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Hey guys,


Let me begin by saying that I have been a wh40k and fantasy player for awhile now but found myself not really wanting to continue playing it. We had a good run but I've grown bored of the game and prices are only getting higher. I actually came across war machine a couple years ago but couldn't find anyone to play with. A new LGS opens and bam it's played all the time now. So what are your tips for a newbie? I am interested in starting either Cryx, Orboros, Cygnar, and Protectorate. These selections are based purely on model appearance as I don't know much about their lore. Thanks for reading and any tips you may come up with!


P.S. I also hear this is more of a balanced game to an extent, is this true?

Hello,

I was in a similar situation to you in as much as I'm a longtime 40k player (and still am to be honest) who has experienced the joy that Warmachine has to offer.

If you have multiple factions to chose between, rest assured that evrey faction can support a multitude of playstyles. It's not like 40k where you see, for example, Tau across the table and automatically know "shooting". I think you're on the right path. Just pick a faction you like the look of.

As far as game balance, Warmachine is about the tightest and most well written ruleset for a tabletop wargame I have ever seen. Every faction is balanced very well.

For advise, I will link you to a podcast that I listen to quite regularly. They just recently did a 4 part "new player series" where they broke down what the game is like and went over the game as well as all the factions rather briefly. Here's a link to it.

http://www.chain-attack.com/?s=new+player

I'll let other people explain things more thoroughly about the factions you have shown interest in. I'm only really good with one faction and that isn't one of those.

EDIT: Oh, one other thing, unlike Games Workshop, Privateer Press is actually rational about 3rd party sellers and discounts. You can easily find online stores that stock all kinds of warmachine and hordes stuff for 20% off retail. My favorite is discount games inc. (they coincidentally put out the podcast I liked to above). That said there are lots of other places out there and I don't want to sound like I'm an official supporter of that company or anything because I'm not.

 dementedwombat wrote:
Hello,

I was in a similar situation to you in as much as I'm a longtime 40k player (and still am to be honest) who has experienced the joy that Warmachine has to offer.

If you have multiple factions to chose between, rest assured that evrey faction can support a multitude of playstyles. It's not like 40k where you see, for example, Tau across the table and automatically know "shooting". I think you're on the right path. Just pick a faction you like the look of.

As far as game balance, Warmachine is about the tightest and most well written ruleset for a tabletop wargame I have ever seen. Every faction is balanced very well.

For advise, I will link you to a podcast that I listen to quite regularly. They just recently did a 4 part "new player series" where they broke down what the game is like and went over the game as well as all the factions rather briefly. Here's a link to it.

http://www.chain-attack.com/?s=new+player

I'll let other people explain things more thoroughly about the factions you have shown interest in. I'm only really good with one faction and that isn't one of those.

EDIT: Oh, one other thing, unlike Games Workshop, Privateer Press is actually rational about 3rd party sellers and discounts. You can easily find online stores that stock all kinds of warmachine and hordes stuff for 20% off retail. My favorite is discount games inc. (they coincidentally put out the podcast I liked to above). That said there are lots of other places out there and I don't want to sound like I'm an official supporter of that company or anything because I'm not.

Thanks for the replies and links! I'm excited to get into a game that has multiple styles per faction. And the models are really great looking in my opinion, just out of curiosity which faction do you play?

 dementedwombat wrote:
Hello,

I was in a similar situation to you in as much as I'm a longtime 40k player (and still am to be honest) who has experienced the joy that Warmachine has to offer.

If you have multiple factions to chose between, rest assured that evrey faction can support a multitude of playstyles. It's not like 40k where you see, for example, Tau across the table and automatically know "shooting". I think you're on the right path. Just pick a faction you like the look of.

As far as game balance, Warmachine is about the tightest and most well written ruleset for a tabletop wargame I have ever seen. Every faction is balanced very well.

