Hands-On Review: Warhammer Lords of Excess — Is It Worth It?

The Warhammer Lords of Excess Battleforce represents a significant addition for any enthusiast looking to expand or start a Slaanesh army in Warhammer 40,000. This comprehensive set provides a core collection of units, offering both tactical flexibility and an engaging hobby experience for home-based wargamers. Understanding its components and value is crucial for making an informed purchase decision.

Warhammer Lords of Excess Overview

The Warhammer Lords of Excess Battleforce is a curated collection of miniatures designed for the Slaanesh faction within the Warhammer 40,000 universe. These Battleforce boxes are annual releases from Games Workshop, typically offering a significant discount on the combined retail price of the included units. They are highly anticipated by hobbyists looking to expand their armies or start a new collection with a strong foundation.

This particular set focuses on the hedonistic and terrifying forces of Slaanesh, the Chaos God of pleasure and excess. The models within embody the decadent and deadly aesthetic associated with this faction, featuring intricate details that challenge and reward painters. For those building a dedicated hobby space in their home, this box provides many hours of enjoyable assembly and painting.

The strategic value of the Warhammer Lords of Excess box lies in its balanced unit composition. It typically includes a mix of fast-moving units, potent characters, and core infantry, allowing players to field a versatile force straight out of the box. This makes it an excellent choice for both new players eager to dive into the game and veterans looking to bolster their existing Slaanesh forces with key units.

Beyond the game table, the models themselves are miniature works of art. Each sculpt is designed with a high level of detail, reflecting the unique lore and visual identity of Slaanesh. Assembling and painting these models can be a deeply satisfying aspect of the hobby, transforming raw plastic into vibrant, characterful pieces that enhance any display cabinet or gaming table.

For the home renovator or hobbyist setting up a dedicated craft area, the acquisition of a Battleforce like the Warhammer Lords of Excess can be a central project. It provides a focal point for painting sessions and a tangible goal for improving one’s modeling skills. The sheer number of models encourages consistent engagement with the hobby, fostering a productive and enjoyable use of personal time within the home.

The release of Battleforce boxes is often a limited-time event, making them highly sought after. Their attractive price point makes them one of the most cost-effective ways to acquire a substantial number of miniatures. This makes the Warhammer Lords of Excess an enticing prospect for anyone invested in the Warhammer 40K hobby, providing both gaming utility and a rewarding creative outlet. The overall presentation and thematic cohesion of the units also enhance the immersive experience of playing a Slaanesh army.

Considering the investment in both time and money, understanding what this Battleforce offers is paramount. It’s not just a collection of toys; it’s an entry point into a complex strategy game and a deeply satisfying artistic pursuit. The value extends beyond simple model count to the quality of the sculpts, the gaming potential, and the sheer enjoyment derived from the hobby aspect.

For those who appreciate the intricate details of miniature wargaming and the satisfaction of building and painting a cohesive army, the Warhammer Lords of Excess provides an unparalleled opportunity. It’s a testament to the depth of the Warhammer 40,000 universe and the enduring appeal of its distinct factions.

Warhammer Lords of Excess Key Features & Specs

The Warhammer Lords of Excess Battleforce is defined by its specific contents, which typically include a selection of powerful Slaanesh units. While exact contents can vary slightly with each annual release, these boxes are designed to provide a well-rounded force. The units included are chosen to represent key aspects of the faction’s playstyle and lore, offering both offensive and defensive capabilities.

A typical Battleforce like this would feature a central character model, often a powerful Heralds of Slaanesh or a Daemon Prince, serving as the army’s leader. This character usually brings significant combat prowess, psychic abilities, or aura buffs to the battlefield. Such a centerpiece model also provides an exciting painting challenge for hobbyists.

Beyond the character, the box usually contains multiple units of Slaanesh Daemons. This might include units like Daemonettes, the core infantry of Slaanesh, known for their speed and deadly close-combat attacks. These models are essential for holding objectives and overwhelming enemy lines, forming the backbone of any Slaanesh force.

