Master the new Age of Sigmar Battlescroll balance update for 2025, and the key rules changes across all factions, from Order to Chaos!
Updated April 2nd, 2025, by Rob Baer with new information, points, and the most recent April Warscroll updates and FAQs.
The latest Battlescroll Balance update has landed, and it’s shaking things up in Age of Sigmar. With tweaks to double turns, fresh Honour Guard abilities, and faction-specific updates, it’s time to take a closer look at what’s changed. Whether you’re building regiments for a weekend skirmish or plotting your next grand tournament strategy, these updates are packed with opportunities to try something new.
From balancing the infamous double turn to beefing up underused heroes and monsters, the game’s meta is getting a much-needed refresh. Let’s dig into these changes and how they’re reshaping armies from Order to Chaos. Get ready to outwit your opponents with smarter moves, stronger units, and some surprising new strategies!
Age of Sigmar (AoS) Battlescroll Rules Update & Changes
Welcome back to the Mortal Realms, where even the gods need a rules update now and then! This latest batch of tweaks and adjustments from the Age of Sigmar team has something for everyone.
With the new edition settling in and the Faction Packs hot off the presses, the folks at Games Workshop have been fine-tuning the chaos and magic of our beloved Warhammer realms. Here is the latest on the Age of Sigmar Battlescroll updates for 4th Edition AoS.
AoS Core Rules and General’s Handbook Updates:
Alright, reaction lovers, time to level up your mind games. Gone are the days of sneaky “I pass, JK I react!” shenanigans. Now, once both players pass on a reaction in sequence, that door slams shut. It’s like a polite game of “No, after you” that ends with the waiter walking away. This update forces you to commit or risk missing your moment — no more reaction daisy chains. It’s cleaner, fairer, and oh yes, way more intense.
This one’s a sneaky little tweak for the sharp-eyed. Your Infantry Heroes are still ducking out of long-range fire like champs, but now the protection key off models being 12″+ away — not entire units, so if just one sneaky archer model creeps within 12″, they can ruin your Hero’s day. The takeaway? Keep your lines tight and your Heroes behind a solid screen, not just a prayer.
That old FAQ that let you “pass” on a reaction and then jump back in? Deleted, disintegrated, dust in the wind. No more bait-and-switching reactions based on your opponent’s plays.
It’s about time — this shuts down the poker-face standoffs that made the reaction step a mini soap opera. You pass, you’re done. Clean, simple, ruthless.
Advanced AoS Rules Changes
“Covering Fire” used to be the wild west, but now it’s got rules. No more using it while in combat or after a run — your unit’s gotta be fresh and free to lay down suppressing shots. Oh, and here’s the kicker: your target has to be the closest eligible enemy unit, and your attacks are now hitting with -1 to hit. Ouch. Still a solid utility move, but less of a freebie. It’s suppression, not precision sniping — use accordingly.
This new “Obscuring” terrain rule? Love it. If you’re behind or on it, and not in someone’s face, you’re safe from shooting — unless the enemy can fly. Finally, some meaningful cover mechanics! It makes terrain placement feel tactical again. So go ahead, put that statue of Gorkamorka between your squishy wizards and those long-range nightmares.
Good news for your unlucky wizards: miscasting your first spell doesn’t mean you’re done for the round when it comes to banishing manifestations. Sure, your wizard’s face might be smoking, but they can still give that spooky Geminid the boot. Sometimes spite is the best magical fuel.
Multi-part manifestations like the Geminids now move and fight as one. If even one part’s in combat, the whole thing is. Think of them like spooky conjoined twins — if one’s throwing hands, the other better be swinging too. No more cheeky half-in-half-out nonsense. It’s unified chaos or bust.
Want to stick Sigvald in a regiment with another Hero? Go ahead — but only if you’ve got another Warmaster to spare. Why? Because your Warmaster has to be your general, and generals must lead a regiment. It’s like a magical buddy system with aristocratic flair. Fancy footwork for fancy heroes.
Season Rules for 2024-2025
The honour guard rule just got juicier. Your non-Unique Monster (who’s not reinforced and is in a regiment) gets to ignore the sad “Battle Damaged” penalties and gains +1 to hit in melee. Even better? Companion weapons get in on the party. Suddenly, your monsters are hitting like they’re on a Monster Energy sponsorship deal. It’s Primal Rage out there, and I’m loving it.
