GMG Reviews - Warcry: Crypt of Blood by Games Workshop

Games Workshop has put together a REAL introductory box for their Arena skirmish game Warcry. This box features two warbands and a full how-to-play introductory book that follows the Tell/Show/Have a Go format of teaching to help new players get over the hurdle of learning a tabletop game for the first time. Let's check it out.
Thanks to Games Workshop for the complimentary advance copy of the box to review.
#AdWIP
#Warcry
#WarhammerCommunity
GMG is publicly supported. Become a backer on Patreon to ensure new content and that the Studio can continue: / guerrillaminiaturegames
Join us on DISCORD: / discord
Want to challenge Ash to a game? Email him at [e-mail] or message him through his Facebook Page!
Follow Ash on Facebook: / outofthebasementintoth...
GMG Measuring Gauges and Tokens available HERE: deathraydesigns...
GMG T-Shirts and Hoodies HERE: shop.spreadshi...
All Jingles and Music by Kevin McLeod: incompetech.com
TACTICAL AWARENESS - An Infinity Podcast
Join us on Discord HERE: / discord
Add us to your favourite Podcasting App using the RSS Feed: anchor.fm/s/cf...

[@robertphanelson1324]

@Ash, does your review change after hearing the price?

[@GuerrillaMiniatureGames]

I don’t think my review of the box itself changes, it’s a well designed to do what it does. Is the value there? I can’t tell because the box isn’t for me and the components aren’t available separately. I do think the book holds more value than people give it credit for because it’s designed to be consumed by people totally new to this hobby, which anyone watching this video probably doesn’t need. That said, I think it could have been more competitively priced as an introductory product. You can make less on those as they lead to ongoing sales in other areas. If I were advising price on it I’d have gone about 30% lower.

[@harrisonlee1]

i think everything games workshop needs to be about 30% lower.

[@AltroseSenar]

@@GuerrillaMiniatureGames The format of the book looks great. Reminds me of the 2E Malifuax starter where you learn the game over several missions. One of the best ways to teach a new game.

[@jean-louispayan6858]

85€ official GW price in Europe ( you can have 15% to 20% discount). Warbands are around 30€ each...

[@DashOr]

@@jean-louispayan6858 i bought it for 68€, Warbands are around 42€. I know its not the typical Thalia, Blitzbowl, Bladeborn price but here you get some terrain pieces that are chunkier than i thought and all the stuff you need to get into warcry. I wanted to make the jump from bladeborn to warcry and i there are some obstacles in Markers, rules etc. I totally agree this is not a box for people that play wargames already and need the true warband size for them to make it work. For me i know i´ll most likely never find the time to play a bigger warcry game so the smaller size actually fits for me. That makes it quite a niche product i´d think because i don´t think the pricepoint is right for someone that never played anything tabletop related. This beeing around 50-60€ would be the perfecr spot. I absolutley recommend everything you can get from Thalia like the new underworld box, spacemarine the boardgame or combat patrol lair of the beast with absolute brilliant models for discounted 25€ ish each.

[@euansmith3699]

Ash's interest in game packaging is always enlightening. Plus a great review of the ideas behind this product.

[@goblinry]

Your game component design soap box is always a treat! I would love a "making the hobby accessible" video/conversation kind of thing with you and Matthew colville. Thanks for sharing your insight and wisdom.

[@Fox01313]

Looks fun! Only big problem I have with this for Warcry is I got a small amount of Warhammer Underworlds stuff and out of all the WU teams, I have both of the teams in this box as well as 2 other Warhammer Underworlds teams. It does look like an easy way to get in the game , as I've been doing more with Kill Team & always curious about this skirmish game. The tutorial missions reminds me a lot of the learn to play cards in Blitz Bowl. Thanks for making this video!

[@MuleKickin]

Definitely has a place. Could see myself when I was first starting out in the hobby, when young, this would've been amazing. Cheers for the review Ash, your passion is infectious 🤙

[@jacenchrisbaker]

The pricing for this box is...bad. You can find several of 2nd edition boxes for $110 to $125 USD online right now. That's kinda insane. GW needs to do better, especially when the most recent Underworlds starter set with old models felt like a win.

