INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the wild, diverse and captivating world of Warcry! Curious about this exciting tabletop game, or perhaps you’ve heard of it but never attempted to delve into its thrilling catacombs? Warcry is a skirmish game set within the world of Warhammer Age of Sigmar, known for riveting gameplay and enchanting miniatures. However, it rockets past simple conflict, weaving a narrative through its gameplay that is arguably engaging, tactical and pleasantly surprising. This is a beginner’s guide aimed at making your maiden Warcry experience fun and informative, ensuring that you are armed with everything necessary to step into the fray confidently.
WHAT IS WARCRY?
Let’s start with a simple question: what is Warcry? As mentioned before, Warcry is a tabletop skirmish game set within the fantastical world of Warhammer Age of Sigmar. It was launched by renown game creators ‘Games Workshop’ in 2019. In simplified terms, it involves tactical combat set in the ominous Eightpoints, a realm under the control of the evil deity known as Chaos. Each player controls a small band of warriors, performing objectives or engaging in combat, with their choices leading to a captivating narrative. The gameplay in Warcry is faster, and the learning curve less steep, making it an inviting counterpart to the larger, more complex games in the Warhammer universe.
HOW IT WORKS OR HOW TO GET STARTED
How do you play Warcry? Start by picking a warband. These groups of fighters come with unique abilities and features, adding dynamic layers to every game. You’ll be presented with a deck of cards, involving Deployment, Victory, and Twist cards, each of which dictates starting positions, victory objectives, and special rules respectively.
The gameplay is broken down within rounds, each comprising several phases, including Initiative, Reserve, Strategy, Hero and Battle phases. These involve rolling dice to decide who plays first, making strategic decisions based on your and your enemy’s forces, and engaging in combat to fulfill your objectives.
The game continues in this way, with several rounds making a complete game, usually culminating in a dramatic and satisfying climax. The beauty of Warcry lies within its unpredictability and heavy reliance on tactical and strategic choices.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
So what do you need to get started in War Cry? Here’s the checklist:
– A Warband: You can start with a Core Box that includes everything you need including two Warbands (the Iron Golems and the Untamed Beasts), a gaming mat and terrain.
– Dice: A handful of six-sided dice (D6) are needed.
– Measure: Warcry uses inches as the unit, so a ruler is necessary.
– Game boards, cards, and scenery: Usually included within the Core Box.
TIPS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
1. Read and understand the rulebook: This seems obvious, but Warcry becomes much more fun and enjoyable when you understand the rules.
2. Choose the right Warband: Start with a beginner-friendly Warband like the Iron Golems or Stormcast Eternals.
3. Terrain matters: Don’t just play on a flat surface, take advantage of the 3D environment.
4. Play the objective: Don’t just focus on taking out enemy fighters. Remember, this is a tactical game, so play your cards well!
5. Practice: The more you play, the better you’ll get.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
A few helpful resources for beginners could include the Warcry section of the Warhammer Community site, the r/WarCry subreddit, and numerous YouTube channels like “Duncan Rhodes Painting Academy” and “Warhammer TV”. Apps like Azyr for army building are also worth exploring.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
1. Warband: A small group of fighters you control.
2. D6: A six-sided die.
3. Rounds: The stages within a game.
4. Initiative: Who plays first in a round.
5. Scenario: The specific rules governing the game you are about to play.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
After getting a feel of the game and understanding the basics, the next step would be to expand your horizons. This includes buying and painting new Warbands, landscape elements, or getting into the deeper lore of Warhammer Age of Sigmar. If there’s a gaming store near you, drop by for some live games! Remember, the more you play, the deeper you explore, the more enchanting and engaging Warcry becomes. And, if you need any more guidance, keep an eye out for more articles in this series. Happy gaming!
