A fresh wave of previews has landed from Games Workshop, bringing with it a mix of brutal Horus Heresy reinforcements, deep lore expansions, and a return to the dark paths of Middle-earth. While there’s a lot on display, some releases stand out as especially exciting for players and collectors alike — particularly those expanding Mechanicum and World Eaters forces in Warhammer: The Horus Heresy.
Below is our review of what’s coming, what we’re most excited about, and a few important notes on availability at Wargame Portal.
Skitarii Battle Group — The Steel Hand Marches
The clear standout of this reveal is the Skitarii Battle Group, finally bringing the cybernetic legions of the Mechanicum into sharper focus for the Horus Heresy era. Historically, the Skitarii were the personal military arm of the Fabricator General, and this release does an excellent job of translating that identity into a flexible, tabletop-ready force.
Inside the box, you’ll find:
-
16 multi-part plastic Skitarii Battle-Pilgryms, armed with voltlock arquebuses
-
1 Vultarax Stratos-automata, offering fast, airborne support
-
1 Battle-Pilgrym Marshal, with multiple weapon and head options
-
A Mechanicum Macro Constructs transfer sheet with an impressive 394 transfers
From a gameplay perspective, this box is exceptionally versatile. It can form the backbone of a dedicated Skitarii army or be cleanly allied into an existing Mechanicum force. From a hobby standpoint, the models strike a great balance between intricate detail and practical assembly — detailed enough to reward careful painting without feeling overwhelming.
For Horus Heresy players who enjoy elite infantry, technological themes, and flexible list building, this is an easy recommendation.
Journal Tactica: Skitarii – The Steel Hand of Mars
Supporting the Battle Group is Journal Tactica: Skitarii – The Steel Hand of Mars, a 48-page softback supplement that expands both rules and lore.
This book includes:
-
Full rules for the new Skitarii units
-
Multiple army integration options
-
Extensive background on Skitarii Conclaves during the Heresy
-
New Relic Hunt Missions focused on fast, objective-driven play
-
A Legendary Mission featuring Skitarii versus Imperial Fists at the Vaults of Tharsis
It’s a strong companion piece that adds narrative depth while also introducing mission styles that feel distinct from standard Heresy play. For anyone picking up the Skitarii Battle Group, this supplement feels less like an optional extra and more like a natural extension of the release.
Lotara Sarrin, Mistress of the Conqueror
Lotara Sarrin remains one of the most compelling human characters of the Horus Heresy, and her miniature reflects that legacy well. As the iron-willed captain of Angron’s flagship, she brings a unique battlefield role through orbital strike support, reinforcing the World Eaters’ brutal, relentless style of war.
The sculpt is sharp, characterful, and unmistakably authoritative — a fitting centerpiece for World Eaters commanders who appreciate narrative depth alongside raw aggression.
Angron Transfigured — Availability Note
Angron Transfigured is an undeniably striking model, depicting the World Eaters Primarch fully consumed by Chaos during the Siege of Terra. The scale, the sculpting, and the sheer presence make it a true display-level centerpiece, complete with a scenic base and Horus Heresy rules found in Liber Hereticus.
However, it’s important to note:
Angron Transfigured is a Forge World resin model and will not be available through any third party retailers.
It is only available directly from Games Workshop, as are all Forge World models, and is recommended for experienced hobbyists due to its single-pose resin construction.
We still wanted to highlight it here due to its significance, but availability is direct-only.
Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game — Availability Note
The final reveals step away from the grimdark future and into Middle Earth, with a strong thematic focus on Cirith Ungol.
Highlights include:
-
The Path of Cirith Ungol: Shelob & Gollum, plus a webbed-up Frodo objective
-
The Treachery of Gollum narrative journal with scenarios and campaign rules
-
Foot Knights of Dol Amroth (Forge World resin)
-
Cirith Ungol Dice Set, themed with Shelob iconography
While these are excellent releases for Middle-earth fans, please be aware:
-
The Lord of the Rings / Middle-earth range is not a line we normally carry at Wargame Portal.
-
If there are specific Middle-earth items you would like us to attempt to secure, we need to know by Monday, 01/12 at noon EST. This will be case by case basis and orders will be locked in once requested.
-
Availability will depend on supplier access, and Forge World items remain direct-only.
Final Thoughts
This reveal leans heavily into depth and specialization rather than broad mass releases — and that works in its favor. The Skitarii Battle Group and accompanying Journal Tactica are the real stars, offering both mechanical flexibility and rich Horus Heresy flavor. Lotara Sarrin adds a strong narrative character option, while Angron Transfigured stands as an impressive (if direct-only) showpiece.
If you’re building toward Mechanicum, World Eaters, or narrative-driven Heresy campaigns, there’s plenty here to be excited about — and we’re looking forward to seeing these forces take to the tables soon.