For advise, I will link you to a podcast that I listen to quite regularly. They just recently did a 4 part "new player series" where they broke down what the game is like and went over the game as well as all the factions rather briefly. Here's a link to it.

http://www.chain-attack.com/?s=new+player

I'll let other people explain things more thoroughly about the factions you have shown interest in. I'm only really good with one faction and that isn't one of those.

EDIT: Oh, one other thing, unlike Games Workshop, Privateer Press is actually rational about 3rd party sellers and discounts. You can easily find online stores that stock all kinds of warmachine and hordes stuff for 20% off retail. My favorite is discount games inc. (they coincidentally put out the podcast I liked to above). That said there are lots of other places out there and I don't want to sound like I'm an official supporter of that company or anything because I'm not.

Everything that he said. Also find your local Press Ganger and ask around at the store people are usually pretty happy to help you and let you try out a faction to kinda get the feel for how they play before you jump into a faction.

Please understand that this game has an incredibly high learning curve. The rules are tight and strait forward but it will take a long time to figure out the nuances of synergies and unit combo's that make this game amazing. Please don't get frustaited and give up if you loose your first 20 games, When you do win its worth it (kinda like hitting that perfect ball in golf).

Good Luck and have fun.

I used to play Khador and now just Mercs but am starting to have faction ADD and am about to add Legion to my collection.

Redguard wrote:
Thanks for the replies and links! I'm excited to get into a game that has multiple styles per faction. And the models are really great looking in my opinion, just out of curiosity which faction do you play?

I personally am a humble servant of our Maiden of Gears. The faction name is the Convergence of Cyriss. Just imagine the tech-priests from 40k if they actually got their act together and knew how their stuff worked.

As far as starting with that faction, my only advice is: don't! They have some weird rules that are a lot different from the rest of the game and cause you a lot of extra work in the "planning phase" of each turn. Plus they are incredibly picky about order of activation. Unlike 40k you pick one model/unit, do all the stuff you want to do with that, then pick a different one. There's no army wide "shooting phase" or anything like that, so if you don't activate your models in the right order you can't pull off all the really cool army wide combos that Cyriss can do so well (on that subject I have several times forgotten that 40k has phases and tried just activating models. My opponents give me a weird look when I move one unit and try to shoot something immediately). They are also intended to be a more limited faction; not that they aren't competitive, but that they won't be getting as many new model releases as the main factions. None of this is a thing you need to put up with when first starting out, so unless you look at the fluff/models and instantly fall in love like I did then I would strongly advise looking elsewhere.

Redguard wrote:

Let me begin by saying that I have been a wh40k and fantasy player for awhile now but found myself not really wanting to continue playing it. We had a good run but I've grown bored of the game and prices are only getting higher. I actually came across war machine a couple years ago but couldn't find anyone to play with. A new LGS opens and bam it's played all the time now. So what are your tips for a newbie? I am interested in starting either Cryx, Orboros, Cygnar, and Protectorate. These selections are based purely on model appearance as I don't know much about their lore. Thanks for reading and any tips you may come up with!

Yea you picked 4 very different factions in terms of gameplay. Both Orboros and Protectorate are factions that come in the two player starter set for hordes and warmachine respectively. The two player starters are really good buys, especially you know anybody who wants the other factions models so you can split the cost. They also have the mini rulebook as well as the 20pt starter armies.

As far as picking a faction between those 4 I would look at at the models and see which faction fits you. Battle College is a solid starting place for beginners. http://battlecollege.wikispaces.com/ They don't give actual stats or anything but generally do a good description of each model/unit. They are wrong on a few rules here and there but overall give a general sense of what models do what and some basic advice on how to use each model and what model works well with what other models. I wouldn't take Battle college as gospel though.

Redguard wrote:
P.S. I also hear this is more of a balanced game to an extent, is this true?

