The planned release schedule for Games Workshop's 9th Edition Warhammer 40k codexes has been repeatedly disrupted - first, by the second national Covid lockdown in the UK at the end of 2020, and second, by an ongoing plague of printing and supply chain issues, which GW has repeatedly referred to - with its usual candor and penchant for in-universe references - as being the work of "the fickle winds of fate" or the treacherous Chaos god, Tzeentch.

These faction books, called the Warhammer 40k Codex—and the "Codex Supplements" for the Dark Angels and Black Templars Space Marine Chapters—contain all the game rules, abilities, and statistics needed to update each of the game's 20 or so playable armies to the new 9th Edition rules.

Naturally, then, as with previous new editions of the game, passionate players of each of these armies were all eager to see their favorite faction updated, as soon as the 9th edition was announced in May 2020.

But the already slow release cycle for these rulebooks was further delayed on December 4, when GW put the release of its new Death Guard codex on ice due to "unavoidable delays to crucial expeditions." For some time after that book finally arrived in late January 2021, GW refrained from releasing a specific timeline for future codexes, as the underlying production issues hampering the release of its books persisted.

Nevertheless, we finally saw a stack of impactful Warhammer 40k codex releases in 2021. Of course, Codex: Necrons and Codex: Space Marines were released before Christmas 2020, along with the codex supplements for the Blood Angels, Deathwatch, and Space Wolves.

Since then, we've had the Death Guard in January 2021, the Dark Angels in February, the Drukhari in March, and the Adeptus Mechanicus in late May. In June 2021, we got the Adepta Sororitas codex, and in July, the Orks—that is, if you got it in the Beast Snagga army box. The Grey Knights and Thousand Sons were released in August 2021, followed by a standalone version of the Orks codex in September.

In November 2021, the Black Templars received their first dedicated codex since 2005, followed by a double-pack of the Adeptus Custodes and Genestealer Cults in January 2022. The new T'au Empire codex arrived in early February, followed by the Aeldari Codex in March, the Tyranids in April, and the Imperial Knights and Chaos Knights in May. The Chaos Space Marines Codex appeared just as June turned into July, and the Chaos Daemons overlapped August and September. Finally, and to bring us up to date, the new Leagues of Votann had their first Codex sold alongside their army set.

For full details on these books, their contents, and a rundown of each army's new rules, read on! Naturally, we'll keep this guide updated with all the latest information on what's coming, and when.


So here's everything we know about the upcoming Warhammer 40K codex releases, plus the key details of what's already available.

RELEASE DATES FOR UPCOMING 40K CODEXES

GW may be close to completing its codex list for Warhammer 40k 9th Edition, but rumors abound as to which factions will be next on its list.

Earlier this year, we completed a series of codexes for the Xenos faction, and unless we missed someone, it looks like we're almost done with that faction. Now we're roughly at the same point with the Chaos factions, and all that's left is a bit of cleanup before we're done with the 9th Edition codexes. Then, presumably, 10th Edition will appear, and the cycle will begin again.

So far, there's only the Astra Militarum (Imperial Guard) and the promised standalone codex for the Eaters of Worlds. We're in the race for the Imperial Guard codex now, with GW releasing details on new units like these new Kasrkin, a new Castellan HQ unit, and a shiny artillery piece.

WHAT 40K CODEXES ARE RELEASED NOW?

Currently, 24 Warhammer 40k armies have received a 9th Edition codex. Here are the books that have already been released:

Leagues of Votann Codex Release Date

The Leagues of Votann are a new faction, whose Codex was made available for pre-order on September 17. It is not yet available as a standalone version, but can only be purchased as part of the Leagues of Votann army set, alongside 20 Hearthkyn Warriors, three Hernkyn Pioneers, one Einhyr Champion, and Uthar the Destined.

Codex Chaos Daemons Release Date

Games Workshop released Codex: Chaos Daemons on September 3, announcing things like new daemonic saves, as well as a bunch of other miscellaneous rules for the faction ahead of release.

The new book is 152 pages long and is "packed with eldritch esotericism, forbidden daemonology, and in-depth rules"—as well as rules for leading armies specifically loyal to Nurgle, Khorne, Slaanesh, or Tzeentch—or mixtures thereof. It also contains a "comprehensive section on the Crusades," 56 unit datasheets, an army of renown for Be'lakor, 25 warlord traits, 24 relics, and 36 stratagems.

