Warhammer 40k Codex Release Order — 11th Edition Tracker (2026)

Browse the 11th Edition hub.

One of the most common questions in the Warhammer 40k community is: “When is my army getting its codex?” With 11th Edition now underway (launched June 2026), Games Workshop has begun releasing codexes for the new edition — and this tracker keeps the order straight for the current 11th Edition books, with the previous 10th Edition range listed for reference.

Below you’ll find the 11th Edition release order first, then the 10th Edition codexes your faction may still be using, plus an explainer on what a codex includes. We keep this page updated as new codexes are announced. For the edition itself, start with our Warhammer 40k 11th Edition hub.

What Is a Codex?

A codex is a dedicated rulebook for a specific Warhammer 40k faction. It contains everything you need to play that army, including datasheets for every unit, faction-specific rules, detachment options, stratagems, enhancements, lore and artwork. In 11th Edition, a faction keeps using its 10th Edition codex until its new 11th Edition book arrives; at that point the new codex replaces it and any units dropped from the new book move to Warhammer Legends.

For background on the previous edition, see our 10th Edition guide.

Warhammer 40k Codex Release Order: Quick Reference

A Warhammer 40k codex is the dedicated rulebook for one faction, with its datasheets, detachments, stratagems, enhancements and lore. Since 11th Edition launched in June 2026, Games Workshop has released three new codexes: Orks in August 2026, Space Marines in early October 2026 and Adeptus Custodes on 17 October 2026. GW has confirmed Custodes is the last 40k codex of 2026; the next books arrive in 2027. Every other faction keeps using its 10th Edition codex until its new book arrives.

If your faction has no 11th Edition codex yet, keep playing from its 10th Edition codex alongside the free 11th Edition Core Rules.

What a Codex Adds

Indexes were a 10th Edition idea: at that edition’s launch, every faction received a free downloadable index with basic rules and datasheets so that all armies could play from day one, and codexes followed as fuller releases. In 11th Edition there was no index stage, because existing 10th Edition codexes simply carried over. Either way, a full codex typically gives you:

• Multiple detachments: A spread of detachments, each with its own rules, stratagems and enhancements. In 11th Edition each one also has a Detachment Point cost, so you can combine several in one army (see Detachment Points explained).
• Updated datasheets: Codex datasheets may have adjusted stats, abilities or wargear compared with the previous version.
• Expanded lore: Extensive background material, artwork and faction history.
• Narrative and smaller-format content: Depending on the book, extra material such as Crusade or Combat Patrol rules. Check each codex’s contents, as GW has been moving some of this content into separate releases.

Warhammer 40k 11th Edition Codex Release Order (Current)

11th Edition launched in June 2026 with the Armageddon box, and Games Workshop is now rolling out updated codexes for the new edition. Your existing 10th Edition codex still works — the edition was billed as “an evolution, not a revolution” (see our 11th Edition rules changes) — but every faction will eventually get a new book. Here is the order so far.

Released (11th Edition)

1. Orks — the first 11th Edition codex, released August 2026, introducing the new “riled up” Waaagh! rule and 15 detachments. Full breakdown in our new Orks codex guide.
2. Space Marines — released October 2026: a 232-page tome that replaces Oath of Moment with Combat Doctrines as the army rule, plus 15 detachments. See our Codex: Space Marines 11th Edition guide.
3. Adeptus Custodes — released 17 October 2026: an expanded Martial Ka’tah with six turn-by-turn stances, 13 detachments, and rules for every plastic Horus Heresy Custodes kit. See our Codex: Adeptus Custodes 11th Edition guide.

Expected Next (Unconfirmed)

Games Workshop has not confirmed the full 11th Edition release order. Based on past release patterns and community rumours, the rest of the range is expected to follow across the edition’s lifespan — with no further codexes until 2027. Factions such as the T’au Empire, Dark Angels, Drukhari and the other Space Marine sub-factions are among those widely rumoured. We’ll update this list as official dates are confirmed; for the broader calendar see our 2026 Warhammer release schedule.

10th Edition Codexes (Previous Edition)

For reference, here are the codexes released during 10th Edition. Most factions are still using these books until their 11th Edition codex arrives. The list is grouped by faction type rather than in strict release order. Space Marines and Tyranids opened the 10th Edition run in 2023, and Emperor’s Children got their first standalone codex in 2025.