[@ProrokLebioda]

"5 days to Wargamer" could be an interesting series to get people into the hobby! I'm playing AoS, so this product might not be for me, but I'm interested in checking out Warcry.

[@kennethallen3843]

The price makes this easy to pass on

[@12neef]

Fantastic review. I was looking at this to get back into warcry. I didnt like the gameplay but fould’ve been cuz my first opponent was terrible and i never touched it again. I like the GW/Barnes and Nobel type games. Small, concise and cheap. Another fantastic Saturday review.

[@sleepysasquatchgames]

Set needed to be half the price to bring new players in. This is a dust collector, not a sale leader for FLGS.

[@hawkgamedev]

Man first video I watch from your channel, amazing review, insta sub, I like how you sit down and take your time to explain stuff specially for the new comers, also comparing the box to others is key in your comments imo. Great video

[@kariranta-ojala5181]

I was able to pick this up at a big discount because my FLGS is closing. I love this starter cuz it allows me to use my first edition scenery and I like the two warbands included and can build them up to a full warband. For me getting this was a no-brainer.

[@stevenray8737]

Thanks for the review, Ash. At £65 its asking far too much. For £67.50 one can instead purchase the AoS Warrior set + free WC download rules + Realmscape: Ghurish Expanse. Two full warbands, two hardstock gaming boards and the tray for simple terrain. Tokens are easily substituted. Real shame as I was really looking forward to this one.

[@erraticuk]

So I see it going for £52 from some UK traders, But for £82.50 you can still find Nightmare Quest. It just seems a lot of money for eight mini's and six pieces of scatter terrain. and their plans for the future doesnt mention any new terrain just eight new mostly non-chaos warbands.

[@darthhall6187]

The price is too high for such a bare bones set. Its the same price as the Kill Team starter set, but that gives you two full warbands, plastic measuring aids, tokens, a decnt amount of terrain and the core rules.

[@robertviscomi8199]

I agree with you but I also have to add the floor for warcry is wayyyyy lower than kill team. This is the most casual friendly skirmish game ever. The average I never put a model together person will love this as it’s an awesome entry. Learning with 4 in the warband is a lot easier than a full warband. Not having the core rules is rough but they are free online; however the paper board is unacceptable to me. The small amount of sprews is very friendly and not overwhelming and push to fit is great for “my first model”. It’s a good evergreen set. The neferatta bust is amazing though and a sick piece of terrain even though it’s just a statue (thank god it’s not a muscle tree).

[@SPACENOMADMALEV]

I like when Ash talks about Hiking. I wanna go on a Hike with Ash

[@SPACENOMADMALEV]

Also, did you use the term 'luddite' gaming?

[@GuerrillaMiniatureGames]

I did.

[@captainferrite]

I want to add that terrain sprue to my Garden of Morr. But the price of this box is insane, pants on head insane for something that isn't even really a full game experience.

[@Guru_Swami]

At US$110 it’s a hard pass for this set. Priced at $60 it would be a no brainer entry into Warcry. At this price point it should’ve come with 2-3 times the amount of terrain and a better quality ‘board’ to play on. The format and layout of the book is refreshing! Nice to see they hit the mark there.

[@aslbaron1]

Well done! Very insightful review! I agree with your points on starter sets that need to hook people into the hobby. GW is definitely the most well known gateway into the hobby!

[@CorvusBoreus]

Looks like a decent starter set and I might have picked it up if the price point was a little lower and it had a proper card board rather than the paper one. I like the idea of just pitting the underworlds teams against each other as a quick start alternative to 1k lists.

[@WeOnlyEatSoup]

Just picked a copy up! This is my intro warcry but not into tabletop

[@rbrentw]

Agreed with others here, $110 US retail price is too high for a starter with this little content. Maybe $75 US

[@tommys_hobbies]

Originally I was seriously considering this set. I thought it would be a good way to tempt my friends into Warcry, but it's just not good value for money at all.

[@Vertrucio]

I wonder if there's a way to get the underworlds cards for these because I want both of these bands there too.

[@worlds-in-conflict]

That terrain is rad!

[@euansmith3699]

To the MAX!!!

[@edwindrood2816]

Great review

[@MiNDmaZing]

thats a pocket warcry set for playing on holiday or so with my son

[@kaldorf]

I like the product idea but pricing is a little bit off. I really want Warcry to get more popular and stick around.

