Chapter Approved 2025-26: Asymmetric Warfare and Comeback Mechanics Hit the Tabletop

Warhammer 40K

20 May

Big changes are coming to matched play in Warhammer 40,000, and it’s all kicking off with the release of the Chapter Approved 2025–26 Mission Deck — dropping for pre-order this weekend!

Whether you’re a competitive player chasing glory or a casual gamer looking to spice things up, this new deck is a must-have update for your matched play missions. We’ve got it coming to So Much Warhammer — so if you're keen to get in early, lock in your pre-order here.

🧠 What’s New in Chapter Approved 2025?

This isn’t just a repackaged deck. It introduces three distinct ways to play:

Incursion (1,000pts) – With its own set of deployment maps and light restrictions to balance smaller games.
Strike Force (2,000pts) – Standard format with competitive tuning.
Asymmetric War – A fresh, narrative-rich format where Attackers and Defenders have completely different deployment zones, objectives, and pacing.

💥 Asymmetric War – Make Every Game Feel Epic

These unique missions capture the feel of last stands, pincer strikes, and desperate defenses — think sieges, ambushes, and fortified redoubts instead of symmetrical slugfests.

The Defender can score up to 50 Victory Points just by showing up.
The Attacker gets to go first — but must deploy their whole army before the Defender, adding a real strategic wrinkle.
Mission objectives are wildly different for both sides, creating story-driven battles with competitive stakes.

🃏 The Challenger System – A Fair Fight 'Til the End

Replacing the old Secret Missions, the new Challenger Deck is a built-in comeback mechanic. If you’re behind by 6 VP at the start of a battle round, you can draw a Challenger card and choose either a bonus Stratagem or a mini mission to get back into the fight.

It’s smart, it's balanced, and it keeps things tense right down to the final dice roll.

🎯 Perfect for Crusade Players Too

If you're running narrative campaigns or Crusade armies, this deck pairs beautifully with books like Crusade: Nachmund Gauntlet — tactical reinforcements, daring deep strikes, and cinematic showdowns are now easier than ever to pull off.