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Warmaster
The Warmaster rulebook.
ManufacturersGames Workshop
PublishersGames Workshop
Players2+
Setup time4–10 minutes
Playing time45-150 minutes, depending on rules version
ChanceLow (Dice)
Age range10+
SkillsStrategy, Probability
WebsiteGW Website

Warmaster is a ruleset for tabletop wargames written by Rick Priestley, published by Specialist Games (a division of Games Workshop), and set in the Warhammer Fantasy setting. It is different from Warhammer Fantasy Battles in both appearance and gameplay. It is intended for 10 –12 mm miniatures.[1] Basic troops are based on stands, of which typically three make a unit. Generals, Heroes and Wizards are mounted individually or with their retinue.

Gameplay focuses on command and control. While magic is used in the game, its effect on the game is limited. The game is designed to focus on the general's ability to command rather than just his army's ability to fight.

In the Warhammer 40,000 universe, Epic fills much the same "large scale battle" role as Warmaster does in Warhammer Fantasy, though the two systems do not share rules, and Epic is intended for slightly smaller 6 mm miniatures.

Releases

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The original version, the fantasy ruleset Warmaster, was first released in 2000.[2] As with most of the "specialist" games products, the support strategy from Games Workshop has evolved over time. Once a part of the Specialist Games division, Warmaster was then directly supported by Games Workshop itself, albeit at a reduced level. In 2013 Games Workshop stopped producing the miniatures and started to remove them from their webstore as stocks ran out. A freely downloadable "Living Rulebook", along with supplements and archived magazine articles, are available through the fan-administered site Specialist Games.

In mid-2006, a new online supplement was added to the Specialist Games website, known as Warmaster Armies. This supplement includes slightly revised lists for the six original armies (High Elves, Empire, Dwarfs, Chaos, Orcs and Goblins, and Tomb Kings of Khemri), alongside new lists for eight forces (Dark Elves, Skaven, Bretonnians, Lizardmen, Kislevites, Vampire Counts, Daemonic Hordes, and Araby).

This was followed in 2009 by a fan-based supplement release. This included a large number of alternative, trial or fan designed army lists. The Warmuster publication aimed to promote ongoing development of the game but has since been superseded and refined (see below for Warmaster Revolution).

In 2010 Warmaster 2nd Edition was released, which compiled and clarified the siege rules written for the game over the preceding 10 years.

Since 2017 a revamped ruleset was released by the Warmaster community called Warmaster Revolution. Bringing together elements of Warmaster Ancients and some extra 'house rules', Warmaster Revolution has quickly established itself as the ruleset of choice for Warmaster players. Its release coincided with a marked upturn of interest with the game, due in no small part to the launch of Warmaster Podcast in 2016. With a growing FB community, YouTube videos and more tournaments globally, Warmaster is experiencing a renaissance with an expanding base of new converts and returning players. The new ruleset incorporates many of the 2009 supplement army lists but has a working committee that looks to refine the lists to make them balanced and playable as well as tweak current army lists.

Battle of Five Armies

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Contents of Game.

In 2005 Games Workshop released a boxed game called Great Battles of Middle Earth: The Battle of Five Armies[2] based on the battle from the book "The Hobbit".[3] The rules are heavily based on Warmaster, and it uses the same miniature scale. The boxed set contains rules, 10 mm plastic miniatures, and scenery (plastic hills, ruins and a cardboard river).

Additional miniatures for this game were cast in white metal. While detailed in the box set rule book, these extra miniatures were sold separately. They were discontinued shortly after being released. The box set remained in print for a longer while. It was removed before the launch of the 28 mm line based on the movie "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey".

Warmaster Ancients

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The Warmaster Ancients rulebook.

Also in 2005 Warhammer Historical published Warmaster Ancients, a modified version of the Fantasy rules suitable for battles covering a period from early Biblical times to 1066.[2] The rules are different from the original 'fantasy' version to better represent historical battles and units. Cavalry, for example, was made weaker in relation to infantry in favour of armies such as the Romans and the Norse.

October 2006 saw the release of Warmaster Ancient Armies, which includes 20 new army lists (all of which are set prior to 1000 AD), along with rules for campaign play and a number of new rule clarifications and unit modifications.[2] The campaign rules have been described as a good way of linking battles, but are not suitable for historical campaigns.[4]

A new supplement for a later period, Warmaster Medieval Armies was released in December 2008. This supplemental book contains 30 new army lists and a number of significant rule changes from the Fantasy and Ancients version. Knights are introduced as a powerful unit shifting the game balance back towards cavalry, like in the original, Fantasy version. Special rules are provided for sieges, period equipment, and larger command elements called batailles.

