Dystopian Wars Expands with the Alliance and Enlightened Starter Sets

Warcradle Studios alternative late-nineteenth century naval miniature wargame, Dystopian Wars, is expanding this July, with two new Starter Sets and a new Frontline Squadron due for release.

Set during the Dystopian Age, an alternative take on our own history, the Great Powers of the world use super-science and alien engineering as they fight over resources and power. Battleships and cruisers sail the surface of the sea, while sky fortresses and dirigibles soar in the skies above. Under the waves submarines lurk alongside squid automata and colossal mechanical knights, whilst fighters and bombers circle over head in the skies, waiting to dive upon their prey.

The game is a 1/1200-scale tabletop naval wargame, with the players taking on the roles of Admirals commanding their mighty fleets. Dystopian Wars alread has a load of miniatures available for it, across a whole host of nations including British, Bavarian, American, Chinese, Russian, Italian, French, Egyptian, and Japanese, but July sees the release of two new Starter Sets that are ideal entry points to the game, combining a complete playable fleet, rulebook, gaming accessories and highly customisable miniatures in a each box.

Dystopian Wars: Enlightened Starter Set

The architects of the Dystopian Age, the Covenant of the Enlightened wield their formidable intellects to sweep aside those ignorant or deluded who stand in the way of Scientific Progress. These masters of technology covet knowledge above all things and believe that it is only they who can steer humanity on a path to enlightenment. With their wondrous war-engines, the Covenant of the Enlightened take every opportunity to demonstrate their technological supremacy. The discoveries that were intended to herald a new era for humanity are instead used to punish those who would misuse them. Only when the Covenant are lauded as the rightful leaders of the Earth in this new Dystopian Age can the world be brought into a new dawn of achievement and prosperity.

This Starter Set allows Admirals to easily begin or expand their naval forces and to further the scientific advances of the Dystopian Age. Lovelace Cruisers are built in large numbers in every Promethean Complex of the Covenant and form the backbone of any Enlightened fleet. The Copernicus Heavy Cruiser, meanwhile, mounts devastatingly powerful, but unpredictable, experimental weaponry, capable of obliterating enemy agressors with a concerted blast. The Chatelet Drone Cruiser allows Admirals to launch screaming squadrons of Scythe Fighters in support of the fleet, whilst retaining enough firepower of its own to still earn a place in the battleline.  The Agora Command Cruiser is a stabilising presence that brings order and control to the illogic of battle, its onboard scientific equipment and technicians manipulating local spacetime to devastating effect. Merian frigates are ideal for scouting ahead, hunting as a pack, or for accompanying larger ships adding to their firepower. In the skies above, Endymion Dyad Rotors range ahead, providing accurate targeting data to allies whilst unleashing a withering hail of fire on enemies below. 

Dystopian Wars: Alliance Starter Set

Under the banner of Prince-President Bonaparte, the Alliance sails against the other Great Powers. Uniting the Republique of France, along with naval forces of Portugal, the reclaimed Union ships of the Socialist Unity of South America, and the Vatican itself, this unlikely conglomerate is a young and potent threat. Many mistake the confidence of youth for arrogance. Call it what you will; it matters little to the Alliance. Power underestimated is still power indeed…

This Faction Battlefleet allows players to begin or expand their Dystopian Wars collections with minimal fuss. From the Vatican’s resplendent Concordat Command Cruiser, to the potent Chevalier and the heavier Charlemagne cruisers. Ecuyere Frigates sail in the shadows of these larger vessels, while Bretteur Destroyers lay waste to ships twice their size. Aided by the advanced sciences afforded to them by their glorious Prince-President, the Alliance are an impressive sight upon the waves, unleashing searing volleys of heat lances as powerful shield generators protect them from enemy firepower.

In addition to the Starter Sets, the Alliance is also getting the Alliance Frontline Squadrons box set the same month.

The Alliance Frontline Squadrons box offers some great options for adding a new contingent of French or Portuguese vessels to your Alliance force. Potent Chevalier Cruisers serve as a swift and dependable core for most battlefleets, whilst its cousins, the heavier Charlemagnes, provide even more devastating firepower. Loire Light Cruisers can race forward at surprising speeds whilst the mine-releasing Picardy Monitors serve an importany supporting role. The vatican’s resplendent Concordant Command Cruiser can be built as a flagship option. Additionally, Ecuyere Frigates and Bretteur Destroyers weave their way through the larger ships, ever vigilant for incoming enemy attacks. Aided by the advanced sciences afforded to them by their glorious Prince-President, the Alliance are a worthy foe upon the waves.

The miniatures are supplied unpainted and some assembly may be required.

Images courtesy of Warcradle Studios