As the regular readers of this blog know I make these meta posts every now and then. The last time was a little over a month ago and you can find the piece here. It's crazy how quickly this game changes now!
Since last time we've gotten more themes, more command books, more models and a few important tournaments. This has shaken things up quite a bit. Very interesting! I love the state of the game right now. So many things to consider and nothing is really way out of line. As per usual I feel that what the game needs most is a buff to the ones at the bottom. Still though, Warmachine and Hordes is better than it's ever been!
:: Faction Ranking ::
S-tier: Legion, Cygnar, Mercs, Khador
A-tier: Circle, Skorne, Convergence
B-tier: Protectorate, Retribution, Cryx
C-tier: Minions, Trollbloods
Legion's back with the top dogs after they got a really, really strong theme force in Oracles of Annihilation. AdeptiCon showed this pretty well with strong performances from Legion throughout the weekend. An added bonus for Legion is that their new theme plays very well into a couple of the other top dogs, which ensures them a spot in the S-tier.
I've also upped Convergence a bit. They are really finding their stride with Destruction Initiative. I said it when the theme forces were revealed that Convergence got the biggest boost, relatively speaking. I still stand by that. A couple of problematic matchups, Legion for example, keep them from going S-tier. Ironically I made this ranking just before AdeptiCon happened so it was a perfect fit for Convergence to make such a strong showing in that event (one of the semi-finals in the Masters was Convergence mirror).
Protectorate has dropped a tier. It boils down to no good pair for Amon, on top of Amon now suddenly struggling with e.g. Legion. I had hopes initially that Amon would find a suitable partner but I haven't seen anyone solve this yet.
Time for the sample lists!
:: Legion ::
(Lylyth3) Theme: Oracles of Annihilation
Lylyth, Reckoning of Everblight - WB: +29
- Succubus - PC: 0
- Seraph - PC: 14 (Battlegroup Points Used: 14)
- Nephilim Bolt Thrower - PC: 11 (Battlegroup Points Used: 11)
- Naga Nightlurker - PC: 8 (Battlegroup Points Used: 4)
- Carnivean - PC: 19
- Angelius - PC: 17
- Angelius - PC: 17
- Angelius - PC: 17
The Forsaken - PC: 0
The Forsaken - PC: 0
Blighted Nyss Sorceress & Hellion - PC: 0
Blighted Nyss Shepherd - PC: 1
Fyanna, Torment of Everblight - WB: +28
- Succubus - PC: 0
- Naga Nightlurker - PC: 8
- Neraph - PC: 12
- Neraph - PC: 12
- Neraph - PC: 12
- Raek - PC: 8
- Angelius - PC: 17
- Angelius - PC: 17
- Seraph - PC: 14
Blighted Nyss Sorceress & Hellion - PC: 0
The Forsaken - PC: 0
The Forsaken - PC: 0
Shepherd - PC: 1
Shepherd - PC: 1
Spell Martyr - PC: 1
(Absylonia2) Theme: Oracles of Annihilation
Absylonia, Daughter of Everblight - WB: +28
- Succubus - PC: 0
- Carnivean - PC: 19 (Battlegroup Points Used: 19)
- Carnivean - PC: 19 (Battlegroup Points Used: 9)
- Carnivean - PC: 19
- Shredder - PC: 4
- Proteus - PC: 19
- Seraph - PC: 14
- Naga Nightlurker - PC: 8
The Forsaken - PC: 0
The Forsaken - PC: 0
Spell Martyr - PC: 1
Blighted Nyss Shepherd - PC: 0
Legion jumped up a lot with Oracles. It's an amazing theme force for theme which allows some truly brutal lists. In addition to the caster above, I think Vayl2 and Thagrosh1 will still be fairly popular. The latter might indeed surprise us, with Typhon as his character warbeast I can definitely see him making a solid list or two.
:: Cygnar ::
(Sloan) Theme: Heavy Metal
Captain Kara Sloan - WJ: +28 Armory
- Squire - PC: 0
- Hunter - PC: 11
- Hunter - PC: 11
- Hunter - PC: 11
- Hunter - PC: 11
- Hunter - PC: 11
- Stormwall - PC: 39 (Battlegroup Points Used: 28)
- Lightning Pod
Captain Arlan Strangewayes - PC: 0
Journeyman Warcaster - PC: 0
- Charger - PC: 9
Archduke Alain Runewood, Lord of Fharin - PC: 0
(Absylonia2) Theme: Oracles of Annihilation
Absylonia, Daughter of Everblight - WB: +28
- Succubus - PC: 0
- Carnivean - PC: 19 (Battlegroup Points Used: 19)
- Carnivean - PC: 19 (Battlegroup Points Used: 9)
- Carnivean - PC: 19
- Shredder - PC: 4
- Proteus - PC: 19
- Seraph - PC: 14
- Naga Nightlurker - PC: 8
The Forsaken - PC: 0
The Forsaken - PC: 0
Spell Martyr - PC: 1
Blighted Nyss Shepherd - PC: 0
Legion jumped up a lot with Oracles. It's an amazing theme force for theme which allows some truly brutal lists. In addition to the caster above, I think Vayl2 and Thagrosh1 will still be fairly popular. The latter might indeed surprise us, with Typhon as his character warbeast I can definitely see him making a solid list or two.
