Warmachine: Theme Force Remix – This Changes Everything
Privateer Press has revealed that Oblivion will bring along a theme force remix. All indications so far is that we’ll be entering a whole new world of list building! Let’s discuss!
If you missed the Lock & Load videos you can find all of them on the Privateer Press YouTube channel. Here is a link to the Oblivion video, direct to the timestamp where the Theme Force remix is discussed.
Update: Shortly after this article was written Privateer Press did a dev chat all about themes, check it out here! Also, additional Grymkin related theme force spoilers can be found in the latest Privateer Press Insider!
This is a massive change and the overwhelming majority of players agree it’s a huge improvement.
How It Worked(and still does until Oblivion)
It’s not always the case, but for the majority of themes, the biggest benefit was being able to take free models. Each theme had a certain type of model, and for every X number of points of that type, you would get 1 free something.
For example, in Cygnar’s Heavy Metal theme you gain one free solo for every 30pts of Warjacks in your army. This is a great way to get 3 free solos…if you want to play 90pts of Warjacks. Want a list with Sword Knights or Long Gunners? You lose access to free solos, which inherently makes your list feel worse and therefore discourages experimentation with those units.
Protectors of the Shelf
A Whole New World
Welcome to the list building world of Requisition Points, where free options are given out based on the size game you are playing.
It’s as simple as this, playing a 50pt game? You have 2 Req points to spend, no matter what you bring in that theme. Each theme force will have a ‘menu’ of free options you can purchase using your points. Many of these will be the same as before, but we’ve seen some examples of changes where 1 Req point grants multiple cheap models. Here’s a screenshot of some Circle changes.
As you can see, one Req points give you 3 Gallows Groves! These were previously available as a free option, but rarely taken because it was almost always better to take a 4pt free solo instead. This new option is very appealing, letting you bring a nice amount of anti-healing, flag holding, and arcnodes!
Combined Forces
Throughout the Lock & Load weekend spoilers on the theme force remix were coming via, Facebook posts, Twitch Streams and players at the con asking Privateer Press staff questions. It’s hard to keep track of everything, but we do know of at least two instances where a Faction is having 2 theme forces combined.
- Circle: Wild Hunt & Call of the Wild theme forces will be combined
- Skorne: Disciples of Agony & Imperial Warhost themes will be combined
New Life Into Old Themes
Every faction has a reason to be excited and tons of new ideas are being discussed. Here are a few things I’m excited to see/try.
Monstrosity Heavy Cephalyx
Cephalyx can only be played using 1 theme, and up until this point, you could only gain the free unit of Overlords by taking 30 points of units/solos. Overlords are such a good unit that playing Monstrosity heavy meant you were missing out on some great models. Cognifex Cyphon & Exulon Thexus both run Monstrosities very well, but up until this point, the majority of ‘tournament’ Cephalyx lists have been infantry swarms. I’m excited to see 7+ monstrosities on the field backed up by their Overlords buddies.
Jakes2 in Heavy Metal with 2x Sword Knights
With Positive Charge, Flank, Runewood, and Feat the Sword Knights become MAT 12, RNG 2, POW 12 Weapons Masters. With free Command Attachments via Requisition points, this unit is likely to see some table time.
Una2 in Devourer’s Host
I can hear your eye-rolls already, I know that non-Circle players aren’t excited about more Tharn lists. But Una2 brings some great spells that synergize well with the Tharn. The ‘problem’ was that she also liked having a decent size battle group of birds, so playing in The Call of the Wild theme became the better choice because you could maximize your free points.
No More Railroading
When it comes down to it, all of these have been examples of players feeling railroaded into playing certain list types. Free stuff is good, so getting the most free stuff became the name of the list building game. With Requisition points all that is over, no more feeling forced into infantry or warjack spam. Choose your theme, make whatever list you want using that theme’s models, get the same amount of free stuff as everyone else.
When Does This Happen?
Oblivion is releasing at Gencon, which is August 1st – 4th. So the wait isn’t actually that long, but with a change this exciting the time is sure going to go by slowly.
What is the first Theme force you are excited to try out?
