News7 min readApril 23, 2026

Q1 2026 Balance Dataslate - Complete Breakdown

The Q1 2026 dataslate brings C'tan adjustments, Space Marine nerfs, and Wraith buffs. Here's everything that changed.

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GrimSlate editorial team

Q1 2026 Balance Dataslate - Complete Breakdown

The Q1 2026 Balance Dataslate dropped in March, bringing targeted adjustments to several factions. With 11th Edition on the horizon, this is likely the last major balance pass for 10th Edition. Here's everything that changed.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Overview

This dataslate takes a conservative approach—Games Workshop isn't blowing things up right before a new edition. The changes focus on reining in top performers and giving struggling factions small boosts to improve their internal balance.

Major Changes

Necrons - C'tan Adjustments

The star gods got some attention after dominating the competitive scene:

C'tan Shards received targeted nerfs to reduce their overwhelming presence

The changes aim to open up more build diversity within the faction

Necrons remain S-tier despite adjustments

Space Marines - Significant Hits

Space Marines took the biggest hits in this dataslate:

Marneus Calgar & Victrix Guard

The Calgar + Victrix Honor Guard combo has been effectively removed from competitive play. This pairing was a cornerstone of Ultramarines success, and its removal significantly impacts UM builds.

Vehicle Point Increases

Repulsor variants went up

Redemptor Dreadnoughts increased

Most competitive Space Marine lists will need to adjust their vehicle loadouts

Impact: Space Marine players will need to rethink their lists. The Gladius and Ironstorm builds that dominated earlier in the year need significant retooling.

Faction-by-Faction Adjustments

Received Buffs

Aeldari - Wraith unit point decreases across the board, opening new playstyle options

Black Templars - Light internal balance adjustments

Blood Angels - Minor improvements

World Eaters - Small buffs to help with delivery

Received Adjustments

Death Guard - Internal balance tweaks

Drukhari - Minor adjustments

Emperor's Children - Light touch (still struggling)

Grey Knights - Small improvements

Imperial Knights - Balance adjustments

Imperial Agents - Ally rules clarifications

What Didn't Change

Notably absent from major changes:

T'au Empire - Still dominant, no nerfs

Chaos Space Marines - Maintained current power level

Adeptus Custodes - No significant adjustments

Points Changes Summary

The Munitorum Field Manual update included numerous points adjustments. Key changes:

Space Marine vehicles generally increased

Aeldari Wraith constructs decreased

Various single-model adjustments across factions

Looking Ahead

This dataslate is effectively the final balance pass for 10th Edition. Games Workshop has indicated:

No major changes expected before 11th Edition launch

Next dataslate comes after June 2026 release

Focus shifts to 11th Edition balance post-launch

Meta Impact

Winners:

Aeldari Wraith builds now more viable

Factions that didn't get nerfed (T'au, CSM)

Losers:

Ultramarines (Calgar/Victrix removal)

Vehicle-heavy Space Marine builds

C'tan-focused Necron lists

Build Your Lists

Need to rebuild after these changes? Use GrimSlate's army builder to experiment with new compositions and find what works in the post-dataslate meta.

*Sources: Warhammer Community Q1 2026 Balance Update, Goonhammer Analysis*

balance dataslateQ1 2026points changesnerfsbuffsNecronsSpace Marines

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