Finishing armies, new projects, and trenches: 2025 Year in Review and 2026 Predictions
With 2025 in the rearview and the dawn of 2026 before us, we asked our local gaming group about their hobby goals for the upcoming year, as well as the usual wild speculation about new releases from Games Workshop.
What were your hobby highlights of 2025? What was your favourite painted mini? How many models did you paint? Did you push yourself with any new techniques?
Noah: Whole lot of Titanicus, painted a Legio and a gaming table. I’m particularly happy with the poses of my titans and their bases.
Favourite mini: Badrukk, painted him up for a local painting competition.
Painted models: 22 including buildings.
New techniques: Learned new sponging techs, lacquer paints and oils.
Alys: My hobbying took a slower pace this year, as I focused on side projects. With thanks to Zach, Jeff, and Phonzie, I did a lot of printing to paint up some D&D minis for one of the parties I’m playing with, as well as for my own collection. I also converted and painted a New Antioch warband for Trench Crusade, minis that I’m very proud of. While I was unable to finish Cursed City by the end of the year (alas, and with Darkwater on the horizon too!), I made big strides in completing that game. One of my long-term hobby goals is to have every one of the modern Warhammer Quest games fully painted!
My favorite models really have to be the D&D party I painted up.
Cozie: I got to take part in my first ever painting competition and learned how to do skin (well, purple alien skin) and glazing. I just wish I used flow improver instead of water ‘cause it was a challenge. Super happy that I took a picture of my display shelf at the start of the year: that way I can compare it to now. I didn’t get a ton done, but I touched up a lot of old ones that now look a lot better.
Before and after display cabinet. Models by Cozie.
Zach: I mostly painted Old World Tomb Kings (82 Infantry, six Monsters/War Machines, four Characters) and Horus Heresy Iron Warriors (two Characters, ten Terminators, a Dreadnought, two Land Raiders) this year. I experimented a little bit with miniature photography as I got some Jon Hodgson Background books. They really go a long way to help set a scene for your tiny toys.
The miniature I think I’m the most proud of this year is the Elisse Duhaard I painted up for my friend Andrew as a Birthday gift. I did a Damsel on Pegasus as well, but I think Elisse came out better. I don’t think I really pushed myself to be honest, I had to travel a bunch and it ate into my hobby time and energy.
Mathias: This year was a lot of “finishing” armies, focusing on my Old World Stirlanders. It also was some of my favourite stuff to paint, classic GW is just so clean and not cluttered with a lot of the intricacies you sometimes see on newer line troops. So the ability to just keep it simple was a welcome change. I also added some objectives for Stirlanders, and while pictures may have them look like baked beans, I promise it is a bucket of apples in water! While for Age of Sigmar it was adding some newer units to both my Lumineth & Tzeentch, to give me some options in future games.
Models by Mathias
Ian: Despite having more limited time, I somehow completed more models than last year (probably ‘cause last year saw the great oil wash disaster that left more than one project half finished). In terms of biggest achievement, getting a 30k Zone Mortalis force of Salamanders painted up. This represents the infantry core of the army and getting that out of the way was a big step for the army…that I have not touched since the event. Oh, well, maybe next year.
In terms of new techniques, I tried doing freehand heraldry and purity seal text on a Storm Guard Captain. This is definitely the best model I painted this year and now feel like I have to go back and do scrollwork on the rest of my collection. Overall, I painted 85 models for six different game systems.
Jeff: It was a slow hobby year for me – which was somewhat anticipated. Got through 40 models, almost all of which were Night Lords. The test models for an eventual Tau army were probably my favourite of the lot, as they were Stealth Suits that I printed in clear resin, and painted over in various levels of uncloaking. Second to that were some Skitarii models I converted up for Inq28, which will eventually get some paint next year.
Mike: Been a productive year pushing 504 Models built 354 Models Painted (200 to completion)
Now I’m sure I’ve missed something but as it stands here is the break down:
Ossiarch Bonereapers:117 Models to completion
Soulblight Gravelords: 93 Models Built 43 Painted
Nighthaunt: 66 Models Built and Painted (Battle ready Minimum some to Completion)
Blades of Khorne: 82 to completion another 43 built
Seraphon: 59 built two painted (one to completion)
Maggotkin of Nurgle: 44 Built and Painted
I’m most proud of my OBR army I painted this year but as for a single model it has to be my Black Coach from my Nighthaunt.
Too many/not enough black and red armies this year with gold accents.
Also: Marker Gang rise up!
What were your gaming highlights from the past year? What was your favourite system? Did you attend any memorable events?
Noah: I’ve run eight Titanicus demos this year and have another one planned. Starting a local community from scratch has been challenging and rewarding.
