Warhammer 40K's Armageddon Box Unleashes Blood Angels vs. Orks in 2026
Games Workshop has unveiled the Armageddon Box, a new starter set for Warhammer 40,000. Scheduled for release in June 2026, it pits the brutal Blood Angels against the relentless Orks. The announcement came alongside the reveal of the 11th edition at AdeptiCon 2026. The Armageddon Box takes its name from the infamous war-torn planet, a battleground for some of the Imperium's bloodiest conflicts. In the lore, Orks revere Armageddon as a 'holy battlefield' after the Third War for Armageddon (998.M41). During this campaign, Warlord Ghazghkull Mag Uruk Thraka led a massive Waaagh! invasion, clashing with forces like Commissar Yarrick before withdrawing—yet leaving the planet scarred and legendary among Orks.
Orks thrive on war, growing stronger and larger through constant battle. As the most warlike faction in the game, they are biologically engineered for combat. Their opponents, the Blood Angels, are among the deadliest Space Marine chapters, feared for their ferocity and skill. A unique trait called the *Red Thirst* drives them into a frenzied state during battle, making them even more lethal. The starter set includes two new model previews: *Blood Angels Intercessors* and *Ork Boyz*. Alongside this, the 11th edition will introduce updated rules for the *Steel Legion*, Armageddon's stubborn defenders.
The Armageddon Box arrives in June 2026, offering players a fresh entry point into the 11th edition. It highlights the brutal rivalry between Orks and Blood Angels, set against the backdrop of one of the game's most iconic warzones. The release also marks the first major update for the Steel Legion in years.