Age of Sigmar: New Stormcast Eternals ‘Spearhead’ Box Signals Changes Ahead
Games Workshop has just announced a new “Spearhead” box for the Stormcast Eternals but this could be a sign that change is on the way.
Let’s start with the basics before we get into speculation. There’s a new type of Start Collecting/Vanguard box coming. Naturally, the Stormcast Eternals are GW’s test subjects with this new “Spearhead” boxed set. The contents might look familiar. At the same time this is promising.
“Led by Yndrasta the Celestial Spear, this boxed set contains 16 plastic Citadel Miniatures, including a Stormstrike Chariot pulled by a pair of Gryph-Chargers. Bulking out the set are a unit each of Vanquishers and Annihilators, and a Knight-Vexillor to proudly carry the banners of the Stormcast Eternals into battle, ablaze with the glorious light of celestial energies.”
Stormcast Eternals Spearhead
The contents might not be new but this is an interesting format to see them released in. Previously, these models came in the Dominion box and eventually moved over to their various collections. The Thunderstrike Command for example is an online only option for Yndrasta and a few other models. That made getting a miniature for her a bit of a barrier. This new Spearhead box looks to remedy that but there’s more to it than just a model re-release.
There’s a few things from the WarCom article that stood out. First up this line:
“Spearhead: Stormcast Eternals is loaded with miniatures, representing a balanced fighting force out of the box – and a way to add a powerful leader or some valuable reinforcements to your roster.”
Emphasis added. Why would GW want to redo the Vanguard Boxes when those already exist? Why would they want to recreated a “balanced fight force out of the box” — unless there was something else planned. Here’s yet another tidbit that’s important to know:
“If Stormcast Eternals are not your jam, then a) may Sigmar have mercy on your soul, and b) fear not, as we’re reliably informed that plenty of other factions from across the Mortal Realms will be getting their own Spearhead boxes in due course”
So yes, this is just the first new Spearhead box. Other factions will be getting their replacements soon. That might be good to know if you’re looking at a Vanguard Box right now. Seems like those might not be sticking around forever.
Future Plans For Spearhead Boxes?
So what does this mean and what do I think is going to happen? Well, have you heard of a little game called Warhammer 40,000? Games Workshop kicked off a new edition last year and just so happened to relaunch the game with a new format called “Combat Patrol” which also happens to be the name of their (former) Start Collecting boxes. These boxes typically feature a balanced fighting force right out of the box and are designed to be played against other Combat Patrols.
You can read about Combat Patrols Here
Now, to be honest, I thought that Games Workshop was prepping the same thing to happen in Age of Sigmar with all the Vanguard boxes. But, with the announcement of this new Spearhead box, I think that maybe GW is planning to add this to AoS as well — just with the Spearhead boxes instead. That might mean some adjustments down the line and maybe some army format changes in particular.
But even if they aren’t planning on launching a new game mode with a Spearhead range it does seem like the Vanguard Boxes could be replaced in the future. Something is coming in AoS in 2024 — and that thing is change.
Would you want to see AoS get the Combat Patrol treatment with new Spearhead boxes?