Warmaster Gameplay

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Warmaster works at a higher organisation level than Warhammer Fantasy to represent very large battles in the Warhammer world. The components of an army are divided into two basic types: units and characters. In the original 10 mm Games Workshop-produced miniatures, figures are cast 6 men to a strip, though many gamers base their miniatures with other maker's figures to produce 4-12 figure-per-base bases in order to create a variety of mass effects. Standard bases for Warmaster Ancients are 40 mm x 20 mm elements. Units are normally made of three such elements each.[5] Infantry are based along the 40 mm edge, while cavalry, chariots, monsters and artillery are based along the 20 mm edge. Characters represent commanders such as generals, heroes and wizards and may be based as the player desires, generally on round diorama-sculpted coins or 40 or 20mm wide bases in order for them to be included directly in combat alongside the troops.

Gameplay proceeds with the rolling of dice. Units in Warmaster must be activated and moved by rolling against the command value of a character; units can be activated multiple times, though the roll becomes progressively more difficult. If a commander fails his activation roll, he can no longer command units in that turn.[6] Units may be moved into contact with enemy troops and are considered charging. To enable commanders to move their armies around, units can be formed into brigades of up to four units.

Once all units have been moved eligible units are allowed to shoot and wizards may attempt to cast a spell. Shooting is not very deadly, but any hits scored may force an enemy unit to fall back and cost the player further command rolls to draw back into combat. Shooting is therefore primarily aimed at disrupting enemy formation and cohesion rather than destroy them.

After the shooting phase follows the combat phase, all units involved in combat may roll a number of six-sided dice equivalent to their attack value. Units based along the 20 mm edge have a tremendous advantage against units based on the 40 mm edge, allowing them to pack all their attacks in a narrow frontage, with two units being able to combine their attacks onto a single enemy unit. Once two units have exchanged blows the number of hits are totalled. The loser with the lowest total hits is forced to fall back, while the winner has the option to stand, pursue or fall back. Fights may continue, even against multiple enemy units in succession, until one side is destroyed or the attacker does not wish to pursue the enemy.

Warmaster Ancients gameplay

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Even before Warmaster Ancients were published, there had been attempts to use the fantasy rules for purely historical armies. However, they had significant drawbacks – cavalry under the fantasy rules were too powerful, skirmishers too weak and some historical troop types were not catered for at all.[7]

The gameplay for Warmaster Ancients follows the same basic procedure as Warmaster Fantasy, but differs in the following way:

  • Magic, dragons and other such are naturally not present in this rule set (although historical large creatures, such as elephants, are present in some armies).
  • Units may only receive three consecutive orders.
  • Combat is limited to two exchanges, unlike the fantasy version, where units may continue to attack as long as they have valid targets in range. This allows players to reinforce their troops under attack.[7]
  • There are special rules for many historical unit types. Units based on the 20 mm edge are designated as "shock troops" and include heavy cavalry, elephants and phalanges using pikes – their greater hitting power is offset by their shorter frontage which opens them to outflanking.[2] Among the most important new troop types are skirmishers, mobile light troops that can evade an enemy charge and can be used to delay an enemy advance.

Spin-offs for other periods

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Quite a few rulesets have been written using the basic Warmaster mechanics.

  • Battle of the Five Armies - covering the conflicts from Tolkien's Middle Earth.
  • Warmaster Ancients - covering ancient and Dark Ages historical periods.
  • Warmaster Medieval - covering the medieval period.
  • Blitzkrieg Commander - covering World War II
  • Cold War Commander - covering post-war to modern periods (derived from Blitzkrieg Commander).
  • Future War Commander - covering near-future and sci-fi (derived from Blitzkrieg Commander).

Reviews

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References

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Notes

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Warmaster

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from Grokipedia
Warmaster is a tabletop miniatures set in a universe, designed by and first published by in 2000. It focuses on large-scale battles using 10 mm scale miniatures, simulating regimental-level warfare in the Warhammer Fantasy Battles setting. The game's core mechanics revolve around , where players issue orders to units by rolling command tests with dice, emphasizing strategic decision-making and the challenges of leading massed troops over individual combat details. This approach allows for faster-paced games compared to the more granular rules of Warhammer Fantasy Battles, enabling players to field hundreds of miniatures across expansive battlefields. Originally supported through a core rulebook and supplemental army lists for factions such as the , Orcs & Goblins, and Chaos, Warmaster saw official releases until Games Workshop discontinued its Specialist Games line in 2013. In response, a dedicated fan community released Warmaster Revolution in 2017, providing an updated ruleset that refines the original system while preserving its essence and compatibility with existing armies. The community continues to actively maintain the game, with annual updates such as the Warmaster Journal 2025 including rules amendments and new content as of November 2025.

