4th Edition: Expansion Books

By Matt Gilbert

The world of Pannithor is vast, ancient, and brimming with stories yet untold.

As we launch the fourth edition of Kings of War, it's not just about updating the rules...together we’re all about to embark on a sweeping narrative journey that will unfold over years to come.

Accompanying the new rulebook, the Kings of War expansion books are a series of stunning hardback volumes that will chronicle an evolving saga through the big events and mysteries shaping the world.

The first of these will be called 'INVASION' where a long-rumoured threat crashes onto the shores, and through the defences, of Western Pannithor...

A Living World, A Growing Story

Every expansion book is a gateway into the next chapter of Pannithor’s story. Each narrative-rich tome will be filled with:

• New stories and lore, diving deeper into the cultures, conflicts, and characters of the world.
• Gorgeous new artwork, bringing the various nations and their champions to life.
• Faction refreshes, with updated background, new units, options, and army lists.

They are accompanied by exciting new model releases, which might include brand-new plastics and other models for featured factions.

These books form part of a massive story arc that spans over a decade of in-world time. They'll pick up threads from Kings of War, Vanguard, Armada and Champions, tying up long-running narratives and launching exciting new ones!

Faction Spotlights and Global Impact

Each book will focus on 3 to 4 factions, with their stories told through the lens of the latest in-world events.

Here's what to expect:

• A lead “A” faction with the most new releases and narrative focus.
• Supporting “B” , “C”, and “D” factions with their own developments and updates.
• Revised army lists featuring some new units, command orders and unique spells. (Any additions will be costed using the same points formula already applied across the game to other armies.)

And here’s where it gets exciting: global campaigns may shape parts of the story for future books. Your games will once again help steer the fate of Pannithor!

Do I Need the Books to Play?

Everything you need to play will be available in the Mantic Companion, including all new units and updates.

Outside of the books, the Companion will still be used to address updates and balance adjustments in other armies too. Even though there is no Clash of Kings book anymore, other armies will not be left out! If points need adjusting, new unit options or command orders are needed, or things need to move around for balance – that can all still happen.

But...

...if you’re a narrative gamer, a collector, or someone who loves the fantasy setting of Kings of War, these books are essential reading! They’re packed with lore, art, and plenty of inspiration to fuel your hobby and storytelling.

So while the books aren’t essential to play the game, they are a treasure trove of information for everyone who enjoys Kings of War and Pannithor.

What’s Coming?

We currently have six of these books planned over the course of the edition, with 1-2 coming each year. Each book moves the story forward and deepens the lore of the featured armies, as well as what's going on elsewhere in the world for the other factions as time moves on.

Here are the titles, so see if you can guess which lead factions each might focus on!

Each name hints at exciting shifts in the world of Pannithor. Wars will be waged, alliances will be tested, and ancient powers (re)awakened...

Mark your calendars, reveals and pre-orders are coming on Friday 10th October.

New blogs, videos and stories will be dropping regularly between now and the launch of 4th Edition in December 2025.

Make sure to bookmark the launch hub, HERE, and check back regularly.