Blood Bowl (2016 Edition) (2016) Board Game

Blood Bowl is a fantasy football-themed board game that was first released by Games Workshop in in 2016. The 2016 Edition is an updated version of the classic game, featuring improved components and streamlined rules. Set in the Warhammer universe, Blood Bowl combines elements of American football with a fantasy twist, where players control teams of fantastical races competing in a brutal sport.

Game Components of Blood Bowl

Reversible Blood Bowl Pitch: A double-sided pitch with dugouts.

Teams: Includes 1 Human Team (12 models) and 1 Orc Team (12 models).

Dice: Two sets of official Blood Bowl Dice, plus regular D6, D16 (or D20), and D8 dice.

Templates and Rulers: Pass & Scatter Templates and game rulers.

Game Tokens & Balls: Various tokens and balls for gameplay.

Cards: Dug Out Cards, Player Reference Cards, and a deck of Special Play Cards.

Rulebook: The official Blood Bowl Rulebook.

How To Setup Blood Bowl

Setting up Blood Bowl involves preparing the pitch, laying out the dugouts, and organizing the teams. Each team consists of 11 players at the start of the game. The pitch is reversible, offering different environments for each half. Players need to distribute their team models, place the necessary tokens, and prepare the dice and templates. The setup is relatively straightforward, allowing players to dive into the game quickly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn-Based Gameplay: Players take turns activating each model on the pitch to perform actions.

Dice Rolls: Key mechanics involve various dice rolls to determine outcomes such as blocks, passes, and injuries.

Injury Table: When a model is knocked down, opponents can attempt to injure them by rolling dice against the model’s Armour Value.

Turnover: A new mechanic introduced to speed up gameplay, where a player’s turn ends immediately if certain conditions are met.

Objective: The goal is to score points by carrying or throwing the ball into the end zone while trying to injure or disable the opposing team’s players.

Player Experience

Blood Bowl offers a unique blend of strategy, luck, and humor. Players must balance the need to score with the risk of injuring their own players. The game is known for its unpredictability, with the outcome often decided by the roll of the dice. It appeals to fans of competitive team sports and tabletop miniatures games, providing a fun and engaging experience whether played casually or in competitive leagues.

Pros

Easy to Learn: The core rules can be learned in about 5 minutes.

High Replayability: The game’s outcome is heavily influenced by dice rolls, making each game unique.

Rich Community: The game has a strong community with continuous support from Games Workshop and the community itself.

Expansive Teams and Rules: Regular releases of new teams and rules keep the game fresh and exciting.

Cons

Initial Cost: While the 2016 starter set can be found cheaply, additional teams and rules can add up in cost.

Complexity for New Players: While the core rules are simple, mastering the game’s nuances can take time.

Dependency on Dice Rolls: The game’s unpredictability, while exciting, can also be frustrating for players who prefer more control over outcomes.

Personal Thoughts on Blood Bowl

Blood Bowl is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of strategy, humor, and a bit of luck. It’s ideal for fans of tabletop miniatures games and competitive team sports. The game is accessible to new players but also offers depth for veteran gamers. If you’re looking for a game that is both entertaining and challenging, Blood Bowl is definitely worth considering. It’s a great choice for casual players who want to have fun and for those who are eager to dive into competitive leagues.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.