The factions are all balanced well against each other, you can win with any of them. Some factions have higher learning curve then others but once you get the hang of this game (which may take a dozen or so games) you can win with any faction. Within factions, for the most part everything is playable. Given the high amount of synergy between models generally you can't just pick any caster and any unit/solo/warjack and expect that they will work well together. That is feature not a bug. Factions do have some all stars and some stinkers. For instance with cygnar the all stars would probably be things like Major Victoria Haley (aka eHaley) or the journeyman warcaster, and the stinkers would be things like the Gun Mage Captain Adept. That said you can make the less popular options shine with good tactics and list synergy.

I'm going to add that while factions are very balanced against each other, Warcasters / Warlocks can have bad matchups against one another. This is why you see 2 or 3 list pairings in tournaments.

Indeed, the game is balanced but individual list matchups may not be.

The game has been designed for competitive play in environments with multiple lists per player. This has the effect of increasing list diversity by allowing for the building of skew lists.

Usually, you build one list towards one or two specific focuses, and then bring a second list that counters whatever your first list is vulnerable to. An additional layer of complexity is that there are character restrictions in place, so a character solo that is really good can only be in one list. That makes you have to make choices about how you build your lists.

It also means that, especially at low points, things can appear unbalanced. The Cryx battle box is particularly nasty in this regard. pDenny(the warcaster) has a very very nasty feat and spell list that to new players may seem broken, on top of the box having an additional 3 points of models over other boxes.

That's where experience comes into play. The game has a high learning curve and some factions more than most. Circle is particularly difficult because they're quite tricky and their beasts are generally squishy.

Wow guys thanks for all the replies!

Knowing the game has a steep learning curve doesn't bother me, I'm very patient and love leaning new things.

I've narrowed my choices down to two, Cygnar and now have found khador. I'd like to play cryx or protectorate but they sound a bit more difficult :/ any more advice helps!

I'll say outright that Khador is probably one of the easier ones to get the hang of. That's the faction I personally play: All the units are clear-cut and straight forward. So while they don't have too many wacky jack-of-all trades synergies that Cygnar can pull off, our stuff does exactly what it says on the tin and gets it done (And they do still have excellent synergies I just find Khador units to be much more clear-cut in their skill palette)

We also get the only true sniper unit in the game, the Widowmakers, who get some neat damage output (Though weirdly enough, not the ability to shoot through/around enemy models. They basically have scoped AT rifles). Khador also gets the heavier (If slower, but there are lighter/faster options) mechs and really some of the more outstanding wonderful infantry. But they aren't all slow and clunky: If you like assassins, we've got them too (Manhunters n Kayazy!)

OP: Welcome. Im fairly new as well and started for the exact same reason. A new store opened and tons of people play there. Its a fantastic game! Ive been playing for a few weeks and can't get enough of it!!

As for where to start id say your best bet is the battlebox for the army of your choice. Or a good way to go if you want khador or Menoth would be the 2 player battle box starter set as you get more models, templates and a rulebook to boot! Its a very good value even just for one army plus the templates and rulebook.

Goodluck!!! Im sure you will enjoy it just as we all are!!!

Has anybody had any luck selling of the other faction from the 2player starter?

Redguard wrote:
Has anybody had any luck selling of the other faction from the 2player starter?

Most people I know either go in with a friend and split it or keep it as a second faction.

Just a quick word of warning, Khador 'jacks and Men-O-War are secondary for most casters. Khador is the best at fielding our small based infantry not the 'jacks and M-O-W.

I play (( and I use that loosely cause I don't get many games in)) Khador and Menoth. I started with the two player starter set, and expanded them from there.

What I like about Protectorate of Menoth, is they are very focused on unit synergy, You don't see this more clearly in that every list you see for Protectorate, will include the Choir and Vassal to buff warjacks.

Don't let Khador fool you: They do have good Heavy Warjacks, but they are an infantry focused faction. They don't even have Light warjacks, instead putting people in mechanikal armor and calling them Man-o-Wars.

I Agree with however said to look at things on battle college.

A bit of how I heard on the learning curve that I like to summarize is that it's like being horribly hazed for the first month or so as you learn the ropes and get into the mindset of how things work. It then settles down and is a bit less overwhelming. Start small and build up, don't go too fast into things and get drowned in stuff too fast.

