Square Based: A Warhammer Fantasy in the Old World

Dust off your chariots and sharpen your khopesh, because your hosts Rob and Val are taking you on a long-awaited DEEP DIVE into the Tomb Kings Grand Army for 2025!
With the new Match Play Guide changing the face of the battlefield, this isn't just any review; it's a whole new expedition into the Land of the Dead. We're cracking open the ancient seals to look at everything, from the powerful army-wide rules to every single dusty unit in the roster. Is the Necrosphinx still a top-tier terror? Can a block of humble skeletons actually win you the game now? Is Val's new hat secretly powered by the Casket of Souls? 
CHAPTERS 
0:00 - Introduction & Banter3:09 - Community Updates & Upcoming Events8:19 - Tomb Kings Army Overview (TL:DR)9:54 - The Impact of the Match Play Guide
*Army and Special Rules*12:47 - Grand Army Composition15:44 - Army Special Rules (Arrows of Asaph, Cleaving Blow, Unstable & more!)32:57 - The Lore of Nehekhara
*Magic Items*40:38 - Magic Weapons45:44 - Magic Armour47:53 - Talismans50:07 - Magic Standards53:54 - Enchanted Items57:26 - Arcane Items
*Characters*1:02:10 - Monarchs of Nehekhara (Tomb King & Tomb Prince)1:04:56 - Character Mounts & The Necrolith Bone Dragon1:13:13 - Royal Herald1:18:02 - Liche Priest (High Priest & Mortuary Priest)1:26:26 - Necrotect
*Units*1:31:20 - Skeleton Warriors1:34:48 - Skeleton Archers1:36:37 - Skeleton Skirmishers1:38:26 - Skeleton Horsemen1:40:21 - Skeleton Horse Archers1:41:18 - Skeletal Chariots1:44:46 - Tomb Swarms1:45:50 - Carrion1:47:52 - Tomb Guard1:52:55 - Sepulchral Stalkers1:56:16 - Necropolis Knights2:00:32 - Ushabti2:04:47 - Tomb Scorpion2:07:20 - Khemrian Warsphinx2:10:19 - Necrolith Colossus2:12:05 - Necrosphinx2:15:29 - Screaming Skull Catapult2:18:32 - Casket of Souls
2:23:40 - Final Thoughts & Summary
MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:
► *Rob's Old World EVENTS in Nottingham!* https://tsnarena.com/events/category/the-old-world/
► *The Square Based Open Toronto! Oct 18-19! Get Yer Tickets!* https://tinyurl.com/Square-Based-Open-Toronto-2025
► *The California Cup in Los Angeles ! Nov 14-16!* https://greenbannereventco.com/product-category/california-cup/
►  Support us on PATREON and join us on Discord: https://www.patreon.com/Squarebased
► Always up to date online rules resource for Old World: tow.whfb.app
MERCH!  https://thehonestwargamer.com/product-category/square-based/
Square Based terrain maps and resources: https://thehonestwargamer.com/the-old-world-terrain-guidelines/
Youtube Music Playlist for Audio Only: https://tinyurl.com/SB-YouTube-Music-Playlist
Podcast on all other Platforms: https://squarebasedpodcast.podbean.com/
#squarebased #warhammertheoldworld #warhammerfantasy

It's time for the numbers! In this episode, Rob and Val dive deep into the tournament results for Warhammer: The Old World since the release of the Match Play Guide. We've got the graphs and stats to break it all down!
We'll explore why stats matter, our methodology for collecting data, and then get into the good stuff: Which armies are the most popular? Which factions have the highest win rates? And what is the "Positive Win Rate Potential" (PWRP) of your favorite army (and what is Positive Win Rate Potential anyway)? From the dominance of Grand Cathay to the struggles of the Skaven, we cover it all!
Chapters:0:00 - Introduction & The Current State of the Game2:12 - Summer Catch-up & Tournament Anxiety7:38 - Why Stats Matter in Wargaming17:30 - Our Data Methodology Explained25:08 - Faction Representation in the Meta (Meta Rep)52:25 - Faction Win Rates & The Overperformers1:05:00 - Factions That Need Help1:09:51 - Positive Win Rate Potential (PWRP)1:21:00 - Final Analysis & Community Call to Action
MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:
► Come Play in Toronto! Tickets are available for the *Square Based Open* on October 18th & 19th: https://tinyurl.com/Square-Based-Open-Toronto-2025
► *Rob's Old World EVENTS* in Nottingham! https://tsnarena.com/events/category/the-old-world/
► *The California Cup* in Los Angeles! Nov 14-16! https://greenbannereventco.com/product-category/california-cup/
► Check out the excellent community resource *Old World Rankings*: https://www.old-world-rankings.com
► A big thank you to *Warhammer Rob (the best Rob)* for his work on the stats!
► Listen to Peter the Falcon's podcast, *That Old World Charm*: https://oldworldcharm.podbean.com/
► Missed our *Cathay Lore video?* Watch it here: https://youtu.be/iOC6jy6SJCI?si=THfdvKK6cSJ076MJ
*MERCH!*  https://thehonestwargamer.com/product-category/square-based/
Square Based terrain maps and resources: https://thehonestwargamer.com/the-old-world-terrain-guidelines/
Youtube Music Playlist for Audio Only: https://tinyurl.com/SB-YouTube-Music-Playlist
Podcast on all other Platforms: https://squarebasedpodcast.podbean.com/
#squarebased #warhammertheoldworld #warhammerfantasy

