INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the fantastical, adrenaline-soaked world of Warcry! If you’re a fan of miniature wargames, the Warhammer Universe, or you’re just looking for a new exciting hobby, this fast-paced skirmish game promises to deliver. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to start your journey into the game of Warcry. The game combines tactics, strategy and imagination for an epic tabletop experience, so strap in, and let’s start exploring!
WHAT IS WARCRY?
Warcry is a tabletop miniatures game produced by Games Workshop, set in their Warhammer Age of Sigmar universe. It focuses on skirmish-level conflicts where small bands of warriors, known as warbands, clash in epic combat. Each match is a tense, dynamic battle where strategy, positioning, and character abilities can turn the tide of battle.
The game is situated in the Eightpoints, a bleak and brutal realm ruled by the Chaos deity Archaon. Warbands hailing from different factions attempt to earn their patron’s favor, clash with rival factions, and survive in this harsh environment. Each warband has its own story, creating a wonderfully rich and immersive gaming experience.
HOW IT WORKS / HOW TO GET STARTED
The premise of Warcry is straightforward. You assemble and paint your band of fighters, gather some friends (or make new ones at local gaming events), and pit your warbands against each other on a tabletop battlefield.
To play a game of Warcry, you will first need to assemble your warband of champions. Each warband is composed of various units with different abilities and stats, so choose wisely. The game progresses over several rounds, and during each round, each player will activate their fighters to move, attack, or perform special actions.
Gameplay in Warcry is driven by cards that dictate the setup of the battlefield, the objectives for each battle, and the special rules that apply. The players take turns, rolling dice to attack and defend, with the aim to outwit, outmaneuver, and outfight their opponents according to the current mission’s objective.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
To start playing Warcry, there are a few essentials you’ll need.
1. Starter Set: This includes everything you need to play the game, such as the game’s rulebook, maps, mission cards, dice, and two warbands.
2. Warband: While the starter set includes two warbands, you’ll likely want to choose and build your own. There are various Warbands to choose from within the Warhammer universe.
3. Dice: You’ll need six-sided dice (D6) to play the game. The starter set includes these.
4. Terrain: 3D terrain helps make your battlefield feel alive. Standard sets are available, or you can create your own.
5. Ruler or Tape Measure: Warcry uses inches for measurement. Any ruler or tape measure that has inches will suffice.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Learn the Basics: First and foremost, read the rulebook thoroughly. Understanding the game mechanics will make for a more enjoyable experience.
2. Start with a Starter Set: These sets are specifically designed to give beginners a running start.
3. Plan Ahead: A good strategy can often overcome raw power in Warcry.
4. Start Small: Don’t be tempted to add too many warriors to your warband too soon. Learn to use your initial warband effectively first.
5. Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try out different warbands, strategies and tactics. This is a game about creativity and strategic thinking, so experiment!
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Here are some excellent resources to help you on your Warcry journey:
1. Games Workshop’s Age of Sigmar Website: The official Warcry source.
2. Warcry Subreddit: A community full of Warcry players, sharing strategies, warband builds, and painting tips.
3. YouTube: Full of tutorials and game reviews.
4. Warcry Compendium: A handy tool to track your warbands and their abilities.
5. Local Games Workshop Stores: They usually have enthusiastic staff willing to help you understand and get started in Warcry.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
1. Warband: Your team of fighters in the game.
2. Ability: Unique actions or skills your fighters can perform.
3. Dice Roll: The primary method of determining outcomes in the game.
4. Terrain: Physical obstacles on the battlefield that influence strategies.
5. Objective: The goal you’re striving for in each match.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
Now you have a basic understanding of what Warcry is all about! The next step from here is to grab a starter set and start building your first warband. Try painting your miniatures and setup your first game—whether it’s against a friend or at a local gaming store. Remember, practice makes perfect, but most importantly—have fun on your Warcry adventure. The world of Warcry is vast and immersive, and the more you play, the more you’ll fall in love with the strategic depths of this engaging game. Good luck, and may your warband be victorious!
