Starting the game for first time

cooper101183 · **Posted:** Wed Apr 30, 2014 5:13 am

Ive been collecting and painting the models for a few months now but really feel like I am missing out by not enjoying the game, I have bought the 3 LOTR battlegames books as well as 2 supplement books but trying to read and take in all the rules is really complicated and I give up. Is there a simplified book, guide or way that can help? I chatted to a few people and they have said they left the game because GW continually changes the rules, is this true? Any help advice is welcome as I really want to try this out. I have a younger brother that I am going to use as guineapig and hopefully I can convert him too

templar_tony · **Posted:** Wed Apr 30, 2014 6:09 am

Were you getting started with the War of the Ring game or the Strategy Battle Game?

I only ask because you're posting in the War of the Ring thread which is the super sized battle game for hundreds of miniatures. For smaller games you would be looking at Hobbit Strategy Battle Game (as its officially called).

And would be best to start here in the beginners thread:

viewforum.php?f=46

cooper101183 wrote:

I chatted to a few people and they have said they left the game because GW continually changes the rules, is this true?

I suppose that depend on what timeframe you are looking at. The game was updated with new rules when the first hobbit movie came out and had a scenario/character expansion with the release of the Desolation of Smaug. Unlike Warhammer 40k, Hobbit/Lord of the Rings isn't exactly GWs cash machine so game updates and "codex" releases come much slower. Games do and need an update occasionally as was the case with the old LotR:SBG rules.

cooper101183 · **Posted:** Thu May 01, 2014 12:12 pm

Thanks for replying. I did not realise the WOTR was a separate game to the battle strategy game.

mertaal · **Posted:** Thu May 01, 2014 1:09 pm

Basically, War of the Ring is a full battle scale game, while SBG is more of a skirmish level game.

I've never played WotR, and my painted collection is not big enough to do so just yet, but I'm getting close to 1500 of 2000 (SBG) points of Isengard, so contemplating it seriously!

However, to start off with I think the SBG is probably easier to learn, collect for and to get opponents.

JamesR · **Posted:** Thu May 01, 2014 1:16 pm

WOTR can be very hard to get into. I've built up a large collection over the years but I still don't have enough models to really play WOTR. You need at least 48 of common troops for a force with 16-24 elites and that's a small force at that

templar_tony · **Posted:** Thu May 01, 2014 1:33 pm

The Hobbit Strategy Battle Game is great fun not matter what size game you're playing, so get stuck in mate!

ste271276 · **Posted:** Thu May 01, 2014 2:00 pm

Easiest way to learn the rules is to play an opponent that knows them otherwise mistakes you make during playing will go un noticed, and everyone learns from their mistakes although my losing streak suggests otherwise

daersalon · **Joined:** Wed Mar 16, 2011 1:34 am **Posts:** 265

JamesR wrote:

WOTR can be very hard to get into. I've built up a large collection over the years but I still don't have enough models to really play WOTR. You need at least 48 of common troops for a force with 16-24 elites and that's a small force at that

Not quite sure what you mean by 'elites'. However, yes, you need a fair few models for a small force.

For example Gondor 800 points (which is small):
Epic hero: Aragorn 200 points , Captain: 50 pts, Banner: 35 pts Horn blower: 15 points (4 Models)
4 Co Warriors of Minas Tirith 100 pts (32 models)
4 co Warriors of Minas Tirith 100 pts (32 models)
4 Co Knights and shield 120 points (8 models)
3 Co Rangers 90 points (24 models)
3 Co Clansmen of lamedon (24 models)

Makes a total of 124 models. That sounds like a tall order. But the bulk of the force is Warriors of Minas Tirith. Solid infantry (as any army should be at its core). Which could be picked up relatively cheaply on ebay. Of course you could replace a formation like the clansmen with Faramir and reduce it to 101...

Of course an 800 point force of dwarves, being more expensive may be about 60-70 models... while Misty Mountains and a horde of goblins could be 180!

The marvel is having a fairly fast flowing game dealing with larger armies and seeing so many troops lined up ready to battle the enemy is always impressive, and can get quite tactical about where a formation is, and if it can charged, or be countercharged in the rear or flank...

mertaal · **Posted:** Thu May 01, 2014 4:06 pm

What about alliances?

JamesR · **Posted:** Thu May 01, 2014 4:07 pm

By Elites I meant "Rare formations" units like Khazads who are the top fighters for their faction.

daersalon · **Joined:** Wed Mar 16, 2011 1:34 am **Posts:** 265

Alliances. yes you can fill out an army with allies.

Under the Decree of Allies, up to 25% (by points) can be from another faction of the same alignment (Good / Evil)

So in the example 800 points of Gondor one could take up to 200 points from any of the other Good factions i.e. Rohan, Dwarves, Elves or the Forgotten Kingdoms. Leaving 600 points of Gondor as the bulk of the army.

mertaal · **Posted:** Fri May 02, 2014 6:52 am

Thanks for the info

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Starting the game for first time

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