:: Cygnar ::
(Sloan) Theme: Heavy Metal
Captain Kara Sloan - WJ: +28 Armory
- Squire - PC: 0
- Hunter - PC: 11
- Hunter - PC: 11
- Hunter - PC: 11
- Hunter - PC: 11
- Hunter - PC: 11
- Stormwall - PC: 39 (Battlegroup Points Used: 28)
- Lightning Pod
Captain Arlan Strangewayes - PC: 0
Journeyman Warcaster - PC: 0
- Charger - PC: 9
Archduke Alain Runewood, Lord of Fharin - PC: 0
(Haley2) Theme: Heavy Metal
Major Victoria Haley - WJ: +25
- Squire - PC: 0
- Thorn - PC: 13 (Battlegroup Points Used: 13)
- Stormclad - PC: 18 (Battlegroup Points Used: 12)
- Stormclad - PC: 18
- Avenger - PC: 17
- Firefly - PC: 8
Captain Arlan Strangewayes - PC: 0
Journeyman Warcaster - PC: 0
- Firefly - PC: 8
Lieutenant Allison Jakes - PC: 0
- Stormclad - PC: 18
(Stryker 1) [Theme] Storm Division Commander Coleman Stryker [+30]
- Charger [9]
- Stormwall [39]
Storm Lances (max) [20]
Storm Lances (max) [20]
Journeyman Warcaster [0]
- Charger [9]
Captain Arlan Strangewayes [0]
Major Katherine Laddermore [8]
Sloan is the big new-comer! I expect we'll see a lot of her in the time to come. Cygnar is in a great spot right now. There are so many viable approaches! Storm Division is already fading in my opinion because the rest of the top dogs in the meta naturally come with great counters to Storm Lances: Legion, Mercenaries and Khador all have lists which deal with Warmachine's most hated cavalry unit quite well. Stryker1 has the defensive tech to allow Storm Lances to weather a lot of this, but against the new Legion for example I am pretty sure even he struggles. Darius might be a caster which is playable with a doublewall setup, Stryker2 is popular and the good old Haley3 build is still solid. On top of these casters and the sample lists above, there exists a myriad of builds for Cygnar now. Narrowing them down inevitably boils down to personal preference and experience.
:: Mercenaries ::
(MacBain) Drake MacBain [+30], [Theme] The Kingmaker's Army
(Ossrum) General Ossrum - WJ: +28
- Reinholdt, Gobber Speculator - PC: 4
- Ghordson Driller - PC: 10 (Battlegroup Points Used: 10)
- Ghordson Driller - PC: 10 (Battlegroup Points Used: 10)
- Ghordson Driller - PC: 10 (Battlegroup Points Used: 8 )
- Grundback Gunner - PC: 6
- Grundback Gunner - PC: 6
- Grundback Gunner - PC: 6
- Grundback Gunner - PC: 6
- Grundback Gunner - PC: 6
- Grundback Blaster - PC: 6
- Grundback Blaster - PC: 6
Eiryss, Mage Hunter of Ios - PC: 7
Lady Aiyana & Master Holt - Lady Aiyana & Master Holt: 8
Horgenhold Artillery Corps - Gunner & 2 Grunts: 6
Horgenhold Artillery Corps - Gunner & 2 Grunts: 6
Ossrum is still the de facto Mercs caster and the bunnies are as terrifying as ever. Now you have the option to go in theme. I'm not sure which is better yet, what Eiryss1 and Aiyana + Holt bring to the table is so valuable. MacBain has sailed up as a really solid caster and I expect we'll see a lot more of him in the time to come. Magnus2 still sees some play as well. I struggle to understand why but I might be biased from a Cygnar point of view, Thexus still sees a lot of play and the humble Damiano is a force to be reckoned with.
:: Khador ::
(Vlad1) Vladimir Tzepesci, The Dark Prince - WJ: +28, Winterguard Kommand
- Juggernaut - PC: 12 (Battlegroup Points Used: 12)
- Juggernaut - PC: 12 (Battlegroup Points Used: 12)
- Marauder - PC: 10 (Battlegroup Points Used: 4)
- Marauder - PC: 10
- Marauder - PC: 10
Kovnik Jozef Grigorovich - PC: 4
Winter Guard Rifle Corps - Leader & 5 Grunts: 8
- Winter Guard Rocketeer - PC: 2
- Winter Guard Rocketeer - PC: 2
- Winter Guard Rocketeer - PC: 2
Winter Guard Rifle Corps - Leader & 5 Grunts: 8
- Winter Guard Rocketeer - PC: 2
- Winter Guard Rocketeer - PC: 2
- Winter Guard Rocketeer - PC: 2
Winter Guard Rifle Corps - Leader & 5 Grunts: 8
- Winter Guard Rocketeer - PC: 2
- Winter Guard Rocketeer - PC: 2
- Winter Guard Rocketeer - PC: 2
Winter Guard Field Gun Crew - Gunner & 2 Grunts: 0
Winter Guard Mortar Crew - Gunner & Grunt: 0
Battle Mechaniks - Leader & 3 Grunts: 3
(Harkevich) Kommander Harkevich, The Iron Wolf - WJ: +28, Winterguard Kommand
- Kodiak - PC: 13 (Battlegroup Points Used: 13)
- Kodiak - PC: 13 (Battlegroup Points Used: 13)
- Kodiak - PC: 13 (Battlegroup Points Used: 2)
- Juggernaut - PC: 12
- Juggernaut - PC: 12
- Marauder - PC: 10
- Marauder - PC: 10
Kovnik Jozef Grigorovich - PC: 4
Winter Guard Infantry - Leader & 9 Grunts: 10
- Winter Guard Rocketeer - PC: 2
- Winter Guard Rocketeer - PC: 2
- Winter Guard Rocketeer - PC: 2
- Winter Guard Infantry Officer & Standard - Officer & Standard: 0
Khador is very versatile and, like Cygnar, in a great spot right now. They have too many builds to list them all here. I recently wrote an in-depth post on them, check it out here. To summarize their interesting casters briefly I believe all of the Vlads, Butcher1, Butcher3, Kozlov, Zerkova1, Sorscha1, Karchev and Irusk2 are all potentially viable competitive choices.
