This weekend marks Black Library Celebration 2026, and it’s shaping up to be a rather strong lineup we’ve seen from Games Workshop in a while. From the return of Horus Heresy classics to brand-new stories featuring Orks, Astra Militarum, and duardin legends, the celebration leans hard into what makes Warhammer fiction so compelling: larger-than-life characters, brutal wars, and the strange personalities that populate the grimdark.
Let’s take a look at what’s arriving.
The Return of Horus Rising
Few novels in Warhammer history carry the weight of Horus Rising, and it’s fitting that the Black Library celebration begins here. As the first book in the Horus Heresy saga, it set the tone for one of the most ambitious narratives in the setting, charting the rise and fall of the Imperium’s greatest hero.
The new hardback release kicks off a fresh Horus Heresy Saga series, complete with illustrations that help visualize the early days of the Great Crusade. For longtime fans, this is a chance to revisit the moment where everything begins to unravel. For new readers, it’s arguably still the best entry point into the Heresy.
Collectors will also be eyeing the Premium Edition, which features a leather-effect cover, gold detailing, a metal medallion, and a full galactic map. It’s exactly the kind of lavish treatment a foundational novel deserves. Please Note: These are only sold directly from Games Workshop, and are not offered to third party retailers.
Orks on the Warpath – Ghazghkull Thraka: Warlord of Warlords
Orks always bring a certain chaotic energy to Black Library releases, and Ghazghkull Thraka: Warlord of Warlords looks ready to deliver.
The story follows Slitta da Stabba, a Blood Axe warboss suddenly thrust into the orbit of the galaxy’s most infamous greenskin. With Ghazghkull driving his Waaagh! toward a massive confrontation with the Black Templars, the novel promises intrigue among rival Ork bosses as well as the usual planet-cracking carnage.
As with many celebration releases, there’s also a Special Edition hardback, signed, numbered, and loaded with collector touches like black gilt edges and an Orkish green ribbon bookmark. Please Note: This special edition is not available via third party retailers, and must be bought directly.
For anyone who enjoys Ork fiction that balances brutal warfare with the species’ uniquely entertaining worldview, this one looks promising.
Into the Mud – Chem Dog
The Astra Militarum gets a grittier spotlight in Chem Dog, a new novel centered around the infamous Savlar Chem-Dogs.
These penal legionnaires are among the Imperium’s most unpredictable soldiers, and the premise, an idealistic new Commissar leading them through Ork-infested territory, sets up a perfect clash between discipline and desperation.
Stories about the Guard often shine when they focus on the human cost of war, and the Chem-Dogs are one of the most morally grey regiments in the Imperium. Expect a rough ride.
Legends of the White Dwarf
Age of Sigmar fans also get their moment with Grombrindal: The Legend of the White Dwarf.
This anthology gathers stories about the mysterious wanderer who appears in the darkest hours of the duardin. Featuring a novella and seven short stories, it dives into how different cultures across the Mortal Realms interpret the legend of Grombrindal.
Anthologies like this often provide a great mix of perspectives and tones, making them perfect entry points for readers who want a broader look at the setting.
The One Everyone Is Talking About: The Infinite and the Divine – Illustrated & Annotated Edition
If there’s one release generating the most excitement among Warhammer readers right now, it’s the Illustrated and Annotated Edition of The Infinite and the Divine.
Robert Rath’s novel about Trazyn the Infinite and Orikan the Diviner quickly became one of the most beloved Warhammer 40K books in recent years. Its mix of cosmic rivalry, ancient history, and dark humor made it stand out in a setting usually defined by grim brutality.
This new edition goes even further with:
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Over 240 annotations from the author
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15 new illustrations
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A premium hardback presentation with foil details and green page edges
For fans of Necron lore, this is shaping up to be an absolute must-have collector’s edition. The annotations alone should offer fascinating insights into the history, motivations, and bizarre obsessions of these two ancient rivals.
Frankly, this is one of the coolest Black Library releases we’ve seen since a similar treatment given to Lords of Silence.
Classic Stories Return
Black Library Celebration also brings back a few favorites.
Faith & Fire (Anniversary Edition) returns in a gorgeous hardback celebrating 20 years of Adepta Sororitas storytelling. Featuring a new introduction and updated presentation, it’s a great opportunity to revisit one of the defining Sisters of Battle novels.
Meanwhile, two Reader’s Choice winners are returning to shelves:
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Deathwatch by Steve Parker – a classic look at the Imperium’s elite alien hunters
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Grudge Bearer by Gav Thorpe – a sweeping tale of Dwarfen vengeance from the World of Legend
Both are returning in paperback, making them easier to pick up for readers who may have missed them the first time.
A Free Celebration Anthology
Black Library Celebration wouldn’t be complete without a sampler of stories, and this year brings a free anthology featuring five tales from both Warhammer 40,000 and Age of Sigmar.
Expect appearances from factions like:
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Orks
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Adepta Sororitas
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Skaven
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The denizens of Shyish
These celebration collections are always fun because they capture the diversity of tones across the settings, from dark humor to outright horror. We will have a few copies in our Game Hall for our in-store visitors, and the first few purchasers of pre-orders will receive copies while supplies last!
One Final Note
At the time of writing, Wargame Portal will not be stocking any copies of the new Blood Bowl releases associated with this wave.
We apologize if you were looking forward to picking up those items through us, and we appreciate your understanding.
Overall, Black Library Celebration 2026 is shaping up to be a strong one. Between the return of Horus Rising, new Ork and Guard stories, and the incredibly exciting annotated edition of The Infinite and the Divine, there’s something here for just about every Warhammer reader.
If you’re a fan of Warhammer fiction, next week is going to be a good one.
