Wed Sep 25 07:00:39 UTC 2024: ## Warhammer: The Old World Needs To Save Its Foot Soldiers
**Infantry in Warhammer: The Old World is struggling to find its place, with many players considering them ineffective and irrelevant in the current meta.** While some units like unbreakable or skirmishing infantry can hold their own, most ranked infantry units are simply outclassed by faster, more durable, and more damaging units like cavalry and monsters.
**The problem stems from infantry’s slow speed and lack of mobility, coupled with their lower damage output and durability compared to other unit types.** Historically, infantry’s strength was its high combat resolution, but this has been significantly nerfed in the current iteration of the game. This leaves infantry with a major disadvantage in the classic cavalry/monster vs infantry matchup, often resulting in a rapid defeat or a retreat that leads to an inevitable chase and repeat of the same outcome.
**To address this, several potential solutions have been proposed, ranging from increased lethality to more impactful combat resolutions.** One popular suggestion is the return of the “Step Up” rule from 8th Edition, which would allow models to attack even after being replaced in the front rank, increasing infantry’s damage output. However, the author of the article believes this would make the game overly deadly and doesn’t address the core issues facing infantry.
**Instead, the author proposes a series of smaller, more nuanced changes to improve infantry’s effectiveness without drastically altering the game’s balance.** This includes:
* **Increasing combat resolution bonuses for ranked-up infantry units:** This would give infantry a better chance of holding against cavalry and monsters.
* **Restricting the use of lances to the first turn:** This would help prevent the “doom cycle” of infantry being repeatedly charged and decimated.
* **Reintroducing the “Parry Bonus” for hand weapons and shields:** This would make infantry more durable and provide a reason to equip those weapons.
* **Buffing spears, particularly against cavalry:** Historically, spears were a strong counter to cavalry charges, and this should be reflected in the game.
* **Creating missions that specifically favor infantry:** This would give infantry a much-needed role to play in the game.
**The author believes that these small changes can have a significant impact on infantry’s viability, making them a more compelling and strategic choice for players.** While further playtesting is needed, these changes offer a promising path toward revitalizing infantry and ensuring their relevance in the world of Warhammer: The Old World.
First Piper 