:: Circle ::
(Krueger 2) Krueger the Stormlord [+27]
- Loki [19]
- Pureblood Warpwolf [17]
- Megalith [20]
- Woldwyrd [9]
- Woldwyrd [9]
- Gorax Rager [7]
Sentry Stone & Mannikins [5]
Sentry Stone & Mannikins [5]
Shifting Stones [3]
Gallows Grove [2]
Gallows Grove [2]
Blackclad Wayfarer [4]
(Wurmwood)
Warpwolf Stalker
Feral Warpwolf
Pureblood Warpwolf
Woldwyrd
Woldwyrd
Sentry Stone & Mannikins
Sentry Stone & Mannikins
Shifting Stones
Wolves of Orboros (max)
Wolves of Orboros UA
Swamp Gobbers
I don't believe Circle has fully landed following the Una2 nerf. On top of that Wurmwood is no longer the powerhouse he used to be because of meta changes. Combined these two mean that Circle is currently a little "all over the place". Krueger2 has sailed up as the number 1 Circle caster in my experience, but the question is who does he pair with? In addition to Wurmwood I see people experimenting with Kaya3, Una2, Baldur2 and even Morvahna2 for a pairing spot. I think we might not see Circle land properly before SR2017 is out.
:: Skorne ::
(Makeda 2) Supreme Archdomina Makeda [+27]
- Despoiler [19]
- Molik Karn [19]
Mortitheurge Willbreaker [4]
Mortitheurge Willbreaker [4]
Tyrant Rhadeim [9]
Paingiver Beast Handlers (min) [5]
Praetorian Ferox (max) [20]
Praetorian Ferox (max) [20]
Swamp Gobbers Bellows Crew [2]
(Makeda 1) Archdomina Makeda [+29]
- Basilisk Krea [7]
- Mammoth [38]
- Molik Karn [19]
- Titan Gladiator [15]
Extoller Soulward [3]
Gremlin Swarm [3]
Orin Midwinter, Rogue Inquisitor [5]
Swamp Gobber Chef [1]
Legends of Halaak [8]
Paingiver Beast Handlers (min) [5]
Skorne seems to be all about Makeda as far as competitive builds are concerned. In my experience the second iteration of this caster is the best one. Makeda1 arguably handles ARM-skew better, but the Ferox train Makeda2 brings is surprisingly good at dealing with quite a lot of ARM as well. Other casters are experimented with of course but I have yet to see any of them rival one of the Makedas for a spot in a top pairing.
:: Convergence ::
(Lucant) Father Lucant, Divinity Architect [+28], Theme: Destruction Initiative
- Conservator [12]
- Conservator [12]
- Conservator [12]
- Conservator [12]
- Corollary [6]
- Diffuser [6]
Optifex Directive [4]
Transfinite Emergence Projector [19]
- Permutation Servitors
Transfinite Emergence Projector [19]
- Permutation Servitors
Lots of free bots
(Iron Mother) Directrix & Exponent Servitors - WJ: +27, Theme: Destruction Initiative
- Iron Mother Directrix & Exponent Servitors Cont.
- Assimilator - PC: 16
- Assimilator - PC: 16
- Assimilator - PC: 16
- Diffuser - PC: 6
- Corollary - PC: 6
- Prime Axiom - PC: 38 (Battlegroup Points Used: 27)
Attunement Servitors - 3 Attunement Servitors: 0
Elimination Servitors - 3 Elimination Servitors: 0
Elimination Servitors - 3 Elimination Servitors: 0
Elimination Servitors - 3 Elimination Servitors: 0
Optifex Directive - Leader & 2 Grunts: 4
Convergence has a couple of really solid builds now. Father and Mother still seem to be leading the way, with arguably Axis rivalling the former. The main reason I haven't included Axis is because I haven't found a non-ADR list version for him. I've been told Destruction Initiative was a big help and my experience against Convergence certainly confirm that. Interestingly enough they are suddenly a very strong faction vs Cygnar now.
:: Protectorate ::
(Amon) Theme: The Creator's Might, High Allegiant Amon Ad-Raza [+29]
- Dervish [7]
- Dervish [7]
- Dervish [7]
- Dervish [7]
- Devout [9]
- Templar [15]
- Crusader [10]
- Crusader [10]
- Crusader [10]
- Crusader [10]
- Hierophant [0]
Choir of Menoth (min) [4]
Choir of Menoth (min) [4]
The Covenant of Menoth [0]
Vassal of Menoth [0]
Vassal Mechanik [1]
Vassal Mechanik [1]
Wrack [1]
Wrack [1]
(High Reclaimer 1) The High Reclaimer [+32]
- Eye of Truth [20]
- Crusader [10]
Knights Exemplar [9]
- Knights Exemplar Officer [5]
Knights Exemplar [9]
- Knights Exemplar Officer [5]
Idrian Skirmishers (max) [15]
- Idrian Skirmisher Chieftain & Guide [5]
Idrian Skirmishers (max) [15]
- Idrian Skirmisher Chieftain & Guide [5]
Choir of Menoth (min) [4]
Wrack [1]
Wrack [1]
Vassal Mechanik [1]
Following the nerf to High Reclaimer my experience is that the Protectorate has yet to land on a stable pairing. Amon is the number 1 caster now but with recent buffs to Legion in particular he's suddenly behind, or so it feels. High Reclaimer might still be the best to run with him, with a more troop oriented approach. I don't know, the faction is trailing a bit unfortunately. Feora3 and Severius2 are some of the more popular ones I see people testing outside of Amon and HR.