Fast attack options are also a common inclusion, such as Seekers of Slaanesh or Fiends of Slaanesh. These cavalry or monstrous units provide crucial mobility, allowing players to rapidly engage distant targets or flank enemy positions. Their dynamic poses and elaborate designs make them particularly striking additions to a painted army, enhancing the visual appeal of a collection displayed in a home hobby room.

The overall model count in a Battleforce box is substantial, often ranging from 15 to 30 miniatures depending on the size and complexity of the individual units. This high model count translates directly into significant savings when compared to purchasing each kit separately. For hobbyists, this means more plastic for their money and a larger project to tackle at their home workbench.

Each model in the Warhammer Lords of Excess set is made from high-quality plastic, requiring assembly with plastic glue and precision tools. The kits are multi-part, allowing for some customization in posing and weapon options, adding to the individuality of each miniature. This level of detail and customization is a hallmark of Games Workshop products, offering a rewarding building experience.

From a gaming perspective, the units included are chosen to synergize with each other, forming a coherent army list that can be deployed effectively on the tabletop. This thoughtful curation ensures that the Battleforce is not just a random collection of models but a functional starting point for competitive play. Players can immediately begin to learn the unique tactics of a Slaanesh army.

The aesthetic of the models is unmistakably Slaanesh, featuring slender, graceful forms combined with grotesque and ornate details. This distinctive style makes painting these miniatures a unique artistic endeavor, encouraging the use of vibrant colors and delicate shading techniques. The completed models will stand out in any collection, reflecting the hobbyist’s skill and dedication.

In essence, the Warhammer Lords of Excess Battleforce offers a robust package for both collectors and players. It delivers a solid foundation for a Slaanesh army, significant cost savings, and countless hours of engaging hobby work. For anyone looking to invest in the Warhammer 40K hobby, especially within the Slaanesh faction, this box represents a compelling and feature-rich option.

Pros & Cons

Evaluating any product thoroughly requires a balanced look at its advantages and disadvantages. The Warhammer Lords of Excess Battleforce is no exception, offering significant benefits alongside certain considerations. Understanding these points helps potential buyers determine if this set aligns with their hobby goals and budget.

Pros:

• Exceptional Value for Money: The primary appeal of any Battleforce box is the substantial discount it provides compared to purchasing the included units individually. This makes the Warhammer Lords of Excess an incredibly cost-effective way to acquire a large number of Slaanesh miniatures. For those looking to expand their army without breaking the bank, this is often the best option available during its limited release. The savings can be significant, allowing hobbyists to allocate more funds to paints, brushes, or other hobby supplies for their home setup.
• Instant Army Foundation: This Battleforce typically includes a balanced selection of units that can form a playable army right away. With a character, core infantry, and fast attack options, a new player can quickly get started with games of Warhammer 40,000. Veteran players can use it to reinforce their existing forces with key units, adding tactical depth and resilience. It streamlines the army-building process, providing a cohesive force that works well together on the tabletop.
• Engaging Hobby Project: For many, the joy of Warhammer 40,000 comes from the hobby aspect: assembling and painting the miniatures. The Warhammer Lords of Excess box offers a substantial project that can provide countless hours of creative engagement. The intricate details of Slaanesh models are particularly rewarding to paint, allowing for expressive color schemes and artistic flair. This makes it a perfect long-term project for a dedicated hobby space in the home.
• Thematic Cohesion and Aesthetic Appeal: All the models within the Battleforce adhere strictly to the Slaanesh aesthetic, known for its elegant yet terrifying design. This ensures that the assembled and painted army will look cohesive and visually striking on the battlefield or in a display cabinet. The unique character of Slaanesh models makes them a standout addition to any collection, appealing to those who appreciate distinctive fantasy art.
• Competitive Viability: Games Workshop typically curates Battleforce boxes to be competitively viable or at least provide strong foundational units. The units included in the Warhammer Lords of Excess are likely to be relevant in the current meta or provide flexible options for various playstyles. This ensures that the investment is not just for collecting but also for playing the game effectively.

