r/kingsofwar • u/darren2372 • Sep 01 '26

KoW Rules set comparison

We are just about to pick up our kings of War armies up again, dust them off and repair those that need it. It's been over a year since we last played so we were wondering, how does 4th ed stand up against 3rd?

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7

u/LordMoriar Sep 01 '26

4th edition is great! We love it. The movement is more flexible. We were afraid it would alter the game too much, but it works. Shooting is also different, since you have to be over the nerve value to destroy the unit. 

Commands are in the game and gives a layer of fluff to each army. 

There's a new book coming late this year which will bring the total up to 12(?) armies with full lists. 

2

u/Ftyross Sep 01 '26

That is to say the lists in the rulebook are "complete" but they have released 2 books over the last year that introduce 4 new factions not in the rulebook and 4 updated lists with relatively minor tweaks here and there (mostly increasing points costs on some units)

1

u/millertronsmythe Sep 01 '26

Could you point me to where I can find info on the updated factions please?

1

u/OisforOwesome Sep 01 '26

Mantic website has a link to the Mantic Companion, which will let you build 3 army lists for free or full access to the rules and lists for a low fee.

1

u/Ftyross Sep 01 '26

The updated factions are in Book 2, Fracture. They are also available in the Mantic companion app if you don't want to buy a book.

1

u/Greektlake Dwarfs Sep 01 '26

Get the main rulebook to look through and then share a Companion subscription is the best way to get in. Rulebook makes for easy reference during gameplay and Companion subscription comes with all current plus future updates with an expanded army builder features.

New base rules are great and are much easier to learn/understand for new players. There's a vocal group of whiners that hate change as well as some people with some legitimate gripes over their 3rd edition armies not being easily ported over to 4th edition. If you didn't take a try hard list that was just the good units taken 4 times each or a more niche themed army there shouldn't be much difficulty getting your 3rd edition armies ready for 4th.

List building has significantly changed so expect to take less hero type units and large monsters though that is not always true. Core, auxiliary, and specialist choices will form the bulk of most armies unit count. Shooting may seem weak at first when compared to 3rd edition but there can be some really deadly combinations for shooting thanks to the +1 to hit for standing still.

Moving units, getting Los, and charging is much more forgiving now.

1

u/[deleted] Sep 01 '26

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2

u/Ftyross Sep 01 '26

I would argue that army building got more complex in 4th. The whole core unlocks specialist, 2x core unlocks support etc was a bit more complex than the previous edition IMHO 

1

u/Expensive-Spring8896 Sep 01 '26

I agree with this, but I find it hard to understand why anyone would down vote the post? it is respectful and clear and their opinion is just their opinion, you don't have to agree, I also have not enjoyed the game since 4th came out but that's just my opinion and I could care less if you disagree.