:: Retribution ::
(Vyros2) Vyros, Incissar of the Dawnguard - WJ: +27, Theme: Forges of War
- Sylys Wyshnalyrr, The Seeker - PC: 0
- Imperatus - PC: 22 (Battlegroup Points Used: 22)
- Phoenix - PC: 18 (Battlegroup Points Used: 5)
- Griffon - PC: 8
- Griffon - PC: 8
- Griffon - PC: 8
- Griffon - PC: 8
- Griffon - PC: 8
- Griffon - PC: 8
- Griffon - PC: 8
Arcanist Mechanik - PC: 2
Arcanist Mechanik - PC: 2
Arcanist Mechanik - PC: 2
House Shyeel Artificer - PC: 0
House Shyeel Artificer - PC: 0
(Kaelyssa) Kaelyssa, the Night's Whisper [+29]
- Banshee [18]
Ben Fuzi recently won the Netherlands Masters with Retribution. This undoubtedly shows his skills as a player and it also shows how small the gap is between top dog and factions lacking just a bit right now. Vyros2 in Forges of War seems to be a staple choice now and the list above is a direct copy of Ben's from said event. Kaelyssa of various flavours is a very common Retribution caster as well and in pair with Vyros2 you have a pretty solid combo. Apart from these two it is my experience that Helynna and Rahn are the most common Retribution casters at the moment. Retribution has a lot of goodies coming right around the corner and with SR2017 I fully expect this faction to change drastically over the next few months in terms of competitive builds.
:: Cryx ::
(Skarre1)
Skarlock Thrall
Inflictor
Inflictor
Scavenger
Blackbane's Ghost Raiders (max)
Darragh Wrathe
Machine Wraith
Machine Wraith
Machine Wraith
Necrotech
Scrap Thralls
Wraith Engine
Wraith Engine
(Deneghra1) Warwitch Deneghra - WJ: +28
- Deathripper - PC: 6 (Battlegroup Points Used: 6)
- Deathripper - PC: 6 (Battlegroup Points Used: 6)
- Kharybdis - PC: 19 (Battlegroup Points Used: 16)
Wrong Eye - Wrong Eye & Snapjaw: 17
- Snapjaw
Hellslinger Phantom - PC: 7
Pistol Wraith - PC: 5
Pistol Wraith - PC: 5
Warwitch Siren - PC: 4Satyxis Gunslingers - Leader & 2 Grunts: 7
Satyxis Raiders - Leader & 9 Grunts: 16
- Satyxis Raider Sea Witch - PC: 3
Cephalyx Overlords - Leader & 2 Grunts: 8
(Coven) The Witch Coven of Garlghast [+26]
- Egregore
- Deathripper [6]
- Deathripper [6]
- Stalker [8]
- Stalker [8]
- The Withershadow Combine [9]
Satyxis Raiders (max) [16]
- Satyxis Raider Sea Witch [3]
Satyxis Raiders (max) [16]
- Satyxis Raider Sea Witch [3]
Soulhunters (max) [18]
Machine Wraith [2]
Machine Wraith [2]
Ragman [4]
Cryx is an interesting faction which has seen a roller-coaster ride the past year. From being one of the best in Mk. 2 they took a dive in Mk. 3 but have gradually gotten better. Players figured out the powerful Deneghra1/Coven combination, only to have releases like Una2 and Cygnar Storm Division say a big "no". With the most recent releases Cryx looks to be back in style again. Some might argue they deserve a higher tier rating than I've given them here. While that might be true, I think it's too early to say. One of the main weaknesses I see with Cryx now is that their pairings tend to struggle to achieve stability. That is, against a variety of opponents they will have a lot of really bad matchups, which inherently hurts the faction as a whole from a competitive point of view. The lists above showcases a few of the different approaches Cryx can take now. With the command book stuff being so fresh, and again SR2017 around the corner, I expect the Cryx community as a whole to develop a lot of interesting and new lists in the time to come.
:: Minions ::
(Rask) Rask - WB: +27
- Targ - PC: 4
- Blackhide Wrastler - PC: 16 (Battlegroup Points Used: 16)
- Blackhide Wrastler - PC: 16 (Battlegroup Points Used: 11)
Wrong Eye - Wrong Eye & Snapjaw: 17
- Snapjaw
Dahlia Hallyr - Hallyr & Skarath: 17
- Skarath
Totem Hunter - PC: 6
Bog Trog Mist Speaker - PC: 4
Rorsh - Rorsh & Brine: 15
- Brine
- Battle Boar - PC: 7
Minions suffer from the fact that not a lot of people play them. On top of that they have fallen drastically, from being one of the top dogs last fall to being one of the worse factions. I think there might be hidden value in Minions which has yet to be revealed, but as of now it's hard to give them a lot of credit. Dr. Arkadius and the new gator theme both seem like interesting choices for Minions. Carver can still present a very durable and hard-hitting force. That being said, these things might look good on paper but without results there's not much to speak of.
:: Trollbloods ::
(Doomie3) Hoarluk Doomshaper, Dire Prophet & Scroll Bearers - WB: +26, THEME: The Power of Dhunia
- Hoarluk Doomshaper, Dire Prophet & Scroll Bearers (Cont.)
