HOW TO PLAY LORD OF THE RINGS WARHAMMER - MIDDLE EARTH STRATEGY BATTLE GAME

In a departure from my usual videos, this is me giving beginners a basic run through of the Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game's BASIC mechanics.
Moving, Shooting, Charging, fights and a dash of courage are explained in a hopefully engaging way! Next time I'll delve into more of the fun stuff!
Support the channel and encourage me to make more content on Patreon: / battlegamesinmiddleearth

[@martyrace7347]

Thanks for this! I'm getting back into MESBG after being absent since around when War of the Ring was released. Really excited to give this game a go again as I loved it back in the day!

[@EntmootVideos]

Marty Race glad you like it! I hope you enjoy getting back into it :)

[@hunterthompson1264]

Great explanation of the basics mate - can't wait to give it a go! Just working me way through the pelennor fields pack now

[@yetanotherbald4401]

So glad this got revamped. Always wanted to give this game a go. Seems like a good time to get involved!

[@Studio7283]

This is what I've been looking for, thank you. And yeah, I'm the 500th sub.

[@EntmootVideos]

Gary Smith 500!! Thank you!!

[@michaelhummel6299]

Great looking channel as I start my journey into Middle Earth SBG. Many thanks very good video. Look forward to Dee the rest of your videos.

[@EntmootVideos]

I hope you enjoyed them!

[@richardlionheart5221]

Great vid mate!

[@EntmootVideos]

Yay, glad to hear you enjoyed it, I was worried the hour long runtime would put people off but I'm glad it didn't!

[@gavinbutler277]

glad to see so much more content on your channel and webpage, tis been a wait since i watched the minis tirith and uruk guides

[@EntmootVideos]

Gavin Butler thanks for sticking with me! I’ve got the bug for videos at the moment, hopefully it carries on for a while!! Appreciate your support man!

[@gavinbutler277]

Battle Games in Middle Earth do keep her lit.. i lile watching these on spare time or listening in car... u should try get a bat rep up ( but thats mostly cause i like bat reps,cant play much where i am) good work.keep it up

[@EntmootVideos]

Gavin Butler I’ll try! But that requires two people able to play, and I’m a bit like you I reckon, not many people here play it!

[@gavinbutler277]

Tis a shame.. someday perhaps..either way keep it up.. if u got any tips for gold armour be appreciated

[@EntmootVideos]

Gavin Butler RETRIBUTOR ARMOUR. My favourite paint, then reiklsnd flesh shade then perhaps a light edge highlight of liberator gold. But I’ll be doing some Easterlings at some point so keep an eye out ☺️

[@scottmacdonald1760]

Really good intro video. Thanks for this, very much enjoyed. Love the informal vibe too.

[@EntmootVideos]

Scott Macdonald thanks Scott! That was the aim so I’m glad you like the vibe! I’m doing more stuff soon so hopefully enough to keep you watching!

[@scottmacdonald1760]

Battle Games in Middle Earth certainly will be. I am just getting into the hobby from the d warhammer games and you’ve just confirmed to me that Pelennor would be a goos starting point! Would love some further videos on the scenarios in this set.

[@Darkspear688]

Thanks for this!

[@DirkdigglerV2]

Loving the videos, me and my girlfriend have been enjoying them

[@EntmootVideos]

Really glad to hear it! They will continue as long as you fine people keep watching them!

[@bloodboughtson9126]

Another one giving you thanks! I just finished painting my Rohan army and I thought I would give it a go to trash the unpainted orcs. I got so messed up with the charging rules! Thanks for clearing that up! Also, I saw you on Broadsword Wargaming and subscribed to your podcast.

[@EntmootVideos]

Legend! Thanks very much! Glad to have helped 😬 What tutorials would you like to see?

[@bloodboughtson9126]

@@EntmootVideos Magic, Climbing, Falling, Defending a barrier, Water, Ice, Difficult Terrain, and one I emailed GW about; the odd tokens in the Generals Accessory pack 😁 Also, grab some mates and head over to Ireland to Oliver's studio maybe Jasmin?

[@EntmootVideos]

excellent list. I’ll try my best! Haha, id love to... But we shall have to see!

[@bloodboughtson9126]

@@EntmootVideos No worries, your doing all the work and using your time and I'm sure we all appreciate it! I want to see ME SBG get more players here in the states and you have an excellent and presence and voice in your videos, (and podcasts).

