RulesWD 321 · pp. 25–29
Alessio Cavatore explains the deliberately limited changes behind the new edition, preserving compatibility with existing army books while correcting unclear interactions. Five-wide ranks encourage more models to fight, fleeing becomes a straight and more decisive movement, and small support units gain a clearer role without causing widespread panic. Wizard-specific power dice reduce the use of lesser casters as batteries, while Insane Courage retains a chance of survival even when a combat looks certain. Pitched Battle becomes the core setup, with alternative encounters retained in the hobby material.
Warhammer Fantasy Battles
RulesWD 321 · pp. 56–57
The history of Clan Brynik and its refuge near Karak Eight Peaks establishes the stakes for Dagskar Earscrapper’s attack on the Dwarf mines. Using the boxed armies on a small battlefield, players contest three differently valued objectives: the mine, brewery and forge. Only sufficiently strong units can claim them, and the Idol of Mork grants the Goblin Shaman extra magical power, so preserving the right units and directing them to the richest targets matters more than indiscriminate fighting.
Warhammer Fantasy BattlesDwarfs
Battle reportWD 321 · pp. 58–70
Graham McNeill defends Helm’s Deep against Gav Thorpe’s Uruk-hai, Dunlendings and armoured Troll in a battle lasting the better part of two days. The culvert explodes despite Legolas killing the torchbearers, but the defenders contain the breach while Aragorn repeatedly rescues the walls from attackers. Gimli dies holding the gateway, then Gandalf and Erkenbrand arrive in time for Théoden’s mounted sortie to turn the battle. Good wins, with Gav identifying scattered ladders and too few heroes as weaknesses in an assault that had achieved its initial breaches.
Middle-earth Strategy Battle GameRohan