Cons:

• Requires Significant Time Investment: While the hobby aspect is a pro for many, it can also be a con for those with limited time. The Warhammer Lords of Excess contains numerous multi-part plastic models that need to be assembled, cleaned, and painted. This is a time-consuming process that demands patience and dedication. Buyers should be prepared for many hours at their hobby desk, which might not suit everyone’s lifestyle or immediate desire to play.
• Additional Hobby Supplies Needed: The box only contains the plastic miniatures; it does not come with glue, clippers, hobby knives, or paints. These essential tools and materials must be purchased separately, adding to the initial cost and effort. For a beginner, this can be an unexpected hurdle, requiring an additional investment before the models can even be assembled, let alone painted and played with.
• Specific Faction Appeal: Slaanesh is one of the four Chaos Gods, and its aesthetic and playstyle are very distinct. The themes of excess, pleasure, and pain, combined with the unique visual design of its models, might not appeal to every Warhammer 40,000 player. If you are not drawn to the Slaanesh lore or visual style, this Battleforce might not be the right fit for your collection, regardless of its value.
• Limited Availability: Battleforce boxes are often seasonal releases, typically appearing around the holiday period. This means they are not always available for purchase, and once they sell out, they can be difficult to acquire at their original discounted price. This limited window requires potential buyers to act quickly, which can add pressure to the purchasing decision.

Overall, the Warhammer Lords of Excess offers tremendous value for the right enthusiast. Its benefits for army building and hobby engagement are clear, but the commitment required in terms of time and additional purchases should not be underestimated. Weighing these factors carefully will lead to a more satisfying purchase.

Who Should Buy the Warhammer Lords of Excess?

The Warhammer Lords of Excess Battleforce is not a one-size-fits-all product, but it offers immense value for specific types of Warhammer 40,000 enthusiasts. Identifying your hobby profile can help determine if this extensive set is the right investment for your home gaming setup.

New Slaanesh Players:

If you are considering starting a Slaanesh army from scratch, this Battleforce is an outstanding entry point. It provides a significant portion of a playable army at a reduced cost, saving you money and simplifying the initial army-building process. You get a cohesive force that can be expanded upon later, giving you a strong foundation for your first games. It’s far more economical than buying individual kits.

Existing Slaanesh Collectors and Players:

For those who already have a Slaanesh army, the Warhammer Lords of Excess offers a fantastic opportunity to bolster your forces. Battleforces often include popular or essential units, providing reinforcements, new tactical options, or simply more models to fill out your detachments. It’s an efficient way to expand your collection and add variety to your existing army roster. This helps you build a more robust and flexible force for competitive or casual play.

Dedicated Hobbyists and Painters:

Hobbyists who love the process of assembling and painting miniatures will find a treasure trove in this box. The sheer number of models, combined with the intricate designs of Slaanesh units, provides many hours of creative engagement. It’s a perfect long-term project for your home hobby desk, allowing you to hone your painting skills and create a stunning display piece. The varied unit types offer different textures and details to work on.

Value-Conscious Buyers:

Anyone looking for the best bang for their buck in Warhammer 40,000 will appreciate the Warhammer Lords of Excess. The Battleforce format is renowned for its significant savings compared to buying the contents separately. If you’re planning to acquire these units anyway, purchasing them in this box is almost always the most economical choice. These savings can then be reinvested into other hobby supplies or even more models.

Players Looking for Tactical Flexibility:

The typical unit composition of a Battleforce aims to provide a versatile force. The Warhammer Lords of Excess will likely give you a mix of fast-moving melee units, durable options, and character support. This allows for diverse strategies on the battlefield, enabling players to adapt to different opponents and mission types. It helps in building an army that isn’t one-dimensional.

Those Setting Up a Home Gaming Space:

If you’re actively setting up or improving a dedicated gaming or hobby space in your home, acquiring a Battleforce can be a central part of that endeavor. It provides a substantial project to work on within your new environment, and the finished models will populate your display shelves. It also signifies a serious commitment to the hobby, making your home setup feel more complete and functional. Having a large, unpainted army waiting motivates you to spend time in your hobby area.

