The Armies of Grand Cathay Prepare to Storm the Old World

It’s been a long time coming, but Games Workshop are about to release the first ever Grand Cathay army.

Although part of the Old World canon since the second edition of Warhammer Battle and being detailed extensively in Total War: Warhammer III, this is the debut of Grand Cathay’s armies in miniature form.

And what an impressive debut it is.

The core of this new host is formed by a Grand Cathay Battalion. Composed entirely of brand new miniatures, this battalion includes:

30 Jade Warriors which can be equipped with either hand weapons and shields, or halberds. There are enough parts to build two units of 15 or three units of 10, all with full command elements.

10 Jade Lancer cavalry wielding hand weapons, shields and lances. This set contains enough parts to build two units of five or a single unit of 10.

Two Cathayan Grand Cannons; these can be also be as Fire Rain Rocket Batteries. Each can be manned by four artillerymen or an ogre artillery crew.

A detailed display of a Grand Cathay army features a variety of miniatures, including 30 Jade Warriors in ornate armor, equipped with hand weapons and shields or halberds, arranged in multiple units. The scene also showcases 10 Jade Lancer cavalry, two Cathayan Grand Cannons, and accompanying artillery crews, all set against a grassy base. Prominent banners and intricate details on the miniatures highlight the rich aesthetic of this new army.

You can also augment the battalion with this stunning Shugengan Lord on Great Spirit Longma:

A detailed miniature depicts a Shugengan Lord riding a Great Spirit Longma, a dragon-like creature. The dragon features vibrant scales in shades of turquoise and orange, with intricate armor and decorative elements. The rider, dressed in ornate robes and armor, holds a weapon and is positioned atop a rocky base, showcasing the dynamic pose of both the rider and the dragon.

Whether your army is led by a warrior general or a powerful wizard, they can both enter battle on a Great Spirit Longma. These stunning dragons can be built with one of two alternate heads, and the rider can also be fitted with different arms.

If dragons aren’t enough to scratch your aerial itch, then how about this fabulous sky lantern?

A detailed model of a Cathayan Sky Lantern, featuring a large, round lantern body wrapped in red rope, adorned with intricate designs. Below the lantern, a platform is equipped with sails and crew members, showcasing a mix of weaponry, including rifles and fire bombs. A small figure of a Cathayan general stands beside the lantern, highlighting the scale and intricacy of the model.

Sky Lanterns are used by Cathay generals as gun platforms and command centres. This magnificent, multi-part kit includes options to carry either a Cathay Magistrate or Strategist (both of which can also be fielded on foot). The lantern can be equipped with a bomb rack, and its crew built with a variety of weapons; these include rifles and fire bombs. You can also beautify your new lantern with the 115-piece transfer sheet included.

If you want to add some more bling to your new Cathay army, then how about these fab Gate Masters? These veterans can be fitted with an either an interchangeable battle standard or a Celestial Blade and shield.

A detailed depiction features two Grand Cathay miniatures: on the left, a Gate Master holding a flag adorned with intricate designs, and on the right, a mounted warrior equipped with ornate armor and a lance, riding a horse with decorative elements. The figures are set against a neutral background, showcasing their vibrant colors and intricate details, including the Gate Master's flowing robes and the warrior's elaborate armor. Both miniatures highlight the rich aesthetic of the Grand Cathay army.

Finally, if you’re a fan of going big or going home, then you’re not going to get much bigger than the new Cathayan Sentinels. These jumbo-sized earthen constructs are built to defend the Empire from its the most ginormous foes … and they do it very well indeed.

A detailed miniature of a Jade Warrior from Grand Cathay stands prominently, showcasing intricate armor with a scale pattern and ornate decorations. The warrior wields a pair of curved blades, poised for battle, and is set on a textured base featuring grass and rocks. The overall color scheme is a rich brown, highlighting the craftsmanship and design of this new addition to the Warhammer universe.

All the information for these new units and models can also be found in the forthcoming Arcane Journal: Armies of Grand Cathay.

See the Games Workshop website for more details.

Images courtesy of Games Workshop

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Facebook18 Jun 2025

Grand Cathay Battalion finally makes an appearance! 30 Jade Warriors, 10 Jade Lancers, cannons and a floating sky lantern. After decades lurking in Warhammer's footnotes, the dragons finally get plastic. #Warhammer #GamesWorkshop #TabletopGames #GrandCathay #Miniatures

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