Welcome back to our Touchline Tactics summary!
If you’ve been following this journey, you’ll know this is part of GW’s dive deep into the playstyles and strategies of various Blood Bowl teams. This time, they’re taking a look at the Norse—those grizzled warriors who are known for their heavy hits and even heavier drinking. With an emphasis on bashing and ball control, Norse teams are built for the long haul, making them a solid choice for players who love to lay down the hurt. In this article, we’ll break down their playstyle, tactics, key players, and optimal skills to help you dominate the gridiron. Let’s hop aboard those longships and see what makes these Nordic marauders tick.
Playstyle: Get Ready for Heavy Hitting and Hard-Nosed Football
Norse teams are all about hitting hard and hitting often. Starting with the Block skill on nearly every player, they offer a reliable foundation for aggressive, bashing tactics. Add Frenzy into the mix, and you’re looking at a squad that’s ready to dish out double the pain with every block. When it comes to the ball, the Valkyrie is your go-to carrier, with a combination of speed and solid skills to ensure your team stays in control of the game. And let’s not forget the Beer Boars, these little guys may be goofy, but their ability to dodge between players and cause chaos makes them perfect for disrupting your opponent’s plan.
However, as strong as Norse teams are at bashing, they’re not built to take hits back. Most of their players have low Armour Value, so while it’s tempting to dive headfirst into a melee, you’ll want to be careful not to put yourself in a position where you’re too exposed. Instead, focus on creating smart openings with precise strikes on key enemy players. Don’t bother man-marking other bash teams; set up a screen, force them to come through you, and watch them struggle with your relentless defense.
Key Players and Tactics: It’s All About the Right Mix of Strength and Speed
- Norse Raiders: These linemen are absolute workhorses for your team. Starting with Block makes them safer for risky moves like one-dice blocks. At only 50,000 gold pieces, they’re a steal and great for early game control. Their low Armour is compensated by Thick Skull, so they can take a beating without it costing you the game.
- Berserkers: The real muscle of the team, these blitzers have Block and Frenzy, making them dangerous both offensively and defensively. But Frenzy can be a double-edged sword, so don’t get too overzealous. Always have back-up to avoid getting trapped or out of position.
- Ulfwereners: These powerful blitzers are a key threat on the field. With Strength 4 and Frenzy, they can bulldoze through opponents with ease. Their Armour Value 9 gives them a bit more staying power, and they’re perfect for creating gaps in the opponent’s defense.
- Valkyries: If you want versatility, Valkyries are your best friends. They start with Pass, Catch, Dauntless, and Strip Ball, making them perfect for both offense and defense. They’re fast, skilled, and can disrupt any opposing player that gets too comfortable on the field.
- Beer Boars: For only 20,000 gold, you get a surprisingly useful player in the Beer Boar. Sure, their Pick-Me-Up ability isn’t game-changing, but their real strength comes from dodging around the field and being a reliable assist player. They can also dish out a cheeky foul when needed.
- Yhetee: The Norse Big Guy, Yhetee’s Claws and Frenzy make him a wrecking ball. But being a Big Guy, he’s a bit unreliable, so don’t put all your faith in him. Have a back-up plan if things go awry.
Skilling Up: Building Your Norse Team for Success
Building your Norse team is all about focusing on strength and tactical flexibility. Here’s a quick rundown of the key skills to look out for:
- Norse Raiders: Start with Block (obviously), but as you progress, consider skills like Kick, Defensive, Fend, Dirty Player, or Tackle to further fine-tune their role on the field.
- Berserkers: Mighty Blow is an excellent pick to combo with Frenzy and Block for more damage. As they get more mobile with Jump Up, skills like Tackle and Guard are also key for controlling the flow of the game.
- Ulfwereners: Block should be your first skill here, followed by Mighty Blow or Guard for maximum effectiveness in taking down opponents.
- Valkyries: Specialize your Valkyries for specific roles. If you want one to carry the ball, go for Block, Dodge, and Sure Hands. If you’re looking to stop your opponent’s ball carrier, Defensive, Wrestle, and Tackle are your go-to picks.
- Beer Boar: These guys have limited skill options, so if you happen to get a few SPPs, Sneaky Git is the way to go, although it’ll double the cost of the Beer Boar.
- Yhetee: To make your Yhetee more reliable, consider Juggernaut for blocking or Guard for added support. For raw damage potential, Mighty Blow is always a solid choice.
Top 5 Star Players: Bring in the Big Guns
Here’s a rundown of the Norse team’s best Star Players, depending on your roster’s make-up:
- Akhorne the Squirrel: With Claws, Frenzy, and Dauntless, Akhorne is a cheap, reliable option that’ll fit right into any Norse team. For only 80,000 gold, he’s a steal for a wild card player.
- Barik Farblast: If you want to mix in some long passes to mess with your opponent’s head, Barik’s your man. He’s great for teaming up with Valkyries and causing chaos from a distance.
- Kreek ‘the Verminator’ Rustgouger: Kreek is a bit of a wildcard with his Ball & Chain, but his I’ll Be Back rule makes him a great investment for a team that doesn’t want to worry about Bribes.
- Ivar Eriksson: A fantastic all-around player with Guard, Tackle, and Block, Ivar adds versatility and utility to any squad. His Raiding Party ability is a great way to mess with the enemy’s plans.
- Thorsson Stoutmead: As the ultimate front-line blocker, Thorsson can throw down with anyone. His Beer Barrel Bash is a game-changer, giving you a ranged threat that can clear out key opponents without risking your players.
Final Thoughts: Norse Teams Are Tough, But Tactical
Norse teams are an absolute joy to play for fans of heavy hitting and tactical brawls. Their ability to dominate the field with Frenzy and Block makes them a solid choice for aggressive players who know how to exploit weaknesses. However, they require careful positioning and solid support play—don’t expect to win just by charging in and smashing. With a good mix of players and some clever skill choices, Norse teams can become an unstoppable force that will have your opponents quaking in their boots.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your axe, hop aboard your longship, and show your opponents why Norse teams are some of the most fearsome in the game. Stay tuned for more tips and strategies in the next edition of Touchline Tactics!
And remember, Frontline Gaming sells gaming products at a discount, every day in their webcart!
