INTRODUCTION
Welcome, fellow warriors! If you’ve got a fascination for skirmish games and the Warhammer universe, then you’re on the right path. We’re delving into the world of Warcry, a thrilling, fast-paced, and epic tabletop game by Games Workshop. This game offers a blend of adrenaline-pumping action and strategic moves all in one neat package. Welcome to your beginner-friendly guide, where we’ll explore the depths of Warcry, its origin, gameplay, what you need to get started, and some invaluable tips. So grab your weapons and get ready for an exhilarating journey!
WHAT IS WARCRY?
Simply put, Warcry is a tabletop miniatures game based in the Warhammer Age of Sigmar universe, tailored to small, fast-paced battles. Warcry was released in 2019, becoming an instant hit among skirmish game enthusiasts and Warhammer fans alike. The game is set in the Chaos-infested lands of the Eightpoints, where bands of warriors battle for dominance and the favour of the Chaos Gods.
Each player controls a warband, a small group of warriors led by a hero. The game focuses on these mini-battles and has less emphasis on large armies, making it a fantastic and less daunting entry point for beginners into Warhammer tabletop games.
HOW WARCRY WORKS AND HOW TO GET STARTED
In Warcry, players clash in brutal and explosive battles through alternating turns. Each turn in a round consists of four phases: The Hero Phase, The Movement Phase, The Combat phase, and The Battle Shock Phase.
1. HERO PHASE: Players use special abilities of their heroes.
2. MOVEMENT PHASE: Players move their miniatures across the battlefield.
3. COMBAT PHASE: The warriors clash in mortal combat, rolling dice to attack and defend.
4. BATTLE SHOCK PHASE: A test to see if your warriors can maintain their morale.
You choose a warband, form your roster of fighters, and create your deck of cards. These cards dictate the battleplan, including the scenery, the deployment of your warband, and the game’s specific objectives. The outcome of the battle is determined by which player scores the most victory points during the game based on these objectives.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
The absolute first thing you need to start playing Warcry is a Warcry Starter Set. The set includes everything you need to play the game: Miniature figurines, a battlefield, dice, ruler, and a set of cards and rulebooks. You may also need some hobby supplies such as plastic glue and paints to assemble and personalize your warband. Down the line, you might consider getting additional Warcry Warband boxes to switch things up or expand your roster.
TIPS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
1. PLAN YOUR STRATEGY: This isn’t a game purely of brute force. Good forward planning is the key to securing victory.
2. LEARN YOUR WARBAND: The playstyle and ability of each warband are completely unique. Take time to read through your warband’s specific abilities.
3. PRACTICE: Like any other strategy game, practice makes perfect. Be patient — you won’t master it immediately, but that’s part of the fun.
4. TRY A VARIETY OF WARBANDS: Different factions offer different strategies. Experiment with various warbands to discover your preferred playstyle.
5. HAVE FUN: Remember that this is, above all, a game. Don’t let yourself become overly focused on victory — enjoy the process.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Communities on Reddit such as r/warhammer and r/Warcry are active platforms for discussions, tips and tricks, and updates. Various YouTube channels, like WargamerOnline and Warhammer, make tutorial videos and battle reports. Tools such as BattleScribe can be useful when you’re strategizing and organizing your warband.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
1. WARCRY: A tabletop miniatures skirmish game based in the Warhammer Age of Sigmar universe.
2. WARHAMMER AGE OF SIGMAR: A popular universe established by Games Workshop for their line of fantasy miniatures games.
3. WARBAND: A group of warriors led by a hero that a player controls in the game.
4. BATTLEPLAN: The predefined set of rules and objectives for a game of Warcry.
5. VICTORY POINTS: Points scored during the game based on the objectives of the battleplan.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
Now that you’re familiar with the basics, the next step is to get your hands on a Warcry Starter Set! Read through the rulebook, assemble your warband, and set up a practice match to familiarize yourself with the flow of the game. No local players? Not to worry! Visit the online communities and join the discussions. This exciting journey into Warcry is only just beginning — remember, every master was once a beginner. So, stay patient, practice and most importantly, enjoy the game!
