GMG Reviews - SPEARHEAD: Fire & Jade by Games Workshop 

If this turns out to be successful, then I’d like to see GW apply this concept to 40K combat patrol too.

Spearhead sounds exactly like what I've wanted GW to do. A good game, with compelling decisions, that's accessible and not a 'full time hobby' to keep up with

"I want to be able to play two or three games with my friends in a night, I want to be able to play on a table this size and have a couple beers and laughs and enjoy the process...." This is the most accurate description of what I want table top gaming. I was really skeptical about Spearhead after Combat Patrol, but you sold me Ash. I just don't have time for GW games anymore, and keeping up with the constant FAQS, the long and grinding games, etc. This sounds perfect for someone like me who wants an accessible game that I actually have enough time to paint an army for and can actually play a few games of when I am able to make to time see my friends to game. I don't think I have ever seen you as excited about a GW product Ash, it's really infectious and I can't wait to try out Spearhead.

Man, this sounds exactly like what I hoped it would be. Sweet.

My group is excited to start playing spearhead. We are going to be doing a spearhead roulette.

I was really excited for this. I'm glad to hear its been fun and it sounds like you've played a number of games

I'm planning on getting into Spearhead and getting a few armies. First will be the Seraphon

As a bundle vs bundle mode this is fine, but as a solid way to play the smallest games of either 40K or AoS they need to look again at the mustering rules for Boarding Patrol, which allows only units that are sensible for small games(foot soliders), and also removes certain unit rules. Some large 10-model units could also be split into two, which is what we need for the smallest of games.

Wow. Spearhead sounds fucking DOPE! :O

Can’t wait for this! Hope the book on its own won’t be too far behind the big box.

Yes! Yes yes yes! Soooo excite! HYPE! OHBOYOHBOYOHBOY.. I might be a little amped for this one

The card mechanics seem to be very similar to the Quartermaster General series. This could get me to paint up ome bone reapers.

I should probably check out the Spearhead rules...

Combat Patrol got me excited about getting into 40K last year, and I have since switched to Grimdark Future Firefight. This sounds like a great development of that idea! I'm really curious about the potential "ultimate starter set" version of the launch box.

Correction, the combat patrol missions are available for free download. They came out about a week after the combat patrol sheets.

That "This is the most excited I've been about a GW product since Cursed City" made me laugh out loud. So very true, the idea of a curated game is great, but if GW treat this as a lesser version of AoS then it's destined to fail.

I agree Spearhead should be promoted as a game on its own, I love the idea you suggest of "buy the book, pick a box of miniatures, and that's all you need", but that's just not true is it? They are not pitching it as a standalone game, they are already pitching it as a starter into bigger Warhammer, e.g. why are they not launching the new edition with a Spearhead set? Skaventide has both the tournament game plus Spearhead in one box, which makes no sense to me, surely a consumer is interested in only one or the other. Why are they calling it a 'battlepack', will they sell the book separately and if so will it come with the cards, how much will be available as a free download, do I really need the battleboard to play, etc. I'm already confused. The reality is that GW sells miniatures, not games, and they want to hook consumers into endless collecting, they are not really interested in standalone games. It's the same story as Combat Patrol.

well done as always, but I'm sorry you didn't make any comparison with Warcry which in our opinion remains one of the best GW games (as rules). Unfortunately, it is poorly supported or rather, not supported as it should be for an easy, fun and varied game (after the first edition). what do you think? Is Spearhead comparable to Warcry in terms of rules originality and fun? and yes we all want a similar version for 40K Combat Patrol it's really bad

One thing I'm a little unclear on: If this is supposed to be an onramp for Age of Sigmar, is it sold separately? Is there a Spearhead box, or is it only available in the Skaventide box?

So, if I have models, board, some circles, terrain, what do I need to play, sounds like just the one book and the card deck?

Very tired of the competitive metawatch cycle of constant faqs and balances based of tournament results. Been looking for something new to try, and it looks like I'm down to either spearhead or horus heresy. Spearhead will probably be where i land due to the significantly lower cost and faster game time

Yeah, Combat Patrol was a big disappointment. Really just a way to learn the rules, not a fun format for repeated play. It seems like the AoS team put a lot more effort into Vanguard, making an actual playable game format between Warcry and full AoS.

Spearhead sounds perfect for me as someone long lapsed from full army wargaming. All I'll say is, contrary to what you said, don't rush into a 40k version for a good while. 40k doesn't need help getting new players. Let spearhead be the thing, for a while. Let it breathe. It needs support not just from GW but communities.

I’m done with GW .