Grand Alliance: Order AoS Battlescroll Adjustments:
Cities of Sigmar
The scribes of Sigmar got generous and stingy this time. Some budget heroes got even cheaper—like Tahlia Vedra and the Freeguild Marshal on Griffon, both dropping by 30 and 20 points respectively. Big win for cavalry fans too—Freeguild Cavaliers trot in 10 points cheaper.
But not all’s merry in the city: Runelords, Sorceresses, and Executioners got slapped with +10. Apparently, magic and axes got too spicy.
Daughters of Khaine
Just two adjustments here, but it’s a shrine-stopper, it changes how the unit itself is structured.
Lumineth Realm-lords
Light shines bright (and cheaper) this time! Sevireth, Eltharion, and Spirit of the Mountain all dropped in cost—praise be to the points gods! Lyrior, though, had a glow-up in price. Probably all that fancy armor. Or the eyebrows.
Sylvaneth
Gossamid Archers’ Zephyrspites ability got a nerf bat kiss—you can still fly away, but not into combat. Which, let’s be honest, is fair. Firing a bow, then faceplanting into an ogre was not the Sylvaneth way.
No increases here—turns out, forest vengeance is in vogue and on sale as the regiment options get increased.
Fyreslayers
It’s a forge-fresh shuffle in Aqshy. Grimwrath Berzerkers gained 20 points—guess rage is a premium. Meanwhile, the Runemaster is now 10 points wiser.” But hey, Auric Flamekeeper, Grimhold Exile, and Runeson on Magmadroth all got cheaper. Somebody’s stoking the budget-friendly fires.
Idoneth Deepkin
The tides are turning in your favor! Volturnos, Allopexes, and even the rarely seen Scinari Enlightener all dropped in cost. But there’s a storm brewing—Akhelian Leviadon got a +10 tax. You still want that giant turtle, but now it’ll cost you extra sea-silver.
Kharadron Overlords
Sky-pirates, rejoice! Admiral and Gunhauler just got a points discount, making your fleets just a little more airworthy. Only real downside? Brokk Grungsson got a 10-point ego boost. Guess he really wanted to stand out in the codebook.
Seraphon
Dino deals! The mighty Stegadon crashed down by a whopping 40 points—saurus stampede incoming. However, the Mighty Lord Kroak went up 20 points, but he’s still a monster.
Stormcast Eternals
Ruination Chamber now gives a 4+ resistance roll against battlefield abilities (you know, all that “mortal realm is on fire” nonsense). Your golden boys are marching through magical hellscapes like it’s just a light drizzle.
Also, Vanguard Chamber units now get the Warmaster keyword when required because when Neave Blacktalon is in charge, she’s in charge.
Sigmar’s golden boys and girls got a divine discount. Celestant-Prime, Yndrasta, and even Sequitors (by a ridiculous 50 points!) all got cheaper. On the flip side, Prosecutors and Vanguard-Raptors with Hurricane Crossbows are flying a little too high and now cost more. Apparently, mobility does have a price.
Grand Alliance: Chaos Age of Sigmar Rules & Battlescroll Adjustments:
Blades of Khorne
It’s a literal bloodbath of point tweaks. Bloodthirster of Unfettered Fury and Realmgore Ritualist went up (+10 and +20), probably because they’ve been smashing too many skulls. On the flip side, Bloodcrushers, Bloodmaster, and Skullmaster all dropped in cost. So yeah, Daemon Cav just became more tempting than a skull pile on Skullmas.
Disciples of Tzeentch
Change? Oh, Tzeentch is all about change. The Screamers and Tzaangor Enlightened on Discs both dropped points. However, there was one NERF to the Changeling, but nothing huge.
Hedonites of Slaanesh
First off—Dexcessa’s “Joyous Battle Fury” now gives bonus attacks just for having tokens, not only for earning them that turn. So yes, you can bask in the glory of yesterday’s kills and still flail harder today.
