Warhammer 40,000 is getting a brand new edition to celebrate its 30th birthday

Games Workshop has unveiled a new edition of Warhammer 40,000 as the legendary sci-fi miniatures wargame turns the big 3-0.

The publisher described the upcoming reboot as ‘a fresh start’, explaining that it will feature a revised ‘sleek’ ruleset that encourages shorter match lengths and supports open, narrative and matched play, including a points system for tournaments.

Alongside a teaser trailer which does little more than offer some atmospheric in-universe chatter, the firm also put out a brief FAQ to quell the worries of existing fans.

Among the important details is the confirmation that existing armies will be compatible with the new rules, with both Games Workshop and Forge World models supported.

What’s more, Games Workshop revealed that the core rules will be free, adding that there will be ‘several options’ when it comes to acquiring the books needed to play. The rules will also be updated annually and evolved over time, just like Warhammer: Age of Sigmar General’s Handbook.

What won’t be compatible are the rules in the current range of 40,000 codexes, which will soon be taken off sale – meaning you’ll need to pick them up soon if you want them.

In terms of the storied universe, the new edition will take place in the same setting and continue some of the story arcs from the current iteration of 40,000, as well as introducing and advancing original plot lines.

The new edition of Warhammer 40,000 will be out ‘really soon’, according to the FAQ, with a definite release before the end of 2017. There will be a starter box – but there are no details on what will be inside yet.