I ran a narrative campaign linking Titanicus and Legions Imperialis. It was a ton of fun and certainly something I will continue. I also attended a painting competition where I placed 3rd in two categories. Also the charity buildathon hosted by the local Gunpla community where we raised $13,335.69 (nice) for the local food bank.
Models by Noah and Kyle
Alys: I didn’t play a lot this year, but I did manage to get some games of Trench Crusade in, which I really enjoyed. I also really enjoyed the demo game of 30k 3rd that Recusant and I played, as it really showcased the best aspects of the game. I think currently, my favorite system is up in the air, but I’m generally enjoying everything I’m playing.
Cozie: I got to participate in my second tournament and it was a doubles event. Some people do take advantage of this format, but overall it was a great time! I made sure to partner with a fellow painter and we snatched best painted armies.
Zach: In our first game of Horus Heresy 3.0, Recusant and I’s Praetors dueled, and after I won those COWARDLY ULTRAMARINES GUNNED ME DOWN. I have not forgotten this moment. Also Trench Crusade is really cool.
Mathias: This year was the final “official” support for Beasts of Chaos in Age of Sigmar, so my goal was to play them as much as possible. Bringing them to my best showing at some events and eventually leading to my winning of Best Hobby for them in fake internet points (ITC).
I also brought back Bar Bash for it’s 6th year. A rare AoS megabattle where there were no Order factions, instead it was a Death vs Chaos throwdown in the realm of Haefenhoven. Just a fun time to throw some models down and see what whacky stuff we can get up to.
Bar Bash 6. Photos by Mathias
Ian: Playing Inquisitor28 with modified rules from the original game was a blast: it really felt like a fantastic game and I can’t wait to play more (and further refine the rules). Also, playing in my first 30k event was a lot of fun and really opened my eyes to that game (though I have yet to try 3rd edition).
Jeff: I didn’t play much this past year. The two highlights were a large Titanicus game with Noah, Alphonso, and Kyle – which was a blast with lots of destructible terrain. The other was a two-day Heresy event over Labour Day. Lots of narrative goodness, and fun, unique games.
Photos by Jeff
Mike: AoS is my ride or die system, been moving away from 40k more and more but excited for the next ICI and the new StarCraft game coming out next year.
As for events, just a few lol: some are terminally online and it seems I’m terminally at table. 30+ events this year, travelled to three different provinces and one state.
I think the highlight was going to the first Canadian Open in Edmonton. Not only did I get to finally check Alberta off my bucket list for playing Warhammer in every province but also got to attend Canada’s first Warhammer Open. Edmonton is also a cool town (surprisingly good food options, per capita might be better than Toronto) and Warhammer quickly becomes more than just a game/hobby for those who frequent events. In the immortal words of Jiwan Noah Singh: “5 new friends not 5-0!” This is the goal, always strive to make friends and strengthen relationships. Just have a good time!
Warhammer got me to Edmonton but I barely remember the games to be honest. It’s the people I remember and will always remember hanging out with the boys and driving three hours with my cousin to Drumheller to see the Royal Tyrell Museum.
Following the three year edition cycle, 40k 11th Edition is likely to drop this summer. What do you hope to see in 11th Ed? Which factions do you think will be in the starter sets?
Noah: A more stable game with a slower pace of change…unlikely but still! Definitely Orks and Space Marines in the starter.
Alys: ALTERNATING. ACTIVATIONS. I’m going to keep saying it until it happens.
Zach: I would like to see a slower release pace.
Mathias: I hope they keep the detachment system, I really like that I only need my one page with all the stratagems and rules so I don’t have to have seven books with me everywhere. A cool starter set would be Guard vs Traitor Marines. Throw the concept on its head GW! You still get marines, they’re just eviler!
Ian: I’d really like to see datasheet abilities disappear from most non-character units. There’s no reason line infantry like Intercessors need special rules. I think this would go a long way to simplifying the game but also making wargear more meaningful. Terminators are special ‘cause they have power fists, storm bolters, and tactical dreadnought armour, not ‘cause they get extra rerolls!
Jeff: I’d love for the game to bring back more unit/character options. Everything being free, and units being limited to whats in the box just feels lame when compared to some of the other systems (e.g. Heresy, TOW). Also making the game less killy/reducing the number of models needed for “regular” sized games.
Models by Mike
2025 saw the release of two new factions in 40k and The Old World: the Emperor’s Children and Grand Cathay. What factions do you think will drop in 2026 (can be any system)?
Alys: Helsmiths of Hashut, too! I think with the release of some new Dark Mechanicus models for Legiones Imperialis, we’re very likely to see them in 30k proper.
Zach: I would be shocked if we didn’t get a revamp of Custodes specifically in 30k. But also with the new Marauder redesigns in The Old World I’d say a lot is possible at the moment…
Mathias: I feel like the Tau could use some more alien allies, a good way to slide in parts of a faction. They redid the Kroot and Vespid, but what about the rest of them? Either that or the Hrud, give me some ratmen in space please!