Rob and Val are back with another patent-pending LORE video, this time deep-diving the Grand Cathay book to answer the eternal question: WHAT'S GOING ON WITH CATHAYAN LOGISTICS?
The Old World is a mess. The Empire's leadership is distracted, the Elves are ignoring their DMs, and Frydaal the Chainmaker is having the time of her life carving up the Westerlands. With no one else stepping up, it's time for the Dragon siblings to assemble a fleet, awaken some Terracotta Sentinels, and sail halfway across the world to sort everyone out.
Join us as we talk geopolitics, the economics of the Old Silk Road, why there are so many boats, and whether or not Vampirates are confirmed (they are).
Chapters:
00:00 Cold Open & What's Up Beijing?01:45 Man o' War & Dan Abnett's "Fell Cargo"04:26 Hot Topic: A Wedding Outfit05:54 Show Updates: Bat Rep Room & Tournaments11:04 Lore Intro: Turmoil in the Old World19:20 The Withering of the Laurelorn Forest24:46 Portents of Ruination29:22 A Growing Shadow in Northern Cathay41:48 Diplomacy of the Dragon: Cathay & The Old World51:24 The Great Trade Routes01:08:00 The Jade Fleet & The Elves of Ulthuan01:12:31 A Time to Act: Cathay Decides to Intervene01:18:30 The Journey West01:24:10 First Contact: Sea Battle with the Norscans01:29:33 The Grand Arrival in Marienburg01:32:35 Final Thoughts & Review01:43:27 Outro
MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:
► *Rob's Old World EVENTS in Nottingham!* https://tsnarena.com/events/category/the-old-world/
► *The Square Based Open Toronto! Oct 18-19! Get Yer Tickets!* https://tinyurl.com/Square-Based-Open-Toronto-2025
► *The California Cup in Los Angeles ! Nov 14-16!* https://greenbannereventco.com/product-category/california-cup/
►  Support us on PATREON and join us on Discord: https://www.patreon.com/Squarebased
MERCH!  https://thehonestwargamer.com/product-category/square-based/
Square Based terrain maps and resources: https://thehonestwargamer.com/the-old-world-terrain-guidelines/
Youtube Music Playlist for Audio Only: https://tinyurl.com/SB-YouTube-Music-Playlist
Podcast on all other Platforms: https://squarebasedpodcast.podbean.com/
#squarebased #warhammertheoldworld #warhammerfantasy

In this exciting episode, we're taking a deep dive into the brand new rules for Grand Cathay from the *Dawn of the Storm Dragon Arcane Journal!* We're focusing exclusively on the new gameplay content, from the "Jade Fleet" Army of Infamy to a full breakdown of every new magic item.
Join us as we uncover interesting new combos, explore the strategic impact of adding Empire mercenaries to your Cathayan force, and discover a hilarious copy-paste error that officially brings the Skaven into the Core armies of the Old World. 
Chapters:0:00 - Introduction4:01 - The Jade Fleet: Army Composition & Special Rules16:12 - Unlocking New Combos with Empire Mercenaries22:22 - Magic Items: Weapons & Armour28:36 - Magic Items: Talismans, Standards, Enchanted, & Arcane Items44:06 - Final Thoughts & Hobby Opportunities
MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:
► *Rob's Old World EVENTS in Nottingham!* https://tsnarena.com/events/category/the-old-world/► *The Square Based Open Toronto! Oct 18-19! Get Yer Tickets!* https://tinyurl.com/Square-Based-Open-Toronto-2025► *The California Cup in Los Angeles ! Nov 14-16!* https://greenbannereventco.com/product-category/california-cup/► Watch our previous Cathay speculation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVCjw6bo2sc&t► Warriors of Chaos Lore Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvGPeaqx5-g
Support us on PATREON and join us on Discord: https://www.patreon.com/Squarebased
MERCH!  https://thehonestwargamer.com/product-category/square-based/
Square Based terrain maps and resources: https://thehonestwargamer.com/the-old-world-terrain-guidelines/
Youtube Music Playlist for Audio Only: https://tinyurl.com/SB-YouTube-Music-Playlist
Podcast on all other Platforms: https://squarebasedpodcast.podbean.com/
#grandcathay #squarebased #warhammertheoldworld #warhammerfantasy