- Dire Troll Mauler - PC: 15 (Battlegroup Points Used: 15)
- Mulg the Ancient - PC: 19 (Battlegroup Points Used: 11)
- Earthborn Dire Troll - PC: 15
- Troll Axer - PC: 10
- Storm Troll - PC: 9
- Storm Troll - PC: 9
- Dire Troll Mauler - PC: 15
Northkin Shaman - PC: 0
Troll Whelps - 5 Whelps: 0
Troll Whelps - 5 Whelps: 0
Krielstone Bearer & Stone Scribes - Leader & 3 Grunts: 6
- Stone Scribe Elder - PC: 3
(Gunnbjorn) Captain Gunnbjorn - WB: +28, THEME: The Power of Dhunia
- Mountain King - PC: 36 (Battlegroup Points Used: 28)
- Dire Troll Bomber - PC: 19
- Dozer & Smigg - PC: 18
- Earthborn Dire Troll - PC: 15
Janissa Stonetide - PC: 0
Northkin Shaman - PC: 0
Northkin Shaman - PC: 0
Krielstone Bearer & Stone Scribes - Leader & 3 Grunts: 6
- Stone Scribe Elder - PC: 3
Dhunian Knot - Leader & 2 Grunts: 6
Trollbloods are in my opinion still at the bottom, trailing hard. Their builds look ok in a vacuum, but they struggle against so many other factions and have very few, if any, matchups where they feel downright up. I hope Privateer Press acknowledges this problem soon because this is the number one faction in the game I feel needs more love right now.
To finish off this blog post I'd like to note that it's unlikely to remain relevant for long. On top of the usual stuff we are missing (Skorne and Retribution command books for example), I fully expect SR2017 to fundamentally alter the way this game is played. Although the document itself isn't coming out until June (I believe?), it was confirmed by Pagani on Twitter to enter CID mid-late April, according to schedule. Given that a lot of people prepare for the WTC I expect tons of playtesting and perhaps even some tournaments with the tentative SR2017 ruleset from early May. As per usual, this post is just a snapshot based on how I view the meta right now. I hope you find it useful, or at the very least interesting!
Major Victoria Haley - WJ: +25
- Squire - PC: 0
- Thorn - PC: 13 (Battlegroup Points Used: 13)
- Stormclad - PC: 18 (Battlegroup Points Used: 12)
- Stormclad - PC: 18
- Avenger - PC: 17
- Firefly - PC: 8
Captain Arlan Strangewayes - PC: 0
Journeyman Warcaster - PC: 0
- Firefly - PC: 8
Lieutenant Allison Jakes - PC: 0
- Stormclad - PC: 18
(Stryker 1) [Theme] Storm Division Commander Coleman Stryker [+30]
- Charger [9]
- Stormwall [39]
Storm Lances (max) [20]
Storm Lances (max) [20]
Journeyman Warcaster [0]
- Charger [9]
Captain Arlan Strangewayes [0]
Major Katherine Laddermore [8]
Sloan is the big new-comer! I expect we'll see a lot of her in the time to come. Cygnar is in a great spot right now. There are so many viable approaches! Storm Division is already fading in my opinion because the rest of the top dogs in the meta naturally come with great counters to Storm Lances: Legion, Mercenaries and Khador all have lists which deal with Warmachine's most hated cavalry unit quite well. Stryker1 has the defensive tech to allow Storm Lances to weather a lot of this, but against the new Legion for example I am pretty sure even he struggles. Darius might be a caster which is playable with a doublewall setup, Stryker2 is popular and the good old Haley3 build is still solid. On top of these casters and the sample lists above, there exists a myriad of builds for Cygnar now. Narrowing them down inevitably boils down to personal preference and experience.
:: Mercenaries ::
(MacBain) Drake MacBain [+30], [Theme] The Kingmaker's Army
- Galleon [39]
- Buccaneer [6]
Trencher Infantry (max) [16]
- Trencher Infantry Rifle Grenadier (2) [4]
Steelhead Halberdiers (max) [11]
Steelhead Heavy Cavalry (max) [18]
Steelhead Heavy Cavalry (min) [11]
Kell Bailoch [0]
Orin Midwinter, Rogue Inquisitor [0]
Stannis Brocker [0]
- Buccaneer [6]
Trencher Infantry (max) [16]
- Trencher Infantry Rifle Grenadier (2) [4]
Steelhead Halberdiers (max) [11]
Steelhead Heavy Cavalry (max) [18]
Steelhead Heavy Cavalry (min) [11]
Kell Bailoch [0]
Orin Midwinter, Rogue Inquisitor [0]
Stannis Brocker [0]
(Ossrum) General Ossrum - WJ: +28
- Reinholdt, Gobber Speculator - PC: 4
- Ghordson Driller - PC: 10 (Battlegroup Points Used: 10)
- Ghordson Driller - PC: 10 (Battlegroup Points Used: 10)
- Ghordson Driller - PC: 10 (Battlegroup Points Used: 8 )
- Grundback Gunner - PC: 6
- Grundback Gunner - PC: 6
- Grundback Gunner - PC: 6
- Grundback Gunner - PC: 6
- Grundback Gunner - PC: 6
- Grundback Blaster - PC: 6
- Grundback Blaster - PC: 6
Eiryss, Mage Hunter of Ios - PC: 7
Lady Aiyana & Master Holt - Lady Aiyana & Master Holt: 8
Horgenhold Artillery Corps - Gunner & 2 Grunts: 6
Horgenhold Artillery Corps - Gunner & 2 Grunts: 6
Ossrum is still the de facto Mercs caster and the bunnies are as terrifying as ever. Now you have the option to go in theme. I'm not sure which is better yet, what Eiryss1 and Aiyana + Holt bring to the table is so valuable. MacBain has sailed up as a really solid caster and I expect we'll see a lot more of him in the time to come. Magnus2 still sees some play as well. I struggle to understand why but I might be biased from a Cygnar point of view, Thexus still sees a lot of play and the humble Damiano is a force to be reckoned with.
