wolf codex expectations: what are yours?

[Karhedron]

There was roughly 6 months between DAs and BAs, it would not surprise me to see a similar gap for Space Wolves which would put them around March 2025.

[Dark Shepherd]

Blood Angels release wave is making me more hopeful

 

Not just with the generic characters but also they have so many weapon and head options the chances of dual kits eg Ulrik/generic Wolf Priest have increased

[Tokugawa]

Failcast must die: all BA units which didn't update to plastic are confirmed retired.

 

SW would possibly go the same route.

 

[Karhedron]

Some plastic stuff got retired too. This makes me fear for our unique Dreadnoughts.

[Dark Shepherd]

 

Some plastic stuff got retired too. This makes me fear for our unique Dreadnoughts.

Ball Predators survived but am hopeful for Bjorn and or dread bits on upgrade sprue

 

Our mounted named characters are probably done for, either way it will be a big character cull

[jaxom]

 

Some plastic stuff got retired too. This makes me fear for our unique Dreadnoughts.

I could see Bjorn getting a new kit and them retiring the other box-noughts. Oh man, a Contemptor-based Bjorn would be awesome.

[Wispy]

So who's in danger of moving into Legends, based on trends:

 

- Canis

- Harald

- Lukas

- Bjorn

- Njal

- Axe/Shield Dreads

 

Worth noting Bjorn and Venerable dreadnoughts were spirited away for photography awhile back, so maybe we keep our special dreads? Logan Grimnar on Stormrider was also taken for photography , which I'm not sure how squares with Valrak's new rumour of new Logan Grimnar. Thunderwolf spirited off for photography too so they're still part of the codex. 

 

Canis, Harald, Lukas, Bjorn, Krom, and Njal left behind... They're Shrodinger's Wolves, they're either legends or getting new miniatures. As a Harald Deathwolf enthusiast, really hoping they do a Thunderwolf captain kit that builds all the Thunderwolf HQs. 

 

Edited August 23 by Wispy

[Bryan Blaire]

Is there any way that instead of being taken for photography, they were taken to get some 3D scans to use as the basis for upscaling and modeling, or was this very recently?

[Wispy]

 

Is there any way that instead of being taken for photography, they were taken to get some 3D scans to use as the basis for upscaling and modeling, or was this very recently?

Recently, just 4 months ago.

 

If they were doing scans, they proofs archived.

 

Edit: worth noting this also was observed with Dark Angels minis from their cabinet.

Edited August 23 by Wispy

[Rune Priest Jbickb]

I personally suspect a thunder cav character kit that will do lords and battle leaders will cover that base and that Njal and arjac will go Primaris size as they, being Terminators, would fit the space marine release type we seem to be in.

[Wolf Guard Dan]

I’m hopeful that because we are last that we are getting the biggest update. I do worry for our finecast characters. Some of them do have novels. Maybe that will be their saving grace. I’d be stunned if Njal didn’t get an update. Less so if we saw Lukas sent to legends. I’d really like to keep Lukas. I enjoyed his novel. 

[StrangerOrders]

Lemartes oddly enough made me hopeful for Lukas being updates since, aside from Lemartes superior seniority (to my understanding) both fill similar niches of 'small character outside of high command that neverthless gives strong flavour to the faction'.

 

Could easily be hopium, but we will see.

 

I personally doubt that we will see Thunderwolves though, GW has been very characterful with the updates to other chapters but they have largely adhered to their recently made Primaris 'skeletons' (jump infantry, terminators, honor guard, etc). They haven't touched the BA weird dreads or the DA ravenwing, the fully unique concepts.

 

I do not see them going as out there as big irregular-framed models/units just yet, not saying they won't but don't see them out the gate. Same with Wulfen and Logan (since I think GW likes the centerpiece concept of Stormrider).

 

Wolfguard (TDA and PA versions) make alot more sense to me right now with their current behaviour, with characters that comply to those forms (Njall, Lukas, Arjac, etc). That and a sizable upgrade kit to reflect Blood Claws and Grey Hunters.

 

I do not love Hounds of Morkai but GW might decide to make them a bespoke sculpt as well for some ungodly reason.

 

So, if we got a refresh this edition, I am thinking the following:

 

-Sizable Upgrade Sprue

-Bespoke WG TDA (too many of our chars like the mark to not update.

