Alright fellow Warhammer enthusiasts, if you’re like me and you’ve been eagerly awaiting the return to the Old World, get ready to be excited! This week, we’re shining a spotlight on the Dwarfs and their first wave of units hitting pre-orders. Let’s break down the latest info straight from the designers Danny and JTY. These guys know their stuff, and they’re ready to share all the juicy details about how the Dwarfs play in this revamped setting.
The Dwarfs: Unyielding and Unstoppable
Tanky Tactics: JTY kicks things off by emphasizing the Dwarfs’ stubborn nature. Their Grand Army is designed to be incredibly tanky. They stand firm in their deployment zone, blasting anything that comes near with powerful ranged attacks. If cavalry tries to charge them, they’ll just bounce off the Dwarfs’ formidable Shield Wall.
Maneuverability: Despite their reputation for being slow, this new edition gives Dwarfs a bit more maneuverability with units being Drilled and using Marching Columns. They won’t be as swift as the Empire, but they have some new tricks up their sleeves.
Stubborn and Shield Wall Combo: This combo is a game-changer. It’s thematically Dwarfish and very strong. It cripples the initial charge of enemy cavalry, ensuring Dwarfs won’t break easily. They may lose a combat round, but they’ll just give ground and halt the charge’s momentum.
Armies of Infamy: Royal Clan vs. Expeditionary Force
Royal Clan: These guys are the epitome of classic Dwarf stubbornness. Expect Hammerers, Longbeards, and Royal Clan Warriors to stand their ground and dare enemies to come at them. They’re not just tough; they’ve got loads of runes to boost their defense and offense. If you love the traditional Dwarf approach, this is your army.
Expeditionary Force: Now, if you’re looking for something more adventurous, the Expeditionary Force is your pick. Think Gyrocopters, Slayers, and an array of war machines. They’re more offensive, quick-moving, and packed with black powder and experimental tech. Engineers play a significant role here, bringing innovative war machines and tactics to the battlefield.
Magic and Counter-Magic
Magic Defense: Dwarfs aren’t big on magic, but they excel at countering it. Runepriests act as countermagic wizards, dispelling enemy spells with ease. They’ve got innate Magic Resistance, making it tough for enemies to hex or blast them with spells. And if you want to completely shut down enemy magic, take the ‘Rune of No Magic for You, Thanks’. Yeah, it’s that effective.
Runic Tattoos: These are new for Slayers and Doomseekers and add a layer of customization. They offer unique buffs and abilities, enhancing your army’s versatility.
Big Monsters and Cannons
While Dwarfs might lack dragons and other massive monsters, they make up for it with Dwarf Lords wielding runic weapons and devastating cannon batteries. Trust me, those dragons don’t stand a chance against a well-placed cannon shot.
Exciting New Units and Strategies
Miners’ Cart: This unit is full of blasting charges, letting nearby units hurl explosives at the enemy. It’s not just for show; it brings a serious boom to your battles.
Bugman’s Cart: Raises the spirits of nearby Dwarfs, making them move faster. Imagine your units getting a morale boost from some good old Bugman’s brew!
Scout Gyrocopters: Lightly armed and nimble, these skirmishers can zip around the battlefield, harassing enemy war machines and flanks. No kitbashing needed – they’re ready straight out of the box.
The Meta and Future Releases
Danny and JTY hint at an evolving meta with each new faction release. Right now, only a third of the nine core factions are available, but once all are out, we’ll see a more balanced and dynamic battlefield. They’re taking their time to ensure each army is done right, so expect some amazing things as more factions roll out.
Long-Term Plans: They’ve got a lot in store, including themes and ideas that fans have been clamoring for. While some obvious choices like a Slayer army or Night Goblins are on hold for now, rest assured they’re on the radar for future expansions.
Conclusion
Warhammer: The Old World is shaping up to be an epic return to form, and the Dwarfs are leading the charge with their unyielding defense and innovative strategies. Whether you’re a fan of the classic Royal Clan or the adventurous Expeditionary Force, there’s something for every Dwarf enthusiast. So gear up, strategize, and get ready to dive into the rocky fastnesses of the Dwarfen Mountain Holds. This is going to be a blast!
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