[@EntmootVideos]

BloodBought Son thanks man! Keep on watching and listening! 😬

[@matthew6132]

Thank you brother best tutorial I've found on how to play now I can finally start playing with my armies alone to get used to everything perfect video mate like and a new sub right here 👍 👌

[@EntmootVideos]

Thanks man! Plenty here to watch… More wil arrive eventually 😂

[@rafaelpapvdplc8597]

Thanks for the video

[@geeksoftherealm4716]

Great video mate cheers. Looking at getting into lord of the rings and Hobbit games mate as I love the models and the films and books

[@TheGHOSTxDRAGON]

Good explanation of the game, I'll hopefully put it to good use at Lord of the Imps soon!

[@EntmootVideos]

Thanks mate! Can’t wait to have you there!

[@demcrusher7086]

Thank you brother 👍

[@eddieedensor9315]

Filthy Dice haha. Loved ur vid bro

[@mati12554]

Thanks for the video, just thinking getting into the tabletop. One thing I would like to ask tho, same issue that miniwargaming had, I would suggest keeping the camera a little further away from the table, not by much! and slowing down the camera movement. Anyway great video and again thanks for someone that never played the LOTR tabletop.! :)

[@EntmootVideos]

Mateusz Pelc Hey! Thanks for the comment, much appreciated! I guess you want to be able to see more of the moving and how it works? It’s tough to get the dice rolls and action done if I’m too far away and I prefer it moving to being static on a tripod somewhere (that way you risk missing too much of the action!). But I really appreciate the comment and suggestion! Hopefully you come back for the next one and it’s an improvement 😊

[@mati12554]

Oh I will haha :)

[@holydiver539]

That's the one part of the game that hasn't changed most Orcs are just as good as other races shock troops

[@duncanschrijvershof7029]

Keep those painting tutorials going, helps me a lot

[@EntmootVideos]

duncan schrijvershof Will do, more in the pipeline!!

[@thatsjimbo3095]

the uruk hai dont know pain and dont know fear and are broken after the lose two thirds of their troops

[@lefterischatzikonstantinou7414]

Great vid mate . I got the minis from the deagostini when they launched in greece somewere around 2005 i think, never learned how to play the game , just the painting. But i think i am about to start , eventually. Are there any rukes that are free , that can explain the game or do i need to buy them from GW ?

[@EntmootVideos]

I did exactly this! Then I got back into it again 2 years ago and have been playing non stop! Unfortunately you will need the rule book and army books to start, you may be able to pick them up from a local gaming store, but that is the way I’m afraid! The new pelennor fields box set is great though, it’s got a lot of models in it, the starter rules and the main rules manual 😊 glad you liked the video!

[@arxwng]

aderfe kai egw etsi pira tis figoures kai den epaixa pote kai efaga flasia twra na asxolithw,vrika meta apo psaximo arketo kati pdf me ta vivlia twn kanonwn pou eixe anevasei kapoios sto mega,den xerw an einai ta kainouria,alla ama thes exw akoma to link pes mou na sto steilw.h' an exeis vrei kai esu kati neo pes mou an mporeis.

[@ryanandtricia]

Hello and thanks for the video! I'm an absolute 100% noob to this game, does this video represent the current rules system?

[@EntmootVideos]

Yes it does! As fresh as they come!

[@thanewargaming2572]

The horses: I'm gunna get em I'm gunna trample them (Spear shows up) Horse: wo what the hell is that

[@EntmootVideos]

XD

[@kubastachowiak1089]

You didnt do your bed bro

[@richardkerr4458]

great vid do more how too on this thank you for going slow

[@jke6452]

do cavalry shot on a 4+ or 6+? the rohan riders stat is f3/4+ while the horse is 3/6+.

[@EntmootVideos]

It's the rider shooting, not the horse! So it hits on a 4+ if it hasn't moved. And there's a -1 modifier if it has moved (hence 5+) :)

[@mattnorwood6546]

Thanks for this video. Just a question. Do you need armies of lord of the rings to play this? (As in the book)

[@EntmootVideos]

Hey! Thanks for watching the video! I would say that you will need it eventually in reality. You can get by with the rules in the boxset to start off with, but if you want to use any other armies you kind of need it (or the armies of the Hobbit book, if you'd prefer an army from the hobbit era)!

[@Tuindwergje]

Will you be doing some battle reports with the new rules?

[@EntmootVideos]

Stripties hey! Yes, that’s the plan, they won’t be that common or regular (mainly because I have no regular opponent sadly!!) but I do have at least one planned soon 🙂 thanks for watching!