Join Rob and Val as they break down all the exciting news about the upcoming Grand Cathay release for Warhammer: The Old World. From the new Arcane Journal and stunning models to a deep dive into the lore explaining Miao Ying's journey west.  
Plus, we discuss the current state of the game, recap a recent tournament, and get sidetracked by the idea of a Man o' War revival. #squareboats.
*Chapters!* 
0:00 Introduction0:53 The State of the Old World & The Cathay Question13:03 Cathay Speculation on New Rules & Models27:53 Discussing the recent Old World Almanack and Cathay's journey to the Old World.55:10 The Future of the Old World Narrative
-----
*MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:*
► Get tickets for the Squarebased Open Toronto (October 18th & 19th): https://tinyurl.com/Square-Based-Open-Toronto-2025
►Rob's Old World EVENTS in Nottingham!: https://tsnarena.com/events/category/the-old-world/
► An Actual Man o' War Battle Report from Crown of Command Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taOvlXjLPqU&t=94s
-----
The California Cup in Los Angeles ! Nov 14-16! https://greenbannereventco.com/product-category/california-cup/
Support us on PATREON and join us on Discord: https://www.patreon.com/Squarebased
MERCH!  https://thehonestwargamer.com/product-category/square-based/
Square Based terrain maps and resources: https://thehonestwargamer.com/the-old-world-terrain-guidelines/
Youtube Music Playlist for Audio Only: https://tinyurl.com/SB-YouTube-Music-Playlist
Podcast on all other Platforms: https://squarebasedpodcast.podbean.com/
#warhammer #warhammertheoldworld #warhammerfantasy #warhammercommunity #squarebassed #theoldworld #warhammerpodcast #thehonestwargamer

After a brief Summer Holiday Rob and Val are back with a piping hot tier list for new players! Wondering what army would be best to start with for Warhammer the Old World? Is Cathay the S tier choice? Are "Legacy" Factions worth considering? Check out the Chapters below to find out! 
00:00 Introduction00:14:30 Beastmen Brayherds00:19:14 Kingdom of Bretonnia00:26:10 Grand Cathay00:33:22 Chaos Dwarfs00:38:03 Dark Elves00:43:00 Daemons of Chaos00:50:46 Dwarfen Mountain Holds00:56:21 The Empire of Man01:01:42 High Elf Realms01:06:42 Lizardmen01:11:34 Ogre Kingdoms01:14:13 Orc & Goblin Tribes01:17:50 Skaven01:22:10 Tomb Kings of Khemri01:24:27 Vampire Counts01:26:51 Wood Elf Realms01:31:00 Warriors of Chaos
Rob's Old World EVENTS in Nottingham! https://tsnarena.com/events/category/the-old-world/
The Square Based Open Toronto! Oct 18-19! Get Yer Tickets! https://tinyurl.com/Square-Based-Open-Toronto-2025
The California Cup in Los Angeles ! Nov 14-16! https://greenbannereventco.com/product-category/california-cup/
Support us on PATREON and join us on Discord: https://www.patreon.com/Squarebased
MERCH!  https://thehonestwargamer.com/product-category/square-based/
Square Based terrain maps and resources: https://thehonestwargamer.com/the-old-world-terrain-guidelines/
Youtube Music Playlist for Audio Only: https://tinyurl.com/SB-YouTube-Music-Playlist
Podcast on all other Platforms: https://squarebasedpodcast.podbean.com/
#warhammer #warhammertheoldworld #warhammerfantasy #warhammercommunity #squarebassed #theoldworld #warhammerpodcast #thehonestwargamer

The 2024/25 Annual Report from GW dropped this week and not only did they have the best year in their history, but Old World was featured in a major way. Tune in this week to see the fellas talk about what this might mean for Warhammer the Old World and Fantasy fans world wide. 
Rob's Gofundme for the TSN Arena Studio Build! https://www.gofundme.com/f/create-a-battle-report-studio-to-celebrate-8-years-of-thwg
The Square Based Open Toronto! Oct 18-19! Get Yer Tickets! https://tinyurl.com/Square-Based-Open-Toronto-2025
Rob's Old World EVENTS in Nottingham! https://tsnarena.com/events/category/the-old-world/
Support us on PATREON and join us on Discord: https://www.patreon.com/Squarebased
MERCH!  https://thehonestwargamer.com/product-category/square-based/
Square Based terrain maps and resources: https://thehonestwargamer.com/the-old-world-terrain-guidelines/
Youtube Music Playlist for Audio Only: https://tinyurl.com/SB-YouTube-Music-Playlist
Podcast on all other Platforms: https://squarebasedpodcast.podbean.com/
#warhammer #warhammertheoldworld #warhammerfantasy #warhammercommunity #squarebassed #theoldworld #warhammerpodcast #thehonestwargamer

