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Warhammer Underworlds: Beastgrave – Review

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Warhammer Underworlds Beastgrave - Review

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Greetings, fellow Warhammer enthusiasts! As avid fans of the franchise, I am well aware that Games Workshop has been reviving some of their classic projects, and I was thrilled to get my hands on the highly anticipated board game Warhammer Underworlds: Beastgrave. But does it live up to the hype? Join me as I take a deep dive into my thoughts and experiences with this exciting new release. From the game’s intricate mechanics to its captivating storyline, I’ll leave no stone unturned in my quest to give you a comprehensive review of Warhammer Underworlds: Beastgrave. So buckle up and get ready for a wild ride!

Game Box Cover
Game Box Cover

The Story and Gameplay

So, here we have a version of a board game, with a fascinating backstory of events that will unfold on our playing field. It’s about a mysterious mountain and a mysterious area around it, called “Beast’s Grave”, which lurks untold wealth and rare artifacts that draws explorers and adventurers from all over the world in search of them.

But it’s not that simple. Those explorers and adventurers who survived and didn’t go crazy told wild stories about the call of the mountain, the visions that come in dreams, and how they reveal to the eye exactly what the adventurer desires the most. They spoke of strange creatures inhabiting the surroundings and the labyrinthine catacombs within the Beast’s Grave. All of them claim that once you reach the black mountain, you’ll never be able to control yourself and overcome your obsession to go down into the catacombs.

Miniatures, Decks, and Playing Components

The story sounds intriguing, so it’s time to talk about the units for the game.

Miniatures-on-casts-1

In our case, I have the beastmen of the Angor people led by the shaman Grashrak “Cursed Hoof,” who are marauders only capable of killing and destroying. Additionally, the Skeet Wild Hunt, spirits of nature incarnate in their fierce and noble manifestation, aim to end the curse inside the mountain, led by Skeet Hunter.

Presented miniatures of these units are made in plastic in two different colors with a note on the castings about the limited version.

The detailing of the cast, as always, is top notch. Even the smallest details, such as the twisted bracelet on the shoulder of the Skeet hunters or the protective amulets of the Grashnak Marauders. For those who are new to painting the miniatures will seem like a horrible puzzle because of the large number of small details and will have to try very hard.

Miniatures on casts 2
Casting-detail-at-the-top

Along with the squads come special card decks. Each squad has its own deck and is pre-prepared for the game, you only need to shuffle some cards and you’re done. After a few games, when the rule book remains closed throughout the party you can unpack an additional deck of cards.

There you will find additional challenges to play, effect cards, enhancements, and gambit cards (usually spells or tricks).

Colorful game decks and dice
Colorful game decks and dice

In addition to the squad miniatures themselves inside the box, which weighs an impressive 3.3 pounds, there are two playing fields with the image of the terrain and lined hexagonal cells (hexes) on both sides. The fields themselves are made of very dense cardboard and are pleasant to the touch, and the matte surface is almost glare-free and suitable for all types of lighting.

Playing fields
Playing fields
Playing fields 2
Playing fields 2

Also, in addition to the playing field, there are three token panels. These include tokens for wounds received, lethal areas (where your fighter suffers damage or is killed), target tokens – the loot for which the units will fight, and more. The target token is what your fighters have come to the hidden depths of the Beast’s Grave for, and powerful artifacts won’t come too easily – the battle for them will be fierce.

A few token bars
A few token bars

It’s worth noting that there are two rule books included in the set. One contains 40 pages with a detailed description of player play sequences, art stories with backstories of board game events, descriptions of game phases, and several versions of game missions with a ready-made plot and purpose. The second book is not even a book, but a booklet with a quick primer on the game. After flipping through it, you will still need to pick up the thicker rules to understand the game’s nuances more carefully.

Large rule book and brochure for a fast game
Large rule book and brochure for a fast game

That’s where the box ends, although there are still instructions for assembling the miniatures and an advertisement for other Games Workshop products inside, but we won’t focus on that.

Strategies, Tactics, and Randomness in Action

Of course, we tried to play a game or two in Beastgrave ourselves and quickly got the hang of it, periodically referring to the game rules and discussing certain game situations. The game usually passes quickly, with rare exceptions where it may drag on for a whole hour or more. Typically, a game takes about 30-40 minutes to play, resulting in either a hard-earned victory or a brutal defeat.

Based on my experience with Warhammer Underworlds: Beastgrave, I can confidently say that the game offers a unique blend of strategy and luck, making each match an exciting and unpredictable experience. The well-designed miniatures and game mechanics further enhance the gaming experience, capturing the attention and imagination of players.

The game consists of several rounds, and as per the rules, there will only be three rounds, each with several phases. All phases are sequential, and players take turns in them. For example, during the action phase, when activating cards, the first player announces their movement, and their opponent responds by activating a card with a trick or making a move.

Then battle, dice rolls for defense and damage, magic and cunning, and then the next round starts, where everything repeats again. Who comes out the winner will be decided by your luck and strategy of action.

If you’re interested in learning more about the dice used in tabletop games, check out my review of the game’s dice sets.

Summary of The Adventure

Warhammer Underworlds: Beastgrave is a board game that offers positive experiences for both strategy game fans and those who value the creative process in board games. Players have ample room to practice tactical and strategic skills while also showcasing their artistic talent by presenting their vision of warriors.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Intriguing game history
  • Fast-paced gameplay
  • Unique design
Cons:

  • Limited number of players
  • Lengthy rulebook

FAQ

How to play Warhammer Underworlds Beastgrave?

To explain how to play Warhammer Underworlds: Beastgrave, I will provide you with a link to the game’s official website and rules.

What is the basic objective of the game?

The basic objective of Warhammer Underworlds: Beastgrave is to lead your warband to victory by scoring the most objective points through a combination of holding objectives, defeating enemy fighters, and achieving special objectives unique to each warband.

What is the basic objective of the game?

The basic objective of Warhammer Underworlds: Beastgrave is to lead your warband to victory by scoring the most objective points through a combination of holding objectives, defeating enemy fighters, and achieving special objectives unique to each warband.

How long does a typical game take to play and how many players can participate?

A typical game of Warhammer Underworlds: Beastgrave takes around 30 to 60 minutes to play, with some games lasting up to 90 minutes depending on the number of players and the complexity of the game. The game is designed for two players, but additional players can join in by playing in teams or through multiplayer formats provided in the game rules.

Video: How to Play Beastgrave: Your Ultimate Guide with Becca Scott

Hey there! I’m Richard Baker, a miniature painter who’s been in the game for a solid decade now. I’ve been painting miniatures for ten years and I’ve got a ton of tips and tricks to share with you all. My website is a treasure trove of knowledge that I’ve gathered from both my own personal experiences and from reading all sorts of books.

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