Necromunda: Bring On The Vehicle Combat Of ‘Ash Wastes’
Games Workshop revealed the next chapter for Necromunda and the Ash Wastes are wide open for exploration!
Back when the House of Iron came out in 2020 I was pretty pumped about the info in that book. I had dreams of building converted trucks and cars for my Orlock gang to cruise around the wastes of Necromunda. I even went so far as to actually build one as a fun hobby project:
Now, a year and some change later, it seems Games Workshop has picked up that same thread again with the announcement of a new major expansion for Necromunda. Get ready to head to the Ash Wastes!
“Life in the underhive is a constant struggle against starvation, vicious gangs of roving killers, and breathtaking workplace safety violations. But for those who live outside the hive on the irradiated expanse of Necromunda’s hellish surface, all that’s basically just playing on Easy Mode. Welcome, scummer, to the Ash Wastes.”
Necromunda Meets Mad Max
We have very little to go on in terms of gameplay but from the lore we know quite a bit about some of the crazy that happens in the Ash Wastes. It’s not a coincidence that gangers look like Orlocks in the trailer either. House Orlock owns the majority of the transportation contracts. Those convoys of Ash Crawlers make for juicy targets — if you can manage to deal with their security. I’m pretty sure the vehicle we’re seeing is one of those Ash Crawlers as well.
It looks like a wheeled train car. The cars themselves look like armored containers from the terrain with wheels…which totally fits.
They even have the vents on top
The front of the car looks like it’s got a roll cage with a gunner which also fits with the need for security. There appears to be some other sort of weapon systems on the top as well. Again, the Ash Wastes aren’t kind. I’m hoping we see a bunch of different vehicles for this range. I love the idea that these are basically converted/scrapped civilian vehicles. It also helps to illustrate what things look like in the Imperium for civilians.
Meet The Raiders
As far as who’s attacking…well, it’s sure looks like those Ash Raiders are either Genestealer Cultists or Drukhari. Just based on the silhouettes, and the fact that they basically ran at the truck, I’m leaning toward Drukhari. Plus those rifles look nice and spiky. Although they used bombs. And we know how the Genestealer Cult loves to plant explosives. Plus, they have a presence on Necromunda, too.
It’s kind of ambiguous!
Also, when you’re in a convoy and you’re under attack…why would you STOP?! Oh well.
Welcome To The Ash Wastes
Anyhow I’m looking forward to expansion. I’ve already got a head start!
And if I can quote myself from 2020:
BAM! I even used “ash wastes” too! Sometimes a good idea is meant to be shared. I’m just hoping this game focuses on both the vehicles AND the skirmishers on foot. Speed Freeks was fun and all, but it was just about the vehicles. I want to play Mad Max on the tabletop with Necromunda gangers and converted trucks. That involves jumping from vehicles, brutal melee, and trying to maintain your cargo AND your life.
Here’s hoping it turns out awesome.
What do you think of the Ash Wastes so far?