With the massive update to 1.5 of Warhammer the Old World, Val's Renegade Legacy Pack required an update to make sure that the Renegade factions keep up with the current game. Join Rob as he leads Val through a discussion of what is changing for Renegades 1.5, and what he's got planned for the future of the project. 
Check out the Draft Renegade 1.5 Version here: https://tinyurl.com/RENEGADES-1-5-DRAFT                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Rob's Old World EVENTS in Nottingham! https://tsnarena.com/events/category/the-old-world/
Support us on PATREON and join us on Discord: https://www.patreon.com/Squarebased
MERCH!  https://thehonestwargamer.com/product-category/square-based/
Square Based terrain maps and resources: https://thehonestwargamer.com/the-old-world-terrain-guidelines/
Youtube Music Playlist for Audio Only: https://tinyurl.com/SB-YouTube-Music-Playlist
Podcast on all other Platforms: https://squarebasedpodcast.podbean.com/
#warhammer #warhammertheoldworld #warhammerfantasy #warhammercommunity #squarebassed #theoldworld #warhammerpodcast #thehonestwargamer

The original Square Based Podcast where Rob and Val discuss everything Warhammer the Old World. Always be #Bassed. 
Rob's Old World EVENTS in Nottingham! https://tsnarena.com/events/category/the-old-world/
Support us on PATREON and join us on Discord: https://www.patreon.com/Squarebased
MERCH!  https://thehonestwargamer.com/product-category/square-based/
Square Based terrain maps and resources: https://thehonestwargamer.com/the-old-world-terrain-guidelines/
Youtube Music Playlist for Audio Only: https://tinyurl.com/SB-YouTube-Music-Playlist
Podcast on all other Platforms: https://squarebasedpodcast.podbean.com/
#warhammer #warhammertheoldworld #warhammerfantasy #warhammercommunity #squarebassed #theoldworld #warhammerpodcast #thehonestwargamer

Val picked a helluva time to take two weeks off of the show but he's back baby! He and Rob review where the game stands right now and look into the future for what's in store for Warhammer the Old World now that we've reached the end of the known timeline of releases. Check out the chapters below! Links for a bunch of stuff below that! 
00:00 Introduction05:52 Will there be a 1.5 Update for Renegades? 08:26 Should've They Rebalanced Points in the FAQ/Errata? 11:00 Do Vampire Counts Need to Be Nerfed? 14:35 Does the FAQ need an FAQ for things like Regeneration? 22:30 Why has the Community Reaction been so Toxic? 40:26 Is Cathay's Lore OP? 48:39 Why was the Reaction to the Matched Play Guide so Muted? 1:00:33 Cathay Pricing and Build Quality. 1:03:09 Are There Too Many Points Up For Grabs in the MPG Missions? 1:13:05 Were the AoS Chaos Dwarfs meant for Old World? 1:19:00 Some Advice for Community Organizers and Toxic Online Communities1:22:50 Rob's Format for Using the Matched Play Guide 1:31:22 What is Next for Old World? Is there Nothing New Coming? 
Renegade 1.5 DRAFT Vanilla Update: https://tinyurl.com/Renegades-Draft-1p5-Update
Rob's TSN Event Pack for using the Matched Play Guidehttps://tinyurl.com/TSN-MPG-Event-Pack
Tickets for the Square Based Open Toronto, October 18-19 https://tinyurl.com/Square-Based-Open-Toronto-2025
Rob's Old World EVENTS in Nottingham! https://tsnarena.com/events/category/the-old-world/
Support us on PATREON and join us on Discord: https://www.patreon.com/Squarebased
MERCH!  https://thehonestwargamer.com/product-category/square-based/
Square Based terrain maps and resources: https://thehonestwargamer.com/the-old-world-terrain-guidelines/
Youtube Music Playlist for Audio Only: https://tinyurl.com/SB-YouTube-Music-Playlist
Podcast on all other Platforms: https://squarebasedpodcast.podbean.com/
#warhammer #warhammertheoldworld #warhammerfantasy #warhammercommunity #squarebassed #theoldworld #warhammerpodcast #thehonestwargamer