-PA Wolfguard 'guard/companion-esque' PA unit.

-Njall (supports the direction seen of emphasizing the weirdest divergences)

-Lukas (PA Character, don't see Krom and I think the Slayer is too new but given Astorath, Lemartes and Asmodai he is possible).

Edited August 26 by StrangerOrders

[TheNicronomicon]

 

Lemartes oddly enough made me hopeful for Lukas being updates since, aside from Lemartes superior seniority (to my understanding) both fill similar niches of 'small character outside of high command that neverthless gives strong flavour to the faction'.

 

Could easily be hopium, but we will see.

 

I personally doubt that we will see Thunderwolves though, GW has been very characterful with the updates to other chapters but they have largely adhered to their recently made Primaris 'skeletons' (jump infantry, terminators, honor guard, etc). They haven't touched the BA weird dreads or the DA ravenwing, the fully unique concepts.

 

I do not see them going as out there as big irregular-framed models/units just yet, not saying they won't but don't see them out the gate. Same with Wulfen and Logan (since I think GW likes the centerpiece concept of Stormrider).

 

Wolfguard (TDA and PA versions) make alot more sense to me right now with their current behaviour, with characters that comply to those forms (Njall, Lukas, Arjac, etc). That and a sizable upgrade kit to reflect Blood Claws and Grey Hunters.

 

I do not love Hounds of Morkai but GW might decide to make them a bespoke sculpt as well for some ungodly reason.

 

So, if we got a refresh this edition, I am thinking the following:

 

-Sizable Upgrade Sprue

-Bespoke WG TDA (too many of our chars like the mark to not update.

-PA Wolfguard 'guard/companion-esque' PA unit.

-Njall (supports the direction seen of emphasizing the weirdest divergences)

-Lukas (PA Character, don't see Krom and I think the Slayer is too new but given Astorath, Lemartes and Asmodai he is possible).

The Death Company dread got me thinking they could bring back an upscaled dread kit for us, maybe even as a template for other chapters. Bjorn being the Eldest would make him a strong candidate for a box like that. I'd love a kit where i could build brutalis-sized Murderfang or Redemptor Bjorn with a couple bits left over to class up one a generic dread. strong arguments for wolf guard and terminators too, and i'm really hoping (likely in vain) for updated Thunderwolf cavalry. but i think your list is spot on

[Dark Shepherd]

Valrak's vid said we are getting a new Logan Grimnir according to his sources (everything else was speculation but we will get one specialist unit a la Deathwing or Sanguinaru Guard)

 

No mention of the sled from his source but one would assume its gone or legendsed

[Blindhamster]

It's been a very long time since I did wolves (brief stint in third edition).

 

Based on what happened with blood angels I think you'll see a sizeable cull.

 

Blood Angels got more characters moved to primaris than any other chapter so far, but also as a result got fewer actual units with kits.

 

Space Wolves are interesting because, even compared to other divergent chapters, you have A LOT of bespoke characters and units.

 

Currently you have 1 character that got updated in Ragnar.

 

You'll probably see something like:

 

- wolf guard terminators be handled via upgrade sprue with you getting a few frost weapons for terminators in that.

- wulfen may get a new kit, if they don't I'd guess at wolf guard instead getting a full kit and it being wolf scouts that are handled via the upgrade kit.

- Fenrisian wolf riders maybe get an update, though I think not. I also think they wont get removed yet though.

 

Character wise I think the following will get updates:

- arjac rockfist

- logan grimnar

- njal stormcaller

- ulric the slayer

- generic wolf lord

- MAYBE a generic rune priest

 

I think you'll lose:

- krom dragonblaze

- iron priest

- canis wolfborn

- lukas the trickster

- long fangs

- grey hunters

- blood claws

- unique dreadnoughts

 

[INKS]

a wolves update really scares me after BA. Still looking forward to it but I think you are right, there is going to be a cull.

[Bryan Blaire]

I’ve tried to stay out of this because I’m effectively all negative on 10th Edition, but the BA “update” with their new Codex pretty much spells out what I expect for the Wolves - a loss of effectively everything that made the Wolves in the last five-seven editions, including their unique Blood Claw, Grey Hunter, and Long Fang squads.

