With Arena Mortis available to pre-order from Saturday, we’re taking a look at six different fighters and breaking down how they’ll play in the new expansion. Choosing a fighter isn’t as obvious as you might think – the upgrade system levels the playing field somewhat, so tricks and gimmicks have a big impact on the gameplay.
Arena Mortis is a completely different way to play Warhammer Underworlds, requiring you to learn new tactics if you want to win – check out this article to learn more if you missed it. In Arena Mortis, all your fighters begin the game Inspired – and stay that way – living their best life and dealing their best death right from the start. Let’s jump right in!
With the ability to attack twice, at two different targets, Khamyss is a deadly assassin right out of the gate. In her Inspired state those attacks are both solid, causing two damage each. Not only that, but she cannot be driven back (especially important if she’s holding a Mortis Lens), so your opponent will have to hope they take her out in one shot lest they suffer her wrath. Incidentally, they just might be able to since she’s only rocking two Wounds.
Her low health may seem like a problem at first, but that means she’ll be starting the game with no fewer than three upgrades, which can make her very tricky indeed. And don’t forget that dying in the Arena Mortis is not the end… She’ll be back again, stronger than ever with additional upgrades.
This versatile fighter is tough as nails and comes with two types of attack, one of which can be powered up to brutal effect. His Frenzied Whirl attacks every adjacent target – perfect if you’re in the lead and your opponents are ganging up, hoping to steal your glory with the Headtaker special rule.*
Use Frenzied Whirl to gain Waaagh! counters that power up the already-wicked Gore-Basha attack, giving you a shot at taking out some of the toughest fighters in the game.
Sepsimus is another fighter with two attacks, including one Scything option, who likes to get into the middle of the action! Not only does he smash faces (at 2-hex range, no less) with his blighted spear, but he can take a beating by reducing the amount of damage his enemies are able to inflict.
Coupled with a solid four base Wounds, he’ll surprise those heavy-hitters that might expect to take him out quickly and move on. Even when they do manage it, he’ll just get back up for more...
If you prefer to keep your distance (and based on some of the fighters we’ve already seen, we can hardly blame you), cast your eyes on Vortemis the All-seeing! His Inspired Bolt of Change causes 2 Damage with a Range of 3, and even his regular attack allows him to stay a hex away.
Few foes will choose to tangle with your magical might until they’ve got the upgrades to withstand your attention and close the gap, but by then you may well have enough glory to seal the deal. Just as planned…
While other fighters may be stronger and tougher, Night’s Herald has a very cool trick up his, er… rib cage armour. His ability to reduce the enemy’s effectiveness in combat can knock the teeth out of over-confident foes. Even the strongest enemies will struggle to get the hits they need with just one or two dice.
Once you’ve geared up this noble warrior** with upgrades – again, he’ll start with 3 of them – he can spring a deadly trap on any who make him out as an easy mark.
I know what you’re thinking… This sounds too easy, right? Well these gnoblars will definitely kick up the challenge rating and earn you massive kudos from your opponents. Plus, even when your attack fails you get a consolation prize, pushing your opponent around! Imagine the look on your opponents’ faces when you push them into Mollog’s*** attack range, off a Mortis Lens they’re holding, or even into a lethal hex! Failure, for the win!
These plucky little Gnoblars are hilarious to play in Arena Mortis, and with the right upgrades that beatin’ club can hit harder than your foes expect.
Take a good look at your collection of warbands. Are there some models you love, but for one reason or another don’t often see the light of day? Well this is your chance to bring them back to the table. Every fighter can hold their own in this game in one way or another, once you discover the best ways to build the deck and unlock their true potential.
Mark your calendars, Arena Mortis is available to pre-order from Saturday! Head to Facebook and Twitter and let us know which fighter from this list you’d pick. Or maybe you have someone else in mind? We want to hear all about it!
* You DID read that other article we mentioned, right?
** Well, in his eyes at any rate. You’ve got to wonder what he thinks that ribcage is, exactly.
*** Yes, we know everyone’s already planning on picking Mollog and yes, we left him off this list because we knew that. You don’t need us to tell you he’s the best single fighter in the game.