My hope for the future of Warhammer Underworlds

Recently, I’ve begun to wonder about the fate of Warhammer Underworlds. I’ve been playing Games Workshop games since 1990, and over the years, my relationship with the hobby has evolved dramatically. As a teenager, I had plenty of time to build armies but often lacked the funds. After my student days, I finally had both the time and money to indulge in large-scale armies. Now, as a parent, I find myself with neither the time nor the surplus funds for bigger games. As a result, I’ve shifted my focus to smaller-scale games rather than Age of Sigmar (AoS) or Warhammer 40,000 (40K). Games like Aeronautica Imperialis and Warhammer Underworlds have proven to be a perfect fit. I also love painting miniatures, and with a focus on quality over quantity, massive army painting is something I’ve moved away from.

The original teaser miniature for Warhammer Underworlds, The Sepulchral warden

When Warhammer Underworlds first launched, I began collecting the miniatures solely for the joy of painting. Fantasy miniatures have always been a passion of mine, ever since my days playing Warhammer Fantasy Battle. The Underworlds range offered a fantastic opportunity to paint a variety of miniatures from different AoS factions, a practice that still appeals to me today.

Eventually, I gave the game itself a try and quickly grew to love it. Its small scale was perfect for me as a time-strapped adult, allowing me to dive back into gaming without feeling overwhelmed. The compact size of each warband meant I could experiment with different factions without making huge financial commitments, only to discover my chosen warriors ranked low on a tier list. Initially, I enjoyed playing casually, but as someone with a competitive spirit, I eventually found myself returning to the tournament scene over the past two years.

During my time with Underworlds, Aeronautica Imperialis (AI) was released. In the 1990s, Space Marine (Epic) was easily one of my favorite games, so when AI arrived, I was excited to return to small-scale miniatures (I was also missing Warmaster and Battlefleet Gothic). I eagerly began collecting and painting the tiny aircraft, and soon found myself captivated by both the models and the gameplay. I even created videos and content around the game. Then, to my frustration, around a year ago GW discontinued AI. After investing time and money into the system, it was disheartening to see it vanish. I still enjoy painting the occasional miniature, but without new releases, the game has become stagnant. Fortunately, I had Underworlds to fall back on.

My final AI aircraft, an Imperial Fist Storm Eagle

With AI out of the picture, I dedicated myself to painting my backlog of Underworlds warbands, finally completing all available models by July of this year. I continue to play with various factions and rival decks, which keeps the game fresh thanks to the countless combinations available. However, since the release of AoS 4th Edition, it’s been weeks without any real updates for Underworlds. This has led me to question what I’d do if the game were canceled. There are options, of course. I could switch to AoS or its smaller counterpart, AoS Spearhead, or even Warcry. I already own miniatures for all of these games. But each option comes with its own challenges: a) I’d have to find new opponents, b) I’d need to learn new rules, and c) I’d end up investing more money than I’m comfortable with. Plus, I’ve really enjoyed returning to tournament play, and these games would require a fresh start in that regard.

The real issue is that, while I remain passionate about the hobby, I no longer have the energy or enthusiasm for large-scale games. I’m a dedicated fan of Games Workshop, and I’m not looking to explore other companies (I’ve already tried Marvel Crisis Protocol and found it wasn’t for me). I love the lore of AoS and 40K too much. What I need is a game like Underworlds—something that involves a small number of miniatures and allows for variety week to week. With Underworlds, this is achievable through both the warbands and the cards. But now, I find myself wondering—Is Warcry the right game for me? Probably not, since I don’t know anyone who plays it. What about Spearhead? I know people who play, and I could see myself getting into tournaments with it. I even have two painted armies: Gloomspite Gitz and Nighthaunt. However, Spearhead lacks variety, and painting more forces for it would take me too long. Additionally, the cost of a Spearhead force is about the same as three Underworlds warbands, and with a single deck of cards, the gameplay could become repetitive. Nevertheless, I’ll give Spearhead a try since I already have the miniatures and won’t have to spend more upfront.

My Nighthaunt Spearhead

What I’m truly hoping for, though, is that Games Workshop recognizes the niche that Underworlds fills. There are many hobbyists like me who want to continue playing, but lack the time or financial freedom to commit to larger-scale games. I’d welcome a new edition of Underworlds, perhaps a second edition, but it needs to be something that lasts. The game has evolved significantly since the Shadespire days. While the core mechanics have remained largely the same, the wording on the cards has been streamlined in recent seasons. The game is marketed as the ultimate competitive experience, but to maintain that competitive edge, players need access to the older warbands, many of which—especially from Seasons 1 and 2—are no longer available. This is why I believe a reboot is necessary. The game’s foundation is solid, and a reboot would provide a fresh start for both new and veteran players alike. The core mechanics are excellent, and the recently introduced Nemesis format has been a fantastic addition. Games Workshop already has all the ingredients for a successful reboot; they just need to pull the trigger.

Ultimately, I hope Underworlds continues. I’ve invested so much in the game—both in terms of time and passion—and I don’t want to see it disappear. I love the game itself, the community around it, and, of course, the miniatures. Losing all of that would be a real blow to my hobby.

One last thought: Underworlds was originally released in early October, with each new season arriving like clockwork each year. I know this because it always made the perfect birthday present. Well, my birthday is just around the corner, and I’m holding out hope that this year brings me another new season or edition to unwrap!

Thank you for reading, I would love to hear your thoughts, please drop them in the comments below.