Games Workshop just opened pre-orders for two major releases that span beloved game systems: the Defenders of the Great Bastion Army Reinforcement Set for Grand Cathay in Warhammer: The Old World, and new Mechanicum units for Horus Heresy including the Skitarii Battle-Pilgrym Marshal, Skitarii Battle-Pilgrym Corpus, Myrmidon Destructor Host, and the Vultarax Stratos-Automata.
This simultaneous release gives both Old World enthusiasts and Horus Heresy collectors something to get excited about. Whether you’re starting a new Grand Cathay army or expanding your Mechanicum forces, these pre-orders offer compelling entry points and tactical upgrades.
Let’s break down what’s in these releases, when you can grab them, and what they bring to your tabletop battles.
Grand Cathay Miniatures for Warhammer: The Old World
Games Workshop opened pre-orders for the Defenders of the Great Bastion Army Reinforcement Set, designed as an entry point for new Grand Cathay armies in Warhammer: The Old World. This set gives collectors a complete foundation to begin their Grand Cathay force.
The set includes 30 Peasant Soldiers, 12 Iron Hail Gunners, 8 Crane Gun Teams, two Astromancers (one on foot and one mounted), and one Familiar. This mix of units gives you both ranged firepower and magical support from the start.
The Reinforcement Set is positioned within the lore as defending the Great Bastion against Chaos forces, connecting to the broader narrative of The Old World. Think of this set as a foundation for building a thematic Grand Cathay force that emphasizes ranged firepower and magical support.
Defenders of the Great Bastion Set Contents
The contents provide a balanced starter army with multiple unit types. You get core infantry in the form of Peasant Soldiers, specialized ranged units with the Iron Hail Gunners and Crane Gun Teams, and magical elements through the Astromancers and Familiar.
Starting Your Grand Cathay Army
The Defenders of the Great Bastion set serves as a complete starting point for collectors new to Grand Cathay in The Old World. Use the Peasant Soldiers as your core infantry backbone while leveraging the specialized units for tactical depth.
Defending Against Chaos Forces
The inclusion of Astromancers and magical familiars suggests Grand Cathay armies emphasize spellcasting alongside traditional ranged and melee units. This thematic approach ties directly into the set’s narrative role within The Old World.
Mechanicum Horus Heresy Additions
Mechanicum armies gain several new unit options for Horus Heresy, including the Skitarii Battle-Pilgrym Marshal, Skitarii Battle-Pilgrym Corpus, and the Myrmidon Destructor Host. These releases give Mechanicum players enhanced firepower options and new tactical flexibility on the battlefield.
The Vultarax Stratos-Automata is a flying gunship that can be added to either Mechanicum or Skitarii Conclave armies in Horus Heresy. This kit’s multipart plastic construction allows for customization and variety in your Mechanicum or Skitarii Conclave force.
Battle-Pilgrym Units and Myrmidon Destructors
The Skitarii Battle-Pilgrym Marshal, Skitarii Battle-Pilgrym Corpus, and Myrmidon Destructor Host represent significant additions to the Mechanicum arsenal. These units expand the faction’s offensive capabilities for Age of Darkness play.
Vultarax Stratos-Automata Overview
The Vultarax Stratos-Automata is a flying gunship that can be added to either Mechanicum or Skitarii Conclave armies. Its multipart construction means you can experiment with different loadouts and configurations to find the optimal setup for your playstyle and local meta.
Expanding Your Mechanicum Army
These new units integrate well with existing Mechanicum forces, giving you more options for army composition and tactical approaches. Experiment with different configurations to discover synergies with your current collection.
Pre-Order Timing and Availability
Pre-orders for Grand Cathay and Mechanicum releases went live on Saturday, around February 28, 2026. This simultaneous release across two beloved game systems offers something for both Old World enthusiasts and Horus Heresy collectors.