Development and History

Creation and Initial Release

Warmaster was designed by , the creator of Warhammer Fantasy Battle, as a ruleset intended to facilitate large-scale wargaming in a fantasy setting. Drawing inspiration from his earlier work on Warhammer Fantasy Battle, Priestley aimed to shift focus from granular individual model interactions to broader strategic command and army-level maneuvers. This evolution simplified the detailed mechanics of Warhammer into a more accessible system for epic battles. The game was published by under its Specialist Games imprint in , with the core rulebook released as a 160-page softcover volume. The initial rulebook contained comprehensive core rules for gameplay, sample army lists adapted from Warhammer factions including the and Orcs & Goblins, as well as sections on warfare, magical items, and a guide for miniatures. Designed for 10 mm scale miniatures mounted on 40 mm × 20 mm bases—with units typically comprising three stands—the system emphasized mass combat using regiments rather than skirmishes. Key design goals centered on streamlining large-scale engagements to reduce complexity while introducing "command friction" to simulate the challenges of battlefield leadership. Innovations included the brigade organization, allowing up to four units to form a cohesive group for coordinated movement, and a requiring a D6 roll (modified by factors like distance and terrain) to successfully activate units during each turn's command phase. Upon release, Warmaster was marketed through retail stores, with initial availability including starter army boxes priced around $45, each containing metal miniatures in blisters for several troop types plus an army commander figure to enable quick assembly of playable forces. Launch armies featured options like High Elves and Khemrian Undead, with additional factions such as Dwarfs, Orcs & Goblins, , and Chaos planned for release shortly thereafter.

Subsequent Editions and Expansions

In 2010, Specialist Games released the second edition of , which incorporated and refined warfare rules developed over the previous decade, alongside updated army lists for fantasy factions and clarifications to the core command mechanics. Warmaster Ancients, published in 2005 by Games Workshop's Warhammer Historical imprint, adapted the original ruleset for historical battles set before 1066 AD, eliminating fantasy elements such as magic while modifying combat resolutions to better represent formations like the . The rulebook included 12 army lists covering major ancient powers, such as Romans, Carthaginians, Alexandrian Macedonians, and Achaemenid , enabling players to field large-scale armies using 10-12mm scale miniatures. Extending this historical focus, Warmaster Medieval Armies appeared in December 2008 as a supplement to Warmaster Ancients, covering conflicts from 1000 AD onward and introducing rules for knightly charges, gunpowder weapons, and siege elements tailored to . It provided 30 army lists for factions including medieval Europeans, , and , spanning the period from 1086 to 1515 AD. Additional official expansions appeared in Warmaster Magazine, published by Fanatic Press from 2000 to 2004, which featured campaign systems for linking multiple battles into narrative arcs, along with supplementary lists and rules. supported these releases with dedicated miniature lines, primarily in metal for fantasy and historical units, supplemented by limited-edition plastic sets for select factions like starter armies in the Warmaster range.

Discontinuation and Fan Revival

In 2013, ceased production of Warmaster miniatures, gradually depleting stocks and redirecting resources toward flagship lines like Warhammer 40,000. The core rules and supplements remained accessible as free digital downloads via the company's Specialist Games portal for several years thereafter. Following the official discontinuation, the Warmaster community launched Warmaster in 2017 as a fan-developed second edition, hosted on wm-revolution.com. This iteration streamlines the original 2000 ruleset for improved clarity and balance while expanding army lists to 25 factions, with ongoing annual revisions by a dedicated rules committee. For instance, the 2025 updates incorporated experimental naval rules in beta form, enabling sea-based scenarios alongside land battles. Community initiatives have further bolstered the game's longevity, including the Warmaster Journal, an annual publication since 2018 featuring battle reports, FAQs, and hobby articles available as free PDFs. Organized events, such as the Warmaster Tournament held in April 2025 at FactoruM in , continue to draw participants for competitive play. Supporting tools like the Warmaster Army Selector web application receive regular enhancements to align with rule changes, facilitating army list construction. Contemporary accessibility has been enhanced through free PDF downloads of the full ruleset and army compendiums directly from the community site. Players increasingly turn to 3D-printed miniatures from independent designers to replace out-of-production models, while virtual adaptations integrate Warmaster into platforms like for remote gameplay. This fan-driven revival has maintained a dedicated player base, with active engagement sustained through online forums and dedicated websites as of 2025.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