Chaos Space Marines Codex Release Date

The 9th Edition Chaos Space Marines Codex went up for pre-order on Saturday, June 25th and was released on Saturday, July 2nd. Its 184 pages contain 55 pages of lore, 51 pages of core faction rules (including Legion-specific rules, Warlord traits, relics, and more), 19 pages of rules for the Crusade narrative mode, and 44 unit cards.

Its dark and ominous cover was unveiled on May 4th, and a plethora of Chaos-related announcements followed shortly after. During Warhammer Fest 2022 (May 4th-7th), we saw a whole new range of horrifying (and adorable) Chaos Space Marine models.

In addition to the new Possessed and Chaos Cultist sculpts, there were three new horrific mutation kits: the "Cursed Cultist Mutants" and the "Cursed Cultist Torments." At the same time, long-standing rumors that the traitorous World Eaters legion would have its own Codex and brand-new models were confirmed. However, no release date has been announced yet.

The Eldritch Omens boxed set, released in February 2022, already contained new plastic models for the Warpsmith character and the Chaos Space Marines Chosen unit - joining the faction's previous series of updated model kits released in the Shadowspear boxed set in 2019.

Chaos Knights Codex Release Date

Codex: Chaos Knights was first available for pre-order on May 14th, as part of a Codex Chaos Knights army set. It contained two new models for the Chaos Knights faction, the Abominable Knight and the Savage Warhound, which expanded a previously limited roster. On May 28th, the codex (and the new models) were split, available for purchase separately for the first time.

New rules in this latest codex include the powerful Harbingers of Dread debuffs, and the ability to dedicate your mighty mechs to one of the Chaos Gods, gaining their keyword and a twisted new ability in thanks for your service.

Imperial Knights Codex Release Date

Codex: Imperial Knights was released for pre-order on May 14th, alongside the Chaos Knights army set. There were no new models for the noble mech army, but naturally, plenty of new rules.

The new Imperial Knights Codex contains knightly teachings that can enhance your (relatively) small Armigers, as well as the Knightly Code, which provides army boosts.

Tyranid Codex Release Date

Codex: Tyranids arrived for pre-order on chitinous limbs on April 16, 2022.

Few warning signs of an approaching Hive Fleet were triggered before the release of this Codex. There weren't many new 'Nests' miniatures before launch, with the notable exception of the bat-winged Mortrex Parasite.

Tyranid fans, on the other hand, have been able to enjoy numerous rule updates. Synaptic Imperatives allow your swarms to adapt in combat, while customizable Hive Fleet subfactions increase your flexibility. And of course, weapon upgrades allow for army upgrades. The codex also contains rules for the Tyranid Crusade, allowing you to devour an entire planet.

Eldar Codex Release Date

Codex: Aeldari went up for pre-order on February 26, 2022, and went on sale the following week, on March 5.

In a somewhat surprising move, the new Aeldari codex incorporates rules not only for the Ynnari sub-faction and the new Corsair models, but also for the Harlequins - who previously had a codex of their own.

Ahead of the Eldar codex's release, GW has paraded a slew of new models before our eyes, including brand-new Avatar of Khaine, Maugan Ra, Shining Spears, and Warlock models—along with a stream of new preview rules for the faction's Phoenix Lords, Dark Reaper, and Howling Banshee Aspect Warriors, and iconic Shuriken weapons.

Games Workshop announced the new Eldar codex as part of its Las Vegas Open preview stream on February 1, 2022.

T'au Codex Release Date

The Warhammer 40k 9th Edition T'au Empire Codex went up for pre-order on Saturday, January 29, 2022 - and went on sale on Saturday, February 5.

Ahead of the book's release, GW released a series of reveals outlining much-improved sub-faction rules for the six different T'au septs, as well as totally reworked rules for the Mont'ka and Kauyon tactical philosophies; Crusade narrative rules including options for something called 'diplomacy'; and a range of terrifying, overpowered ranged weapons (with corresponding relics) that, by all accounts, make T'au shooting scary again.