:: Khador ::
(Vlad1) Vladimir Tzepesci, The Dark Prince - WJ: +28, Winterguard Kommand
- Juggernaut - PC: 12 (Battlegroup Points Used: 12)
- Juggernaut - PC: 12 (Battlegroup Points Used: 12)
- Marauder - PC: 10 (Battlegroup Points Used: 4)
- Marauder - PC: 10
- Marauder - PC: 10
Kovnik Jozef Grigorovich - PC: 4
Winter Guard Rifle Corps - Leader & 5 Grunts: 8
- Winter Guard Rocketeer - PC: 2
- Winter Guard Rocketeer - PC: 2
- Winter Guard Rocketeer - PC: 2
Winter Guard Rifle Corps - Leader & 5 Grunts: 8
- Winter Guard Rocketeer - PC: 2
- Winter Guard Rocketeer - PC: 2
- Winter Guard Rocketeer - PC: 2
Winter Guard Rifle Corps - Leader & 5 Grunts: 8
- Winter Guard Rocketeer - PC: 2
- Winter Guard Rocketeer - PC: 2
- Winter Guard Rocketeer - PC: 2
Winter Guard Field Gun Crew - Gunner & 2 Grunts: 0
Winter Guard Mortar Crew - Gunner & Grunt: 0
Battle Mechaniks - Leader & 3 Grunts: 3
(Harkevich) Kommander Harkevich, The Iron Wolf - WJ: +28, Winterguard Kommand
- Kodiak - PC: 13 (Battlegroup Points Used: 13)
- Kodiak - PC: 13 (Battlegroup Points Used: 13)
- Kodiak - PC: 13 (Battlegroup Points Used: 2)
- Juggernaut - PC: 12
- Juggernaut - PC: 12
- Marauder - PC: 10
- Marauder - PC: 10
Kovnik Jozef Grigorovich - PC: 4
Winter Guard Infantry - Leader & 9 Grunts: 10
- Winter Guard Rocketeer - PC: 2
- Winter Guard Rocketeer - PC: 2
- Winter Guard Rocketeer - PC: 2
- Winter Guard Infantry Officer & Standard - Officer & Standard: 0
Khador is very versatile and, like Cygnar, in a great spot right now. They have too many builds to list them all here. I recently wrote an in-depth post on them, check it out here. To summarize their interesting casters briefly I believe all of the Vlads, Butcher1, Butcher3, Kozlov, Zerkova1, Sorscha1, Karchev and Irusk2 are all potentially viable competitive choices.
:: Circle ::
(Krueger 2) Krueger the Stormlord [+27]
- Loki [19]
- Pureblood Warpwolf [17]
- Megalith [20]
- Woldwyrd [9]
- Woldwyrd [9]
- Gorax Rager [7]
Sentry Stone & Mannikins [5]
Sentry Stone & Mannikins [5]
Shifting Stones [3]
Gallows Grove [2]
Gallows Grove [2]
Blackclad Wayfarer [4]
(Wurmwood)
Warpwolf Stalker
Feral Warpwolf
Pureblood Warpwolf
Woldwyrd
Woldwyrd
Sentry Stone & Mannikins
Sentry Stone & Mannikins
Shifting Stones
Wolves of Orboros (max)
Wolves of Orboros UA
Swamp Gobbers
I don't believe Circle has fully landed following the Una2 nerf. On top of that Wurmwood is no longer the powerhouse he used to be because of meta changes. Combined these two mean that Circle is currently a little "all over the place". Krueger2 has sailed up as the number 1 Circle caster in my experience, but the question is who does he pair with? In addition to Wurmwood I see people experimenting with Kaya3, Una2, Baldur2 and even Morvahna2 for a pairing spot. I think we might not see Circle land properly before SR2017 is out.
:: Skorne ::
(Makeda 2) Supreme Archdomina Makeda [+27]
- Despoiler [19]
- Molik Karn [19]
Mortitheurge Willbreaker [4]
Mortitheurge Willbreaker [4]
Tyrant Rhadeim [9]
Paingiver Beast Handlers (min) [5]
Praetorian Ferox (max) [20]
Praetorian Ferox (max) [20]
Swamp Gobbers Bellows Crew [2]
(Makeda 1) Archdomina Makeda [+29]
- Basilisk Krea [7]
- Mammoth [38]
- Molik Karn [19]
- Titan Gladiator [15]
Extoller Soulward [3]
Gremlin Swarm [3]
Orin Midwinter, Rogue Inquisitor [5]
Swamp Gobber Chef [1]
Legends of Halaak [8]
Paingiver Beast Handlers (min) [5]
Skorne seems to be all about Makeda as far as competitive builds are concerned. In my experience the second iteration of this caster is the best one. Makeda1 arguably handles ARM-skew better, but the Ferox train Makeda2 brings is surprisingly good at dealing with quite a lot of ARM as well. Other casters are experimented with of course but I have yet to see any of them rival one of the Makedas for a spot in a top pairing.
