Warhammer Underworlds: Beastgrave (2019) Board Game

Warhammer Underworlds: Beastgrave is a tactical miniatures game set in Games Workshop’s Warhammer Age of Sigmar universe. It was released in 2019 as the third season of the Warhammer Underworlds series. Players take on the role of warbands fighting for supremacy in the cursed depths of Beastgrave.

Game Components of Warhammer Underworlds: Beastgrave

Core Rulebook: Includes the updated rules for the new season.

Warbands: Two new warbands – Skaeth’s Wild Hunt (4 Aleves and 1 Malkyn) and Grashrak’s Despoilers (6 Beastmen).

Boards: Two pairs of double-sided boards featuring new locations like the Shrine of the Silent People, Wyrmgrave, Abandoned Lair, and Living Rock.

Dice: 11 dice (5 attack dice, 3 magic dice, and 3 defense dice).

Tokens: 3 double-sided cardboard token sheets including objective tokens, lethal hexes, wound tokens, glory point tokens, move and charge tokens, Guard tokens, and activation counters.

Miniatures: Color-coordinated plastic miniatures that can be push-fit together without glue.

How To Setup Warhammer Underworlds: Beastgrave

Setting up Beastgrave involves several steps. First, players roll off to determine who places the boards first or second; the winner now has the option to choose whether to place the boards first or second, providing more tactical flexibility. Each player sets up their warband on the board, and the game begins with the first turn. The core rulebook and quick start rules guide players through the initial setup and first few games.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Feature Tokens: Objective tokens with one side representing safe objectives and the other side featuring lethal hexes, which can be flipped during the game to deny opponents crucial objectives.

Lethal Hexes: Players can place lethal hexes at the beginning of a turn, adding a new layer of risk and strategy.

Board Placement: The winner of the roll-off chooses whether to place boards first or second.

Guard: Fighters on guard are now immune to being driven back.

Game Flow: Each turn consists of three phases with four activations per player, similar to previous seasons but with new mechanics like the use of lethal hexes and expanded card abilities.

Objective: The primary objective is to score glory points by completing objectives, killing enemy fighters, and using cards effectively.

Player Experience

Playing Warhammer Underworlds: Beastgrave offers a fast-paced and strategically deep experience. The game is designed for both new and experienced players, with clear rules and a quick start guide to ease new players into the game. The addition of lethal hexes and new board mechanics adds a layer of unpredictability, making each game unique and challenging.

Pros

Improved Game Flow: The game is faster and more streamlined compared to previous seasons.

New Mechanics: The introduction of lethal hexes and the ability to flip Feature Tokens adds new strategic layers.

Tactical Flexibility: The option to choose board placement order enhances tactical decisions.

Accessible: Includes a quick start guide and pre-sorted cards for an easy start.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: For new players, the intricate rules and card interactions can be overwhelming.

Cost: The boxed set is priced higher than the previous seasons at 60 EUR.

Token Management: Managing the numerous tokens can be cumbersome.

Personal Thoughts on Warhammer Underworlds: Beastgrave

Warhammer Underworlds: Beastgrave is perfect for fans of tactical miniatures games and those already invested in the Warhammer Underworlds series. It offers a fresh and challenging experience with new mechanics that build upon the core principles of the game. New players will appreciate the clear rules and quick start guide, while experienced players will enjoy the added complexity and strategic depth. This game is ideal for those who like a mix of strategy, deck-building, and miniature combat.

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