For too long, the hive dwellers have treated the ash wastes like their personal playground, but the tide is turning.
The Ash Wastes Nomads are mustering in greater numbers, and Tribes of the Wastelands is about to give us the most in-depth look yet at how these mysterious desert warriors fight, survive, and thrive in the brutal world of Necromunda.
What’s New for the Nomads?
Since their debut in Book of the Outlands, the Ash Wastes Nomads have stuck to a core structure: Leaders, Champions, Specialists, and Prospects, all relying on their unique Wasteland skill tree to strike from the shadows before disappearing into the dunes. Now, their ranks have grown, introducing terrifying new allies, exotic beasts, and esoteric powers that make them more unpredictable than ever.
One of the biggest changes is the introduction of Wasteland Ambushers like the elite Sha’dar Hunters, who can deploy anywhere on the battlefield as long as they’re at least 9” from an enemy—a devastating advantage in the right hands. They’re backed up by Arthromite Spinewyrms, vicious creatures that distract enemies and are naturally hard to hit thanks to their Small Target rule.
The Arthromite Herders return as well, bringing their Duneskuttlers—massive burrowing predators that ambush foes before vanishing beneath the sand. These terrifying creatures are notoriously hard to kill, even shrugging off Lasting Injury rolls with a second chance to choose their fate.
Meanwhile, Nomad gangs can now recruit Hired Guns, including the Nomad Outcast, Nomad Harrier, and Nomad House Agent. The Harrier is a particularly valuable asset, acting as a Bounty Hunter with the ability to generate extra income for your gang—though they’ll expect their fair share in return.
If you’re looking for aerial support, Ashwing Helamites provide a deadly new option. These smaller cousins of the Dustback Helamite have Flight, operate on a Long Leash, and boast toxic mandibles that can make quick work of even the toughest foes.
Harness the Power of the Warrior Spirits
One of the most unique additions to the Nomads’ arsenal is the Warrior Spirits, granting powerful abilities tied to different desert tribes. Before battle, Leaders and Champions call upon these spirits, receiving randomly determined blessings that can dramatically alter the course of the fight.
Each tribe channels different elements of the wasteland into their spirits. The Leadsky Seekers invoke spirits of speed and ferocity, while others may unleash electrical storms, insect swarms, or even plagues of healing energy.
For example:
- Cha’nag, the Insect Spirit, surrounds the fighter in a maelstrom of swarming insects, forcing enemy vehicles to make Handling tests or become Stationary and Stalled.
- Char’ghar, the Electro Spirit, charges the fighter’s weapons with Shock energy, making even basic attacks capable of stunning opponents with a single hit.
The random nature of these abilities means no two battles will play out the same way, forcing Nomad players to adapt on the fly—a fitting challenge for these cunning survivalists.
Survival in the Wasteland
The Nomad Trading Post offers exclusive weapons and equipment unavailable to most other gangs. Since Nomads are barred from the Underhive’s black markets, this is their go-to source for chain lances, electrostatic ammo, heavy blasters, and other gear designed for life in the wastes.
With their hit-and-run tactics, access to deadly beasts, and ability to manipulate the battlefield itself, the Ash Wastes Nomads are a gang that rewards strategy, patience, and adaptability. If you love ambushes, unpredictable power swings, and playing mind games with your opponents, this is the gang for you.
Tribes of the Wastelands goes up for pre-order this weekend—are you ready to fight for the ash wastes?
And remember, Frontline Gaming sells gaming products at a discount, every day in their webcart!
