A Veteran Wargamer’s Kings Of War Journey Part 2: A Newbie’s Guide To Game META!

In Part 1, I first encountered the term meta (Most Effective Tactic Available) and Kings of War is a game that is not just about the joy of building, painting and playing; it is also about trying to win.

Popularity isn’t everything when it comes to gameplay.  If you can ‘alpha strike’ and obliterate an opponent before they get a go, the rules system is broken.  And yes, I’ve been tabled in turn 1 when playing 40k (so was particularly pleased to see the 11th edition of 40K has been rebalanced to try to stop that from happening).

The Beauty of Balance

Unbalanced systems are just unfair.  Mantic addresses this by updating their system regularly, rebalancing armies by boosting some and reducing abilities or rules for others that have become too powerful (nerfing).  The latest updates are in the new book, ‘Fracture’. [editor: if you don't feel like you want a book for a few tweaks, all of the changes are updated on the Mantic Companion for free]

Fracture Supplement And Rules Update // Mantic Games

Kings of War intends to be “fair”.  It has chosen a simpler approach, and the 4th Edition has returned to the principle of simple rules.  With very few complex combinations or unusual loopholes for players to fear/exploit, there is no need for an encyclopaedic knowledge of rules depth.  It is much more about what players can do with the same limited toolbox.  Simplicity and balance mean both sides have a fair chance.

Why Is It Fun Versus Competitive?

There is a perception amongst wargamers that there is a big contrast between playing a “fun” game with friends and “serious” organised competitions.  I have fun playing well-balanced competitive games.  I’m a board gamer as well as a wargamer and find close games with other competitive people a fun experience.  We laugh and joke, but we also try hard because we like winning, although losing isn’t going to spoil anyone’s day.  Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a local scene awash with wargamers.  I’m in quite a rural area, and options are limited.  At the local shop, they play 40k or Magic, and my friends are more historically inclined.  Looks like I’m going to have to start solo whilst I get my head around the rules.  If I’m going to get into this game, I might as well go all in. For Kings of War, that means competitive play and with no local scene, that means tournaments.

I’d not found a wargaming rule set that is balanced enough to contemplate playing in open competition, so I’ve not had a good feeling about competitive play.  I’m sure I’m not alone in hearing horror stories of the unsporting behaviour of some very competitive players.  That’s because there is some interesting psychology at work here.  When new people join any group, experienced members will tell them stories about the most extreme behaviours the group has seen.  This is done to teach the new person what the limits of acceptable behaviour are.  So when asking experienced players, “What is competitive play like?” you get told stories about extreme/unacceptable behaviour, not normal behaviour, which rarely gets mentioned.  “I went to the tournament, met some nice people and had fun” doesn’t make for a good story.

Is There A Winning Faction In 4th Edition?

In some games, one faction rises to the top and tournaments see many players playing very minor variations of the same army.  That’s not the case in Kings of War.  As a newbie, it is helpful to see information about the tournament scene readily available, including the factions people play.

There Are A Few Factions To Choose From. Why Not Throw A Dart!

The Mantic Companion lists players' results, as does the UK Masters tournament site.  In the UK, there is a pretty even split, with all factions seeing some play.  Ogres and Forces of Nature were the most played.  Basileans and current meta backmarker Empire of Dust were the least [editor: and rightly so; dry undead are a belmish upon Pannithor!].  So that gives me a clean slate.  I can choose pretty much anything I like.

Choosing A Faction

With nothing specific in the meta, I started in the most obvious place.  Buying some miniatures.  I bought what I liked the look of and what fitted my limited budget.  I was buying before Mantic released the latest faction update, which is a pity because the new herd for Forces of Nature are brilliant miniatures and I probably would have gone with them. [editor: don't worry, I did :D]

Forces Of Nature Battalion Box

When I went to Salute with my two sons, we each got a free sprue pack.  They gave theirs to me (thanks lads), so I ended up with twenty Abyssal Dwarf infantry and ten Goblin infantry.  I can’t do much with those yet.  I looked online for anything on sale or secondhand.  Vinted is an excellent source, and eBay prices for Mantic stuff are reasonable.  There are good offers online from Mantic, and the older format box armies and Ambush sets are now on sale there and through FLGS and online stores.  Wayland has some excellent discounts and good stock levels for those who want the broadest choice.