[@mikaelforssander1721]

There are 18 dice because each player rolls 6 dice and you have 6 additional dice as wild dice.

[@GuerrillaMiniatureGames]

Smart!

[@JohnMiller-yh2lj]

I might by it just because I have never played warcry and have been interested in it for awhile.

[@CesarIsaacPerez]

I love Warcry! So, I really want the terrain!!! And the start here book... And the cards... But I already have all the mini's. I just want it to teach people!

[@Nick_Whiskey]

130$ cad for a paper mat, 6 figures, and some gates and small statues. :/. 80 bucks would have been a way easier sell. also there is a kill team version of this: it's actually cheaper and has two FULL kill teams, instead of.. reused sculpts from underworlds and one new lord relictor..... for 130 bucks...............

[@Jharlax]

Why red cards? Shouldnt they be Orange since they came out in season 2?

[@michaelmiguelsanchez]

180 dollarydoos is a lot for a small starter set, but it does look like a good introduction to the format.

[@euansmith3699]

I guess that a high price can be viewed as a stage in learning to play GW products 😄😄😄

[@PMMagro]

Looks fun but I have the models, at least the vampires (not 100% on the others). It is nice models that and Warcry is really fun.

[@squallgoku777]

Ash, have you ever played Carnevale by TTCombat?

[@liamfishwick2943]

I ordered the box. But I was shocked on the cost. I did expect the box at about £45. The bigger boxes are better value.

[@liamfishwick2943]

But I am looking forward to getting the box and playing a game or 7 with a friend at a local coffee shop

[@12neef]

So roughly $60 USD. I expected as much. I find these better gateway gsmes than the main games. Cheaper buy in, they provide you all you need and streamlined rules. This will be a buy for me.

[@robertwatson1985]

The price is 110 USD

[@12neef]

@@robertwatson1985 where are you finding the prices?

[@PapaKarloHimSelf]

I'm not sure that the book that throws ~6 tutorial missions to explain you something basic is actually a good way to introduce new players. When I tried Infinity starter with friend, it was very painful to play first missions with cut rules and 3 units per player. We're a bit savvy boardgamers so we kinda see that there is no "game" at that level, just motions. Same thing with introductory games in clubs. So "just read the rules and play a mission" always more satisfying albeit if rules aren't overly clunky and messy. In boardgames people often jump in with full rules (maybe without something "advanced") and just play a complete game from the start. It maybe suboptimal but you end up with understanding of a game not just a part of it. I'd say GW's Combat Patrols are moving in the right direction. Full squad, fixed setups, no armybuilding, everything in place. And what I saw in WarCry rules (never played it) - it is simple enough to forego separate "tutorial missions for movement" and the like. It should be a simple teach or even simpler video.

[@GuyRiessen]

I don't think you're exactly the target market here--I'm not the target and I agree with your observations completely. I think this is more geared to someone completely new to miniatures, perhaps to boardgames in general. That's also why I think the cost is too high--it needs to be cheaper to hook that brand new gamer.

[@PapaKarloHimSelf]

@@GuyRiessen That's fair. I do wonder if this idea - a brand new gamer - is actually reasonable. A guy with no boardgame experience come into a shop and will be offered something like this? I think its likely he will get something more casual boardgame, like Unmatched for his "head-to-head with minis". This game feels like something you ask when you got some kind of grip.

[@GuyRiessen]

​@@PapaKarloHimSelf I think there is an untapped market there, but not at anywhere near the price point they've set for this. The price has got to be so low that people will be tempted just because the models look cool, and no other reason. I think that particular market is dominated by kids--and programmed missions will work well for them. And if GW would price the thing correctly, they'll be able to convince parents. Look at the price GW set for the AoS Warrior Starter box--about half of what this is. That's where this price should be too. It's like they're trying to make Warcry fail :(

[@GuyRiessen]

After watching your great in-depth unbox and review of the contents, I think there is tremendous value to rbing new players into the game. Unfortunately I think it's priced about $30 too high. This should be a loss leader for GW, to hook new players into the game--THAT and only that is the purpose of a starter set. As is, I think the cost is too high for someone with zero experience with GW to make the jump. This is a massive miscalculation because I think on every other level this is the *perfect* starter. It should be low model count, and is. It should be low effort terrain, and it is. It should be great art and programmed learn-to-play, and it is! It should NOT be expensive because if you hook a new player, they will spend plenty to expand their collection once hooked. And yet it is.