Army Composition and Command Structure

In Warmaster, armies are assembled using a points-based system drawn from official army lists, with typical battle sizes ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 points to represent large-scale engagements. Players select units and characters while adhering to minimum and maximum allowances scaled per 1,000 points—for instance, many armies require at least one core infantry unit but limit elite cavalry to 1-4 formations. This structure promotes balanced compositions that reflect thematic or historical inspirations, such as the agile forces of High Elves emphasizing ranged firepower alongside lighter melee troops. The command hierarchy centers on characters who lead the army: every force must include one General with a rating of 7-10 (higher for disciplined armies like Dwarfs at 10, lower for chaotic ones like Orcs at 8), which determines success in issuing orders via a 2D6 roll equal to or under the rating. Subordinate commanders, such as Heroes (typically rating 8) and Wizards (rating 7), extend this structure by attaching to units or groups, providing bonuses like +1 attack in while enabling localized activations within their command range—the General operates army-wide, Heroes up to 60 cm, and Wizards up to 20 cm. These ratings represent the commander's overall efficacy, with modifiers applied for factors like distance to units, proximity, or prior casualties, ensuring that poor rolls can disrupt plans and emphasizing strategic positioning of leaders. Units form the backbone of the army and are grouped into brigades of 1-4 touching units for coordinated movement and activation under a single order, allowing players to maneuver combined arms effectively while the slowest unit in the brigade dictates pace. Common unit types include infantry (versatile but slower at 20 cm movement), cavalry (faster at 30 cm for flanking), monsters (heavy hitters with high hits for resilience), and artillery (long-range but immobile), each defined by core stats such as attacks (dice rolled in combat), hits (threshold for stand loss, akin to morale stamina), and armour saves (e.g., 6+ for light troops, 4+ for heavy). For example, Elven units often feature superior shooting capabilities but lower hits compared to stout Dwarf infantry, reflecting factional strengths. Brigades benefit from proximity to commanders for reliable orders, with units ideally kept within range to avoid penalties, fostering tactical depth in maintaining cohesion during large battles. Army lists enforce limitations to prevent unbalanced forces, such as capping monsters or magic users (Wizards) at 1-2 per 1,000 points in most factions, ensuring no more than about 25% of points on such elements and encouraging diverse, thematic armies over spam of elite options. forces, represented as full-strength regiments of three stands, contrast with depleted ones for realism, while mixed brigades combining support with strikes exemplify the game's emphasis on grand tactics.

Turn Sequence and Unit Activation

The game turn in Warmaster alternates between players, with the order of play determined at the start by each player rolling a D6, the highest roll taking the first turn. Each turn is divided into three phases executed in order: the Command Phase for issuing orders, initiative moves, executing movements and charges, and rallying; the Shooting Phase for missile fire; and the Combat Phase for hand-to-hand engagements. In the fantasy variant, magic spells are integrated into relevant phases, such as the Shooting Phase for offensive spells like Balls of Flame or the Command Phase for supportive effects like Voice of Command. Unit activation centers on the Command Phase, where players issue orders to characters (generals, heroes, or wizards) to direct brigades—groups of up to four adjacent units treated as a single entity for activation purposes. To succeed, a player rolls 2D6 and must score equal to or less than the character's Command value (typically 8-10 depending on the character and army), with penalties applied for factors like distance over 20 cm (-1 per full 20 cm), successive orders to the same brigade (-1 each), nearby enemies within 20 cm (-1), dense terrain (-1), or unit casualties (-1). A successful roll allows the brigade to receive one or more orders (such as move, shoot, or charge), executed immediately in the Command Phase, though all orders for one brigade must be completed before issuing to another. Before ordered activations, units within 20 cm of an enemy may move on initiative, automatically charging or evading the closest foe without a roll, but they cannot receive orders afterward in that turn. Failure on a command roll ends that character's ability to issue further orders that turn, and if the general fails, no additional orders can be given by any character for the remainder of the Command Phase. A natural roll of 12 always constitutes a blunder, triggering random negative effects such as the brigade halting in place, becoming disordered (confused), or even charging the nearest uncontrollably, regardless of the base Command value. receive only one initial activation per turn via orders, though disordered units can be rallied in the Command Phase with a successful command roll (2D6 ≤ Command value, no blunder on 12) to restore order and potentially allow further actions if reformed. Generals may re-roll one failed command roll per turn to mitigate uncertainty, reflecting their leadership role in coordinating the army's from pre-game composition. Warmaster's mechanics emphasize command friction over individual unit prowess, with turns abstractly representing 15-30 minutes of battle time on a scale where 1 cm equates to approximately 10 meters, suitable for engagements involving 100-500 models across armies of multiple brigades. This structure introduces random elements beyond activation rolls, such as the initial D6 initiative for turn order, ensuring dynamic gameplay focused on strategic under .

Movement, Shooting, and Close Combat

In Warmaster, unit movement occurs during the Command phase when a unit receives orders or acts on initiative. Activated units advance up to their full pace distance, with moving 20cm and 30cm, while other types like monsters or artillery have specialized rates; half pace (10cm for , 15cm for ) applies in such as woods or rough ground, forcing units to navigate carefully to maintain formation. Charges allow movement up to full pace if the target is in and within range, enabling aggressive positioning to contact the enemy. The Shooting phase resolves ranged attacks from missile units, typically at ranges of 12-30cm depending on the weapon type, such as short-range handguns at 12cm or longbows at 30cm. Each stand rolls a D6 per its attack rating, scoring hits on 4+ in open terrain, with armor saves rolled on 5+ for most units; heavier armor improves this to 4+ in some cases. Cover from terrain or fortifications imposes a -1 modifier to hit rolls, reducing effectiveness against sheltered targets. Casualties are removed once hits equal the unit's stamina value, often forcing disordered retreats that disrupt subsequent actions. Close combat unfolds simultaneously between engaged units, with each side exchanging attacks based on their rating— for example, heavy infantry generate 4 attacks per stand. Hits are determined on 4+ to hit, followed by armor saves on 5+, and the side inflicting more casualties emerges victorious; ties result in a standoff with no immediate retreat. Losers must test morale by rolling a D6 under their stamina rating to avoid routing, while winners pursue if eligible. Support from adjacent friendly units adds +1 attack to the engaged side, enhancing cohesion in multi-unit melees, though disorder from failed charges subtracts 1 from attacks, simulating shaken troops. Pursuit and mechanics emphasize momentum in outcomes, as defeated units retreat 10cm directly away from the victor. and chariots may follow up to their full move distance to maintain pressure, potentially leading to further combats, whereas typically cannot pursue faster foes to reflect tactical limitations. These rules integrate with from the turn sequence, ensuring fluid transitions between phases without overlapping command details.

