Find out what’s new in the Warhammer Underworlds Embergard starter set, from gameplay changes, new warbands, and a full review of this exciting edition.
Warhammer Underworlds New Edition: Epic Battles Unfold in Embergard’s Emberstone Mines
The new edition of Warhammer Underworlds brings a thrilling shift to the game, transporting players to the ruined city of Embergard for the next Starter Set. Once a thriving Dawnbringer settlement, Embergard now lies in ruins, overrun by Skaven hordes and marked by the eerie glow of emberstone, a valuable resource native to Aqshy. This latest chapter breathes fresh life into Warhammer Underworlds, offering revamped rules and a new setting designed to captivate players!
The Story Unfolds in Embergard
Embergard was a prosperous mining city before it fell victim to the Skaven’s Vermindoom. Now, it’s a battlefield where ambitious warbands descend into the emberstone mines in search of glory and riches. Two key factions dominate the core set: the Emberwatch, a trio of elite Stormcast Eternals led by Ardorn Flamerunner, and Zikkit’s Tunnelpack, a Skaven warband obsessed with warp-drilling through the city’s underground tunnels. This stark contrast between the disciplined Stormcast and the chaotic Skaven provides a compelling narrative foundation for the game.
The Emberwatch’s mission is clear: they are sent from the heavens to protect the emberstone mines, a crucial resource in Aqshy, and to restore order. On the other hand, Zikkit Rockgnaw and his followers are determined to seize control of the mines with their madcap technology, risking life and limb in their reckless pursuit of power.
Revamped Rules and Streamlined Play
This edition of Warhammer Underworlds brings significant changes to gameplay mechanics, reflecting the developers’ commitment to enhancing the player experience. One of the most notable changes is the removal of older card mechanics that created frustrating scenarios, ensuring a more balanced and dynamic game. Players will no longer encounter “feels bad” moments where a single hand of cards determines the outcome from the start.
The new edition also introduces Warband Warscroll Cards, which simplify each warband’s core abilities, making it easier for players to master their preferred style. Rather than relying on a warband-specific deck, every warband can now use a variety of universal Rivals decks, creating more flexibility in play.
The core set includes four of these decks: Blazing Assault, Emberstone Sentinels, Countdown to Cataclysm, and Pillage & Plunder. Each offers a distinct strategy, catering to different playstyles such as strike, mastery, and take-and-hold tactics.
Visual and Practical Updates For Warhammer Underworlds Embergard Starter Set
A key change is the updated card design. The new cards now feature pictures of the models instead of abstract art, making it easier for players to connect the cards with the miniatures on the table. This visual clarity helps streamline gameplay, especially for newcomers who may find it easier to learn the game without needing to interpret artwork.
Additionally, the game board has been revamped, moving away from the previous two-board setup to a double-sided board that simplifies the playing field. The 36-page rulebook is also a significant improvement, cutting down the core rules to just 16 pages, with the basic gameplay explained in only seven. This makes it possible to start playing in minutes while retaining tactical depth for more experienced players.
An Inclusive and Competitive Future
With 58 warbands released over seven years, Warhammer Underworlds has built an extensive roster, and this new edition ensures that every one of those warbands remains relevant. All warbands will receive updated rules, and while older cards and boards will no longer be compatible, the miniatures themselves can still be used, giving long-time players an opportunity to bring their beloved warbands into the new edition.
Final Thoughts on the New Edition of Underworlds Embergard
In the end, whether you’re a battle-hardened Stormcast warrior or a mad Skaven tinkerer, this new edition of Warhammer Underworlds offers something exciting for everyone. With streamlined rules, fresh mechanics, and the darkly fascinating setting of Embergard, it’s never been easier—or more fun—to plunge into the chaos of emberstone-fueled conflict. Whether you’re fighting for the glory of the Vanguard or the twisted ambitions of Zikkit’s Tunnelpack, this edition brings all the excitement of the Age of Sigmar universe right to your tabletop.
All the Latest Warhammer Rules & Model Rumors
What do you think about the new edition of Warhammer Underworlds Embergard and the updated starter set?
About the Author: Travis Pasch
Travis Pasch
Job Title: Head Writer & Editor
Socials: @paschbass
About Travis Pasch: Travis has been a Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the 1990s, playing the game since Third Edition. Through extensive traveling, he’s seen a lot of the miniatures hobby from across the world, giving him a unique perspective on the latest gaming topics and trends.
Travis’s brother even owns a commission painting studio, where he’s picked up a lot of good advice and techniques for painting Warhammer and tabletop miniatures over the years, as well. Travis joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the lead writer since 2020.
Currently, he’s working on converting all his 40k Adeptus Mechanicus models and becoming a true tech enjoyer, complete with both sad and happy robot noises!