:: Convergence ::
(Lucant) Father Lucant, Divinity Architect [+28], Theme: Destruction Initiative
- Conservator [12]
- Conservator [12]
- Conservator [12]
- Conservator [12]
- Corollary [6]
- Diffuser [6]
Optifex Directive [4]
Transfinite Emergence Projector [19]
- Permutation Servitors
Transfinite Emergence Projector [19]
- Permutation Servitors
Lots of free bots
(Iron Mother) Directrix & Exponent Servitors - WJ: +27, Theme: Destruction Initiative
- Iron Mother Directrix & Exponent Servitors Cont.
- Assimilator - PC: 16
- Assimilator - PC: 16
- Assimilator - PC: 16
- Diffuser - PC: 6
- Corollary - PC: 6
- Prime Axiom - PC: 38 (Battlegroup Points Used: 27)
Attunement Servitors - 3 Attunement Servitors: 0
Elimination Servitors - 3 Elimination Servitors: 0
Elimination Servitors - 3 Elimination Servitors: 0
Elimination Servitors - 3 Elimination Servitors: 0
Optifex Directive - Leader & 2 Grunts: 4
Convergence has a couple of really solid builds now. Father and Mother still seem to be leading the way, with arguably Axis rivalling the former. The main reason I haven't included Axis is because I haven't found a non-ADR list version for him. I've been told Destruction Initiative was a big help and my experience against Convergence certainly confirm that. Interestingly enough they are suddenly a very strong faction vs Cygnar now.
:: Protectorate ::
(Amon) Theme: The Creator's Might, High Allegiant Amon Ad-Raza [+29]
- Dervish [7]
- Dervish [7]
- Dervish [7]
- Dervish [7]
- Devout [9]
- Templar [15]
- Crusader [10]
- Crusader [10]
- Crusader [10]
- Crusader [10]
- Hierophant [0]
Choir of Menoth (min) [4]
Choir of Menoth (min) [4]
The Covenant of Menoth [0]
Vassal of Menoth [0]
Vassal Mechanik [1]
Vassal Mechanik [1]
Wrack [1]
Wrack [1]
(High Reclaimer 1) The High Reclaimer [+32]
- Eye of Truth [20]
- Crusader [10]
Knights Exemplar [9]
- Knights Exemplar Officer [5]
Knights Exemplar [9]
- Knights Exemplar Officer [5]
Idrian Skirmishers (max) [15]
- Idrian Skirmisher Chieftain & Guide [5]
Idrian Skirmishers (max) [15]
- Idrian Skirmisher Chieftain & Guide [5]
Choir of Menoth (min) [4]
Wrack [1]
Wrack [1]
Vassal Mechanik [1]
Following the nerf to High Reclaimer my experience is that the Protectorate has yet to land on a stable pairing. Amon is the number 1 caster now but with recent buffs to Legion in particular he's suddenly behind, or so it feels. High Reclaimer might still be the best to run with him, with a more troop oriented approach. I don't know, the faction is trailing a bit unfortunately. Feora3 and Severius2 are some of the more popular ones I see people testing outside of Amon and HR.
:: Retribution ::
(Vyros2) Vyros, Incissar of the Dawnguard - WJ: +27, Theme: Forges of War
- Sylys Wyshnalyrr, The Seeker - PC: 0
- Imperatus - PC: 22 (Battlegroup Points Used: 22)
- Phoenix - PC: 18 (Battlegroup Points Used: 5)
- Griffon - PC: 8
- Griffon - PC: 8
- Griffon - PC: 8
- Griffon - PC: 8
- Griffon - PC: 8
- Griffon - PC: 8
- Griffon - PC: 8
Arcanist Mechanik - PC: 2
Arcanist Mechanik - PC: 2
Arcanist Mechanik - PC: 2
House Shyeel Artificer - PC: 0
House Shyeel Artificer - PC: 0
(Kaelyssa) Kaelyssa, the Night's Whisper [+29]
- Banshee [18]
- Banshee [18]
Elara, Tyro of the Third Chamber [4]
- Discordia [18]
Arcanist Mechanik [2]
Dawnguard Sentinels (max) [18]
- Dawnguard Sentinel Officer & Standard [4]
Dawnguard Sentinels (max) [18]
- Dawnguard Sentinel Officer & Standard [4]
Elara, Tyro of the Third Chamber [4]
- Discordia [18]
Arcanist Mechanik [2]
Dawnguard Sentinels (max) [18]
- Dawnguard Sentinel Officer & Standard [4]
Dawnguard Sentinels (max) [18]
- Dawnguard Sentinel Officer & Standard [4]
Ben Fuzi recently won the Netherlands Masters with Retribution. This undoubtedly shows his skills as a player and it also shows how small the gap is between top dog and factions lacking just a bit right now. Vyros2 in Forges of War seems to be a staple choice now and the list above is a direct copy of Ben's from said event. Kaelyssa of various flavours is a very common Retribution caster as well and in pair with Vyros2 you have a pretty solid combo. Apart from these two it is my experience that Helynna and Rahn are the most common Retribution casters at the moment. Retribution has a lot of goodies coming right around the corner and with SR2017 I fully expect this faction to change drastically over the next few months in terms of competitive builds.