Ian: I’ll second more Tau auxilleries, that would be awesome!
Jeff: More T’au auxiliaries would be great for 40k. Alternatively, just some other new, xenos race would be great.
But as Zach mentioned, Custodes (and I imagine Sisters of Silence) for 30k are a given, I still think that Dark Mech will drop at some point for it too.
Trench Crusade was a runaway success at the end of 2024 and has made a big splash this past year. Have you trudged through the mud and what do you want to see come out in 2026? What would make you take the plunge into the system if you aren’t already playing? What makes this game so successful?
Alys: I have! As mentioned above, I converted and painted up a New Antioch warband, and played a few games with them. It’s a very narrative-forward game that’s simple to learn, but also gives a fair bit of granularity. I imagine that if you enjoy Necromunda, you’ll like this as well. In 2026, I’m excited to see what new plastics are released – expect we’ll see one of the Hell factions next, probably the Naval Raiders for Heretic Legions.
Zach: I am mud pilled. I’m super excited to see what new plastic models they put out, and finally get my hands on the physical rulebook.
Jeff: While I haven’t actually gotten a game in, I converted up a small Japanese/Samurai themed New Antioch warband (that still needs to get painted…) and plan to print up a C’thulu themed Heretic warband.
Ian: I’ve only played one game of TC (proxying my Chaos as Heretic Legion), but the gameplay was very smooth. It feels very innovative rather than just a rehash of other mechanics we’ve seen used again and again in other systems.
GW has been steadily updating old sculpts and rebooting various factions. Which character or unit needs the biggest facelift? Which faction do you want to see get redone the most? Is there a character waiting in the wings who you’d love to see in modern plastic?
Alys: High Elf Spearmen and Archers in Old World. Please free us from their gigantic 6th edition Ham Hands.
Mathias: Chaos Space Marine Bikers need a real glow up, they are the only things that haven’t been touched when the line was refreshed. They just look chonky.
I’d also like to see a new dragon sculpt for either Lumineth or Old World High Elves, they’ve been killing it recently with dragons for the others like the new undead dragon and the Stormcast ones. But Elves and Dragons are so intertwined, give me something epic and ‘heavy’.
Ian: With the Old World Marauders updated, I’m really curious what’s next for that game. Also, bring back more Dark Eldar special characters!
Jeff: I feel like the OG Catachan infantry are in dire need of literal face lifts. CSM Bikers would be great to see too.
Horus Heresy 3rd Edition launched in 2025 and doubled down on narrative rules. What lessons can other miniature games take from 30k? What would you like to see for narrative gaming in general? What’s been your favourite part of 3rd Ed 30k?
Alys: My favorite part, bar none, has been the Challenge Phase. It’s so cinematic and narrative, encapsulates two heroes singling one another out for combat perfectly. I feel like every single game of 30k needs to have at least one Challenge. Please give us a Supplement for 40k or AoS that lets us replicate these epic duels!
Ian: I’m going to pick up on the idea of a narrative supplement for 40k: not just Crusade supplements, but a game companion that changes the core rules. When you look at the difference between narrative and matched play in 40k, the goal of one is to tell a story and the goal of the other is to win the game, and it’s kind of wild that those two use the same rules.
Jeff: 100% agree on the Challenge Phase! All the game systems should incorporate that.
While I think that the narrative supplements for Heresy have been fun to see (and have been fairly numerous so far), I’d like to see them fleshed out more. I feel like they’re very small for the price you’re paying. But that could be because the old black books were just so good, that everything they’ve done since feels half-assed. One or two larger supplements a year, with numerous unit entries, and missions I feel like would be better than lots of smaller ones with only one or two new things from a gameplay perspective.
Most of us are in deep with Black Library books: what was your favourite read this past year? This could be a new release for 2025, a discovered classic, or a reread favourite? Is there another medium you’ve enjoyed the Warhammer on? What was it (animation, podcast, YouTube channel, etc.)?
Noah: I finally started the Horus Heresy and gotten through the first four. Wow, what a read. Also Titanicus and The Infinite and the Divine!
Alys: Lelith Hesperax: Queen of Blades, by Mike Brooks. For a lack of a better description, it’s a Drukhari Romance Novel, and I love it to bits. Tempting me to start a Drukhari Wych Cult army with those toxic elf lesbians.
Ian: I finally read Abnett’s Double Eagle, which was excellent. I also read Godeater’s Son by Noah Van Nguyen. This was a recommendation by Recusant and it was a great intro to AoS fiction: my only critique is that it’s extremely grimdark with not enough levity, but it really captures the larger-than-life fantasy of AoS from a ground-level, mortal perspective.