War In The Holds Starter Set // Kings Of War

Kings Of War: Ambush // Mantic Games

After a couple of months, I had scored a Ratkin Mega Army, Abyssal Dwarf Army, the Abyssal Dwarf and Ratkin Ambush sets, and a ‘War In The Holds’ starter set.  I also got two different painted Ogre armies and the Ogre Champions box.  I’d like to use as many of the miniatures I’ve bought as possible.  In 4th Edition, allies aren’t a thing – you have to build your entire army from within the options on a single faction’s list.  However, two of the factions I’ve bought can field troops from another faction that I also got.  I find this appealing as army painting will be more varied.  I must choose between Ogres, who can field Red Goblins and Abyssal Dwarfs, who can field Ratkin.

Ogres are a great beginner option due to their low model count and simple, smash-mouth play style [editor singing: Suuuuuuuum-body once told me...].  However, mine were bought painted, and I really want to do this myself for my tournament army.  They will be a ready-made opponent for my full KoW practice games.

Arokamorra Company Box // Kings Of War: Champions

For my tournament army, I’ve decided to go with Abyssal Dwarfs and specifically a force with Golekh Skinflayer as the Warlord.  He entitles me to take Ratkin units alongside regular Abyssal Dwarf options in a build known as Ratkin Slaves.  I’ll get the high defence and melee ability of the slow Abyssal Dwarfs combined with quicker, cheaper Ratkin.  Sounds like a good mixed arms army build to me.

Let’s Start Playing.  Champions Or Ambush?

There are two basic versions of Kings of War.  Champions is a nice-looking system offering a separate game which is similar but not identical to the rules for Kings of War.  Champions boxes are good value, have great character miniatures, and Mantic are doing three-for-two deals on their show stand.  I’m on a tight schedule here, so the low model count is a plus, but I don’t want to confuse myself or have to relearn things, so I’m going with Ambush.

The starter version of the main game, Ambush, has a reduced point count and adapted list building.  You play on a smaller table too, just 3’ x 3’.  The build rules aren’t in the 4th edition rulebook and can be found here in the Mantic Companion (account needed). [editor: you'll need to select the Kings of War 3rd ed Rules from the bottom of the dropdown]

Start with a force of around 500 to 750 points with units no bigger than a regiment.

If I use my Ambush starter boxes, I can play Abyssal Dwarfs versus Ratkin.  I’ll then be able to use all these miniatures together in Golekh’s Ratkin Slaves.  Ambush boxes have about 350 points, and the suggested build and options provided aren’t legal to field on their own.  The Abyssal Dwarfs have a regiment of Blacksouls melee infantry and two troops of Devastators ranged infantry.

Abyssal Dwarf Ambush Box

There is no leader, and the basic list requirement in 4th is a Warlord and two Core units.  Therefore, I’ll use the Devastators in a single regiment and add an Iron-caster wizard to lead them.  I’m allowed a non-core unit and have chosen a troop of Lesser Obsidian Golems monstrous infantry. [editor: LOGs in a 500 point list; if Paul were here he'd be calling that "fluffy"!]

The Ratkin have two Core regiments (one spears, one warriors) and a Night Terror monster rat in the box.

Ratkin Ambush Box

Again I’ll need to add a leader, so I'll use the Warlock from the ‘War in the Holds’ set and add an extra regiment of Ratkin spears from there too.  Both forces are now legal for playing 4th and are exactly 505 points.  Perfect for a first game, and I still have room to expand to 750 points without needing to switch to playing the full game. [editor: looking at both lists I foresee Zoidpinhead discovering the importance of crushing strength in your list against high defence units!]

I’m off to start building and painting and will continue my adventures in the Abyssal Dwarf holds of Pannithor next time.

Article by zoidpinhead