Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

I've been playing 40k and decided to branch into a new hobby. My brother and I have combined for the starter set and were wondering what to expect from Warmachine? Is it a shorter game? Are there any races that are better than others? Is the starter set balanced and complete or are supplements needed for it to be a success? Any tips or ideas for our start are appreciated...

 Waaagh 18 wrote:
I've been playing 40k and decided to branch into a new hobby. My brother and I have combined for the starter set and were wondering what to expect from Warmachine? Is it a shorter game? Are there any races that are better than others? Is the starter set balanced and complete or are supplements needed for it to be a success? Any tips or ideas for our start are appreciated...

I never had the Two-player battle box but I know what most of the things do.

For your first question: For the most part, it is a shorter game and a little more fast-paced, but it might be a little slower than usual when you are getting the rules down. Also, the game is for the most part pretty balance and every faction is pretty much playable (save for possibly Minions to a degree since they have limited choices, but you can win with them). Although Cyrx seems to be one of the top-tier factions, but they have a bit higher learning curve. And yes, the starter set is balanced, but the multi-wound infantry is something to be left desired. The starter set works for getting the mechanics for the game so yes, but for the factions you are going to want to buy some of the things that make them work well.

Play with what you got and see you like the game first, and welcome to Warmachine!

Official Tournament Chess Style "Death Clock" states that in a 35pt game, each person has 42mins and in a 50pt game its 60mins

I don't know the timing for 40k really, but I also do not recommend playing Death Clock when first starting out

The 2 player starter for Warmachine is Khador vs Menoth

Think Russia vs Catholics... Khador is known to be tankier and Menoth known to be more support based

Standard fantasy races are in the game, Humans are average (or below average depending on how you look at it?), Elves or Dark Elves aka "Iosan" and "Nyss" are higher def with lower armor, Ogres... Ogruns are known to be slightly stronger, Trolls are tough... etc etc

Among factions strength, its really well balanced. Factions as a whole are really well balanced. Cryx is known to be slightly stronger, but when you look at tournament results they rarely dominate. So I would consider them something in the line of pubstompers, more or less...

Compared to 40k, things die...
Don't expect your shiny 10 point HEAVY KHADOR WARJACK to survive a round of being charged by the half his army. This is why getting the Alpha Strike is very important, or reducing the effects of the enemy Alpha Striking you. (Read, Operation Human Shield)

Oh and you instantly lose if the Warcaster dies~

Sounds great... What are standard points and how many points are in the box?

 Waaagh 18 wrote:
Sounds great... What are standard points and how many points are in the box?

The box has 22 points for each side, I think. Most tournament games will be run at either 35 or 50 points.

Overall you'll find Warmachine to have a few differences that will throw you off. It took a while for me to get the activation down after playing 40k's loose 'move everything, then fire everything' style.
The two player starter box is a great deal and comes with everything you need. Me and my brother went a different route and bought the battle group boxes for our factions and the rulebook, which if you care about fluff, is excellent.

15pts are intro games
25pts are small games intended for newer players
35pts is the pure standard
50pts are large standard
75pts are really rare but seen occassionally

The khador side is 20 points and menoth is 21. I recommend adding Vassal of Menoth and choir of Menoth. On the khador side I would add iron fang pikemen. I have played about 10 games with the menoth side and it's severely lacking in support. Feat timing is crucial for kreoss. If you aren't in position to charge their caster with crusader or shoot him with Vanquisher and repenter, you will waste your feat. Watch out for the khador feat too, it freezes your army and leaves you open to flanking maneuvers.

I'm starting to look at Warmachine. I've cut the GW cord. I got into Dropzone commander but it isn't as popular here yet. I know a lot of people who play WMH both at work and at the game store. I like the models and the starter set is in plastic - so I'm about sold.