And stuff.

Thanks to all for the replies...

I think I've actually decided to start with Circle. I've heard that they can be difficult but I really want to be able to run lists containing the following:

- Wold
- Tharn
- Skinwalkers
- Shifting Stones/ Stonekeeper

I dont know if these synergize well in a single list, but i'm open to multiple lists. Anyone have any good or bad things to say about them or any sample lists to help get me started?

Thanks Again!

Baulder loves the Wolds and Wolds love him, but he doesn't do much for Tharn or Skinwalkers.

Stones go in all lists.

 Grey Templar wrote:
Baulder loves the Wolds and Wolds love him, but he doesn't do much for Tharn or Skinwalkers.

Stones go in all lists.

Figured to use all the units would need more than a single warlock and a couple different lists.

Do tharn and ski walkers have their place in any lists?

Redguard wrote:

 Grey Templar wrote:
Baulder loves the Wolds and Wolds love him, but he doesn't do much for Tharn or Skinwalkers.

Stones go in all lists.

Figured to use all the units would need more than a single warlock and a couple different lists.

Do tharn and ski walkers have their place in any lists?

Skinny Lady Spear-Tharn: Lots. They can fit in with a lot of lists & casters.
Burly Axey Man-Tharn: Few and/or "Not Really". They're not horrible, but generally there are better uses of points (see skinwalkers).
Burly Bowey Man-Tharn: Yes, some. They're good in the right context.
Skinwalkers: Yes. They're quite powerful where appropriate.

Redguard wrote:

 Grey Templar wrote:
Baulder loves the Wolds and Wolds love him, but he doesn't do much for Tharn or Skinwalkers.

Stones go in all lists.

Figured to use all the units would need more than a single warlock and a couple different lists.

Do tharn and ski walkers have their place in any lists?

Oh hell yes.

Skin walkers are the last word in tarpits. Put an arm buff on them and they'll soak up attacks all day. With the ua they're pretty Killy too. Epic morvahna loves them, but really, they have a place with almost everyone.

Tharn are a marmite unit. You either love them or hate them. I love them, and got into circle fir warpwolves and tharn. The blood trackers are exceptional skirmishes, and wolf riders are excellent light cavalry. Ravagers are shock troops. As heavy infantry, they're not really - they're lighter than any other heavy and can be killed relatively easily (hence the hate they get!) however, if you can find a way to deliver them safely (arm buff, protection v shooting, re spawning them etc) they'll make a return. Arguably, their defensive abilities (tree walker) are situational, so maximising your use of forests will help enormously. At the end of the day, assuming you can bring this, they'll give a lot back with eight bodies, advance deploy, high speed, and a shockingly brutal alpha strike (mat p p+s15) that is only enhanced by proper buffs.

That said, I will caution: they are more 'situational' than 'generalist'. When they shine, they're great. Otherwise they get shot off the board!

Skin Walkers with UA are a very good unit, being both durable and having offensive punch. Morvanna loves them for Carnivore to keep her healed up.

Blood Trackers are probably the most popular unit next to Skin Walkers. They're a great skirmishing unit that can also do damage to the right targets.

Ravagers and Blood Pack are a little trickier. The Blood Pack are probably the best of the two. Both units get access to boosts once they start killing stuff. They love eKaya's new tier which lets them start with a token.

Blood Pack are better due to having a good pow ranged attack, and the ability to use both their ranged and melee attack in the same turn via Assault and Battery. The Ravagers do have Reach and higher pow on melee attacks over the Blood Pack though.

Also this is off topic but war machine is my new primary game. My LGS has decided to stop carrying games workshops products and I'm not paying for shipping on retail price :/ it's sad but I guess it may be a great thing as it allows me to experience something new! Still too bad there is no GW nearby or other private retail stores that carry their product

Redguard wrote:
Also this is off topic but war machine is my new primary game. My LGS has decided to stop carrying games workshops products and I'm not paying for shipping on retail price :/ it's sad but I guess it may be a great thing as it allows me to experience something new! Still too bad there is no GW nearby or other private retail stores that carry their product

Try putting together a private gaming club, throught meetup.com or the like. Presumably even if the Game Store is a no-go, the players are still in the area. Somebody might have a garage.