T'au enthusiasts will also be pleased to see that this book has managed to make a much wider variety of T'au battleplans and list-building options competitively viable, after a long period where most lists were dominated by triple Riptide suits, T'au Coldstar commanders, drone hordes, and little else. Old favorites like Crisis Battlesuit squadrons, Devilfish transports, and Hammerhead gunships have been rejuvenated, and the T'au like it.

The first hint of the T'au Empire book's arrival was hidden in a Warhammer Community post at the end of October, when Games Workshop revealed that the T'au codex would be released early next year. No specific release date was given, but GW indicated that it would be one of the "first new codexes to be released in 2022."

Adeptus Custodes Codex Release Date

The 9th Edition Adeptus Custodes Codex went up for pre-order on Saturday, January 8, 2022, and was released a week later on Saturday, January 15. Originally scheduled for release in December, Games Workshop announced that the codex would accompany Throne of Shadows, a double army box set that pitted the golden boys against the insidious Genestealer Cults.

The most notable change to the faction in this rulebook was the full integration of the Sisters of Silence (the female branch of the Imperium's psyker hunters) into the army proper, where they previously operated as an adjunct rather than a force in their own right. In addition, the Custodes received a comprehensive update to the subfaction rules for the various Shieldhosts, and new switchable "martial ka'tah" buffs—along with the usual batch of new stratagems, relics, and Warlord traits.

Genestealer Cults Codex Release Date

In addition to the Custodes, the 9th Edition Genestealer Cults codex also went up for pre-order on Saturday, January 8, 2022, and was released on Saturday, January 15. This can be expected to be released in early 2022, around the same time as the Adeptus Custodes codex.

Much like the Grey Knights and Thousand Sons codices were released with the Hexfire box set earlier in 2021, the Genestealer Cults and Adeptus Custodes codices were planned for release with the Shadow Throne battlebox, featuring the two armies in a battle beneath Terra. While that box set was released in December, shipping delays pushed the books' release to January 2022.

Black Templars Codex Release Date

Everyone's favorite crusading Space Marines, the pious Black Templars, received their own codex supplement in November. Technically, the codex had already been released as part of the Black Templar army box in October, but wasn't released separately until the following month.

This release followed a similar pattern to the Beast's Snagga: the boxed set was available for a short time and included a limited-edition copy of the new codex, which was released independently a few weeks later. It's now available in the wild and includes a wealth of datasheets, strategies, relics, warlord traits, and more for the most discerning enforcers of Imperial might.

Orks Codex Release Date

A standalone version of the 9th Edition Orks Codex is now available in the wild. Originally packaged in the Orks Beast Snagga army box—the introductory set for Warhammer 40k's new Ork faction—in July, the book finally went on sale independently on September 11. This means you can now pick up the book even if you missed the Beast Snagga box earlier in the year.

The codex includes updated rules for all Orc factions, not just the squig-obsessed Beast Snaggas, and makes some significant changes to the Waaaagh. The "Dakka" is now a weapon type, rather than just a hilarious ability, and your Ork's base resistance has been increased from four to five.

There's also the usual assortment of updated sub-faction rules for Ork clans, warlord traits, psychic abilities, relics, and Crusade campaign rules. It's available in a standard edition for $50 / £30, as well as a limited collector's edition.

Grey Knights and Thousand Sons Codex Release Dates

The Grey Knights and Thousand Sons Codexes were made available for pre-order on the GW online store in August, in both standard and collector's editions.

We first heard about the new Grey Knights and Thousand Sons codexes back in May, during a Warhammer Fest teaser video. After further hints that "fire and magic" would be making their way into Warhammer 40k later this year, and the announcement that both codexes had been delayed, we finally have confirmation of what's in store.

The 9th Edition Grey Knights and Thousand Sons codices will be released alongside the upcoming dual-army battlebox, Hexfire: Supernatural Warfare in the 41st Millennium. Announced in a Warhammer Community post on July 26, the 29-model box contains a small force for each faction, and two new character models to lead them: Castellan Crowe for the daemon-hunting Grey Knights, and the new Infernal Master character model for Egypt-loving warp sorcerers.

Content-wise, we can expect the usual whimsical new rules, updated point values, and powerful abilities, along with other exciting features. The new Thousand Sons book will add a choice of Infernal Master HQs—matching the new model that leads the blue wizards in the upcoming battlebox.

Adepta Sororitas Codex Release Date

The 9th Edition Adepta Sororitas Codex went up for pre-order on June 5th, before releasing a week later on June 12th. You can now pick up a copy from the GW online store.