 

I’m glad I bailed on GW.  The models they are making are still mostly “decent” as far as what they offer (definitely not great overall though), but their current game direction sucks - luckily I think I have enough models I do like that I never have to buy from them again and the paints I get from other companies are far and away superior quality.

 

When I play, I’m glad there are old editions to play/proxy/house rule or alternate rule sets, or I’m playing modified GW skirmish products.

Edited August 28 by Bryan Blaire

[sbarnby71]

I don't play and don't think I ever will. But I've been painting the wolves for about 30 years and I love them. I was glad when Primaris came along, my old eyes needed a bigger size to work on, but as time has gone on I see GW as a base for my conversions, I don't hold hope for any amazing models anymore. Ragnar was epic but nothing much since for me. I do feel for the players as you need a competitive force, so if the wolves are bad, why waste money on them and that is bad for me as seeing others work inspires me to do better with my modeling. So I hope GW does not force more of you folks away from the hearth of The Fang.

[Wispy]

i'd be surprised if GW went back to the Wulfen well anytime soon, especially with Russ. 

Edited September 1 by Wispy

[Karhedron]

Well the DAs and BAs have retained access to the Codex detachments so I am sure we will too. My guess is that our detachments will be something like the following. 

 

1. Champions of Russ. More or less the same as now.

2. Wolf-Wing. Something to boost Wolf Guard and represent Logans retinue. 

3. Wulfen. Something to represent the 13th Company with lots of Wulfen and Wulfen Dreads. 

Edited September 2 by Karhedron

[Dark Shepherd]

Wulfen were already primaris sized/scale creep proofed

BUT

This is very wishful thinking...outside chance of some sort of 13th company/bodyguard unit, dudes returning from the warp with Russ.

 

GW fluffed it with production delays but lookes like Inner Circle companions were supposed to come out with The Lion (but were replaced last minute with Bladeguard)

[Galron]

For sure keep;

Logan, Ragnar

Thunder wolf cavalry(as stupid as they are, I have said that since they came out and I am not changing my mind)

That thunderwolf character- thunderwolves sell so no reason not to.

I would not be surprised in the least if they completely update the T-wolf models(arent they metal now?)

Hounds of Morkie- Almost a maybe. They are Reivers with funny heads. They still make reivers and they cant be selling well. These are actually somewhat useful if you live in a local meta with a lot of 1k sons and/or grey knights, far more than actual reivers. 

Njal-  an updated model- (every other major chapter has a named librarian guy who got an updated model)

 

Maybe

Arjac- Terminator model so if he gets an upgrade he will sell well

 

Wolf Guard Terminators- The most iconic unit space wolves have had, going all the way back to at least second edition. When I think of Space Wolves, I think of a line of ten+ terminators with assault cannons(all 10+) marching up the board saying "Come at me, bro." They probably get screwed over and get the Heirloom weapon treatment though, and be forced to have generic frost weapons. Since terminators sell so well, I can see them getting updated to the new models with a wolf sprue and the afore mentions loss of options.  Cant have options, options are bad. Options breed creativity. Cant have people thinking for themselves can we?

 

Bjorn- This is a toughie- To be or not to be? He is a very popular character. Hopefully they will keep him as is, but if I remember right he is one of the oldest models in the space marine range. Will they cop out and come up with some silly fluff that they transferred his sarcophagi into a Redemptor class dreadnought and then limit his options to a single weapons loadout?

 

Aircraft- will probably stay. Whether they are made useful or not is more related to the core rules than any individual codex, they have to know they went overboard on the aircraft nerf. 

Fenris Wolves- Maybe. On one hand, Why? On the other hand, They are Space Wolves.

 

Gone-

Rune and Iron Priests- GW logic, you have shiny new techmarines and librarians, why does one chapter need specialized versions that we cant sell enough of to pay for the molds?

Wolfen- ugly models, dont really fit the theme except for that one campaign where they were added. I wont be sorry to see them gone. 

Ulric, Dragonslayer, Lukas- gone, old models, dont see play that often. 

Wolf leaders of various types- We have generic LTs- these are gone with the wind thus no more terminator LTs.

Murderfang- We have a Brutalis, no more box dreads.

