Warhammer Reveals Custodes Terminators, New Paint Range at Big Autumn Preview 2026

Games Workshop held the Big Autumn Warhammer Preview on September 18, 2026, featuring reveals across multiple game systems. The stream, which began at 11am PDT, highlighted new Custodes models and a comprehensive paint system overhaul.

The Emperor's elite Custodes faction received new Aquilon Terminator models for both Warhammer 40K and Horus Heresy. The 40K versions can be equipped with gauntlets or power talons alongside bolters. According to the preview, the new Custodes Codex will serve as the next release for Warhammer 40K, incorporating most or all Horus Heresy additions from the past year into the 40K ruleset. The basic Custodian unit appears to be receiving a significant power boost.

Games Workshop also unveiled Warhammer Tone Pro, a new paint range comprising 150 colors organized into 30 base colors with five tonal variants each, numbered from darkest to lightest. The range emphasizes improved flow and coverage, particularly for traditionally difficult colors like white and yellow. The system includes two mediums: Shade Medium, which converts any paint into a shade, and Blending Medium, which extends workability time. The preview also showcased new tapered drybrushes in smaller sizes designed to reach fine details without affecting surrounding areas.

The paint range launch included demonstrations from established content creators and professional painters, including Warhipster. Games Workshop emphasized that the new paint system aims to make color selection and progression more intuitive through its straightforward numbering structure.

Pre-orders for these releases were not yet available at the time of the preview. Games Workshop stated that new releases would appear at the Warhammer store and indie retailers over the coming months.