Warmachine: Best of the Best – Online Resources
Ranking the top three Informational Resources for Warmachine and Hordes.
Chalkboard here from Chalkboard War, continuing my series of articles on Warmachine and Hordes that examines the “Best of the Best” attributes across all models and factions. We’ll examine the top Feats, Spells, Abilities, Weapons, Stat Lines, Damage Grids, and anything else that appears on model entries in the game. All to give you a sense for which models are among the best on those categories.
This Week, we’re at the mid-point in the review of best casters by faction, so time for a brief change of pace. I wanted to include a discussion of some of the best spots to get information, tactics, and advice for Warmachine and Hordes. Now of course, Bell of Lost Souls is the very best resource for all your Warmachine and Hordes needs. That said, there may be times when you’re waiting for our next article. So that’s the time to check out some of the other people who write and speak about the game that we love. This is a review of the best of the best Resources out there for Warmachine. Note that this article focuses on informational resources about the game that are available. We’ll do a different article to cover some of the game aids out there a different time.
So let’s get right to it! The following are my list of the top three Resources for Warmachine and Hordes. I’ve also included a bonus Mis-honorable mention category. With the other articles, I did a dishonorable mention for the worst model in the category. But I didn’t want to have to list my own personal blog. So instead, it’s the Mis-honorable mention category for a spot that has amazing Warmachine and Hordes content that isn’t quite a “resource”.
Number Three: House Shyeel Podcast
So there are a number of good faction-focused podcasts that I could have chosen for this one. I went with House Shyeel Podcasters because they represent the very best way to create a faction-specific Resource for Warmachine and Hordes. I don’t play Retribution, but I still listen to their podcasts frequently. The assembled participants focus on the faction in a way that is helpful to any player. I’ve learned more about my own forces by listening to their tactical discussions. And I like the way that they include a variety of perspectives.
One of the best parts of House Shyeel Podcasters is that they bring together a variety of top players from a bunch of different metas around the globe. That gives some real depth to what they’re discussing. It makes them navigate why different things work in different spots–in one place a certain unit may be more or less valuable because of the meta. It leads to their considerations having some real depth and back-and-forth, and that’s critical for a good resource.
The focus on Retribution was only a downside when the huge June new release slate was given for the faction, as a bit of faction jealousy gripped me hearing their joy in speculating about the new models. But that shows a positive as well–there’s a sort of joy and excitement to the conversation in this podcast that somehow is absent in many others. Definitely a great listen, no matter what factions you choose to play. To listen you can find them at the: House Shyeel Podcasters on the Ghost Dice blog.
Number Two: Warmachine and Hordes for Beginners
There was a time when I would have directed a new player to Battle College. While that site is getting better post Mark III change, it’s still very hit-or-miss. Instead, now I send new players to a great spot where a group of writers are bringing really good content for new players. The Warmachine and Hordes for Beginners blog. It’s a curated blog that includes spotlight articles that really unpack elements of the game. Their goal is to make them clear to newer players. It’s been going strong for almost a year now, which has led to some really good content archives.
Mark III brought the start of this project, as people recognized that new players may be joining the game due to interest in the new edition. The content includes articles about basic mechanisms in the game. Articles also look at specific warcasters and warlocks that might be likely to be considered by newer players. They cover all of the battlegroup box casters, as well as some others. They also have some targeted articles about thoughts for Journeyman leagues, which are a common spot for new players (and players starting out with new factions).
Even experienced players will find the site’s articles interesting. They have a regular release schedule thanks to recruiting a variety of writers from the community. It’s a great resource, that’s going to get better and better as they expand and systematize their content. You can find the archive of articles at the: Warmachine and Hordes for Beginners website. They also have a Facebook group with the same name, which is a good spot for questions, discussions, and to request article topics.
Number One: Chain Attack
Simply the best out there. Many of you are familiar with their podcasts, and if you’re not, take the time to listen through them. My advice is to start from the episodes that begin Mark III if you’re checking them out for the first time. Jay, Trevor, and Josh are the trio of hosts, and much of the value of this podcast is that they’re simply a great and charismatic group of podcasters. Sometimes podcasts have experienced and knowledgeable players, and sometimes they have good banter and topics. Chain Attack has both at once.
Their core podcasts cover all sorts of things that players are interested in. Primarily they have done Warcaster and Warlock rankings through battle reports, though recently they’ve swapped to a more conceptual consideration with their amazingly-named Four Caster Forecaster series (that covers two casters… listen and you’ll both understand and enjoy). But what makes them a great listen is that they focus on all parts of the game. Their episodes on the effects of physical health on gaming and mental health on gaming recently were some of the best game-related podcasting that you might listen to. It’s that great balance–one week an in-depth review of the current boogeyman of the meta (Ghost Fleet, for instance), the next a step out to make sure that gamers recognize how our physical health plays into our game performance.
They’ve been podcasting for years now, and it’s continuously worth the listen for fans of Warmachine and Hordes. Whether news, model analysis, or general gaming discussion, they cover it all–and well. Their podcasts are available at the Chain Attack website. You’ll notice that there are both general episodes and their “Dojo” episodes which are behind a paywall. A Dojo subscription is cheap, gets you double the content per week. Best decision I’ve made was going for it and subscribing, and then consuming the whole lot of post-Mark III dojo episodes in one huge go around January. Whether you dojo or not, my guess is that most will see why they’re such a well-liked podcast in the community.
Mis-honorable Mention: Skorne Memes Facebook Group
Okay, so it’s clear that the Facebook group created to share memes complaining about Skorne isn’t really a “resource”. Hence the mis-honorable mention. Because the group still manages to produce great content. Want some laughs about the end of the PG program, about whatever unit just got nerfed, or about other Warmachine and Hordes topics? This Facebook group has them. Perhaps sometimes the resource we’re looking for is a laugh. The group requires member approval, so just search for “Skorne Memes” and you’ll find it on Facebook if you want to access some of the best (and often edgiest) gags about the game. They may not help improve your play, but they’ll certainly bring a smile to your day.
~ Does this ranking fit your thoughts? Did we miss a critical attribute? Was a great model overlooked, or a powerful interaction missed? Is Number One really that good? Do you think the “Dishonorable Mention” is not so dishonorable after all? Let us know in the comments below!
To watch the worst of the worst hit the tabletop, check out Chalkboard’s Warmachine and Hordes blog at:
www.chalkboardwar.com
