Wrath of Angels, the latest boxed set for Aeronautica Imperialis, is up for pre-order tomorrow. If you’re thinking about taking the leap into this fast-paced game of high-flying strategy, now is a great time to do it – with a starter set that contains everything you need to play, including rules, equipment, and some incredibly cool models.
Faithful Warhammer Community readers have seen the amazing models, taken our quiz to pick their faction, and read all about how to win with both the Adeptus Astartes and Asuryani air fleets. We spoke to one of the wing commanders from the studio that brought us Aeronautica Imperialis, Thomas Clarke, to get his advice.
So what’s it all about?
“Aeronautica Imperialis is a game of aerial combat set in the 41st Millennium. You'll need to plan your movements, out-think your opponent, and ensure your aircraft are in the perfect position to send your foes tumbling from the skies,” Thomas explains.
It’s a cinematic experience, perfectly capturing the sort of high-flying action you’ve seen in Hollywood blockbusters. It’s also incredibly fast to learn, set up, and play.
The Wrath of Angels box is the perfect way to jump into the game as it includes two complete forces, a short-form rulebook, dice, and a play mat. In short, it’s got everything two people need to scramble their fleets for the first games.
“Adeptus Astartes aircraft are resilient and armed with impressive firepower, allowing you to attack the enemy head-on and come out on top,” he says of one of the new factions. “Commanding the Astartes might mean you're outnumbered, but you’re never outgunned.”
“In contrast, the Asuryani are more fragile but highly agile, with special rules that allow them to move in unpredictable ways,” he continues. “For players who want a challenge, the Asuryani represent a perfect faction – used correctly, your opponent will barely be able to touch you as you tear them apart.”
We asked Thomas for his top tips for someone who’s just getting started with Aeronautica Imperialis.
“The most important aspect is Ace Manoeuvres – the various ways aircraft can move across the battlefield,” he says.
You choose these in secret at the beginning of each turn, so every game includes tense moments while you guess what your opponents will do, trying to outwit, trick, or fake them out for an advantage.
“Learning which manoeuvres your aircraft can perform and how they work is the key to victory,” adds Thomas. “Factions thrive at different ranges of engagement – Asuryani favour getting in close, while Astartes perform best when they keep their opponent at arm's length.”
Since games are pretty quick to play, you’ll find yourself learning a lot with each session. Once you’ve got to grips with the basics, you can expand your fleets or try out another faction
“Adeptus Astartes players will want to pick up some Thunderhawks,* which add sturdy gunships to your force,” Thomas tells us. “Both sides are also getting Ground Assets, which offer extra firepower and new tactical options.”
Wrath of Angels is fully compatible with all the scenarios and rules from both of the previous campaign books.
Fancy scrambling your Asuryani Nightwings to take down a damaged Thunderhawk before it limps back to base? Give The Straggler from the Rynn’s World Air War Campaign Book a shot. Want to try out an intense high-speed canyon run with an infinitely rolling Area of Engagement? The Chase scenario in the Taros Air War Campaign Book is a wild ride that’s well-suited to both of the new factions.
These campaign books include loads of background material to help you understand how an air war plays out in the deadly skies of the 41st Millennium. Dan Abnett’s classic Black Library novel Double Eagle is another great way to imagine yourself in the cockpit of a sleek, deadly interceptor.
Wrath of Angels will be up for pre-order tomorrow, along with reference cards, dice, and an expanded Area of Engagement. Prepare for takeoff!
* Which are making their final approach into Aeronautica Imperialis airspace.