Long fangs, grey hunters, sky claws, blood claws, wolf scouts- all have primaris or first born analogues and I dont see them keeping them around. 

 

 

 

[Orange Knight]

My expectations and predictions are thus:

 

-New Logan. He'll most likely be an upscaled Terminator and lose the sled. I personally hope they re-invent him further and put him in an artificer Gravis suit like Calgar. It could look very cool, especially with him wielding the Axe.

 

-Ragnar already done and he looks great!

 

-Arjak is a 50/50 in my opinion but I have a feeling that GW will update him. Will be a simple upscale and keep his Terminator armour. This model already looks good and a small glow up is all he needs.

 

-Njal will get a new model and it will be a straightforward upscaling in Plastic.

 

-Bjorn - My hot prediction: He will be the 1st named Redemptor Dreadnought, and the lore around him will be suitably Grimdark. There have been multiple hints and mentions in lore that he is starting to forget things, and is becoming less and less mentally stable. Putting him in a Redemptor chassis will make him more powerful, and also work to shorten his life. This could be seen as a morbid type of mercy, or perhaps the Space Wolves aren't aware of this aspect relating to the new chassis.

 

-Wolfguard Terminators will be an upgrade sprue, in the same way that the Dark Angels have a Terminator variant with unique wargear via a sprue. I imagine the Sgt will be able to equip a Frost Axe, and there will be all sorts of cosmetic upgrades and some other weapon options.

 

-Greyhunters/Blood Claws - these will either be moved on to Legends, or will survive in some capacity via an upgrade sprue. I think the Blood Claws are unique enough and are worth keeping.

 

-Wulfen hot take: These will remain and will not be changed. The models are a bit goofy but the scale is good, and the kit is new enough that the quality is not an issue. They'll probably streamline the wargear options but have them more varied than what is currently available. 

 

-Thunderwolf Cavalry and Lord on Thunderwolf: I honestly don't know with these. There is probably a good chance GW will want to keep them in some capacity. It is a unique cavalry style unit in the context of Space Marines.

 

-The Aircraft will stay. All other characters and units will be moved on to Legends. 

[Lord Ragnarok]

 

My expectations and predictions are thus:

 

-New Logan. He'll most likely be an upscaled Terminator and lose the sled. I personally hope they re-invent him further and put him in an artificer Gravis suit like Calgar. It could look very cool, especially with him wielding the Axe.

 

-Ragnar already done and he looks great!

 

-Arjak is a 50/50 in my opinion but I have a feeling that GW will update him. Will be a simple upscale and keep his Terminator armour. This model already looks good and a small glow up is all he needs.

 

-Njal will get a new model and it will be a straightforward upscaling in Plastic.

 

-Bjorn - My hot prediction: He will be the 1st named Redemptor Dreadnought, and the lore around him will be suitably Grimdark. There have been multiple hints and mentions in lore that he is starting to forget things, and is becoming less and less mentally stable. Putting him in a Redemptor chassis will make him more powerful, and also work to shorten his life. This could be seen as a morbid type of mercy, or perhaps the Space Wolves aren't aware of this aspect relating to the new chassis.

 

-Wolfguard Terminators will be an upgrade sprue, in the same way that the Dark Angels have a Terminator variant with unique wargear via a sprue. I imagine the Sgt will be able to equip a Frost Axe, and there will be all sorts of cosmetic upgrades and some other weapon options.

 

-Greyhunters/Blood Claws - these will either be moved on to Legends, or will survive in some capacity via an upgrade sprue. I think the Blood Claws are unique enough and are worth keeping.

 

-Wulfen hot take: These will remain and will not be changed. The models are a bit goofy but the scale is good, and the kit is new enough that the quality is not an issue. They'll probably streamline the wargear options but have them more varied than what is currently available. 

 

-Thunderwolf Cavalry and Lord on Thunderwolf: I honestly don't know with these. There is probably a good chance GW will want to keep them in some capacity. It is a unique cavalry style unit in the context of Space Marines.

 

-The Aircraft will stay. All other characters and units will be moved on to Legends. 

What about Ulric?

[Orange Knight]

 

What about Ulric?

 

Yeah he should get an upgrade too. He's the named Chaplain equivalent, isn't he?

 

I've not been the model on the tabletop in a long time.