I’m New Here – What Is Kings Of War?

At Mantic, we love toy soldiers and we love playing games. Kings of War is our flagship game that combines these concepts into an incredible fantasy wargaming experience.

What is kings of war?

So what is Kings of War? Well in a nutshell, Kings of war is a game of mass combat between mighty armies in a fantasy world torn apart by epic conflict and legendary battles. Its fast-paced, competitive rules make the game ideal for massed battles between hundreds of troops.

The game is played with a range of Mantic miniatures designed to inspire hobby creativity and tell the story of Pannithor. Gamers build their units to fit within a set footprint instead of individual bases (be it on a movement tray or more commonly "Multibasing". This means your hobby can come to life in thematic ways to truly individualise your army, were each and every unit is a stunning diorama in itself! (We will have more on Multibasing in a later blog!)

In Kings of War a unit has a nerve value instead of each model counting as a wound. What this means is that once the units nerve is broken, the entire unit is removed from the game. This is fantastic not just for game play but also means you will always have a brilliant looking complete army on the table.

Both players each choose one of the armies taken from those available from the fantasy world of Pannithor. They build their force by spending “points” to an agreed limit (eg 500/1500/2300). Then, once the armies are deployed on the table, the players take it in turns to move, shoot and fight with the units which they are using.

You are challenged to engage opponents by crafting an army list full to the brim with infantry and cavalry, creepy monsters and huge titans, proud heroes, war engines and even magic! Gameplay is easy to learn and difficult to master. Within your army you will have a variety of tactical choices that allow you to build the force that best suits your strategy.

The World Of Pannithor

Pannithor is a land that is in a constant state of turmoil and change. Battles rage on land and sea! From castle sieges to quick ambushes, the armies of the world engage in full scale devastating wars.

Behind the massive walls of Therennia Adar, is a vast room, lit by glittering mirrors that cunningly re-cast soft light from the heavens far above. Tiered wooden shelves surround the central chamber, heavy with the dusty books and grimoires of the learned elven races.  In the middle of the central hall is an immense table made of a single piece of polished hardwood, carved with astonishing skill by the hands of ancient elven artisans. On the table lies a massive animal hide, taken from Y’Roon Thunderfoot, the ancient king of the mammoths. A giant quill, filled with a limitless supply of black ink made from the blood of hydras, scratches its way endlessly over a fantastically detailed map of the entire world. Since time forgotten, the quill has faithfully recorded the ever-changing shape of the world; the rise and fall of empires, the kingdoms and borders that shift and merge and come and go. The fate of entire civilisations and the decisive events and battles that have dominated history have all been steadily and dispassionately recorded by this unerring cartographer.

Learn more about the cartography and history HERE.

The story of Pannithor evolves and changes through game input from our amazing and dedicated players. International campaigns and events drive the characters and races forward, shaping the world and even how we design units in the future. In Kings of War, you truly have an impact on the world you game in.

You can choose from a variety of factions to fight for power and fame. Races of pure good, blessed by the Shining Ones march alongside the stalwart Northern Alliance, the divine Forces of Basilea, and stubborn Dwarfs. Or take on the world as the minions of the Wicked Ones with the endless Forces of the Abyss, insidious Nightstalkers, and vile Undead.

Getting started has never been easier!

New players can begin gaming right away by building a force to play Ambush! Ambush is a new way to play Kings of War at a smaller points level but still get that same joyful Kings of War experience. It's available in the new Rulebook that you can Pre-Order HERE

We will soon be launching the Mantic Companion App which will also have the Ambush rules for free. So keep an eye out for news on that.

Ambush is a great way to learn to play and grow your collection, then you can add new and exciting units that bring your army to full mass fantasy wargames scale!

Whether you connect with players all over the world for events and tournaments or play in your garage, the Mantic community will welcome you with open arms and excitement!

Start browsing your favourite model ranges and get started today!