That said,having played both Warmachine is the better game. GW Wins out on plastic model quality, and having a more OTT universe (if that is your sort of thing) but after a while I think you'll not find you're missing much from a gameplay perspective.

 Chongara wrote:

Redguard wrote:
Also this is off topic but war machine is my new primary game. My LGS has decided to stop carrying games workshops products and I'm not paying for shipping on retail price :/ it's sad but I guess it may be a great thing as it allows me to experience something new! Still too bad there is no GW nearby or other private retail stores that carry their product

Try putting together a private gaming club, throught meetup.com or the like. Presumably even if the Game Store is a no-go, the players are still in the area. Somebody might have a garage.

That said,having played both Warmachine is the better game. GW Wins out on plastic model quality, and having a more OTT universe (if that is your sort of thing) but after a while I think you'll not find you're missing much from a gameplay perspective.

Though I have yet to play war machine I can say that my last 20 or so games of fantasy and 40k have gotten dry. The universe and model quality is great. But from an actual gaming perspective I have grown tired of setting things up on a table to be bored...

I much much prefer the Warmachine fluff/world. the 40K world and fluff always seemed to be unrealistic and/or not very unique. Terminators and Anime battlesuits? Orkses in Space? And why has the world not changed in thousands and thousands of years? When reading most of the fluff I felt like I was reading German Nazi propaganda.

The PP world seems much more realistic. I think for me is that the Warmachine game came out of an RPG.

But fluff is one of those things that some people prefer one or the other. There is no wrong way to think.

 Mordekiem wrote:
I much much prefer the Warmachine fluff/world. the 40K world and fluff always seemed to be unrealistic and/or not very unique. Terminators and Anime battlesuits? Orkses in Space? And why has the world not changed in thousands and thousands of years? When reading most of the fluff I felt like I was reading German Nazi propaganda.

The PP world seems much more realistic. I think for me is that the Warmachine game came out of an RPG.

But fluff is one of those things that some people prefer one or the other. There is no wrong way to think.

They're very different styles at least as settings go. 40k certainly wins on being silly and OTT, if you're into that sort of thing. I am at least some of the time. The fact it doesn't change much is a plus in some ways, it's a great static backdrop. I mean it isn't to be taken seriously at all, but it's certainly it's own kind of fun.


With the Iron Kingdoms, PP has a done a great deal to make it feel like a believable place. It's a living setting, with some thought actually given to the underlying economic and cultural motivations that feed the conflicts. The cosmology (as seen by the inhabitants), is well detailed. Things all behave for the most part in an internally consistent way.

If you want to look around for it, there is just a wealth of information. There is even a breakdown of the traditional cuisine & drink of various ethnic groups within the regions of each country if you dig into the RPG material. The setting is just loaded with fun little gems like that.

The community is also rather blessed that PP has a man like Doug Seacat working for them. I don't think I've see any game, tabletop or otherwise that has a head writer that so intimately involves themselves with the community, answering questions and elaborating details they don't have room for in the books.


That said the actual fiction/writing within the anthology books is roughly in the same neighborhood as the 40k-type stuff. Bombastic cinema that doesn't always stay completely grounded in the other surrounding materials.

I've found the PP books to be easier and more fun to read. Some are decent a few are good. I've tried reading 40K books and only even was able to finish one and was disappointed.

But yeah, it totally depends on what people like. I know a guy who gushes over the 40K fiction books and I'm like, what's the big deal?

I also really like the IKRPG. Being able to roleplay in it and having all that info is really cool. I'm not sure how I'd roleplay in the 40K universe. I guess they have a book, but I've never seen any background.