Initial Preview at the Dallas Open

The first event, known as the Mortal Realms Reforged Preview, will be live-streamed from the Dallas Open. Scheduled for 7 PM CDT on May 16th, it will be available on the Warhammer Twitch channel, with a UK broadcast at 1 AM BST on May 17th. The preview will offer the first look at the new Warhammer Age of Sigmar launch set, which includes a variety of new items. Concurrent articles will be posted during the stream to provide detailed information about the showcased products.

Live Game Featuring AEW Wrestlers

A notable feature of the first preview will be a live game of Spearhead, featuring AEW wrestlers Kip Sabian and Claudio Castagnoli, who will be playing as Skaven and Stormcast Eternals respectively. This marks the first live gameplay of Spearhead, which is anticipated to be a highlight of the event.

Second Preview Focused on Warhammer 40,000

The second preview event, scheduled for May 18th at 12:45 PM CDT (6:45 PM BST), will include reveals from Warhammer 40,000, the Horus Heresy, Legions Imperialis, and Necromunda. The event promises new introductions to the Warhammer 40,000 universe, teasing an unexpected new element humorously dubbed as a “xenos beachball.”

Additional Events and Streams

The Warhammer 40,000 GT will accompany the previews, with three days of streaming from May 17th-19th, starting at 9:30 AM CDT each day. Additionally, a Warhammer Age of Sigmar Matched Play masterclass is scheduled for May 18th at 8:30 PM CDT, featuring a rematch from last year’s World Championships final between Nicolas Tassone and Tom Mawdsley.

Spearhead modifies the Warhammer Age of Sigmar gameplay into a quicker, more compact format. Players use a single box to form a Spearhead force. The game is played on a smaller board of 30″ x 22.4″, suitable for casual settings like kitchen tables.

The initial Spearhead set provides two complete forces, terrain features, a double-sided game board with objectives, and card packs that introduce new gameplay dynamics. The set also includes a comprehensive hardcover book with the core rules, the Spearhead battlepack, and rules for each Spearhead force, allowing immediate play with existing miniature collections.

Spearhead’s development focused on balancing the forces, ensuring tight competition. Each force uses tailored warscrolls and rules, with mechanisms to balance the play among diverse units. Some units may re-enter the game after being defeated through the “REINFORCEMENTS” keyword and related abilities, adding a layer of strategy.

The game incorporates strategic depth through two card decks. One deck offers game-round “Twists,” and the other facilitates scoring and command abilities. These elements are vital to the game’s strategic variety, ensuring diverse gameplay experiences.

According to the blog post, the game mode has undergone extensive play-testing within the Warhammer Studio to refine balance and gameplay enjoyment. Quick match duration and engaging mechanics have led to robust internal testing, including league play, which helped refine the game’s dynamics and fairness.

The Situation in the Mortal Realms

The narrative focus shifts to the Skaven, who have been plotting in the shadows, culminating in a significant event known as the Vermindoom. This event has seen parts of the Skaven’s domain directly impact the Realm of Fire, causing widespread chaos. In a notable development, the Great Horned Rat, a deity within the Skaven pantheon, has formed an alliance with Archaon, elevating his status among the chaos deities.

In reaction to the Skaven threat, the Stormcast Eternals, specifically the Hallowed Knights chamber, have mobilized their most experienced warriors from the Ruination Chamber. These veterans, known for their extensive battle experience, are preparing to confront the Skaven forces, marking a critical point in their long history of service.

Gameplay Evolution

With the introduction of the new edition, there are notable changes to the gameplay mechanics of Warhammer Age of Sigmar. The core rules have been revised to enhance the gaming experience, focusing on accessibility, streamlined play, and tactical depth. This edition retains the essence of Warhammer Age of Sigmar while incorporating new elements such as additional miniatures, updated rules, and a new game mode named Spearhead.

The transition to the new edition involves updates to all factions, with free downloadable packs available at launch to facilitate this change. These packs will include necessary components such as battle traits, subfactions, and warscrolls for each unit. Spearhead, the new game mode, is designed to offer a quick and balanced gameplay experience, appealing to both new and veteran players.