Ash, "We've done our best to break this game..." Announcer, "Paging Gaming With The Cooler... Will Owen please report to the Testing Chamber?"

This game mode alone is what will get me back into Warhammer. I've been hoping for a self-contained and balanced game that emphasizes gameplay over lawyering and rerolling.

As usual, great content! 👋 How does this compare to Warcry? If the comparison makes sense at all, I don't know... Which one do you enjoy the most?

I love the idea that I can go to my FLGS pick the box that has coolest models and have a full army out of the box. The whole “Build, Paint , and Play” is complete.

This feels like a significantly better implementation of what Combat Patrol was trying to be for 40k - I'm very excited for this, as it scratches my 'oooh, lets try that faction' itch in a managable way. I guess feels more cohesive as a concept? Like the whole new AoS edition and this feels a bit less like 'well it's been 3 years, time for a new edition' and more like someone had a clear idea on 'nah, I can make this better!' for the game.

Hyped for the new Age of Sigmar! I moved on from 40k to Horus Heresy, MESBG and Old World. There are so much better Games Workshop rulesets around.

I've been super excited about spearhead since it was announced, and I feel like the spearheads have more character to them than the combat patrols. I've already painted up the Lumineth and Flesh-Eaters spearheads and am working on the idoneth one for my wife.

I told myself I wouldn't get this new box. I got the last AoS starter box and did not even play a single game of AoS 3.0. But this smaller format does sound appealing. I have to think they will sell the Spearhead Fire&Jade (book, terrain, board) as a standalone item as well shortly after the big box releases.

Dangit, this spearhead business actually looks kind of interesting! Thanks for the great chat 🙂

I'm mixed on Spearhead. From the negative side, anything without listbuilding is usually a pass for me (one of the (many) reasons that _Kill Team_ '21 was such a disappointment); I enjoy exploring the system and funky combinations as much as playing the game. Second, I have four armies in AoS, and I can field none of the Spearheads without proxying -- apparently I don't build around the core they expect -- which means that despite having definitely paid an entry fee, I need another ticket for this tent. On the other hand, I prefer smaller format to larger (I'd never leave the skirmish range, but everyone around here refuses to allow that something that has a reasonable pricetag is a real game). Plus, I am very much the type who would like to try out this or that faction without having to commit to an army. Just about every game of AoS winds up close, because we have a good core group, so I'm neutral on _Mario Kart_ mechanics; but the card-based decision-making is at least a novel element for AoS. Someone around here will have it, so I'll definitely give it a whirl. Probably the biggest issue is, as you mention, how GW-Moneyside regards this child of GW-Gameside. They kill their own with lack of support, and I have no interest in buying into something that will be: a) forgotten, b) subject to constant revision, or c) superseded by newer boxes with better rules every few months. For the past few years, the Warhammer-Community site has been that acquaintance that talks to you only when it wants money.

Yo, this review made me buy a Spearhead kit off of somebody for cheap. I’m building two Spearheads right now with my kid. It really seems to be what Combat Patrol SHOULD HAVE BEEN. But hey, that gave us a reason to finally get the cool AoS models we have always wanted without having to invest in big armies to have fun.

Saturday morning reviews!🎉🥳

I feel to fux the combat patrol’s they have to take out the tanks and artillery the rangers can be obnoxious. Its the abusive shooting that had me walk away from 40k. You have peaked my interest in spearhead tho. Great review. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🤩

Id buy these combo sets if it wasnt always Stormcast on the other side. I really have 0 interest in them, and their new models and cut down range has made me like them even less. Feels like im accidentally building a collection at this point.

My older brother was asking me what I felt attractive about Spearhead, and as I watched the demo and your thoughts it came to me! This feels like a taster version of "WH40K: Apocalypse," which I was super-psyched for because it changes the standard Warhammer model in all those similar ways. (When 9th edition was just '8th with more complexity' I was very sad!) Similarly I, too, wanted to be excited for Combat Patrol but just... meh. Spearhead has me thinking, planning, excited to build and kitbash and paint... !!!

I wonder if it's finally time for me to get my tree demons. I love the Sylvaneth line but just haven't had a desire to get into a full army game. I like skirmish games because I can do lots of different projects. This seems like a spearhead could be a similar little project.

are you locked to the Spearhead box army as it is in the box? or are there rules for customised Spearhead army? it feels like GW is intentionally shafting people who bought launch boxes as I don't think the Spearhead boxes corresponds to any of the previous launch boxes as far as I can see. e.g. Dominion owners would need to buy Stormstrike Chariot and Vanquishers to make up the Spearhead box

I despise Battle Tactics in AoS. As someone who has played with the Spearhead version (and maybe 4th proper?), what do you think of using the Spearhead Tactic cards for full AoS games? Definitely looking forward to Spearhead as a standalone experience.

sounds like everything combat patrol should have been.