The codex includes comprehensive rules for all new Sisters of Battle units, as well as updates to the existing range of models and wargar. There's an expanded section on Crusade rules, numerous point adjustments, and new rules for using prayers and hymns. The entire book is designed to offer greater strategic variety to Adepta Sororitas armies than has been the case in recent years.

Of the new units, Grand Abbess Morvenn Vahl is the most prominent. The Sisters' new central character model, Vahl, receives a lot of attention in the updated codex and is designed to work seamlessly with everything you add to your Sisters of Battle army.

And there are plenty of units to choose from. In addition to the faction codex, GW has also released the Paragon Warsuits, the Celestial Sacreds (as seen on the codex cover), and the Dogmata, as well as faction-specific combat dice and data cards.

Codex Adeptus Mechanicus Release Date

After being revealed on May 16th in a Warhammer Community Blog post, the 9th Edition AdMech Codex went up for pre-order on May 22nd and was released on Saturday, May 29th. You can order it now from the GW online store.

The 120-page codex includes all the usual goodies: comprehensive rules for new AdMech units, updated datasheets for the army's existing model range, in-depth lore, and bestiaries. Part of the book is also dedicated to rules for the Crusade, a technology hunt.

You can also pick up AdMech-themed player aid cards and custom dice alongside the codex. Who knows, maybe they'll help you curry favor with the Omnisciah.

Drukhari Codex Release Date

The first Xenos codex of 2021, the all-new Drukhari Codex—or "Dark Eldar" if you remember their original, out-of-copyright name—was released on March 27 and is available for purchase now.

Aside from the essentials—the inevitable points adjustments, new stratagems, and rules for Crusade mode—the information we heard before the book's release indicated a fairly subtle update. As is often the case in Warhammer 40k, however, now that the new rules have been put to actual play, the 9th Edition Drukhari have quickly become a top-tier competitive army, with multiple recent tournament victories.

Their pre-Christmas preview article established early on that the codex would offer "more attacks, higher damage, and lethal combat performance across the board." That promise was kept, and then some.

Some of the new rules appeared early on, in the form of deliberate sneak peeks and seemingly leaked "spoilers":

Kabalite Warriors - the basic infantry unit of the Drukhari - now have two melee attacks instead of one.
In fact, "most army units" receive an additional attack, such as Wyches, Hellions, and Cronus' Parasite Engines.
The Kabalite's splinter cannon - a heavy anti-infantry cannon - now does two damage instead of one.
It's now easier to make lists with a mix of the Drukhari sub-factions: Kabals, Wych Cults, and Haemonculus Covens.
The pre-order and full release dates for the Drukhari codex were announced in a Warhammer Community post on Sunday, March 14th—alongside Piety and Pain, a double army boxed set featuring Drukhari and Sisters of Battle, which went up for pre-order at the same time. The Drukhari also got their own Battle Patrol starter set—check out our Battle Patrol guide for more information.

The pattern followed previous releases, with GW making its "big reveal" of the new book a week before pre-orders went live, on a Saturday night, and the books arriving on shelves (or, more accurately these days, doorsteps) the following weekend.

This book is 120 pages long, with over half devoted to new rules, datasheets, and point values, while the rest is theory content and illustrations depicting the Drukhari's dark deeds and dark houses. You can also get Drukhari-themed player aid cards and custom dice with the book, if you're so inclined.

Dark Angels Codex Release Date

The Codex Dark Angels supplement went up for pre-order on January 30 and will be released on February 6 - you can order it now from the GW website.

The Dark Angels supplement – ​​the fourth Space Marine chapter supplement to be announced so far – features “bespoke datasheets, warlord traits, relics and a psychic discipline, alongside a suite of Crusade campaign rules that represent the dark quest of the Unforgiven,” according to GW.

Along with their new book, the Dark Angels have also received the usual set of faction data cards and – slightly more interestingly – their own Combat Patrol box, joining the Death Guard, Deathwatch, Blood Angels and Space Wolves in GW's improved range of army starter boxes.

Death Guard Codex Release Date

The new Death Guard codex (the first 9th Edition rulebook published for a Chaos army) went up for pre-order on January 16th and was released on January 23rd.