[@michaelgrey1351]

I'm only just getting into tis game and bought some second hand models and the Return of the King book. Am I right in thinking the alternating priority between each phase is new to the new version?

[@EntmootVideos]

Michael Grey Hi there! Welcome to the game! The alternating priority has always been the case. You move, I move, you shoot, i shoot, we all fight! The ROTK rules will set you in good stead for the mechanics of the game but you will be needing the new books for a lot of special rules, including monsters, magic and heroes. Otherwise you’ll be missing a lot of the coolest stuff!

[@woshjalter]

W

[@molock10]

Since I have 15mm minis, If I put 6 guys on one base (spearmen), would it just be 6 dices rolled at a time per side. Is that how it would work, yeah?

[@EntmootVideos]

Navig I guess that could work, Though I would say that it’d be easier if you just changed the measurements of everything to make it smaller but still all about individual models. The system is built around the individual model, so it’d be difficult to play it properly how you’re suggesting.

[@BlackOpsApesta]

I think you should check the older War of the Ring ruleset if you wanna play like that. It's kinda this game mixed with Warmaster, so you won't have to fiddle with individual minis. I don't think GW sells it anymore but I'm sure you can find a second hand copy cheaply.

[@cameronkramer2367]

You know your in for a ride when the basic tutorial is an hour long

[@EntmootVideos]

Mr Yeast haha, it’s more of a battle report tutorial but hopefully helps with the basics!

[@shaundaly1134]

Ive always thought that the Orcs were far too powerful in GW games. they should be (according to lore) be a low skill, crudely armed & armoured horde army, relying on numbers to overwhelm their opponents above all else.

[@alfredosauce6611]

I think games workshop must have been going off how they slaughtered gondor soldiers at minas tirith in the films

[@JayVZV]

It should be noted that the orcs used in this video aren’t Mordor Orcs (the normal rank and file) but Morannon Orcs, which both stronger and more armoured. From my own experience the standard Mordor orcs are pretty easy to kill but come in much greater numbers (like how you described)

[@mttlong]

Would there be a painting tutorial for any of the Middle-Earth terrain?

[@EntmootVideos]

MoroseMonkeyWrench Hey! You know, I haven’t even thought of it to be honest! Maybe but it certainly isn’t a priority at the moment!

[@EntmootVideos]

there is now!

[@waynejarman7273]

Great intro video! The rulebook is great and I have only come upon one thing I am not so sure about. If you end up with two models from opposing sides in base contact after combat (say they were in b2b but were fighting other models and won their combat) what happens? Do they stay in base to base or do they have to be separated?

[@EntmootVideos]

Wayne Jarman they need to be separated, you’re meant to back away an inch after combat, if you can’t then you’re trapped and you’re opponent gets double strikes to wound you. After that, you separate as much as you can and are free to move as normal next turn. The complication comes when you enter control zones again, as long as you’re heading out of the person you’ve fought’s control zone you can do what you want next turn (including run away). I hope that makes sense?!

[@waynejarman7273]

@@EntmootVideos Thanks for the explanation. Yeah it does make sense. I was just unsure about what happened to two models from opposing sides in b2b that didn't have to fight as they fought other people. A bit like the example in the rulebook (can't remember the page) where Aragorn fights one goblin and pippin (I think) fights two. If Aragorn wins and the two goblins fighting pippin wins it leaves Aragorn in b2b with a goblin. So I would just separate the models to show that combat is over even though they didn't fight? Sorry if that is confusing

[@EntmootVideos]

No, that makes sense, I missed the point in the first one. It’s the same principle, they don’t count as being in combat in any way, but because they’re in each other’s control zones they just need to move out of the control zone or charge them next turn ☺️

[@waynejarman7273]

@@EntmootVideos Thanks :) The how to video is great and, if I'm not mistaken, your podcast "Entmoot" is great too.

[@EntmootVideos]

Thanks Wayne, yes that’s me too! It’s taken Over a bit recently but I try and do a bit of both 😊 thanks!

[@arxwng]

i have some questions,i have 24 warriors of rohan on foot and 6 cavalry from the deagostini magazine,same with minas tirith warriors plus 6 cav, and some heroes form each side,also goblins,orcs and uruk hai.Are those packs of units enough in numbers to play small games with friends? and if yes where can i find those scenarios,and can u suggest any? we want to start the game with my friends since i have units from various factions ,i just dont know if those units are enough.