This is the first time ive seen AoS game that im really tempted to play. Combat patrol could learn a lot from this.

Wont succeed unless gw gets behind it... Looks at boarding actions with sad eyes

Once I’ve finished my Slaves to Darkness Spearhead I’m definitely considering doing a Skaven one too yes-yes 🐀🐀🐀

Combat Patrol felt like an addendum, just a little thing they've added to make playing with low points tolerable. Spearhead, with it's own book and card deck, is already very different. I don't think it will get much attention besides a new book or card deck now and then, though. GW is too focused on hyping the next thing and keeping their core audience spending. After AoS4 is out they'll already prepare their Necromunda release and the next codexes/armybooks etc.

Any rules for multiplayer games? Out of my friends, there are exactly two who are into this. I'd hate to one of us sit out every game.

I'm also really excited for spearhead. I got into Age of Sigmar last year for the painting with no real expectation to ever play. I can't imagine my friends getting into Age of Sigmar. The models really expensive and the rules are way too complex unless you're already familiar with wargames. But I can see myself teaching friends how to play Spearhead. And the boxes are a good value anyways.

The perfect way for me and my son to play AOS. Don't see myself playing full AOS anytime soon.

This is crazy. In the past, the Age of Sigmar box sets I own have been broken before you finish one game. The idea that you could “try” to break an age of sigmar product is mind blowing 😂

This might just be my foray into Age of Sigmar. At least, model collecting wise. I'll have to see how the game actually plays out to really make a judgement. I get the feeling there's going to be just one rule that really stands out to me as stupid and pointless.

sounds awesome and just for new comer like myself, is it a box set? just a book? couldn’t find anything more on Google. Thanks. love your vids.

To play devils advocat: If Spearhead turns out to be the most successful thing ever, it could put GW in an awkward position. It would mean, people are less likely to buy the other expensive unit/hero boxes for the specific army. Don't know if GW is willing to let that fly...

As with 9th, my ‘wait and see’ on 40k 10th is turning into ‘just find something better to play until 11th’. I’m thrilled that both AoS 4th and now Spearhead are looking like just what I want. Pinch me!

It really does seem like one version of play ends up the only one that matters. While Spearhead might be nice for beginners, I think list building is a big thing for players, otherwise you're just doing the same game over and over again. Especially for smaller forces.

Hearing about that the painted armies in the book are staff armies really piqued my interest. Your observation that these would be adults with their full time jobs unrelated to painting these minis finding the time to do that and playtesting Spearhead feels so good to hear.

Do we know who the lead designers were for this game? It's very sad GW don't seem to publish this data any more. I listened to an interview with Andy Chambers and he thought it was very bad that nobody gets credits as it's detrimental for their career. For him and Jervis and the rest of them etc having their name be on the product gave them so much kudos and helped them get work when their time at GW eventually came to an end.

Fantastic review! I am looking forward to seeing the Battle Reports! But I am wondering if this format will have legs and still be played in 5 years.

the mission back for combat patrol is a download too fyi

Great review Ash! Got me super excited to try it out and teach my kids too. Thanks again for this video!

Yeah but I don't like the models chosen for each army

Kill Team got so close to this but that whole metawatch and 3 months update cycle is killing me.

This made me a lot more confident about AoS, and warhammer in general. I know who I need to have a conversation with over the next couple days

Pretty interesting review. I haven't played AOS and haven't played 40k in forever, but I've always thought about it. I got into the war games through Warmachine, so this seems a little like the community developed Brawlmachine except officially supported by GW. However, I won't be trying to get into the Skaventide big box. That's just too much stuff and more than I want to pay right now. It will be interesting to see what the release will look like when they divide the Spearhead parts out of the big box for individual sale. Will that make the price point much less inviting? Will I then need to purchase a book, a board, some card decks and 1-2 Spearhead boxes separately? Will they print enough cards? Also, one of the things that has intrigued me about AOS is the magic phase. However, from what I understand magic is now just broken up into "abilities" in 4th edition. Also, it seems like magic might be an "advanced" rule and so is not included in Spearhead at all. Is that true?

Well, this sounds incredibly promising

Would the terrain match up with what came in the Warcry starter box?

Ugh - this looks awesome and I really hope it doesn't go the way of Combat Patrol, as you discussed. These...spin-off?...games often have a hard time taking hold with gaming groups. But it seems fantastic to all your points.

