Spearhead: A New Game Mode for Warhammer Age of Sigmar

Games Workshop recently announced a new addition to Warhammer Age of Sigmar called Spearhead. This mode offers a streamlined, faster version of the traditional game, using existing boxes of miniatures. Designed for both accessibility and depth, Spearhead aims to attract both newcomers and experienced players.

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.