The upcoming Middle-earth Matched Play Guide is set to expand the strategic landscape for players of the Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game.
Whether you’re a seasoned tournament competitor or a casual player looking for new challenges, this guide promises to offer something for everyone. Let’s take a look at what Jay, Lead Games Developer, shares about the new supplement.
Updated Scenarios
The guide reintroduces all the classic scenarios from previous editions but with notable tweaks designed to enhance gameplay and ensure a more satisfying experience.
- Retrieval: Relics are now placed closer together, and additional Victory Points are awarded for slaying enemy Heroes.
- Seize the Prizes: Players now compete for three Artefacts instead of just one, creating more spread-out action on the battlefield.
- Contest of Champions: Rather than always nominating the General, players now choose any Hero to act as their Champion.
- Clash By Moonlight: A central objective marker encourages players to get stuck into the action, rather than simply holding back.
- Heirlooms of Ages Past: The biggest change, this scenario now features predetermined objective positions, and players secretly select the Heirloom at the start of the game. There’s still the intrigue of uncovering decoys, adding strategic depth.
Brand New Scenarios
In addition to updated favorites, six brand-new scenarios will provide players with exciting challenges:
- Stake a Claim: Five objective markers provide Fortification Points, giving a new layer of strategy.
- Sites of Power: Using the Maelstrom of Battle deployment, this scenario features four mysterious objectives with unique effects.
- Treasure Hoard: A race to collect the most loot, leading to fast-paced action across the board.
- Escort the Wounded: A rescue mission, with players striving to carry casualties to safety.
- Convergence: Armies are split and tasked with bringing key items to a designated area, adding an extra level of coordination.
- Lead from the Front: A classic objective-based game, but with the twist that the Hero with the highest Heroic Tier claims the objective.
Doubles Matches and Team Events
For fans of cooperative play, the guide includes full rules for running doubles events, complete with six special scenarios tailored for two-player teams. This section covers everything from army list creation to gameplay mechanics, helping you and your friend conquer the battlefield side-by-side.
Team events are becoming increasingly popular, and the guide offers all the necessary rules for running your own. It covers team assembly, list-building, the Rule of One, and a step-by-step guide on how to handle pairings, ensuring smooth event operations.
Additional Content
- Campaign Events: Guidelines for running your own campaign-style events, adding even more depth and variety to your gaming.
- Tournament Guidance: Tips for pairing players, awarding points, and handling tiebreakers, making this guide invaluable for event organizers.
Final Thoughts
The Middle-earth Matched Play Guide is an essential companion for any player looking to dive deeper into the competitive aspects of the Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game. Whether you’re running a local event or attending an international tournament, these updated and new scenarios, as well as the comprehensive doubles and team event rules, are sure to elevate your gaming experience. The guide is set to be a staple at official Games Workshop events, promising exciting new challenges for players worldwide.
And remember, Frontline Gaming sells gaming products at a discount, every day in their webcart!