Also, the revamped “An Excess of Depravity” battle trait is a mini-game of risk vs reward. You hand your opponent temptation dice—which they can use to roll 6s at key moments—but if they roll low instead, they take D3 damage. It’s like offering someone a cursed cupcake. They will eat it. And you will laugh.
It’s a mixed bag of pain and pleasure. Blissbarb Seekers cost 10 more—because nothing says elite like delicate archers on cocaine deer. Meanwhile, Shalaxi (-30) and Sigvald (-20) are more affordable now, so you can strut your way into battle with extra flair and fewer regrets.
Maggotkin of Nurgle
Big ooze discounts! Rotigus (-30), Pusgoyle Blightlords (-30), and Lord of Afflictions (-20) are spreading plague and savings. Only minor downside? Lord of Blights is 10 points chunkier, probably because he’s been hoarding all the rot.
Beasts of Chaos
Looks like the herd got a little too rowdy. Great Bray-Shaman, Bestigors, and Ungors are each 10 points more now—guess cheap chaos is out of fashion. But hey, Dragon Ogors are 20 points cheaper, so you can still stampede on a budget thanks to the new Age of Sigmar Battlescroll.
Skaven
Splinters of the Vermindoom now lets you drop a Gnawhole mid-game, but with tight restrictions: 9″ from enemies, 3″ from objectives, and 1″ from terrain. Still—mid-game teleportation for rats? That’s just rude. Also, Stormfiends’ tunneling is now a once-per-turn option for your whole army’s movement phase. Get ready for mole-rat mayhem.
The rat race is real—and cheaper than ever. Hell Pit Abomination, Warplock Jezzails, Rat Ogors, Warp Lightning Cannon, and even the Warlock Engineer all got point drops. Skaven players are squeaking with glee (and probably taking 12 weapon teams again).
Slaves to Darkness
Slaanesh-worshipping mortals now get to roll 3 dice for charges, pick the best two. More speed, more options. More… Slaanesh. Slaughterbrutes, meanwhile, get real nasty when near their master—bonus dice on charge rolls, and now their weapons ignore that awkward “Companion” restriction. Turns out leash training does pay off.
Darkness gets a little lighter on your wallet. Daemon Prince, Abraxia, Ogroid Myrmidon, Exalted Hero, and Chaos Lord on Mount all dropped in points. Meanwhile, Be’lakor and Gaunt Summoner got pricier (+20). He is the Dark Master, after all—he’s allowed to charge more.
Grand Alliance: Death AoS Rules & Battlescrolls Adjustments:
Nighthaunt
A pair of spooks got cheaper: both Knight of Shrouds versions had a trim in terms of regiment options. Ghost with the most? Definitely on sale.
Soulblight Gravelords
Discounts for the dead: Radukar the Beast (-30) is a steal, Vampire Lord is 20 cheaper, and Vargheists are down by 10. But Dire Wolves are up 10, so you might need to think twice before flooding the field with good boys.
Flesh-Eater Courts
Looks like the ghouls have been to finishing school—because “Raise the Banners” just got a tasty little upgrade. Now, whenever you’re using an ability to bring models back outside of combat, you get a bonus. If it’s a Serfs unit (your classic ghoul mobs), you just straight up get one extra body back. Boom. More hands for the buffet.
If it’s a Knights unit (your fancy Flayers and Horrors), you roll a die—and on a 4+, you get an extra model there too. Not guaranteed, but hey, it’s free meat on top of meat.
Royal madness now at a discount! Ghoul Kings on Zombie Dragon or Terrorgheist both dropped 20, and Gorewarden is 10 cheaper. But Morbheg Knights (+20) and Ushoran (+20) are more expensive now—delusions of grandeur come at a cost.
Ossiarch Bonereapers
Bones getting budget-friendly: Gothizzar Harvester saw a massive -30 drop, and Arkhan, Zandtos, and a couple Mortisans all slimmed down by 10–20. Death just got a little more efficient—and that’s terrifying.
Warhammer Grand Alliance Destruction AoS Rules Adjustments:
Ogor Mawtribes: Age of Sigmar Battlescroll Rules
The big boys are feeling heavier—Frostlord on Stonehorn (+10), Huskard on Stonehorn (+20), and Stonehorn Beastriders (+10) are all more expensive now. Mammoth tax. But don’t worry, Ogor Gluttons dropped by 10. So go on—eat your points back.