Fantasy Variant

Setting and Unique Features

The fantasy variant of Warmaster is set in the universe of Warhammer, specifically the , a realm plagued by endless wars between human empires, ancient dwarfs, cunning skaven hordes, and other races locked in battles against the encroaching forces of Chaos. This setting draws on the broader Warhammer lore, where conflicts like the defense of the against Chaos incursions or the undead risings in Sylvania provide narrative context for grand-scale engagements, emphasizing themes of heroism, betrayal, and apocalyptic struggle. Factions such as the —with its knightly orders and state militias—Dwarfs holding mountain strongholds, and Skaven undercities scheming in the shadows—each embody distinct cultural and tactical identities tied to the world's tumultuous history. A key unique feature is the game's adaptation to 10mm scale miniatures, which represent massed formations of hundreds of troops per unit, enabling simulations of vast battlefields spanning miles and focusing on rather than individual skirmishes. This scale shifts emphasis to army-level coordination and generalship, with units based on multi-stand formations (e.g., three stands of ) abstracting large bodies of soldiers, while heroes and monsters retain individual prominence through special rules like a dragon's breath functioning as a shooting attack. The further distinguishes the fantasy variant, featuring a limited phase integrated into the shooting turn where wizards typically cast one spell per activation, drawn from army-specific lores such as Fire (e.g., Empire's Ball of Flame) or Beasts (e.g., Orcs' Foot of Gork), with success determined by a D6 difficulty roll (4+ to 6+) and risks of miscasts that can harm the caster or disrupt the spell. Compared to Warhammer Fantasy Battle, Warmaster reduces complexity by streamlining rules, omitting extensive psychology tests beyond basic morale checks, and prioritizing command mechanics—like allocating pips from a general's stand to activate units—over granular troop interactions. The original rulebook includes scenarios such as the standard "," where armies clash on open terrain until a set turn limit, victory by concession, or significant losses (e.g., 50% of units destroyed), alongside optional setups like sieges to evoke epic lore events. These elements collectively foster a sense of commanding legions in a fantastical war, where strategic decisions outweigh tactical minutiae.

Army Lists and Factions

The Fantasy variant of Warmaster includes eight core factions—Bretonnians, Chaos, Dwarfs, , High Elves, Orcs & Goblins, Tomb Kings, and Counts—each with distinct army lists that emphasize asymmetric playstyles rooted in the Warhammer Fantasy universe, such as elite precision for High Elves or horde swarms for Orcs & Goblins. These armies are constructed using point values for units, typically organized into characters, core infantry, special units, and rare choices, with restrictions like minimum numbers for core units (e.g., at least 2 per 1000 points) and maximum limits for rares (e.g., no more than 1 per 1000 points) to maintain balance and thematic integrity. High Elves exemplify an army focused on skilled archers and agile , with high armor but fewer numbers. Representative units include Spearmen as core (60 points per unit of 3 stands, 3 attacks, 5+ armor save), providing a defensive , and elite archers for precise ranged fire. Their lists prioritize quality over quantity, often limiting hordes to encourage maneuverability. Orcs & Goblins form cheap, numerous hordes with low but overwhelming numbers, designed for aggressive rushes. Orc Boyz serve as the core troops (70 points for 3 stands in the 2000 edition lists, 4 attacks, 6+ armor), enabling massed waves, while Goblin auxiliaries add screening options at reduced cost. Army composition restricts Black Orcs to a maximum of 25% of points to prevent over-reliance on quality units. Bretonnians emphasize chivalric cavalry charges, blending knights with peasant levies for a feudal theme. Bretonnian Knights function as heavy cavalry (100 points for 3 stands, 3 attacks base with +1 on lance charge, 4+ armor), excelling in impactful assaults but vulnerable without support. Lists require a minimum of core Men-at-Arms infantry to represent the knightly retinue. Vampire Counts portray an undead horde immune to psychology effects like fear but hampered by slow movement and reliance on magic for cohesion. Skeleton Warriors act as core expendable infantry (50 points for 3 stands, 3 attacks, no armor save), reforming via spells, while Dire Wolves provide fast flanking cavalry (65 points, 3 attacks, 7+ armor). Restrictions cap powerful characters like vampires at 25% of points to balance their leadership aura. Dwarfs offer a defensive shooting-focused army, strong in ranged firepower and stubborn morale but limited in mobility. Quarrellers represent core missile troops (75 points for 3 stands, 3 shooting attacks at 24cm, 5+ armor), anchoring lines with artillery support, while elite Hammerers provide close-combat resilience (90 points, 4 attacks, 4+ armor). Their asymmetry shines in prolonged engagements, with lists mandating at least 25% in shooting units. Tomb Kings depict an ancient empire of Nehekhara, relying on constructs and incantations for relentless advances. Core Skeleton Warriors (55 points for 3 stands, 3 attacks, 6+ armor) form durable infantry lines, supported by chariots for mobility (85 points, 4 attacks, 5+ armor). Lists emphasize magic to animate troops, with restrictions on living characters to maintain the theme. Chaos provides brutal warriors and daemons for aggressive melee assaults, while the offers versatile human forces with weapons and . Expansions such as the 2002 White Dwarf magazine introduced Lizardmen as reptilian warriors with cold-blooded saurus core units (80 points, 4 attacks, 5+ armor), while the Warmaster Armies supplement provided updated lists for the core factions along with new lists including Dark Elves, Dogs of War, Lizardmen, and Skaven. The fan-supported Warmaster Revolution edition, updated through 2025, expands to over 20 armies with refined lists for asymmetry, such as immobile but durable Dwarfs contrasting mobile forces. Recent updates include enhanced Tomb Kings (undead constructs with 3 attacks on core skeletons, immune to ) and experimental additions like Ogres for monstrous hordes, ensuring ongoing balance without strict percentage limits beyond unit minima/maxima. Brigade grouping allows flexible deployment of these units in 4-6 stand formations.

