The new edition of the Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game is in full swing, and the long-awaited Armies of Middle-earth supplement is finally up for pre-order.
Lead Games Designer Jay has shared some fascinating insights into the biggest profile updates you’ll find inside — and trust us, there’s a lot packed into these pages. With over 130 revised profiles (including everything from the Armies of Arnor and Angmar PDF), here’s a taste of the five most exciting changes.
Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth
To match his stunning new plastic miniature, Imrahil has been given meaningful boosts on the table. His Fight Value jumps to 7, putting him on par with top-tier heroes like Aragorn and Elrond, making him a true powerhouse in combat. On top of that, his Intelligence 3+ reflects his noble wisdom and lets him breeze through almost any test of wits or tactical insight. Expect him to lead Dol Amroth with both flair and ferocity.
Khazâd Guard
At first glance, the elite dwarves of Khazad-dûm seem unchanged — but their new Fight Value 5 is a game-changer. This makes them more than just a wall of defense; they now stand toe-to-toe (even if a little shorter!) against Elven warriors and rival heroes. It solidifies the Khazâd Guard’s role as the elite dwarven infantry they were always meant to be.
Tom Bombadil & Goldberry
These two enigmatic figures have been redesigned to better reflect their unique role in Tolkien’s world. They no longer block battlelines with Control Zones or throw around Magical Powers. Instead, they now spend Will Points to sing powerful songs — each drawing directly from Tolkien’s text. Their melodies can boost Courage, increase Movement, heal Wounds, or improve allies’ combat prowess. Plus, Tom and Goldberry each bring their own exclusive songs, giving you real reason to include both in your force.
The Dragon
This fearsome beast has seen sweeping upgrades:
- Points drop to 200
- Now on a 130mm base
- Fight Value 8 and Intelligence 5+
Special rules like Dominant (5) and Large Target come standard, but the big news is in its upgrade options. Breathe Fire no longer costs a Will Point, Wyrm Magic adds Foil Magic, and the new Superior Intellect lets the Dragon automatically pass Intelligence Tests — and even recover Might Points on a 4+ when spent. That’s terrifying.
Black Dragon Warrior
Now with their own distinct profile, Black Dragons are no longer just upgraded Easterling Warriors. They retain the Phalanx rule, can wield Easterling Halberds, and even carry banners. Their Warrior of the Dragon Cult rule requires they be led by a Black Dragon Hero (like Amdûr or the Dragon Emperor), and when within 3” of such a hero, they gain +1 Fight Value, pushing them to Fight 5. This makes them one of the deadliest Easterling infantry options yet.
Beyond Profiles: New Army Lists and Special Rules
It’s not just about individual profiles — the Armies of Middle-earth supplement introduces new Army Lists and alliance rules that let you build your forces in fresh, thematic ways. Whether you’re fielding obscure factions from the books or revisiting old Angmar forces, there’s plenty to explore.
Stay tuned later this week for more previews, and get ready to rethink your Middle-earth strategies! If you want, I can help break down some of the new list synergies or tactics based on these updates — just say the word.
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