Nick and Josh from the WarhammerTV team have dived deep into the new Nemesis format for Warhammer Underworlds, which adds a rich layer of strategy to the game by encouraging players to build custom decks using two Rivals decks. This format allows for a mix-and-match approach to different playstyles, offering flexibility and variety while sticking to a core set of rules.
Key Elements of Nemesis Format:
- Deck Selection: Players choose any two universal Rivals decks. You can combine different styles (e.g., a Strike deck with a Take and Hold deck), but you’re limited to only one deck with a Plot card (like the Cataclysm Tracker).
- Objective Cards:
- Players must select at least 12 objective cards from their chosen decks, but can go up to 18. However, only six can be Surge objectives (marked with a lightning symbol).
- The objective deck sets the focus of your strategy, so it’s crucial to choose cards that work well together to efficiently score Glory points.
- Power Cards:
- Build a Power deck of at least 20 cards, with no more than half being Ploys.
- Power cards should complement your objective strategy—each Ploy or Upgrade should drive you toward completing objectives.
- Flexibility:
- The new edition encourages the use of more Upgrades, as they are discarded when a fighter is slain, allowing you to reallocate Glory points for additional upgrades.
- Naming Your Deck: After carefully crafting your deck, give it a fun, thematic name to capture its flavor!
Example Decks:
Emberwatch Deck (Nick’s Choice):
This deck is all about aggression. The Emberwatch warband excels at attacking in enemy territory, and their core strategy is to inspire fighters by pushing into the opponent’s zone early in the game.
- Strategy: Deploy aggressively, use Vanguard Dash to move into enemy territory, and focus on scoring low-Glory objectives that reward you for dealing damage.
- Clutch Cards:
- Get Stuck In: Score a Glory point just for making an attack.
- Accurate: Ensures attacks hit, helping score bigger Glory points.
- Sidestep, Lure of Battle & Explosive Charges: These ploys increase mobility, pushing fighters toward enemies for easier strikes.
Skaven Warband Deck (Josh’s Choice):
This deck plays to the Skaven’s strengths—numbers and mobility. With five fighters, you can control more of the battlefield and leverage treasure token control as a primary tactic.
- Strategy: Focus on capturing treasure tokens and becoming difficult to kill with upgrades. Avoid direct confrontation and use mobility to outmaneuver your opponent.
- Clutch Cards:
- Explosive Charges: Extends threat range by keeping Domain cards active.
- By the Numbers: Provides card advantage, potentially drawing up to five cards.
- Switch Things Up: Helps you maintain control over specific treasure tokens crucial to your objectives.
Conclusion:
The Nemesis format is a fantastic way to deepen your Warhammer Underworlds experience, especially for those who enjoy the challenge of deck-building. With more Rivals decks coming in the future, the variety of combinations and strategies will only increase, making for an exciting and evolving gameplay experience.
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