Historical Variants

Warmaster Ancients

Warmaster Ancients is a historical adaptation of the Warmaster tabletop wargame ruleset, released in 2005 by Games Workshop's Warhammer Historical imprint and authored by . Designed for recreating large-scale battles of the ancient world using 10mm scale miniatures, it maintains the grand-tactical focus of the original fantasy edition but eliminates supernatural elements to emphasize historical authenticity. Units are based on the same 20mm x 40mm stands as the core game, with each unit consisting of three stands to represent formations of hundreds of troops, allowing for armies of 1,000 to 3,000 points on a 4x6 foot table. The rules introduce several adaptations tailored to ancient warfare, including the removal of the magic phase present in the fantasy variant, a limit of three orders per unit activation to reflect command friction in large battles, and close combat restricted to two exchanges to prevent prolonged melees and promote maneuver over attrition. Phalanx rules for spear-armed infantry formations grant a +1 attack bonus from supporting ranks, simulating the cohesion and overlapping shields of hoplite or Macedonian pike blocks during charges. These modifications refine the core activation mechanic, where commanders roll against their rating to issue orders like move or charge, while preserving the game's emphasis on brigade-level tactics. The 2005 rulebook provides army lists for 25 historical factions spanning from the to the Dark Ages, including representative examples like the Alexandrian Macedonians with elite and war elephants for , and the relying on swarms of light and heavy chariots for mobility and flanking. Unique mechanics underscore terrain's tactical influence, such as hills blocking for shooting attacks, which forces players to position archers and slingers carefully amid varied landscapes like woods or rivers. The rules also include historical scenarios, such as a recreation of the (202 BC), enabling players to deploy forces in period-specific deployments and objectives. Shooting ranges are adjusted for realism, with bows limited to a maximum of 20cm to represent effective in ancient engagements. While the core ruleset stands alone, it supports expansions like the Warmaster Ancient Armies supplement, which adds further army lists and campaign rules, and remains fully compatible with Warmaster Medieval for creating hybrid lists across historical periods without requiring additional adjustments.

