weapon sets, templates, tokens, dice, range rulers, and a transfer sheet.

What are Tactical Statuses in the new edition?

Tactical Statuses reflect the conditions of units on the battlefield, such as Pinned, Suppressed, Stunned, or Routed, each imposing different penalties and effects.

What new Advanced Characteristics are introduced?

The new Advanced Characteristics include Cool (resisting sniper fire), Willpower (psychic tests), and Intelligence (technical actions under duress).

The Dawn of a New Heresy

The new edition of Horus Heresy, launched with the Saturnine box set, promises a richer, more tactical wargaming experience. With its focus on granular gameplay, narrative depth, and stunning new models, it’s poised to reignite the passion of veteran players and draw in newcomers alike. The Heresy beckons once more, offering a grim yet captivating journey into the heart of a galaxy in flames.