Imperium

• Space Marines — The poster boys of 40k, with rules for all Chapters and successors. Replaced by the 11th Edition codex in October 2026.
• Dark Angels, Blood Angels, Space Wolves and Black Templars — Supplements expanding the Space Marines codex with each Chapter’s own units and detachments.
• Grey Knights — The daemon-hunting Space Marines.
• Adeptus Custodes — The Emperor’s personal guard. Replaced by the 11th Edition codex in October 2026.
• Adepta Sororitas — The Sisters of Battle and their Acts of Faith.
• Adeptus Mechanicus — The tech-priests of Mars and their blend of infantry and vehicles.
• Astra Militarum — The Imperial Guard, with regiment-themed detachments and tank companies.
• Imperial Knights — Questoris, Armiger and larger Knights of the noble households.
• Imperial Agents — A consolidated codex for the Inquisition, Officio Assassinorum and other Imperial operatives.

Chaos

• Chaos Space Marines — The Traitor Legions and renegade warbands.
• Death Guard — Nurgle’s chosen Legion.
• Thousand Sons — Tzeentch’s sorcerers and their Rubricae.
• World Eaters — Khorne’s berzerkers.
• Emperor’s Children — Slaanesh’s Legion, in its first standalone codex. See our Emperor’s Children codex article for details.
• Chaos Daemons — All four Chaos Gods’ daemons in a single codex with god-specific detachments.
• Chaos Knights — Corrupted Knight households.

Xenos

• Tyranids — The Great Devourer and its diverse bioforms.
• Orks — The green tide. Replaced by the 11th Edition codex in August 2026.
• Necrons — The ancient robotic dynasties.
• T’au Empire — Battlesuits and gunlines for the Greater Good.
• Aeldari — Craftworlds, Aspect Warriors and, since Harlequins were folded into this book, the Harlequin masques as well.
• Drukhari — The raiders of Commorragh.
• Genestealer Cults — Insidious cults built around ambush and uprising.
• Leagues of Votann — The Kin and their ancestor-worshipping holds.

Note: the 10th Edition list is recorded here for reference; always check official GW announcements and the Warhammer 40,000 app for the latest 11th Edition releases.

How to Check Which Codex Your Army Needs

If you’re new to the hobby and unsure which codex to buy, here’s a simple guide:

1. Identify your faction: Check our complete faction guide to confirm which faction your army belongs to.
2. Check for an 11th Edition codex: Refer to the list above to see if your faction’s new book has been released.
3. If yes: Use the 11th Edition codex. It replaces your faction’s 10th Edition rules.
4. If no: Keep using your faction’s 10th Edition codex (and the rules in the Warhammer 40,000 app) with the free 11th Edition Core Rules until the new book arrives.

What to Expect From a New Codex Release

When a new codex drops, here’s the typical release pattern:

• Preview articles: GW publishes faction focus articles on Warhammer Community in the weeks before release.
• Pre-order: The codex (and usually accompanying new models) goes up for pre-order on a Saturday, typically one to two weeks before the street date.
• Launch day: The codex and new models become available in stores and online.
• Immediate meta impact: Content creators and competitive players analyse the codex, and the meta begins to shift within days.
• Points adjustments: Sometimes the codex launches alongside a Munitorum Field Manual update with adjusted points values.

Tips for Codex Release Day

1. Pre-order if you want a physical copy: Popular codexes can sell out on launch day at local stores.
2. Check the app: The Warhammer 40,000 app is updated with codex content, so digital users get access quickly.
3. Review competitive analyses: Check Goonhammer, Auspex Tactics and Art of War for breakdowns before building new lists.
4. Don’t panic: First impressions are often wrong. Give the meta a few weeks to settle before making major army changes.
5. Enjoy the lore: Codexes contain gorgeous artwork and fascinating lore. Don’t skip it in your rush to read the rules.

Final Thoughts

The codex release schedule is one of the most closely watched parts of any Warhammer 40k edition. Each new codex reshapes the meta, introduces new models and gives faction players something to be excited about. Whether your army already has its 11th Edition codex or you’re still waiting, there’s always something to look forward to.

Bookmark this page and check back regularly for updates to the release order. For a complete overview of the current edition’s rules and mechanics, visit our Warhammer 40k 11th Edition hub and the 11th Edition rules changes breakdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Games Workshop publish a full codex release schedule?

No. GW never publishes the whole order in advance; it reveals each codex a few weeks ahead through preview articles on Warhammer Community, then opens pre-orders on a Saturday, usually a week or two before release. Anything beyond the next couple of announced books is rumour, which is why trackers like this one separate confirmed releases from expected ones.