Jeff: Oh man. So many good books this year. Double Eagle was fantastic, along with Interceptor City. Aerial combat can be really difficult to write about, and I thought they both did a wonderful job of making you feel the adrenaline. I’d highly recommend both of those books (while Interceptor City doesn’t require you to have read Double Eagle, it does benefit from some of the background). I also recently finished Elemental Council, which was also fantastic. It was nice getting a story from a non-imperial perspective, and really made a single space marine feel terrifying.
Mike: Been listening to AoS audio books: Hallowed Knights: Plague Garden, Hallowed Knights: Black Pyramid, and Realmgate War stuff shine the most. But also have to shout out Godeater’s Son and Gloomspite.
Have to admit some of the audio dramas had me shouting “Only the Faithful!”
Models by Mike
With the recent announcement of Total War: Warhammer 40,000, are you looking forward to this new 40k video game? What features, factions, or does do you hope make an appearance, either at launch or in the future?
Alys: Hopeful we see something like the Dawn of War army painter that lets us do our armies’ colors – I definitely want my Marine campaign to be the Raptors. Further to that, with space travel being incorporated, I’m really hoping that we get the ability to deploy their armies via drop pods!
Ian: This is a weird wishlist item, but I’d really like to see integration with a tabletop map campaign. Like you could set up a game/server for your 40k campaign, and all your players can log their moves and results there. Or bring a laptop to a weekend event and let players enter their moves between rounds.
Jeff: Definitely looking forward to Total War: 40k a lot. Lots of army customization would be fantastic. Since Guard is going to be faction, I’d love to see different skins off the bat (like Cadians, Krieg, Catachan, Mordians, etc.), along with the ability to highly customize army colours. I do hope that we don’t have to wait for like three or four entries to get the majority of factions into the game though. Starting with four (Marines, Guard, Aledari, and Orks)… I feel like it will take a long time… T’au I feel like would be such a great faction for this scale of game.
Mike: Dawn of War 4 has my interest. I love basebuilding RTS, Total War Games just don’t do it for me strangely and LOVED Dawn of War 1.
Models by Mike
A cowled, avian sorcerer approaches you and offers to grant your greatest gaming wish–for a cost! What do you wish for and what do you sacrifice?
Noah: I wish for a 40k classic edition/remaster. Like how Old World is to Sigmar. A continuation of the old ways and let 11th ed continue on its path without me. I sac every L shaped ruin in town. Let them burn in a massive funeral pyre.
Alys: Female Space Marines. As sacrifice, I offer up Aeldari Exodites being delayed by at least a decade.
Zach: Five year editions…
Mathias: Make Codexes evergreen by turning them into essentially coffee table books, and just make the rules free online or part of the Warhammer+ Subscription. I’ll even give my “free” yearly model for this!
Ian: Battlefleet Gothic. Not Battlefleet Heresy, but the 40k setting. As sacrifice, I offer the quarterly balance updates: I think I’ll get by without new rules every time I play.
Jeff: I’d second Ian’s wish and sacrifice lol. Hell I’d sacrifice yearly Space Marine model updates too for it!
Models by Mike
Mike: Bonesplitterz and Beast of Chaos come back to AoS: Old World goes poof.
What are your hobby or gaming goals for 2026? Have any rolled over from last year?
Noah : Run more local narrative events and get my second legio painted. I’ve built the Titanicus scene, now I need to supply us with content then corrupt them into epic Armageddon!
Alys: Finish Cursed City and start painting another army for AoS or 40k. Finish my Freeblade Knight, and my Titanicus Maniple. I’d also love to organize a Warhammer Quest day to play one or more of the games.
Zach: I very much would like to start/finish my Warriors of Chaos army. 50 odd marauders showed up on my porch recently…
Mathias: Just want to keep finishing up the armies, the backlog never goes away but would like to finish some older projects like the Nuln Army of Legend, but also get into making some display boards for the different armies for some more local events.
Ian: My Titanicus Psi-Titan has been waiting primed for quite a while and would love to get that painted in the near future, which would jump my collection up to 2,500 points. I’ve also started working on an Old World Dwarf Army and it’d be great to finally get a game of square bases in. Additionally, run another narrative event, either the ICI 6 or something a little more bite sized if that falls through again. Finally, I really, really want to play more Inq28.
Jeff: First goal is to finally finish my Night Lords for 30k (or at the very least get a full 3k list done). Then to get started on Solar Aux finally. I also plan to get a few small scale warbands painted up this year (for Inq28 and Mordheim). Maybe throw some T’au in there as palette cleansers.
Mike: Nurgle and Seraphon are my big hobby projects for 2026. I want to avoid starting too many new ones and just go back to and finish up older ones where I can. StarCraft tabletop is the one hobby project I do plan on starting though. I’d also like to create a set of terrain to bring to events to help out TOs and maybe take a jab at running an event of my own.
Thanks folks! Here’s to another great year!