It’s a grim and glorious season for Chaos. This Saturday, we open pre-orders for two monstrous forces of destruction: the Death Guard and the World Eaters. Each faction receives not only a brand-new Codex but also a brutal new champion to lead their blighted or blood-soaked crusades. It's a two-pronged galactic assault, courtesy of Nurgle and Khorne, and both sides are bringing serious menace.
Lord of the Seven – Death Guard’s Pestilent New Leader
Nurgle’s foul blessings manifest once again in the form of a new warlord clad in one of Mortarion’s fabled Mantles of Corruption. This Lord of Poxes is built like a tank and breathes like a chimney full of plague. His signature aura—thanks to the unholy turbine on his back—extends his Contagion range by 3", making him a walking epidemic on the battlefield.
But it's not just about spreading disease. He brings an eerie shroud of protection too: enemies can’t shoot at him or his unit unless they’re within 18”, making him the ideal frontline wall for your Plague Marines. And for those foolish enough to close the distance? His plague blade dishes out Lethal Hits and Devastating Wounds, ensuring that every swing leaves nothing but rot in its wake.
Ascendant Fury – Khorne’s New Slaughterbound Champion
If Nurgle’s champion is a creeping sickness, then Khorne’s new warlord is a meteor of rage. Known as the Lord of the Eightbound, this berserker has already bested a Bloodthirster in combat (yes, really), and now carries a shard of its fury in his soul. This translates into pure, savage battlefield utility.
His unique ability to return one destroyed Eightbound or Exalted Eightbound model each Command Phase gives him phenomenal staying power—something Khorne forces often lack. Mobility isn’t an issue either: with Deep Strike and Scout 6”, this champion of rage crashes into the fight faster than most units can react.
And for when the blood must flow? He can call on the wrath of his bound Bloodthirster once per game, gaining +3 Attacks and Devastating Wounds to tear through whatever dares to stand in his path.
The Eternal Debate: Disease vs. Destruction
There’s something poetic in seeing both Nurgle and Khorne rising at once. While the Death Guard revel in slow decay and area denial, the World Eaters erupt in immediate, close-combat carnage. Yet both serve the same ultimate ends—death, entropy, and the collapse of order. Whether it’s through choking fogs or rivers of blood, both factions want the galaxy undone.
It’s also worth noting the thematic overlap: both warbands thrive in melee, both now feature unique leaders that add major tactical advantages, and both factions are supported by a robust release slate this weekend, including Codexes, dice sets, Combat Patrols, and battleforces.
Final Thoughts
If you're aligned with Chaos—or just want to bring some unrelenting pain to your next game—this is the weekend to watch. These releases aren’t just powerful updates; they’re flavorful, lore-packed declarations of intent from two of the most iconic Chaos factions.
Which god will you serve? The Grandfather’s rot… or the Blood God’s wrath?
Stay tuned for the full pre-order breakdown this Saturday—and arm yourself accordingly.