Warmaster Medieval and Other Periods

The Warmaster Medieval supplement, released in by Games Workshop's Specialist Games imprint, builds upon the Warmaster Ancients ruleset to depict battles from the late 11th to the early , spanning the transition from feudal warfare to the dawn of dominance. This expansion introduces specialized for medieval innovations, such as enhanced charges and early firearms, while maintaining the core emphasis on command rolls for unit activation. Players can assemble armies using points-based lists that reflect historical compositions, with adjustments for and scenario-specific objectives to enhance realism. A key addition is the incorporation of gunpowder units, including handgunners, which represent the emergence of and similar armed with primitive firearms. These units fire at a range of 20 cm and follow special rules for reliability, often requiring tests to avoid misfires, underscoring the technology's novelty and hazards in the period. Heavy knights, depicted as armored elites, gain impact hits on the charge to simulate their devastating momentum against formations, with multiple dice rolled for close combat resolution upon contact. Feudal levy troops, common in early lists, suffer from low ratings—typically requiring a 5+ or 6+ on cohesion tests—reflecting their status as poorly trained peasants summoned under obligation, prone to under pressure. The supplement includes detailed army lists for over a dozen historical factions, enabling diverse matchups across and the . Representative examples encompass the (featuring housecarls and mounted knights for 1066-era battles), (with templar knights and ), Scots Army of David I (emphasizing schiltrons of spearmen), and the (focusing on Italian city-state militias). Later lists cover variants for English and French forces, incorporating longbowmen and dismounted men-at-arms, as well as Swiss pikemen and Ordonnance French with support. These lists allow for modular builds, with minimum and maximum unit constraints to enforce historical balance, such as limiting elite knights in levy-heavy armies. Scenarios tailored to medieval themes, such as recreations of the , incorporate point adjustments to match historical troop dispositions—for instance, boosting Norman while constraining Saxon housecarls to defensive . The 2010 second edition of Warmaster compiled and refined siege rules from prior publications, which apply directly to medieval play; these cover fortifications like wooden pallisades or stone castles, battering rams for breaching gates, and siege engines such as trebuchets, with extended turn limits to simulate prolonged assaults. Compatibility with Warmaster Ancients supports hybrid armies, such as Late Roman legions transitioning into early feudal hosts by swapping formations for levy spearmen. Extensions to other historical periods leverage the Warmaster command framework—where blunder rolls can disrupt activations—to create period-adapted rulesets. (2007) adapts it for , replacing medieval units with tanks and infantry squads while retaining the dice-based command tests for fog-of-war effects. (2006) shifts to 1980s scenarios with modern weaponry like helicopters and anti-tank missiles, and Future War Commander explores sci-fi conflicts with powered armor and vehicles, all sharing the brigade activation mechanic but tailoring combat resolutions to era-specific threats. These variants maintain modular compatibility for crossover campaigns, such as evolving medieval mercenaries into condottieri.

Spin-offs and Adaptations

Battle of Five Armies

The Battle of Five Armies is a licensed spin-off miniatures wargame released in 2005 by Games Workshop under the Tolkien Enterprises license, adapting the core Warmaster rules to depict epic clashes in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, primarily drawing from the climactic battle in The Hobbit. The game emphasizes large-scale battles with 10mm-scale figures, focusing on command and control mechanics where players roll for orders to activate units, much like the parent system, but tailored to the narrative of alliances between Elves, Men, and Dwarves against invading Goblins, Wargs, and Orcs. The rules retain Warmaster's turn sequence of command tests and unit coherency but incorporate Middle-earth-specific adaptations, such as faction-unique tactics for Elves emphasizing agility and , and Goblins relying on swarm tactics to overwhelm enemies. Unique features include characters with special abilities and monster rules for creatures like trolls and that can disrupt enemy formations through terror effects. Scenarios center on recreating the Battle of Five Armies, with objectives like controlling key terrain such as Ravenhill or eliminating enemy leaders, using a point-based system scaled for 1000–2000 point armies to simulate grand confrontations. The game provides army lists for six factions: Elves of , Men of Lake-town, Dwarves of the Iron Hills, Eagles, Goblins of Gundabad, and Wargs, each with representative units balanced for epic-scale play. Production included a boxed set with a full-color rulebook, unpainted 10mm miniatures for the factions, metal heroes and monsters, and cardstock terrain pieces representing the Lonely Mountain and Dale ruins, and necessary gaming accessories. Official support from ceased in 2013 as part of the discontinuation of the Specialist Games line.

Non-Historical Adaptations

The Commander series extends the Warmaster ruleset to modern and futuristic conflicts, adapting its core command mechanics for combined-arms warfare across diverse eras. Developed by Pete Andrew Jones and published by Specialist Military Publishing (later acquired by Pendraken Miniatures), these spin-offs maintain Warmaster's emphasis on brigade-level battles using 6mm to 15mm miniatures, but incorporate era-specific technologies and tactics such as armored vehicles, aircraft, and advanced weaponry. A fourth edition of Blitzkrieg Commander was released in 2019, refining rules for battles while maintaining compatibility. Blitzkrieg Commander, first released in 2007, focuses on engagements from 1936 to 1945, emphasizing rapid mechanized warfare with rules for tanks, artillery, and infantry support. Units like the German Panzer IV feature long-range shooting capabilities and resilient armor, reflecting historical performance against anti-tank fire, while Allied forces counter with tactics involving Sherman tanks and anti-tank guns. The ruleset includes 12 standardized lists for major Axis and Allied formations, such as the German or British 8th , enabling balanced scenarios from to the Eastern Front. Cold War Commander, published in 2008, covers conflicts from 1946 to 1991, including hypothetical escalations of the and real operations like the Arab-Israeli wars. It introduces rules for nuclear weapons, such as tactical strikes that can devastate area targets while risking fallout and escalation, alongside units like Soviet MiG-15 jets that activate during dedicated air support phases for bombing runs or intercepts. Scenarios emphasize post-war doctrines, with army lists for and forces incorporating helicopters, guided missiles, and . Future War Commander, released in 2009, shifts to settings, allowing players to command speculative armies such as a federation defending against alien incursions or robotic legions in interstellar wars. Weaponry includes plasma guns that ignore armor saves on a roll of 6+, delivering high-energy blasts effective against heavily protected vehicles, while rules for drives and energy shields add tactical depth. The system supports compatibility with Epic-scale miniatures, facilitating crossover battles at 6mm scale. All three titles retain Warmaster's command dice mechanic, where players roll a variable number of dice (typically up to 3 per command stand) against a value to activate unit groups for movement, , or assaults, introducing uncertainty to replicate friction. Era-specific additions include dedicated phases for air strikes in and variants, or orbital bombardments in Future War, enhancing strategic layers without overcomplicating the core flow. The series' legacy endures through digital availability, with PDF rulebooks and supplements accessible via platforms like Wargame Vault, supporting ongoing play since their acquisition by Pendraken in 2015. Community extensions include fan-adapted scenarios for periods like the , using rules for asymmetric with helicopter insertions, and Napoleonic campaigns repurposed via Blitzkrieg's command structure for large-scale battles.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Reviews

