Recently, Games Workshop announced Warhammer Age of Sigmar Fourth Edition. This brand new edition of the fantasy tactical miniatures game will not only introduce new units, but a complete rebuild of its rules. The latter is further explained in a recent Warhammer Age of Sigmar Fourth Edition preview.
The Warhammer Age of Sigmar Fourth Edition Preview
In an official Warhammer-Community post, Games Workshop explains the process behind the main rules changes coming to Warhammer Age of Sigmar Fourth Edition. According to the post, one of the biggest changes coming is modularity.
There are now two sets of rules. The Core Rules are quick to learn and cover the basics. Moving, fighting, shooting, unit coherency, and objectives are all covered by these rules. You can these rules to play a simple game with objectives and terrain.
Alternatively, there are the Advanced Rules. As the name implies, they contain more involved tactical rules veterans will be familiar with. Advanced Rules covers Commands, Terrain, Magic, Army Composition, Command Models, and Battle Tactics.
“Rules have been structured in a modular manner,” says Ben, the Product Developer for the game. “This means that you can learn and play games with the Core Rules, and then when you need them you can go on to learn the Advanced Rules. You can even just leave them out completely if you want – though some battlepacks will require them. It’s all part of making the game that existing players love more accessible to newer players.”
Games Workshop explains further in the Warhammer Age of Sigmar Fourth Edition preview that these modular rules would serve whatever game mode required them. For example, the newly introduced Spearhead mode will use the Core Rules, whereas classic modes like Matched Play will use Core and Advanced.
This modularity will also reach other elements of the game. GW cites how certain General's Handbook modes will put a major spin on mechanics, fundamentally changing or tweaking systems of which only ardent players would be aware. Now those rulesets can just be switched out with a different one. No more errata or extra rules.
On paper, these fundamental changes may help lower the barrier to entry for those interested in trying out Warhammer Age of Sigmar. Only time will tell if these changes will be accepted by their more dedicated fanbase.
