INTRODUCTION
Welcome, brave adventurers, to the incredible world of Warcry! This fast-paced tabletop game throws you into epic skirmishes in the Age of Sigmar. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer looking for a new challenge, or you’re completely new to the realm and excited about taking your first steps into tabletop gaming, this beginner-friendly guide is designed especially for you. We’ll provide you with comprehensive information, advice, and insight so that you can unlock an exciting and immersive universe of miniatures, strategy, and lore-filled gameplay.
WHAT IS WARCRY?
Warcry is a fantasy Scharmützel tabletop wargame developed by Games Workshop. Stemming from the larger Zeitalter des Sigmar series, Warcry focuses on smaller, more tactical battles. The game sets apart from larger-scale wargames with its speed, streamlined rules, and new strategic elements that create immersive narratives for each game’s protagonists.
In Warcry, players take control of rival warbands battling for glory, power, and survival within the Eightpoints, a chaotic land controlled by the dark lord Archaon, the grand marshal of chaos. Your chosen warband will embark on various missions, overcoming challenges, unlocking achievements, and clashing with other warbands on varied terrain boards. Warcry combines an intricate setup of miniature combat with a broad narrative reminiscent of role-playing games.
HOW IT PLAYS / HOW TO START
Getting started with Warcry is as easy as investing in a “Warcry Starter Set” that includes everything you need to kick off your adventures. After getting your set, the first step is to assemble and paint your miniatures. Each warband has a unique selection of fighters, and it’s up to you to decide which one is best suited for your play style.
Gameplay revolves around a three-card system that decides the direction of your skirmish: the Battleplan (sets your objective), the Deployment (sets your starting positions) and the Twist (adds a twist into the game), which collectively create a unique combination each game, ensuring that no two games are the same.
The game uses six-sided dice (D6) for actions such as attack rolls and resilience tests, and a four-phase round system – Hero Phase, Movement Phase, Combat Phase, and End Phase – keeps the game play engaging.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
First, you need a Warcry Starter Set which includes two warbands, the battlefield and seven types of ruins and structures, rulebook, ability and fighter cards, mission play cards, dice, and range-rulers. Additional warbands, terrain pieces, and other expansions can be bought separately to spice up your games.
Additionally, like most Games Workshop games, your miniatures will come unassembled and unpainted. Hence, consider getting a hobby starter set containing brushes, glue and colours. Optionally, a dice tray might be useful to keep your dice rolls under control.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Learn to lose graciously: Losing games allows you to learn more about your play style and how to adjust for better future performances.
2. Assemble and paint your warband: This gives you a connection with your warband and immerses you in the game.
3. Understand your warband: Know your fighters’ abilities and synergies.
4. Play tutorial games: These offer a simplified version of the game helping you understand the basic mechanics before moving onto full scenarios.
5. Stay patient and positive: Like any game, mastering Warcry takes time.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Cubicle 7 (Official Age of Sigmar Roleplaying Game website), Reddit r/Warcry for community discussions, Warhammer Community for official news and updates, Warcry Compendium for rules, and YouTube channels such as Warhammer TV for painting techniques.
GLOSSARY OF COMMON TERMS
1. Warband: A group of fighters controlled by a player.
2. Battlefield: The place where players position their miniatures to battle.
3. Battleplan: A card representing your game’s objective.
4. Hero Phase: Phase in which you perform heroic actions.
5. End Phase: End of a round where bookkeeping events take place.
NEXT STEPS
Once you’ve digested all the information above, it’s time to dive right in! Pick up a Warcry Starter Set from your local game store or online. Immerse yourself in assembling and painting your warband, understanding their abilities, and playing some positional games. Practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to immerse yourself and take risks. Remember that each blunder or triumph is a stepping stone to becoming an even better player. After all, the best part about Warcry is the journey, the adventure, and the remarkable stories you’ll create along the way!