[@jamie6091]

Not a bad set but the price is just too high. I don’t think it’s going to help get more people into warcry

[@johanderyck6598]

Soooo the first inch of the ruler you like so much appears to be 3mm too long. Only with GW! 😂

[@hakbash7588]

Minis are nice and the terrain sprue is awesome. Not worth the ludicrous price. Should be like 50 dollar’s American tops.

[@vocenoctum2046]

So, I didn't get the first of the swamp Warcry sets, didn't want either team, no one wanted to split stuff, so skipped it. Then got two of the others (seraphon vs tzeentch, sce vs fec) and a team (sbgl), but of course as you mention the book was in the first one only! I didn't want to spend the money for the book, since warcry is not consistently played locally. So when they announced this, it seemed up my alley, get a rulebook, that neffie statue, I didn't get the Crimson Court yet, so that's cool. Of course, then the price just ruined everything, so oh well. Interest gone. It's a shame really. I still have the online rules, of course, and I'll finish painting my swamp terrain some day. It'd also be nice if they did include at least the Underworlds stat cards for use with a generic deck. Guess they never think of that though.

[@vocenoctum2046]

Initially when this leaked, I thought it'd be an updated/ upgraded Bladeborn, which was a Barnes & Noble (still might be I guess) warcry lite with two Underworlds teams. It was $50-60 I think. $110 for this seems a bit much, especially after the new Underworlds starter was such a good value.

[@hannesture9313]

"I think the new 40k starter is a bit like this, although that's a heftier investment" That didn't age well...😅

[@casualties6069]

Unfortunately, it is a bit more expensive at 85€ than the underworlds season box at 80 €, and much more expensive than the 50 € underwolds starter set. Seems like no so great value, especially with recycled assets and the fact that these warbands are not 1k points without extra purchases and limited terrain. Where do you go from there if not by buying a proper warcry box ? Could be a problem for buyers who just want to play the full game and keep using their dudes. How do they do it ? two 50 € ish boxes of AoS stuff to flesh out the warbands and a 90€ ish terrain set ? This makes it a trap rather than a good starting point. Not a great box unless you never want to to any further and treat it as a pricy standalone game. I guess if later down the road, they release a second box like this in the same spirit (reused assets) with compatible warbands such as the sepulchral guard vs a stormcast warband then you'd get two self sufficient boxes and get the option to combine both for a full sized warcry game.

[@tobbexxxxx]

Are those dice not the same size as the ones in Age of darkness?

[@GuerrillaMiniatureGames]

No! Those were the 90s size dice

[@tobbexxxxx]

@@GuerrillaMiniatureGames intressting, how mm are these new ones?

[@thetbird69]

Ive always had warcry on my radar, rhe older i get the more skirmish games appeal to me and i dont like the new kill team. The release of this box is perfect for me and my friend who have never played aos or war cry ever. I think its good value, but for experienced people dont bother, then again its not aomed at them.

[@khristienpennanen1810]

The price of this infuriates me tbh

[@jamesmaas7244]

I thought it was a good box set, but it's price is too steep. $110.00 for only 8 miniatures?

[@robnoel9306]

The only person not saying the price is too high.

[@GuerrillaMiniatureGames]

Just to be clear, I’ve got no idea what the prices of these are when they’re sent because they don’t mark them on packaging, so I can’t comment on anything but the box when I review it in advance.

[@blkjet117]

Price: D- Rules Format: A+ Figures: A+ (easy to build. no glue required) Terrain: D- (small amount of terrain, paper gaming mat)

[@paulharper7185]

That should be a $50 box, not a $100 box. I wanted to get this to get a 2nd board and set of tokens. Looks like I am ebaying.

[@doomastrates6076]

about $130 in CAD. Pretty much the underworlds starter cost like Ash said. I really hope they do more with the underworlds guys in warcry, Tome of Champions went MIA when second edition came out. Got a decent collection of the underworld models from the early days.