[@EntmootVideos]

Parmenion what you need to play properly is a hero and a few troops and a vague idea of the rules. That’s it! Yes there are scenarios and army lists for once you progress but if you can find the stats for any of the armies you have then you’ll be able to start a game. It sounds like you have loads! If you REALLY want to start playing, what you’d really need is the Armies of the Lord of the Rings book and the rulebook. Then you can easily have a decent game!

[@arxwng]

@@EntmootVideos thanks for your reply :)

[@theknightsofnee3327]

Orcs forever (especially uruk hai). Boromir had it coming

[@DeadlyAssets]

I'm only learning this game but don't you only make strikes with the Models that Hit the defenders? so if you roll 4 Die needing 5+ and roll a 2, 3, 5 & 6 you only roll strikes for the 5 & 6, Not all 4 attacks?

[@EntmootVideos]

Incorrect! Essentially the first roll is to see who wins the fight, the more people you have, the more dice you have. If your dice beat the person your attacking then you win ( if yours and your opponents dice draw then it comes down to whoever’s fight value is highest. If drawn fight value, you have - 50/50 roll off). The 5+ you mention in the F column relates to shoot value

[@DeadlyAssets]

@@EntmootVideos Thanks, There's a lot to learn :-) Watching others play is the next best thing to playing & watching someone who's explaining is even better :-D

[@datboi6238]

How did you make the terrain and battle mat?

[@EntmootVideos]

Dat Boi hi there, thanks for watching and commenting! Basically I made it all from insulation foam you’d buy in a diy shop (Wickes). Here’s a rough guide to what I did with a display board, it’s a very very similar process! battlegamesinmiddleearth.com/2018/05/23/how-to-build-a-basic-lord-of-the-rings-display-board/

[@bookys1237]

so how big can the armies be? big? or small? can you mix the armies like mordor with angmar?

[@HarryParkhill]

bookys 123 hey! So they can be as big as you want really but usually there is a points limit on non-scenario games. It varies from as little as 450 to 1000pts, but I’d say the average game is about 600. Which equates to an army of around 30 models on average, depending on the heroes you go for. You can mix armies but the rules restrict some allies from going together by penalising you for having less thematic armies. So Angmar and Mordor don’t fit naturally because of Geography, whereas Gondor and Rohan do. Hope that helps!

[@bookys1237]

thanks man@@HarryParkhill

[@EntmootVideos]

Agreed!

[@drifter9777]

Does anyone know if you can use the Shielding rule versus bow attacks ?

[@EntmootVideos]

alex bic shielding is where you roll an extra dice in the duel roll to increase your chances of winning (but it means you can’t strike blows). You don’t roll duel rolls against bow fire so no. But having a shield does increase your defence value, so take that into account when trying to wound models when shooting at them!

[@bloodboughtson9126]

Quick question, with this scenario it calls for 12 Riders of Rohan 8 with no additional equipment and 4 with throwing spears. I noticed on the riders that they all have a bow and a quiver of arrows, doesn't that make all them all archers for a turn or two before they get into hand to hand combat?

[@EntmootVideos]

Absolutely, they can move half their usual distance and fire arrows. Without watching this back I don’t know if I went into this in detail on this video, I didn’t want to over complicate it for beginners so may have missed bits out!

[@bloodboughtson9126]

@@EntmootVideos Brilliant! So of they are just within 24 inches of their evil foes at the beginning of there movement phase they could hold until the shooting phase and I would be rolling for 12 hits! I was afraid to commit until I got a more experienced player's input. Thanks!

[@EntmootVideos]

BloodBought Son exactly

[@mattball1990]

i was always under the presumption that if any model was carrying a weapon thats wat they was useing regardles if they had a bow or the arrow caryer ( cant remember the technical name ) then they wasnt able to youse it even if they was carrying it

[@EntmootVideos]

matthew ball No, that’s no longer the case in the new edition. Their weapons are clearly listed in the model’s profile. So all riders of Rohan have bows, and a hand weapon ☺️

[@mephisfenstalig3303]

Is this the new edition?

[@shadowintheeast6042]

The Black Hood 157 yes

[@EntmootVideos]

Hey, yes it is! The basics haven’t changed much since the previous edition but this is all new!!

[@V081WLBlue]

Those red dice seem to only roll 5s and 6s!!!!

[@EntmootVideos]

V081WLBlue hah! Tell me about it!!

