Warhammer 40K Balance Dataslate (Updated January 2024)

The 10th edition of Warhammer 40K has ushered in a new era for the game, introducing a large number of new players and expanding on several key rules. Yet at the same time, since its release in the Summer of 2023, this latest edition continues to be refined.

In particular, Games Workshop has made a number of updates to FAQs, errata, units, models and detachments. All of the these rules changes have been collected into the latest Warhammer 40K Balance Datasheet.

For both new and experienced players, however, parsing through this document can often be a bit overwhelming. To help simplify things, we’ve put together this article that highlights the major changes to the core rules as well as the various factions – all of which you can dig into below. Where relevant, we’ve also included links to expand on the rules and lore.

Cover art to the Warhammer 40K Leviathan box set, featuring a Space Marine helmet on one side and a Tyranid face on the other.

What is the Warhammer 40K Balance Dataslate?

The Warhammer 40K Balance Dataslate is an official update released by Games Workshop on a quarterly basis that’s designed to maintain the fairness and competitiveness of the 10th edition of the game.

Notably, updates to the Balance Dataslate are based on player feedback, tournament outcomes, ongoing game testing and insights from Games Workshop staff. The goal of these updates is to ensures that Warhammer 40K remains balanced, fair and accessible to both new and experienced players.

When was the latest Warhammer 40K Balance Dataslate Released?

The most current Warhammer 40K Balance Dataslate was released by Games Workshop on January 30th, 2024 (although notably this was delayed somewhat later than had been expected).

Games Workshop has also updated their Munitorum Field Manual, which includes a breakdown of the specific point value of individual models and units across all factions in Warhammer 40K 10th edition.

What are the latest changes to the Warhammer 40K 10th Edition Core Rules?

As of January 30th, 2024 there are no major changes to the Warhammer 40K 10th edition core rules. The previous changes that were introduced in this edition (and the associated dataslate in 2023) all remain in place. This includes updates around Devastating Wounds, Stratagem usage and CP costs, Overwatch, Ruins and Insane Bravery.

What are the Latest Rules changes to the Adepta Sororitas?

As of January 30th, 2024, the Sisters of Battle have the following rules changes in Warhammer 40K 10th edition.

The Triumph of Saint Katherine’s Simulacrum of the Ebon Chalice now only allows two Acts of Faith per phase instead of one.

What are the latest Rules changes to the Adeptus Custodes?

As of January 30th, 2024, the Adeptus Custodes now have the following rules changes in Warhammer 40K 10th edition:

Aegis of the Emperor now gives you a 4+ Feel No Pain against Devastating Wounds.

What are the latest Rules changes to the Aeldari

As of January 30th, 2024, the Aeldari now have the following rules changes in Warhammer 40K 10th edition:

Strands of Fate now only has you rolling 6 Fate dice at the start of the game.
Fate’s Messenger can now only affect the bearer’s rolls (and not any model in his unit).
The Phantasm Stratagem only allows an INFANTRY unit to move up to D6”.
Eldrad Ulthran gives you an extra three Fate Dice (changed from 15 to 9).
Night Spinners’ Monofilament Web ability reduces Advance and Charge rolls by 2.
The Yncarne can now only teleport once per turn, and only in its player’s turn.
Wraithguard can only target an enemy unit that shot them when firing back.

What are the latest rules changes for the Astra Militarum?

As of January 30th, 2024, the Imperial Guard now have the following rules changes in Warhammer 40K 10th edition:

Voice of Command now allows OFFICER models to issue Orders at the end of a phase in which they disembarked from a Transport or were set up on the battlefield.

What are the latest rules changes for the Blood Angels

As of January 30th, 2024, Blood Angels now have the following rules changes in Warhammer 40K 10th edition:

Red Thirst now gives Blood Angels units +2 Strength and +1 Attacks to their melee characteristics during the Charge phase.

What are the latest rules changes for Chaos Daemons?

As of January 30th, 2024, Chaos Daemons now have the following rules changes in Warhammer 40K 10th edition:

Daemonic Pact (as it applies to Allies) now prevents an army from taking more non-BATTLELINE Chaos Daemons units than BATTLELINE units for each god that’s been selected.

What are the latest changes for Chaos Space Marines?

As of January 30th, 2024, Chaos Space Marines now have the following rules changes in Warhammer 40K 10th edition:

Marks of Chaos now prevent a unit from riding in a transport (unless they share a MARK keyword).
Dark Obscuration now only prevents units from being targeted outside of 18”.

Profane Zeal now only gives full re-rolls to Wound and must target an Undivided unit.
Accursed Cultists now have an OC 1 and only heal on your turn.

What are the latest rules changes for Death Guard?

As of January 30th, 2024, Death Guard units now have the following rules changes in Warhammer 40K 10th edition:

Only one Biologus Putrifier can throw a free grenade per turn.

What are the latest rules changes for Drukhari?

As of January 30th, 2024, Drukhari units now have the following rules changes in Warhammer 40K 10th edition:

Spending a Pain token in the Fight phase now improves your AP by 1 on melee attacks.
Archon can now be attached to Incubi units.

What are the latest rules changes for Grey Knights?

As of January 30th, 2024, Grey Knights have the following rules changes in Warhammer 40K 10th edition:

Heavy Psycannons are now AP-2 and gain the [IGNORES COVER] rule.
The WS on the Greathammer and Greatsword increases by 1.

What are the latest rules changes for Imperial Knights?

As of January 30th, 2024, Imperial Knights have the following rules changes in Warhammer 40K 10th edition:

Lay Low the Tyrant now lets you re-roll one Hit roll and one Wound roll (previously this applied to rolls of 1).

What are the latest rules changes for Space Wolves?

As of January 30th, 2024, Space Wolves now have the following rules changes in Warhammer 40K 10th edition:

Sagas are now chosen at the end of each turn and not at the end of the battle round (as was previously included in the rules).

What are the latest rules changes for World Eaters?

As of January 30th, 2024, World Eaters now have the following rules changes in Warhammer 40K 10th edition:

Berzerker Glaive now only gives +1 Attacks and Damage (not +D3 during the Charge phase).
The Favoured of Khorne Enhancement now only works once per battle.
The Daemon Prince aura now only gives a 5+ invulnerable save (and a 4+ if you already had an Invulnerable save in place).

Final Thoughts

This will be the first of several Warhammer 40K Balance Dataslate updates scheduled for 2024. We’ll update this page with new rules changes as they’re released by Games Workshop.

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Zachary Birch lives in Medford, Massachusetts and has been a dedicated war gamer for over 15 years, playing pretty much ever system under the sun. Orks remain his favorite Warhammer 40K army (because nothing beats stomping gits into the ground). He also enjoys playing video games, reading, playing the guitar and shouting “WAAAGH!” at inappropriate times.

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