[@tylercall1736]

I know it's not the greatest patch as points costs have been adjusted across the board, among other things, but GW has said to go ahead and use that 2021 Tome of Champions for the Underworlds characters rules for 2nd edition.

[@GuyRiessen]

Underworlds Starter is $68 CAD ($80 CAD from GW), so not even close to $130. This is a good set to teach a newbie, but they need to drop the price down to something similar to Underworlds Starter to hook the brand new player. As is, it's just too expensive to grab the interest of most people who are only curious.

[@doomastrates6076]

@@GuyRiessen True I forgot about the stormcast vs skeletons starter. but I agree they’re pricing people out of a lot of these sets.

[@animusvids]

love this box, but too damn expensive, a real shame

[@gamby85]

problem is ... yes its small and compact in every aspect but th price ... WAYYYYYY to much for what it is ! $130 for 8 miniatures and a paper mat ... really !! hard pass!!

[@racheladeline2835]

😮😶.... 🤔😂😂😂😂😂 It's a JOKE...!? 💩

[@powersave2]

Yikes. I thought the board would have at least been cardboard. Let alone that the box is the flimsy start collecting paper style rather then the thicker underworlds style, seems like several of the design/production choices seem to directly be at odds with the products mission - Warcry in a box that gets people in and stay in. Ie the box itself wont hold up, the map isn't expandable by any of their existing maps... And this isnt even mentioning the price...

[@odeegrotsniffer4166]

Would have bought this at a reasonable price point. 60 bucks max.

[@killinusoftly7744]

60 sure 110 no thanks

[@BB-pn2qv]

Terrible starter set. Half the models you need, cheap tools, and overpriced as hell. I can’t recommend this to anyone.

[@itsallfunandgames723]

At 110 smackers GW continues to prove they are the last place we want to send new gamers to get into the hobby. There are so many FFG, CMON, and Hasbro miniature board games for first time gamers who are out there trying to find an entry point.

[@kingxerocole4616]

People complaining about the price point when this may just be a new reality going forward. Wait for the prices of the next boxed sets.

[@wired_ape]

Compare the price of this to the price of the new 40k starter boxes. I don't know what the prices are like in other countries, but here in Australia this is priced higher than the mod level 40k box. So I can't see how this would be the new reality going forward.

[@michaeljdauben]

If this is a sign of pricing for Warcry going forward, the game is doomed.

[@SamBalducci]

Its not a good deal for a lot of old models and cheap components.

[@JimCrimmins]

Super strange set. Wildly over priced... Xandire again? This crew has been released over n over in different games n kits for 18 months. Did they make too many? Underworlds, Lost Relics, single.. Now Warcry.. Vamps r nice, but these r half warbands at full set price... And paper board. Hard instant pass and not great to get into warcry.. Strange box. I see it gathering dust like others

[@tiredguy2753]

It is a good starter set , it does exactly what is supposed to do- a smooth onboarding ramp to warcry. What stops it from being a great starter set is price, if they cut the base price by 15$-20$ that would be awesome. For the beginners out there if you are willing to do a bit more leg work (either print some stuff online for free or buy the books) you could look into getting into warcry via buying the Warrior age of signage starter set. Granted the age of sigmar route is not as beginner friendly as this starter set , but I want to present the option.

[@michaeljdauben]

I think it needs to be cut by a lot more than $15-20. I'd consider $80US to be the upper end of being a good buy.

[@countmalin70]

Yeah really excited for this one i've tried to get started in warcry 3-4 times and just fallen flat each time..... This box will be great.... Also @Ash Thanks for all your work over the years the inspiration you've given me to keep in the hobby even in the most stressful of times and that has helped me start something that I hope everyone can come and enjoy when they come to Nottingham @leadbeltgamesarena ...... Cheers again matey !

[@TheDrewcas]

Recycled underworlds and meh terrain for $110. Just...Bad.

[@scepteredisle]

Honestly embarrassed for all involved in this "starter box set". GW delib raise their desired recommended retail price by 20-30% so when you buy the item with a discount you're NOT actually getting a discount: if you buy from GW directly you pay an extra 20-30% basically. So it's £50, rather than £65 ($99). Is it worth £50? No of course not. What were they thinking? Stormcast literally dumped in their because they can't shift them. Cheap paper-thin box. An incomplete rulebook. Paper mat. Nice tokens sure.