INTRODUCTION
Tabletop games have always been appealing due to their interactive and imaginative nature. Role-playing games (RPGs) in particular are fascinating as they enable us to immerse into alternate realities and allow us to lead the lives of our most beloved characters. One such game that will let you experience the thrill of combats amidst the apocalyptic world of Warhammer is ‘Kriegsschrei.’ Whether you’re a seasoned veteran yearning to experience a different battle encounter or a newbie wanting to try your hand at tabletop war games, this beginner-friendly guide has got you covered.
WHAT IS Warcry?
Warcry is a skirmish-level wargame released by Games Workshop, set in the Warhammer Zeitalter des Sigmar universe. Rather than commanding large armies as in most wargames, players lead a small warband of fighters to glory and prestige within the cataclysmic Varanspire, the seat of the Chaos God Archaon. With a faster playstyle and a lower barrier to entry, Warcry sets itself apart from the larger battles of its older sibling, Warhammer: Age of Sigmar, due to its speed, simplicity, and character-focused gameplay.
HOW IT WORKS / HOW TO START
Warcry plays over several rounds, each comprising four phases: the Hero Phase, the Movement Phase, the Combat Phase, and the End Phase. The game starts with players setting up the battlefield and picking their warbands. The warbands are made up of multiple characters, each with their unique strengths and abilities.
You roll dice to determine what actions your fighters will undertake — they can move across the battlefield, engage in combat, make attacks, try to survive enemy onslaughts, and try to accomplish objectives. An innovative twist in Warcry is the use of ability dice, which can grant your warriors special actions or enhancements making for dramatic and tide-turning moments in your games.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
To start playing Warcry, you’ll need a warband, a battlefield, rulebooks, and a set of six-sided dice. Games Workshop offers several different starter sets that come with everything you need to play, including two warbands, a range of terrain, gaming board, rulebook, and dice. It’s an excellent investment for beginners. Additionally, rulers or tape measures are handy for measuring movement and range.
TIPS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
1. Start with a starter set: Games Workshop’s Warcry starter sets are a worthwhile investment that provides everything you need to start playing.
2. Learn the basics: Make sure you understand how to play your chosen warband. Each is unique, and understanding your fighters’ strengths and weaknesses will give you the edge you need.
3. Practice makes perfect: The best way to learn and improve in Warcry is by playing often. Start with smaller games and gradually increase the complexity as you get comfortable.
4. Don’t be afraid to lose: Losing can be frustrating, but it’s also a great opportunity to learn. Pay attention to where you made mistakes and work on addressing those in future games.
5. Have fun: Most importantly, have fun! It’s a game after all. Enjoy the process and don’t get too hung up on winning or losing.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
To learn tactics and strategies, get involved in the community. You would find lively discussions on platforms like Reddit and Discord. Other resources include Warcry’s official website and Games Workshop’s YouTube channel for rules explanations and gameplay videos. BattleScribe is a great tool for building your warbands.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
– Warband: A group of warriors that you control in the game.
– Battlefield: This is where the action occurs. The areas can have different characteristics, which affect the gameplay.
– Objective: The goal or goals that a player must achieve to win the game.
– Hero Phase: When players can perform special actions or abilities.
– Ability Dice: Special dice that can give your characters enhancements or special actions.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
Now that you have a basic understanding of Warcry, it’s time to apply what you’ve learned. Choose a starter set, read through the rulebook and start your first game. Remember, no one becomes a master overnight. Take your time, play at your own pace, and most importantly, have fun. And if you’re ever interested in expanding your knowledge about Warcry or Warhammer Age of Sigmar universe, plenty of resources are available online. Now go lead your warband to glory!
