Who else is excited for the new 500 Worlds story arc? The hype train left the station for me the moment it was announced. Having started painting my Ultras force last year, this release has landed at the perfect time. For once, I’ve actually lucked out! Im pleased to share with you some finished photos of my take on the mighty Marneus Calgar With Victrix Honour Guard and his Blade Guard Body Guard unit. 

Stahly, Garfy and I have often debated the pros and cons of buying campaign books or rules supplements towards the end of an edition, so I thought it might be interesting to share some thoughts on the subject.

Marneus Calgar in Gravis armour and two of his Victrix Honour Guard on a white background, painted by Dunk
My Marneus Calgar in Gravis armour, surrounded by his Victrix Guard

500 Worlds: Titus

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Whoever you are and whatever your circumstances, I think we can all agree that no matter your hobby preference, it can be expensive. In today’s economic climate, people are more selective than ever about what they’re willing to spend money on. Most hobby purchases (at least in my experience) are “non-essential”, so when I do buy something, I spend a fair amount of time researching it to make sure it feels good value before parting with the cash.

The various books from the Warhammer 40.000 supplement "500 Worlds" arranged on a black table
A peek into the various books included in the 500 Worlds supplement © Copyright Games Workshop Limited, used without permission

WarCom announced that 500 Worlds will include several books in one release, focusing on the Vespator Front and the story of Captain Titus. The collection features additional narrative covering the beginning of the Ultramarian Reclamation, the characters and detachments involved, the legion of murder‑maddened Necrons commanded by Nekrosor Ammentar, and the war for Novamagnor. The set also includes rules for Boarding Actions, a full campaign, maps — the works — plus new detachments to try out with your forces set in this timeline.

With work, family, and life generally “life‑ing”, how much use will we actually get out of this exciting set before it becomes obsolete?

So yes, it’s full of stuff to get stuck into. However, with rumours flying around social media, you’d have to be living under a rock not to notice that, while the content looks fun, it may be short‑lived. With work, family, and life generally “life‑ing”, how much use will we actually get out of this exciting set before it becomes obsolete?

The Battle for Unity Begins

I love a good book (have I mentioned that before?🤣). There’s something wonderful about holding a book in your hands and diving into a journey that springs to life from the page. But I’m guilty of buying these “rules and story” combo packs before, eagerly devouring the beautifully crafted lore, only to never quite find the time to use the rules before the next update arrives. They end up sealed or sitting on a shelf. Not exactly a great use of funds, nor a sustainable way to live. Producing large-format books only to use them once or twice feels a bit shallow.

Before I go further, it’s worth saying that if you’re a competitive tournament player, much of the below may not apply. “Rules is rules”, after all. But for most gamers playing locally with mates, on kitchen tables and dining room floors around the world – does every stat line being perfectly up to date really matter?

Three Ultramarines Bladeguard models with shields on a white background, painted by Dunk
Ultramarines Blade Guard from my collection

Trying to keep up

Often, I think we “get caught up trying to keep up”. For me, the value of these books is primarily in the narrative, artwork, and escapism the Warhammer 40,000 universe provides. The rules help me enjoy the game, of course, but we should remember that just because something doesn’t have an “official” update, it doesn’t suddenly become unusable. As hobbyists, we’re creative by nature. We adapt, just as we do when building and painting our miniatures.

Older rules, detachments, and campaign systems can still act as springboards for inspiration. Used this way, we can always ensure we’re getting real value from our hobby, regardless of edition churn.

Digital composing of a close-up of a Marneus Calgar in Gravis armour model, with crackling blue energy on his power fist, a large 500 in the dark space background
Digital composing by Stahly

Remember hobby heroes, rules will come and go, but the real joy of the hobby is in the doing. So while the 500 Worlds hype train is fresh, let’s grab the moments we can: get some paint on models, roll a few dice with friends, and enjoy the creative spark before life inevitably pulls us elsewhere. After all, the best time to hobby is always now.