Great insight! Awesome video as always. Ash! I just love the way you connect with what's in our minds (as miniature war gamers) and answer our questions before we even find a way to articulate them. I really enjoy your games and your videos because I know I will find the right amount of depth. I just learned about this new Spearhead format and it sounds exciting. Thank you Ash!

As someone who's enjoyed Combat Patrol, this might actually get me into AOS. Interested to see if its easy to get into without buying skaventide as my son and I would prefer different armies. Let's see what GW puts out.

I just can't be bothered with another version of Combat Patrol. It's just Warcry sized up without the flair. This "trial and error" way of production is just leaving me faithless. I will see what happens with it but I suspect it will be a pass from me

That sounds good. Surprisingly good. I hope it gets continued support. You’ve almost got me regretting selling my AoS stuff🤔

The different factions being properly balanced against each other is the most important thing for the longevity of the game. The Combat Patrol boxes are by far not balanced against each other, and this causes loss of interest even in beginner players when they learn that they will never win because they chose poorly.

'Sunday night spearhead' - I hope someone at GW is taking notes, that's a killer branding for this! Combat patrol threw me in terms of trying to understand when there's 40k rules updates, what actually applies to combat patrol or not.

Do we know if the book and the cards will be available separately down the line or is it only going to be in the big starter box?

Your old intro music used to make me click away one out of two times. Good on you for changing it

Finally, what I've been looking for forever in Warhammer, mostly for the classic wanting to play a game that doesn't take forever, and can play with the fam.

What is a TSN Turning Point?

How many of the Spearheads have you tried? I know GW sometimes leaves some in the dust especially if they have a lower model count than the other boxes. I’m currently working on the FEC combat patrol, I was so excited to see they got to keep the deed points!

The Sword, Dead Kennedys and MadVillian?! Now you’re speaking my language

Great video and comentary Ash. Can't wait for a 40K iteration too!

I think it will be an interesting starter game but that's it a starting point. I know for a fact the community I'm in would just use it to bring a newbie into the community. (My community is lovely and not toxic in case you where wondering) But a newbie would play this a few times with a patient member until they knew this was their game and then they'd be brought into proper AoS, and spearhead would be left behind like the stabilizers on a kids bike now they can ride on their own. I'd love to see the look on one our grizzled veterans face if another grizzled veteran said. "Hey should we play spearhead tonight?". They just be like " Why? "

What an incredibly exciting review. Exactly what we were hoping for. Cannot wait to get this on the table (and show it to some new players)!

I'm so glad they brought back dogshit paintjobs in the books. 'Eavy Metal everything looks good for marketing but showing the game as "pro painted" in every single image creates a massive barrier to entry. I missed the days of staff armies being prominently displayed in the books as a celebration that they completed an force. I hope GW brings more of it back, but I doubt it.

Thanks for giving an overview. This sounds like an amazing experience and a game that is something to get into.

We have needed to break the stigma of not playing a full sized game for a long time. Spearhead and Combat Patrol works pretty well for this. I prefer having some sort of list building though. I like how Kings of War did it with Ambush.

Are there absolutely no cons about the game? Just curious cause it sounded like a completely flawless game.

got me fired up and i dont even play games anymore

I am completely sold on this thanks to your review.

Ash being hyped for something makes me hyped for it too

"If GW doesn't support this, it will get paved over just like Combat Patrol as it's not playing 'real warhammer'" Ash, I love that you're an optimist, but we both know that this is exactly what is going to happen. Sunday night spearhead and encouraging the hobbyist doesn't put numbers on a power point for a corporate board meeting, and the share holders want to see numbers.

People will still min max and they’ll try and take this the “tournament” route. Hope FAQ and data slate updates don’t become a thing for this but I’m not hopeful. I want to actually try this and I’m very “meh” on AOS and the lore but this has me interested.

Very encouraging; thanks Ash!

Ok i was on the fence, but this seems like it will be perfect for my midweek after-work games nights.

Interesting ♨now 🙏🏼🖤

What inch or cm are the Spearhead object fields. I would also like to make it myself.

Well you sold me good sir

Did Jervis have a hand in the design of this? Or was he already retired?

I am hyped by this.

The way you describe GW's view of Spearhead means how good the game will actually be, it reminds me of how Corvus Belli views Code One. To them CO is only ever the stepping stone to N4. I feel GW feels the same way about Spearhead. They see it as only a stepping stone to full AoS. With that mindset, Spearhead will never grow and truly be its own thing. It's just the junior version of the game they actually want you to play.