Warmachine Mark IV – Understanding Formats

Don’t worry, your models aren’t obsolete; you just have to play them on an even battlefield.

The newest edition of Warmachine is almost here, and there’s been some trepidation about older models. In the past, almost every existing hero has been playable in the current format, albeit with updated rules. However, MK. IV is a total reset of the world similar to the End Times for Warhammer Fantasy, which means a lot of models are becoming obsolete.

Of course, long-time collectors are frustrated by the news, worried that they are now hundreds of dollars invested into a game they cannot play. But worry not! Privateer Press has assured loyal warcasters and warlocks alike that their models ARE viable, just in specific formats. To help facilitate this, they made a handy chart that outlines where models will be playable, but just in case, here’s a quick rundown of each format.

Prime and Prime Legacy

These are the primary game modes for Mark IV, and the only ones with updated rules and support. All the new models, like the Orgoth Sea Raiders and updated Storm Legion, are available here. Of special note are the new mercenary models like Alexia, Queen of the Damned, can ONLY be included in new armies, not Legacy Prime. There will still be mercenaries available for Legacy Prime armies, but they will be clearly listed. At the time of release, there will be one “Legacy” force for every existing superfaction, and every minifaction (Crucible Guard, Grymkin, etc.) can be included in full.

Unlimited Arena

Basically the equivalent of Open Play, this allows players to use any model not supported in Legacy or Prime. This will be the primary playstyle of casual clubs, but won’t receive updates from Privateer Press. Any Legacy force can be played in the Unlimited Arena, but it should be noted that the factions will likely not be balanced. As models get phased out of rotation, they will move into Unlimited, while Legacy and Prime follow the unfolding story of the Iron Kingdoms.

If you want to check the pdf for yourself, you can download it from Privateer Press here.

Author: Clint Lienau

From North Carolina to Texas and back to North Carolina again, Clint lives the life of a traveling artist. An avid gamer, writer, actor, pyrotechnician, and general nerd, he has finally turned his love of EDH into a career. When not busy being a clueless cowboy, Winterfell Bannermen, or whatever else acting life throws at him, he enjoys reading folklore from around the world, writing narratives for his Wargaming armies, or running D&D 5e games as a professional DM. Look for his storytelling podcast, By the Dancing Fire, or find him on Twitch at FeybornPhyrexian, where he produces MTG content.