AoS - 5 - What Is The Priority Roll?


Articles
Webcomics
List Building Tools
Downloads
Videos & Podcasts
29 Mar 24
Warhammer Age of Sigmar –

What is the Priority Roll?
We’ve discussed how the modular rules in the upcoming edition of Warhammer Age of
Sigmar allow for easier learning and more customisation as the game expands – but
this is far from the only positive change in the new system. Today, it’s time to tackle
one of the signature aspects of Warhammer Age of Sigmar, the priority roll.
https://www.warhammer-community.com/2024/03/29/warhammer-age-of-sigmar-what-is-the-priority-roll/ 20/04/2024, 23 39
Page 1 of 9
:
The player who finishes setting their army up first gets to choose who takes the first
turn. This feeds into a strategic element of list building – another part of the game
which has undergone changes for the new edition – because it may a!ect the
composition of your army.*
At the start of every battle round after the first, players make a priority roll and the
winner decides who takes the first turn. If it’s a tie, the player who took the first turn in
the previous battle round decides who goes first in the current battle round.
Sometimes, this means a canny player can take two turns in a row – often referred to
as a “double turn” – which o!ers a substantial tactical advantage.
Page 2 of 9
:
Those of you who have played other Warhammer tabletop games may find this a little
odd initially, but it is crucial to understanding the ebb and flow of Warhammer Age of
Sigmar. The decision is rich with tactical depth, and opens up a wide range of options
for both forward planning and counterplay – the latter of which have been
considerably expanded in the upcoming edition.
What’s more, it’s here to stay in the new edition – but the balance between risk and
reward has become much more finely tuned. Now, in matched play battlepacks, when
you choose to take a double turn, you give up your opportunity to pick a battle tactic
for the turn.* It’s still an incredibly powerful option – but the decision is now far from a
foregone conclusion.
Page 3 of 9
:
“I think the priority roll and the potential for a double turn can create really cool and
dynamic outcomes where you can’t predict the flow of a game”, explains Matt, the Lead
Games Developer for Warhammer Age of Sigmar. “You can’t count out each players’
moves as simply as a straightforward you-go-then-I-go. It’s a wonderful possibility
space.”
“Initially, the double turn might seem like an obvious advantage – but it’s important to
consider that many defensive abilities last until your next turn. This means the player
who goes second will often still have their bu!s and defensive spells up and running.
“The primary skill expression in Warhammer Age of Sigmar is making the best tactical
choice in the face of uncertainty,” Matt continues. “This is not chess. You have to react
to things you can’t be certain of. The double turn is a very powerful expression of this.
You have situations in a turn where you just don’t know if your opponent will be able to
go twice – maybe they have the positioning to take advantage of that double turn, so
you need to position yourself correctly in response… but then, what if they don’t win
the priority roll?”
Page 4 of 9
:
According to Ben – the Product Developer on Warhammer Age of Sigmar – top-level
players will spend a lot of time considering when to give the double turn away, and
when to capitalise on it.
“A player can pass on the opportunity to take a double turn, knowing that they’re set
up in such a way that it won’t really impact them. This gives them the chance to take a
double turn later on, and really capitalise on it – that’s the mark of a great player.”
When new players first learn about the double turn, it often raises a few eyebrows, but
it’s well-loved by the community at large.
“I often ask competitive players, playtesters, and influencers the same questions,” says
Matt. “What they’d add to the game, what they’d change about it, and what they’d
remove from it. By far, the number one answer to the last question is this: ‘not the
double turn!’ Our players are fiercely loyal to this concept, to the point it’s become a bit
of a rallying call!”
We’ll soon be able to share more details on other changes that will inform your tactics
and strategies, from command points and scoring to the new Underdog mechanic. But
the headline news is that the priority roll is here to stay – get practising your forward
planning!
* On which we’ll have more to say… later!
Page 5 of 9
:
Page 6 of 9
:
More to Explore
Pre-order Now
Check out the latest releases!
New online
Available to order right now!
New from Black Library

Check out the latest adrenaline-fuelled fiction.
Subscribe to Warhammer+
Unlock exclusive animations, shows, miniatures, and more. Start exploring
today.
Photography Guide
Detailed instructions and helpful hints from the pros.
Keep Reading
Page 7 of 9
:
The Rumour Engine – 10th The Rumour Engine – 2nd of May
January 2023 2023
10 Jan 23 02 May 23
Page 8 of 9
:
Useful Links
Find a Store Warhammer Heroes
Careers Warhammer Alliance
Press Room
Terms of Use
Cookie Notice
Privacy Notice
Subscribe
Subscribe to get the very latest - news, promotions, hobby tips and more
from Games Workshop. You can unsubscribe at any time
Sign Me Up
© Copyright Games Workshop Limited 2024
Page 9 of 9
:

AoS - 5 - What Is The Priority Roll?

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

AoS - 5 - What Is The Priority Roll?

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats



Warhammer Age of Sigmar –

* On which we’ll have more to say… later!

New from Black Library

Find a Store Warhammer Heroes

Careers Warhammer Alliance

© Copyright Games Workshop Limited 2024

You might also like