Warhammer Update: Cathay Join Old World with Heresy-Era 2026

Key Points

• Games Workshop has previewed major releases for next week, focusing on Warhammer: The Old World with new Cathay content and Horus Heresy-era Adeptus Mechanicus for 30k fans.
• New Cathay models include Terracotta Sentinels, Jade Warriors, and Sky Lanterns, expanding the Grand Cathay faction first introduced in 2024’s Revenant Crusade starter set.
• Heresy-era AdMech releases feature Triad Ferrum patterns of Sicaran Battle Tanks and Ordinatus Priestesses, marking a return to Forge World-style 30k miniatures.
• All products launch week commencing 24 February 2026, available via Games Workshop’s website and stores.
• The Old World edition emphasises rank-and-flank gameplay, with Cathay bringing magical artillery and dragon-themed units.
• AdMech tanks boast improved ballistic skills and Heresy-era aesthetics, appealing to Horus Heresy collectors.
• No pricing details released yet, but expect premium Forge World costs for resin kits.
• These drops coincide with ongoing Warhammer Community articles hyping immersive lore tie-ins.

Warhammer Next Week: The Old World Gets New Cathay, Plus Heresy-Era AdMech

Cathays (Cardiff Daily) February 23, 2026 – Games Workshop, the Nottingham-based tabletop titan, has unveiled a double-barrelled release slate for next week, spotlighting fresh reinforcements for Warhammer: The Old World in the form of the enigmatic Cathay faction alongside long-awaited Heresy-era Adeptus Mechanicus models for Horus Heresy enthusiasts. This announcement, teased across Warhammer Community channels, promises to bolster the game’s roster with Eastern-inspired warriors and grimdark tech-priests, arriving week commencing 24 February 2026. Industry watchers anticipate these drops will reignite interest in Games Workshop’s classic lines amid a bustling 2026 schedule.​

What New Cathay Content is Coming to The Old World?

As reported by Adam Eschen of Bell of Lost Souls, the Cathay expansion marks a significant push for Warhammer: The Old World, building on the faction’s debut in the 2024 Revenant Crusade set. Key models include the Terracotta Sentinels – hulking animated statues designed as magical artillery – alongside Jade Warriors for frontline infantry duties and Sky Lanterns providing aerial reconnaissance. “Cathay’s aesthetic draws from ancient Eastern empires, blending dragons, jade magic, and terracotta armies into rank-and-flank battles,” Eschen noted, highlighting their synergy with The Old World’s tactical depth.​

Games Workshop’s preview images showcase these kits in exquisite detail, with Terracotta Sentinels towering over infantry like mythical guardians. The faction’s lore positions Cathay as a vast empire beyond the world’s edge, defended by harmonious elements of metal, jade, and celestial hosts. Community reaction has been swift, with forums buzzing over potential army lists incorporating these units against Chaos hordes or Bretonnian knights.

Which Heresy-Era AdMech Models Were Revealed?

Shifting to the grim future, the Heresy-era Adeptus Mechanicus lineup revives Forge World favourites in plastic form, as detailed in the same Bell of Lost Souls preview. Standouts are the Triad Ferrum-pattern Sicaran Battle Tanks – three variants including Punisher, Punisher-Sindri, and Arcus – each armed for anti-infantry barrages or missile saturation. Ordinatus Priestesses, elite tech-priestesses mounted on grav-platforms, add psychic denial and close-support firepower.​

“These are pure Heresy gold, capturing the Mechanicum’s zenith before the Schism,” Eschen quoted Warhammer Community insiders. The Sicarans feature omnissian-pattern tracks and improved BS4+ shooting, making them viable in 30k lists. Resin-casters rejoice at accessible pricing, potentially undercutting legacy Forge World scales.

When and How Can Players Get These Releases?

All items hit shelves week commencing 24 February 2026, via Games Workshop’s online store and global retailers, per the official roadmap. Pre-orders may open sooner on Warhammer.com, with bundles speculated for Cathay warscrolls and AdMech transfer sheets. No exact pricing surfaced, but analysts peg Terracotta Sentinels at £50-60, Sicarans around £40 each.​

Eschen emphasised the timing: “Post-Lunar New Year vibes align perfectly with Cathay’s dragon theme, while AdMech feeds Horus Heresy event circuits.” Independent outlets like Goonhammer echoed this, predicting stock shortages given 2026’s resin revival trend.​

Why is Cathay’s Return a Big Deal for The Old World?

How Does Cathay Fit The Old World’s Meta?

Cathay first appeared as a playable force in The Old World’s 2024 relaunch, but lacked depth until now. As per Bell of Lost Souls’ analysis, Jade Warriors form resilient anvils with 30+ saves against magic, while Sky Lanterns scout and harass flanks. Terracotta Sentinels deliver stone-shattering blasts, countering elite cavalry like Empire Steam Tanks.​

“The faction encourages a defensive playstyle, harmonising magic lores of Metal and Celestial,” Eschen reported, citing playtest feedback. This balances The Old World’s growing field, where Kislev and Chaos dominate tournaments.

What Makes Heresy-Era AdMech Special?

Are These Tanks Meta-Changers?

The Triad Ferrum Sicarans excel in Horus Heresy’s tank-heavy meta, with Punisher variants shredding infantry via gatling cannons. Arcus brings hunter-killer missiles for precision strikes. Ordinatus Priestesses deny enemy psykers, vital against Thousand Sons or Eldritch lists.​

Eschen quoted Games Workshop: “These embody Mars’ golden age, pre-Imperium decay.” Plastic kits ensure broader accessibility, unlike rare Forge World originals.

How Have Fans Reacted to the Announcement?

Forums lit up post-reveal, with Reddit’s r/Warhammer and r/TheOldWorld praising Cathay’s lore fidelity. “Finally, a proper dragon empire,” one user posted. AdMech fans hailed the Sicarans as “instant autowins for Legio Cybernetica.” Critics noted sparse rules previews, urging full warscrolls soon.​

Veteran players like those on The Fandomentals anticipate synergy with existing Cathay proxies, easing entry for fantasy converts.​

What’s the Broader Context for Games Workshop in 2026?

These releases slot into a packed year, following Leviathan boxsets and 40k’s 11th edition tweaks. The Old World gains traction via organised play, while Horus Heresy nears epic conclave expansions. Adam Eschen of Bell of Lost Souls framed it as “Games Workshop doubling down on legacy lines amid 40k dominance.”​

No delays reported, unlike prior resin woes. Independent stores like Element Games confirmed readiness.​

Who Are the Key Figures Behind These Designs?

Games Workshop’s design team, led by Horus Heresy veterans, sculpted these per Warhammer Community credits. Bell of Lost Souls attributed concept art to in-house legend Jos Caballer, known for dragon scales. Community sculptors like MiniWarGaming previewed proxies.​

Eschen namechecked playtester Jake Morley for meta insights: “Cathay will shift Old World dynamics.”

Where Can Players Find More Previews?

Warhammer Community hosts daily Warhammer Preview articles through 23 February 2026. YouTube channels like Auspex Tactics dissect rules, while Discord servers buzz with index speculation.​

Final Release Details and Buying Tips

Stock alerts via GW’s newsletter; independents like Wayland Games offer matched pricing. Expect paints like Jade Armour alongside kits.​

This wave underscores Games Workshop’s commitment to evergreen lines, blending nostalgia with innovation.