[@zeroa6]

Nice video! So... ¿this game can be played completely alone if you wish?. ¿All scenary can be done alone?. I knew this new box is great for creating scenaries and fictional campaings, ¿can only one player do that too?. Regards!

[@EntmootVideos]

zeroa6 it’s designed to be played 1vs 1 but it is definitely possible to play alone, it loses the tactical element but I find it a good way to learn the rules 😊

[@zeroa6]

@@EntmootVideos Absolutely, that was my idea too, practice! Thanks. Subbed!

[@samhayes1212]

Your rider could have shot, if you move full distance you can still shoot but get a -1 modifier to your shot

[@EntmootVideos]

Hi Sam, that's not correct. If you want to shoot, you can move up to half your move, but suffer a -1 to hit. If you don't move at all there's no modifier. If you move over half your move then you can't shoot at all. The Only exceptions are blowpipes, throwing weapons and Crossbows which all have slightly different rules. thanks for watching!

[@danieldyason8711]

do u have to move a certain distance for it to be a charge?

[@EntmootVideos]

Dan Dyason All you have to do is move into base contact with a model. Simply check a model’s move characteristic and if you are within range you can charge!

[@danieldyason8711]

@@EntmootVideos thanks

[@thanewargaming2572]

What is the profile of mordor orcs

[@EntmootVideos]

From memory... F2/5+, S3, D4, w1, a1, C2. Not 100% on the fight value but fairly sure that’s right there!

[@cameronkramer2367]

So is wounding the same thing as killing?

[@EntmootVideos]

Mr Yeast Usually, yes! But against heroes and monsters with multiple wounds or against models with fate or some similar special rules (Uruk Hai Bezerkers for example) it doesn’t always kill them in one.

[@evantaylor2938]

Can ground troops get a charge bonus?

[@EntmootVideos]

In short - no! I can think of only one infantry model in the game which gets the knockdown bonus on the charge and that is Shagrat. But some monsters also have it - like Shelob and dragons etc

[@evantaylor2938]

Battle Games in Middle Earth thank you very much it’s good to know

[@IronLion3391]

did you pop some ecstasy for the sake of making an animated explanation? xD not insulting you, just the pupils dude, dang. thanks for the video, super helpful

[@EntmootVideos]

IronLion3391 hahaha! I think it’s probably cus of the lighting but thanks for the compliment (?) 😜

[@guyhalliday3587]

Is this still relevant or has the game rules changed ???

[@EntmootVideos]

This is still relevant! The book won’t get updated for a while yet, there’s a rerelease this winter which has some updates from FAQs but the basics are still the same

[@jackwickedrisi6552]

you sounds like stewie from family guy just older .

[@EntmootVideos]

WHAT THE DEUCE!?

[@jackwickedrisi6552]

@@EntmootVideos yessss

[@jackwickedrisi6552]

@@EntmootVideos DUDE , I still have no clue how to play warhammer and i really wanna get into it because i love lord of the rings .

[@EntmootVideos]

Jack Wicked Risi I know it’s a long video, but there are others that help too, but this should get you started! Best way is to find someone and have a game, you’ll get stuff wrong but that’s ok! Just enjoy it!

[@jackwickedrisi6552]

@@EntmootVideos will do thanks brudah

[@jingles009]

Dude, I've been looking for a vid like this to give me a really good idea of the game. Unfortunately, can't watch it. Your camera work is HORRIBLE and sickening. If you care about sharing this game, redo it to make it better.

[@EntmootVideos]

jingles009 The trolls are in the third video in the series.

[@DavidSmith-te9gg]

it's not warhammer and has no relation to it :/

[@EntmootVideos]

David Smith It’s made by the same company, which now trades under the name Warhammer.

[@DavidSmith-te9gg]

Battle Games in Middle Earth I know they are made by Games Workshop, but is there any mention of Warhammer on Middle-earth products? The games are Warhammer 40,000 & Warhammer Age of Sigmar but it isn't Warhammer Middle-earth, take a look at the web page. Things may have changed but the license specifically forbade any compatibility with warhammer products, the reason why GW made the model range a smaller scale than WH fantasy models and has never been under the Warhammer banner.

[@L2ggs]

um isnt this game for kids...

[@EntmootVideos]

Says the lad uploading vids about Runescape :D

[@L2ggs]

yes from 6 years ago...when i was a kid...

[@alfredosauce6611]

@@L2ggs I wouldn't say it's a game for kids as most of the community is made up of adults