The Spearhead: Sand & Bone Gaming Pack is set to bring some exciting new dynamics to the Age of Sigmar universe, taking players into the gloomy and ominous Realm of Death—Shyish.
With fresh forces, new maps, and Battle Tactic cards, this expansion promises to shake up the Spearhead experience and add some unique challenges for both hobbyists and strategists alike. Here’s what veteran Warhammer player Jordan Duncan has to say about this new addition.
Why Spearhead Rocks
Jordan’s enthusiasm for Spearhead is clear, particularly the game’s focus on small, skirmish-style forces. The compact nature of Spearhead matches makes it a great fit for both new players and seasoned veterans who appreciate a quicker, more tactical experience. The game offers a lot of depth despite its smaller scale, making it ideal for players who don’t have hours to commit but still want a fulfilling, dynamic battle. As Jordan notes, Spearhead is the perfect format for those looking to enjoy the Warhammer hobby without diving into long, drawn-out games.
One of Spearhead’s key strengths is the variety of forces it offers. The game gives players a chance to experiment with different army compositions and strategies, allowing for numerous tactical combinations. Jordan’s personal favorite, the Sylvaneth, demonstrates the excitement of combining mobility, ranged firepower, and tough heroes like the Treelord. The army’s ability to adapt to various situations with a mix of hit-and-run tactics and hard-hitting units makes them a thrilling force to command.
The new Sand & Bone expansion introduces fresh Spearhead forces, each bringing new strategic potential to the table. Among these forces, Jordan highlights the Cities of Sigmar Fusil-Platoon and the Ossiarch Bonereapers Mortisan Elite as standouts. The Fusil-Platoon specializes in ranged firepower, which offers a powerful offense but faces challenges when pushing enemy units off objectives. This creates an interesting dynamic where careful positioning and timing become crucial.
On the other hand, the Mortisan Elite focuses on elite units like the Immortis Guard and Necropolis Stalkers, excelling in high durability and precision tactics. The low model count and the army’s ability to execute disciplined movements offer a great deal of depth and strategy.
Shifting Sands and Sharpened Blades: New Terrain and Objectives
The new Sand & Bone board introduces significant shifts in gameplay, particularly with the addition of only four objectives on the battlefield. This is a major change from previous Spearhead expansions, where more objectives were standard. The reduced number of objectives forces players to rethink their strategies. Rather than spreading forces out over a larger area, players will need to focus on key points and prioritize objective control. It also means that holding objectives throughout the game becomes even more critical, as there are fewer to contest.
The new terrain pieces in Sand & Bone are larger and more impactful than in previous sets. The pieces add strategic depth to the battlefield, creating chokepoints, elevated positions, and obstacles that can be leveraged for both offense and defense. Additionally, the new mystical terrain features come with unique effects that can influence the flow of the game. For example, the Unholy Draught rule gives players the chance to increase their hit rolls, but at the risk of taking mortal damage. This adds a tactical element of risk versus reward when interacting with terrain features.
Battle Tactic Cards: Adding Depth
The new Battle Tactic cards introduce powerful abilities that will have players thinking on their feet. One such card, Attack on Two Fronts, encourages a divide-and-conquer approach. Completing this tactic requires you to control two objectives that were previously held by your opponent at the start of the turn, forcing you to spread your forces and apply pressure on multiple fronts. Another notable tactic is Speed of Death, which allows a unit to teleport 6” away from enemies at the end of a turn. This can be used to snag unguarded objectives or disrupt enemy strategies, giving players an edge in contested areas.
Other Battle Tactic cards introduce new reactions, such as Translucent Flesh, which allows a unit targeted by an attack to negate hit and wound rolls of 1-3 for the rest of the phase. This can be a lifesaver in key moments, providing a strong defense against high-damage enemies. Similarly, Final Breath offers a chance to resurrect destroyed units, replacing them with a new unit or even a single model with damage already allocated. This ability helps keep your forces fighting longer, preventing the momentum of battle from shifting too quickly in your opponent’s favor.
What’s Next for Spearhead?
Jordan is eager about the future of Spearhead, and with new expansions like Sand & Bone, the possibilities for dynamic skirmishes and diverse army playstyles are endless. Whether you’re new to Spearhead or an experienced general, the Sand & Bone expansion promises to elevate your gameplay and provide more opportunities for creativity on the battlefield.
Stay tuned for more updates from the Season of War YouTube channel, where you can follow the team’s journey through these exciting new forces and battlefields!
Final Thoughts
The Spearhead: Sand & Bone Gaming Pack is a fantastic expansion for anyone who loves skirmish-style Age of Sigmar battles with tactical depth and fast-paced action. Whether you’re a hobbyist looking to explore new forces or a competitive player eager for a fresh challenge, this expansion is sure to provide hours of strategic fun in the Realm of Death.
And remember, Frontline Gaming sells gaming products at a discount, every day in their webcart!