Ironjawz
Skaregob Totem now gives a bonus to dirty tricks rolls if you’re close. Get closer with a Shouty Boss, and the bonus range jumps. This terrain piece is basically a greasy aura of mischief now. Also, Breaka-boss on Mirebrute Troggoth got a new Control characteristic of 5, because big angry swamp monsters definitely know how to command a battlefield… by smashing it.
Only one change, but it’s a tusky one—Tuskboss on Maw-grunta can go to any Ironjawz regiment.
Gloomspite Gitz
Skragrott’s Babbling Wand is now a CP-saving megaphone for redeploys. Which means more slippery gobbo nonsense for free. Droggz Da Sunchompa can now bounce a unit out of combat after fighting on a 4+—through enemies but not ending in combat. Tactical retreat? More like squig-spin getaway. And yes, Snarlboss on War-Wheela can now pull along heroes too. Goofy? Absolutely. Effective? You bet.
Sneaky tweaks also hit stuff like: Snarlfang Riders’ jaws are now more accurate (4+ to hit!). Webspinner Shamans lost control (literally, their stat dropped from 5 to 2). Moonhoned Shiv buffs now stack.
Watch your heroes get sharper. And big moon energy: clarified movement buffs like “Lunar Squigs” now replace the dice, not the whole move stat—meaning your Squig Hoppers are hitting 12″ with laser-guided precision. Bounce on.
It’s raining buffs, and the mushroom boys are feasting. Sneaky Snufflers dropped 30 points—that’s basically free. Loonsmasha Fanatics, Moonclan Shootas, Stabbas, Sporesplatta Fanatics, and even Fellwater Troggoths all took a dive too. No nerfs in sight. It’s official: the Bad Moon is in a generous mood.
Kruleboyz
Swamp folks are getting sly. Killaboss on Great Gnashtoof shed 10 points—guess the big dog is back on the menu.
Sons of Behemat
One king to rule them all—and he now costs +20 points. Yep, King Brodd got a crown-sized tax. But look down (not literally, they’re all massive)—Kraken-eater Mega-Gargant is 20 points cheaper. Brodd giveth, the sea taketh away.
Regiments of Renown Points & AoS Rules Changes
Looks like Games Workshop is doing its best infomercial impression, because Regiments of Renown are now cheaper than ever. Points are dropping across the board, and it’s pretty clear why—they want you to try them. Whether it’s a mushroom-fueled loon squad, a swampy skulk fest, or a firebelly with something to prove, these pre-packaged power parcels are being priced to move.
It’s basically the AoS equivalent of “first one’s free.” Now’s the perfect time to spice up your list, fill an awkward gap in your points, or just throw in that one weird unit you’ve been side-eyeing since launch. Think of it as Warhammer’s version of trying a new food truck—you might just discover your new favorite combo.
Legends AoS Rules Changes
In a surprise twist, the Legends units—those classic models collecting dust (or glory) on your shelves—are getting some love in 4th Edition. In the new Age of Sigmar Battlescroll, they were updated with new keywords. This means your old-school favorites can now slot more naturally into themed regiments and army structures. That said, let’s not get too carried away—they’re still strictly for casual play.
So no, you won’t see someone trying to sneak Gavriel Sureheart into a tournament like it’s 2019 again. But if you’re looking to spice up your garage games or bring back a beloved hero for narrative reasons, it’s genuinely nice to see GW tossing them a bone—well, a keyword.
Final Thoughts on the 4th Edition Warhammer AoS Rules & Battlescroll Changes
And there you have it—some major rules and Battlescroll shakeups from Games Workshop for Age of Sigmar (AoS) Warhammer across the Mortal Realms! From the squishy squigs of Gloomspite Gitz to the lightning-clad warriors of Stormcast Eternals, everyone’s had a moment under the metaphorical points scalpel from Games Workshop in this AoS Warhammer update.
Click Here to Download All the New Rules Changes!
What do you think about the changes the Games Workshop made for Warhammer AoS Age of Sigmar Battlescroll and rules changes?
