Warhammer 40K: Special Characters Are Becoming a Problem

Warhammer 40K: Special Characters Are Becoming a Problem

Goatboy here, and what happens when 40K special characters are simply too powerful to ignore? There is a growing issue in 40K 10th Edition when playing against certain armies — you already know who the leader will be every time.

Are the special characters just too overpowered? This concern emerged after the recent preview of the upcoming Ultramarine models, which seem extremely boosted currently. I expect to see many “non-blue” Ultramarines appearing, especially with what will likely be a very strong detachment they will want to include.

It feels like every battle is fought with the same set of special characters, which starts to diminish the excitement of having named characters in 40K. Why is this small skirmish dominated by the Ultramarines' leader? How is he present here when he’s supposedly fighting the Tyranid scourge on another planet? Is Abaddon leading every battle against the Imperium? Does Ghazghul clone himself to fight all enemies simultaneously? Am I overthinking the narrative when it’s just a game of dice and strategy? Why is Kharn always present—doesn’t he have a home to return to?

"Wait why is this small skirmish dominated by the Leader of the Ultramarines? How did he get to this battlefield when he is fighting the Tyranid scourge on that other planet?"
"Oh, is Abaddon leading every fight against the Imperium? Is Ghazghul able to clone himself to fight every enemy all the time?"
"Why is Kharn always here doesn’t he have a home to go to?"

I enjoy special characters being strong, but I wish they were all balanced in power. We are about to face a new “Ultrablue Deathstar” hitting the tabletop.

Author’s Summary

The dominance of powerful special characters in 40K 10th Edition risks reducing variety and immersion, challenging the narrative depth of battles.

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