In 2026, I’m tackling my Warhammer obsession by diving into the Maggotkin of Nurgle.

I’ve got a bit of a Warhammer obsession, and with the New Year upon us, it feels like the right time to admit it—ironic, considering what’s about to unfold.

Let’s get straight to the point: I’m a perfectionist, especially when it comes to painting Warhammer miniatures. My collection of unpainted models is a testament to that—let’s just say it’s a “work in progress” (or more accurately, “out of control”). With the new Maggotkin of Nurgle models arriving early for review, I was hit with a vision of what could be, like a bolt from Sigmar himself. I imagined starting strong by building and testing this Age of Sigmar army, followed by a painting session with a few models. But then reality would set in. I’d spend way too long perfecting those few miniatures before getting sidetracked by something else. The Chaos followers would end up stashed away in a drawer “until things calm down”—which, let’s be honest, they never do. Even if I didn’t test the best board games or tabletop RPGs for a living, that would still be unrealistic.

So, I’m making a promise to myself, and I hope you’ll help me stick to it. This year, I’m going to stop procrastinating on my Warhammer projects and actually finish them. Bold words, I know.

If you’re looking to start a Nurgle army or want to pre-order these new models, I suggest checking out some indie retailers. They often offer discounts on Warhammer models, making it a great way to save a bit while expanding your collection ahead of the range’s release on January 17, 2026.

Now, I’m not expecting to speed through this by being more efficient. With family and too many hobbies, finding the time is a challenge. Instead, I’m adopting a mantra that I believe will help me immensely: ‘fine’ is good enough.

The grotesque yet beautifully crafted Maggotkin of Nurgle seem like the perfect army to kick off this New Year’s resolution. Their boils, pustules, and tattered cloth are ideal for Warhammer Contrast paints, which significantly reduce painting time. Unlike standard acrylics, these paints act more like an ink, staining the miniature and settling into recesses for shadows while leaving raised areas less affected. This technique creates depth and highlights with minimal effort—it’s almost like magic.

I’ve used Contrast paints before, but I’ve never been completely satisfied with the final look. I usually prefer the classic layering method (basecoat, wash, highlights), which leads me to spend hours on a single mini, and the cycle continues.

That said, models painted with Contrast still look good—I’m just being overly critical. That critical eye has been hindering my ability to finish projects and get them into games with friends, so I’m hoping this new mindset will change that. Just look at the incredibly talented creators out there who use a method called “Contrast Plus,” which combines Contrast with traditional highlights. The results are stunning, and while I may not reach that level of quality, it’s a great goal to aim for.

As I build more of them, I’m realizing that the Maggotkin of Nurgle are the perfect models to experiment with this approach. They serve a god of disease and decay, so a more relaxed painting style fits perfectly. Their rough aesthetic means that a laid-back approach will work well. Even if I use some classic techniques where Contrast isn’t suitable, keeping it simple (unless it’s a top-tier hero, of course) seems like the way to go. Starting with the bare minimum and being content with that would be a solid beginning.

I’m excited to give it a shot. I’ve always been a fan of Chaos factions in both Age of Sigmar and Warhammer 40K, but the Maggotkin are quickly climbing to the top of my favorites. Many of these models are genuinely unsettling in their grotesque designs, with the Pestigors being particularly eerie—like bloated, drowned corpses.

From my initial look at the Battletome over the holidays, the rules only enhance the theme with some truly gnarly effects. Spreading disease is the name of the game, and the mechanics are delightfully foul. For example, you can make the last victim of a destroyed unit burst like a boil to infect other nearby models.

In short, I’m eager to get these horrors on the battlefield—and for that, I need to get them painted and ready for action. Expect more content on the Maggotkin in the coming weeks, and if all goes well, they won’t be perfect. Hold me to that.

Bring it on, 2026.