Like the others, it is packed with army-specific datasheets, rules, and content tailored to the Death Guard Crusade, the vile and disgusting sons of the dread Daemon Primarch Mortarion.

Death Guard players had to wait months longer than expected, but when the Codex arrived, it came with a few bonuses—chiefly the long-awaited and fundamentally filthy Lord of Virulence model, and a starter box for the Death Guard Combat Patrol—the first of its kind for a Chaos army.

It also included some of the most interesting thematic rules GW has ever tried with its new Crusade campaign system, in the form of custom plagues for your Death Guard group, each affecting nearby enemies in slightly different, but equally revolting, ways, and growing in power over the course of games. It's extremely disgusting, but brilliant.

Don't miss Wargamer's full review of the new, even more disgusting Death Guard, coming soon.

Blood Angels Codex Release Date

The Blood Angels Codex supplement was released on December 5, 2020.

This supplement contains the usual army-specific datasheets, Crusade rules and content tailored for the scarlet-clad sons of the long-lost Sanguinius the Angel, as well as a good deal of background history and information on this popular Chapter.

Space Wolves Codex Release Date

The 9th Edition Space Wolves Codex supplement was released on October 31, 2020.

This supplement, like its siblings, provides army-specific datasheets, rules, and Crusade content tailored to the Space Wolves Chapter of the Space Marines. It runs to 88 pages and contains additional information on the Sons of Russ, a bestiary, and unique "Sagas" rules for creating custom, ever-evolving warlord traits for your Space Wolves commanders.

Deathwatch Codex Release Date

The 9th Edition Codex Deathwatch supplement was released, alongside Space Wolves, on October 31, 2020.

The Deathwatch supplement includes—you guessed it—army-specific datasheets, rules, and Crusade-specific content for the Ordo Xenos' elite Chamber Militant, aka the silver-shouldered badasses of the Deathwatch.

It's 64 pages long and includes some juicy Deathwatch-specific story material, as well as special rules for mixing kill teams with different specializations.

Space Marines Codex Release Date

The 9th Edition Space Marines Codex was released on October 10, 2020, so it's available now. There's also a special Collector's Edition available, if you're interested.

Codex: Space Marines contains a wealth of information on the original founding Chapters, as well as their most important successors. It runs to 208 pages, with 98 datasheets for new and existing units.

Space Marines has always been the longest book, with its 8,000,000 different units and abundant sub-faction rules - but the 9th Edition codex is a very large tome, incorporating a whole host of new rules from the Psychic Awakening series and the new Adeptus Astartes Crusade rules.

Necrons Codex Release Date

The 9th Edition of Codex: Necrons was also released on October 10, 2020, and is available now - with the option of the Collector's Edition.

This is a smaller book than the Space Marines version, at only 120 pages. It's nonetheless packed with insights and, overall, represents a colossal and very exciting overhaul of how the Necrons operate in combat.

There are 51 datasheets, including rules for the magnificent new Szarekh, the Silent King model, as well as the many other glorious new Necron models, all their new army rules, Crusade content, and other details.

We'll give you more details in future guides, but for now, you should get excited about the Necron's new "Command Protocols" mechanic. It's an absolutely brilliant addition to Necron army building, and, along with the new Dynasty abilities, will add a touch of unpredictability to the flow of battle.

Imperial Armour Compendium

The Imperial Armour Compendium 9th Edition was released on October 30, 2020.

This is a standalone book published by GW's sister store, Forge World, to adapt a number of their special/limited edition miniatures to 9th Edition.

It contains 233 updated datasheets for Forge World models playable in Warhammer 40,000. It also includes a Regimental Doctrine for the Death Korps of Krieg and suggested Succession Tactics for five renamed Space Marine Chapters that are too specialized to be included in the main book.

Additionally, GW has stated that any model that currently exists but does not have an entry in this book will receive a Warhammer Legends update at a later date.

What 40k Codexes Are We Still Waiting For?

Assuming all the factions that got a full codex in 8th Edition get one again this time around (plus any new factions), the next 40k codexes we can expect to be revealed - but we don't have solid information yet to mention them in full above - are:

Astra Militarum
World Eaters

Rest assured, we'll keep this guide updated with all the latest information on Warhammer 40K 9th Edition codex release dates, so you know exactly when your army will receive its new rules, abilities, and lore.