Upon its release in , Warmaster received positive critical attention for its accessible ruleset, which streamlined large-scale fantasy battles and emphasized the role of command in . Reviewers highlighted the game's fast pace and ability to evoke the feel of epic confrontations, positioning players as supreme commanders rather than micromanaging individual troops. However, criticisms focused on its perceived lack of tactical depth compared to more granular systems like Warhammer Fantasy Battle, as well as practical challenges with the 10mm-scale miniatures, which were seen as fiddly for assembly and . The rulebook itself was commended for its compact and inclusion of useful guides on and , earning an overall rating of 82% in an early assessment. The 2005 expansion, Warmaster Ancients, was praised for adapting the core system to historical warfare with enhanced balance and realism, particularly in how it encouraged formed lines and reserves without the chaos of fantasy elements. Critics appreciated the rule tweaks, describing it as a more historically faithful experience than competitors like DBA while maintaining quick playtimes. In contrast, the 2008 Warmaster Medieval Armies supplement drew mixed feedback; while lauded for its 30 army lists, full-color illustrations, and new rules, reviewers noted potential balance concerns with units like knights, which could dominate scenarios without careful list-building. The 2010 Second Edition refined the original rules by compiling and clarifying siege mechanics developed over the prior decade. Across editions, Warmaster's command simulation—featuring risk-reward activations and brigade formations—was consistently identified as a core strength, simulating uncertainty effectively. In a 2024 interview, designer reflected on this philosophy, stating that the game's intent was to capture " and the challenges of leading armies on a grand scale," prioritizing narrative flow over exhaustive detail. Overall themes in reviews emphasized its excellence for quick, thematic mass battles but noted reduced replayability in the base game without expansions.

Community Support and Modern Developments

The Warmaster community thrives through dedicated online forums and social groups, fostering discussions on , , and custom content. The subreddit r/warmaster serves as a hub for players to share battle reports, seek advice on army construction, and coordinate local meetups, maintaining steady activity among enthusiasts of the 10mm-scale fantasy wargame. Complementing this, Facebook groups such as offer a supportive space for non-commercial exchanges, where members post photos of armies, rules clarifications, and event announcements to build connections among global players. Additionally, the annual Warmaster Journal, with its 2025 edition released in June, compiles fan-submitted articles, scenarios, and rule expansions, including adaptations for naval engagements inspired by legacy Games Workshop systems like . Organized events sustain engagement, with in-person tournaments emphasizing the game's streamlined mechanics. The Warmaster Summer Sizzler, held on August 30, 2025, at Sanctuary Gaming Centre in the UK, featured three rounds of 2,000-point matches under Warmaster Revolution rules, drawing competitors for its focus on tactical depth over model count. Similarly, the Warmaster Adepticon Open in 2025 adopted a Swiss-style format for 2,000-point armies, welcoming players of varying experience levels to promote accessibility. Online, the Warmaster Revolution server facilitates leagues and casual games via , enabling remote play with modular boards and digital minis to connect dispersed participants. Modern developments center on the fan-driven Warmaster Revolution project, which has revitalized the game since its discontinuation by in 2013. The 2025 armies update, approved by the Warmaster Revolution Rules Committee through community voting, introduced balance adjustments to unit stats and compositions, such as refinements to forces for improved tactical viability without overpowering existing lists. Experimental rules tweaks, like enhanced terrain interactions, were also trialed to evolve core mechanics based on player feedback. To address out-of-print miniatures, communities have proliferated, with dedicated groups sharing free and licensed STL files for classic Warmaster models, allowing hobbyists to fabricate units like infantry or Chaos warriors using accessible resin printers. Tools further support growth, including the Warmaster Army Selector, a web-based application updated in 2025 to incorporate changes for streamlined list generation and point calculations. Virtual tabletops like integrate Warmaster mods for simulated battles, bridging geographical barriers. Overall, these efforts emphasize free downloads of core rules and supplements on the official site, prioritizing inclusivity to attract new players while preserving the game's narrative-driven appeal.

References

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