:: Cryx ::
(Skarre1)
Skarlock Thrall
Inflictor
Inflictor
Scavenger
Blackbane's Ghost Raiders (max)
Darragh Wrathe
Machine Wraith
Machine Wraith
Machine Wraith
Necrotech
Scrap Thralls
Wraith Engine
Wraith Engine
(Deneghra1) Warwitch Deneghra - WJ: +28
- Deathripper - PC: 6 (Battlegroup Points Used: 6)
- Deathripper - PC: 6 (Battlegroup Points Used: 6)
- Kharybdis - PC: 19 (Battlegroup Points Used: 16)
Wrong Eye - Wrong Eye & Snapjaw: 17
- Snapjaw
Hellslinger Phantom - PC: 7
Pistol Wraith - PC: 5
Pistol Wraith - PC: 5
Warwitch Siren - PC: 4Satyxis Gunslingers - Leader & 2 Grunts: 7
Satyxis Raiders - Leader & 9 Grunts: 16
- Satyxis Raider Sea Witch - PC: 3
Cephalyx Overlords - Leader & 2 Grunts: 8
(Coven) The Witch Coven of Garlghast [+26]
- Egregore
- Deathripper [6]
- Deathripper [6]
- Stalker [8]
- Stalker [8]
- The Withershadow Combine [9]
Satyxis Raiders (max) [16]
- Satyxis Raider Sea Witch [3]
Satyxis Raiders (max) [16]
- Satyxis Raider Sea Witch [3]
Soulhunters (max) [18]
Machine Wraith [2]
Machine Wraith [2]
Ragman [4]
Cryx is an interesting faction which has seen a roller-coaster ride the past year. From being one of the best in Mk. 2 they took a dive in Mk. 3 but have gradually gotten better. Players figured out the powerful Deneghra1/Coven combination, only to have releases like Una2 and Cygnar Storm Division say a big "no". With the most recent releases Cryx looks to be back in style again. Some might argue they deserve a higher tier rating than I've given them here. While that might be true, I think it's too early to say. One of the main weaknesses I see with Cryx now is that their pairings tend to struggle to achieve stability. That is, against a variety of opponents they will have a lot of really bad matchups, which inherently hurts the faction as a whole from a competitive point of view. The lists above showcases a few of the different approaches Cryx can take now. With the command book stuff being so fresh, and again SR2017 around the corner, I expect the Cryx community as a whole to develop a lot of interesting and new lists in the time to come.
:: Minions ::
(Rask) Rask - WB: +27
- Targ - PC: 4
- Blackhide Wrastler - PC: 16 (Battlegroup Points Used: 16)
- Blackhide Wrastler - PC: 16 (Battlegroup Points Used: 11)
Wrong Eye - Wrong Eye & Snapjaw: 17
- Snapjaw
Dahlia Hallyr - Hallyr & Skarath: 17
- Skarath
Totem Hunter - PC: 6
Bog Trog Mist Speaker - PC: 4
Rorsh - Rorsh & Brine: 15
- Brine
- Battle Boar - PC: 7
Minions suffer from the fact that not a lot of people play them. On top of that they have fallen drastically, from being one of the top dogs last fall to being one of the worse factions. I think there might be hidden value in Minions which has yet to be revealed, but as of now it's hard to give them a lot of credit. Dr. Arkadius and the new gator theme both seem like interesting choices for Minions. Carver can still present a very durable and hard-hitting force. That being said, these things might look good on paper but without results there's not much to speak of.
:: Trollbloods ::
(Doomie3) Hoarluk Doomshaper, Dire Prophet & Scroll Bearers - WB: +26, THEME: The Power of Dhunia
- Hoarluk Doomshaper, Dire Prophet & Scroll Bearers (Cont.)
- Dire Troll Mauler - PC: 15 (Battlegroup Points Used: 15)
- Mulg the Ancient - PC: 19 (Battlegroup Points Used: 11)
- Earthborn Dire Troll - PC: 15
- Troll Axer - PC: 10
- Storm Troll - PC: 9
- Storm Troll - PC: 9
- Dire Troll Mauler - PC: 15
Northkin Shaman - PC: 0
Troll Whelps - 5 Whelps: 0
Troll Whelps - 5 Whelps: 0
Krielstone Bearer & Stone Scribes - Leader & 3 Grunts: 6
- Stone Scribe Elder - PC: 3
(Gunnbjorn) Captain Gunnbjorn - WB: +28, THEME: The Power of Dhunia
- Mountain King - PC: 36 (Battlegroup Points Used: 28)
- Dire Troll Bomber - PC: 19
- Dozer & Smigg - PC: 18
- Earthborn Dire Troll - PC: 15
Janissa Stonetide - PC: 0
Northkin Shaman - PC: 0
Northkin Shaman - PC: 0
Krielstone Bearer & Stone Scribes - Leader & 3 Grunts: 6
- Stone Scribe Elder - PC: 3
Dhunian Knot - Leader & 2 Grunts: 6
Trollbloods are in my opinion still at the bottom, trailing hard. Their builds look ok in a vacuum, but they struggle against so many other factions and have very few, if any, matchups where they feel downright up. I hope Privateer Press acknowledges this problem soon because this is the number one faction in the game I feel needs more love right now.
To finish off this blog post I'd like to note that it's unlikely to remain relevant for long. On top of the usual stuff we are missing (Skorne and Retribution command books for example), I fully expect SR2017 to fundamentally alter the way this game is played. Although the document itself isn't coming out until June (I believe?), it was confirmed by Pagani on Twitter to enter CID mid-late April, according to schedule. Given that a lot of people prepare for the WTC I expect tons of playtesting and perhaps even some tournaments with the tentative SR2017 ruleset from early May. As per usual, this post is just a snapshot based on how I view the meta right now. I hope you find it useful, or at the very least interesting!
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