This Pre-Order preview is a proper hobby buffet, not just a single headline release.
The Old World gets the spotlight with a new Core Set and smaller-game support. Meanwhile, Middle-earth players get Rohan narrative tools and fresh command options. Also, White Dwarf, Black Library, and Warhammer TV round out the week nicely.
The Old World Gets a Proper Two-Player Launch Box Pre-Order
The biggest release is the new Warhammer: The Old World Core Set. It gives two players rules, accessories, and 54 miniatures for starting ranked battles. Better yet, the box contains 22 brand-new Warriors of Chaos models and 32 Grand Cathay models.
Chaos receives an Aspiring Champion on Daemonic Mount and an Aspiring Champion with Battle Standard. It also includes 16 Chaos Warriors and four Chaos Knights. Meanwhile, Cathay brings two Gate Keepers, including one with Battle Standard. It also fields 20 Jade Warriors, five Jade Lancers, and a Grand Cannon with Ogre Loader and crew. That is a strong matchup, because Chaos brings elite pressure while Cathay brings blocks, cavalry, and artillery.
The Core Set rulebook also includes the latest online errata and extra Battle March content. For players who already own armies, the updated rulebook is available separately.
However, the Battle March: General’s Companion may be the sleeper hit. It supports smaller Old World battles, with six narrative scenarios, sample muster lists, and background on Axe Bite Pass. That is useful for club nights, since not every ranked game needs a huge afternoon commitment.
Common Magic Items and Lores of Magic reference cards also return, although only while stocks last.
Finally, the Made to Order wave celebrates the launch with classic pieces. Orc Raiders, several Mercenary Ogre sets, an Ogre Captain, Baggage Train Carts, and Baby Dragons all return. They are available from next Saturday until 13 July.
Rohan Rides Again as Other Systems Get Pre-Order Support
Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game gets a substantial Rohan release through Journal: The Burning of the Westfold. It includes 11 linked narrative scenarios recreating famous Rohirrim battles from the War of the Ring films. Also, it packs hobby guides for horses, the Fords of Isen, Rohan Houses, and Plains of Rohan boards. Players will need the Rules Manual and Armies of The Lord of the Rings to use it fully.
The Riders of Rohan kit adds six mounted warriors with armour, shields, hand weapons, and bows. Four can take throwing spears, while riders and horses are interchangeable. That flexibility helps, because cavalry armies can otherwise look too repeated.
Warriors of Rohan Commanders build a Captain, banner bearer, and horn blower with cosmetic options.
Hill Tribesmen Commanders do the same for the West-march, with a Chieftain, banner, and horn. The Chieftain can take a two-handed weapon or hand weapon and shield. Alternatively, he can become the Wild Man Oathmaker pledged to Saruman.
White Dwarf 526 celebrates Dawn of War IV with a director interview. It also includes a Blood Ravens painting guide and Old World battle report.
Black Library adds Flames of Betrayal, a Horus Heresy omnibus collecting Garro: Knight of Grey and Era of Ruin.
Meanwhile, Warhammer TV covers Word Bearers, Age of Sigmar combat tips, and Armageddon Intercessor painting. The article also teases a miniatures reveal and free Age of Sigmar downloads. Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Korea have some regional delays or exclusions.
Summary and Final Thoughts
Overall, this is a strong preorder week with one obvious centerpiece. The Old World Core Set gives the range a cleaner entry point, while Battle March supports faster games. Meanwhile, Rohan gets narrative depth, and the rest of Warhammer receives useful side releases. For returning rank-and-flank players, this feels like a serious invitation to start rolling dice.
