Spearhead (expansion)
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Spearhead is an expansion for Warhammer 40,000, focusing on large-scale tank battles set in the 41st Millennium.
Gameplay
5th & 6th Editions
Spearhead was an expansion for the 5th Edition and 6th Edition of Warhammer 40,000, focusing on large-scale tank battles set in the 41st Millennium. It brings the clash of armoured companies to the tabletop, featuring flank attacks and armoured assaults. It was designed by Jervis Johnson, and were published in White Dwarf 366 (UK), as well as being downloadable on the games-workshop.com website.[1]
The expansion emphasizes battles dominated by tanks, artillery, and skimmers, where infantry struggle in the deadly environment created by these armoured behemoths. Special spearhead formations, including elite tank units and super-heavy tanks, lead these offensives.[1]
Spearhead introduces missions that are distinct from standard Warhammer 40,000 games. Battles are fought along the length of the table, favoring long-range firepower and heavily armored units.[1]
The expansion allows for endless combinations of spearheads, tailored to different playstyles and objectives, ranging from aggressive assaults to strategic manoeuvres.[1]
Players can use existing armies with new formations or add new units to their forces. Rules, scenarios, and examples are provided to help players engage in these massive armoured battles.[1]
Players can include various specialized spearhead formations, such as Tank Hunter Spearheads with veteran crews and unique rules like the "Tank Hunters" special ability. These formations are designed to exploit specific tactical advantages.[1]
8th Edition
Spearhead was updated for the 8th Edition of Warhammer 40,000.[2a]
This expansion includes three Spearhead missions for narrative play. In Spearhead missions, at least half of a player's army must consist of vehicles (excluding Flyers). The battlefield is typically open with a few large terrain features, and it is recommended to include one large terrain feature per 2' by 2' area, along with some obstacles or barricades.[2b]
In these missions, one player acts as the Attacker and the other as the Defender, with gameplay focused on narrative-driven, armored assault scenarios. The expansion includes additional abilities, Warlord Traits, and Stratagems that reflect the unique tactics used in Spearhead missions.[2a]
Sources
- 1: White Dwarf 366 (UK), pgs. 30-31
- 2: Chapter Approved 2019