Additionally, items like Kaptin Badrukk and his Ammo Runts were available as a limited-time made-to-order release. Mark your calendar for Games Workshop pre-order weekends to make sure you don’t miss releases for your favorite factions.
When Pre-Orders Went Live
The pre-order window opened on Saturday, giving collectors a standard weekend to place their orders. Games Workshop regularly schedules pre-order weekends for major releases across multiple game systems.
Made-to-Order Items and Deadlines
Made-to-order items have strict cutoff times, so plan ahead if you’re interested in limited availability models. These special releases give collectors opportunities to secure models that might not be regularly available.
Planning Your Order
Subscribe to official Warhammer Community announcements to receive timely notifications about upcoming pre-orders and release dates. This keeps you from missing an opportunity to pre-order the models you want.
Building Your Grand Cathay Army
The Defenders of the Great Bastion set serves as a complete starting point for collectors new to Grand Cathay in The Old World. The inclusion of diverse unit types means you have flexibility in how you approach army building.
The inclusion of Astromancers and magical familiars suggests Grand Cathay armies emphasize spellcasting alongside traditional ranged and melee units. This combination creates interesting tactical opportunities on the battlefield.
Army Composition Strategy
Use the Peasant Soldiers as your core infantry backbone while leveraging the specialized units for tactical depth. The ranged focus of the set provides a strong foundation for a shooting-oriented army.
Synergies with Existing Models
If you already have Grand Cathay models, the Reinforcement Set complements existing collections by providing additional core troops and magical support. The Astromancers work well alongside other spellcasters in your army.
Painting and Assembly Tips
The variety of unit types in the set gives you multiple painting opportunities. Consider how the different units fit together thematically to create a cohesive Grand Cathay force.
Mechanicum Tactical Considerations
The new Mechanicum units give players enhanced offensive capabilities for Age of Darkness play. These units fill specific roles within your army composition.
The Vultarax Stratos-Automata’s multipart plastic construction allows for customization and variety in your Mechanicum or Skitarii Conclave force. Experiment with different loadouts and configurations to find the optimal setup for your playstyle and local meta.
Unit Roles and Battlefield Tactics
Each new Mechanicum unit brings distinct tactical advantages to the battlefield. Understanding their roles helps you integrate them effectively into your existing army structure.
Integration with Existing Mechanicum Forces
These new units work alongside your current Mechanicum collection to provide additional tactical options. Consider how they complement your existing army composition and fill any gaps in your force.
Competitive Play Potential
The new units expand your competitive options in Age of Darkness play. Test different configurations and loadouts to discover what works best in your local meta.
What Collectors Should Know
Games Workshop regularly schedules pre-order weekends for major releases across multiple game systems. Understanding these patterns helps you stay prepared for upcoming releases.
Subscribe to official Warhammer Community announcements to receive timely notifications about upcoming pre-orders and release dates. This keeps you from missing an opportunity to pre-order the models you want.
Pre-Order Best Practices
Mark your calendar for Games Workshop pre-order weekends and set reminders for made-to-order cutoff times. Having a shopping list prepared before pre-orders go live helps you make quick decisions.
Staying Updated on Releases
Follow official Warhammer Community channels for the latest announcements about pre-orders and new releases. This keeps you informed about upcoming opportunities across all Warhammer game systems.
Community Resources
Made-to-order items have strict cutoff times, so plan ahead if you’re interested in limited availability models. Community forums and social media groups often share reminders about upcoming deadlines.
Conclusion
The latest Games Workshop pre-order weekend brings substantial new options for both The Old World and Horus Heresy communities. The Defenders of the Great Bastion Army Reinforcement Set offers a complete foundation for new Grand Cathay players, while the Mechanicum additions give experienced collectors enhanced firepower and tactical flexibility.
Pre-orders went live on Saturday, February 28, 2026, with made-to-order items available for a limited time. Mark your calendar for future Games Workshop pre-order weekends and subscribe to official Warhammer Community announcements to stay informed about upcoming releases across all game systems.