Casual Gamers and Collectors:

Even if you’re not a hyper-competitive player, the appeal of collecting and occasionally playing with a well-themed army is strong. The Warhammer Lords of Excess offers a beautiful collection of models that are fun to assemble and paint, regardless of competitive aspirations. It’s a great way to engage with the lore and aesthetic of Warhammer 40,000 in a relaxed, at-home setting. The models themselves are impressive display pieces.

In summary, the Warhammer Lords of Excess is ideal for anyone who is either beginning their Slaanesh journey, significantly expanding an existing force, or deeply invested in the modeling and painting aspects of the hobby. Its value proposition is hard to beat, making it a compelling choice for a wide range of Warhammer 40,000 enthusiasts.

FAQ about Warhammer Lords of Excess

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Warhammer Lords of Excess Battleforce, providing further clarity for potential buyers and hobbyists.

Q1: What exactly is a Battleforce box, and how does the Warhammer Lords of Excess fit into that?

A Battleforce box is a special, limited-release product from Games Workshop that contains a large collection of miniatures for a specific faction or army. These boxes are designed to offer significant cost savings compared to buying each kit individually. The Warhammer Lords of Excess is one such Battleforce, specifically curated for the Slaanesh faction in Warhammer 40,000. It typically includes a selection of core units, characters, and support units to provide a strong foundation for an army.

Q2: Do the models in the Warhammer Lords of Excess come assembled and painted?

No, like most Games Workshop products, the models in the Warhammer Lords of Excess Battleforce come unassembled and unpainted. They are supplied as multi-part plastic kits on sprues, requiring hobbyists to cut them out, assemble them with plastic glue, and then paint them. This is a core part of the Warhammer 40,000 hobby experience, offering creative freedom but requiring additional time and supplies. This is a key consideration for your home hobby space.

Q3: Is the Warhammer Lords of Excess suitable for a beginner player?

Yes, the Warhammer Lords of Excess can be an excellent starting point for a beginner player interested in the Slaanesh faction. It provides a substantial portion of a playable army at a good price, making it easier to get into the game. However, beginners should be aware that assembly and painting skills will need to be developed, and additional hobby tools and paints will be necessary. It offers a comprehensive introduction to both the gaming and hobby aspects.

Q4: What kind of units can I expect in the Warhammer Lords of Excess box?

While the exact contents can vary with each annual release, a Warhammer Lords of Excess Battleforce generally includes a mix of key Slaanesh units. This usually involves a powerful character (like a Daemon Prince or Herald of Slaanesh), several units of core Slaanesh Daemons (such as Daemonettes), and some faster, more elite units (like Seekers or Fiends of Slaanesh). The goal is to provide a balanced and thematic force ready for battle. You can check the specific product listing for the precise unit breakdown.

Q5: How much money can I save by buying the Warhammer Lords of Excess compared to individual kits?

The savings offered by Battleforce boxes like the Warhammer Lords of Excess are typically substantial, often ranging from 25% to 40% off the combined retail price of the individual kits. This makes them one of the most cost-effective ways to acquire a large number of models for your army. The specific percentage saved will depend on the contents and the individual kit prices at the time of purchase. It’s a significant financial advantage for expanding your collection.

Q6: Where can I find rules for the units in the Warhammer Lords of Excess?

The rules for the units included in the Warhammer Lords of Excess can be found in the official Warhammer 40,000 Core Rulebook and the relevant Codex: Chaos Daemons. These publications contain all the necessary datasheets, stratagems, and special rules for fielding your Slaanesh army. You can purchase these books separately from Games Workshop or authorized retailers. Additionally, online resources like Warhammer Community often provide updates and FAQs for rules clarification.

Q7: Are Slaanesh armies difficult to play in Warhammer 40,000?

Slaanesh armies, while powerful, can have a distinct playstyle that might require some learning. They often excel at fast, aggressive close-combat assaults and rely on speed and high damage output. Their unique psychic powers and stratagems can be very potent but require careful application. While not inherently difficult, mastering a Slaanesh army from the Warhammer Lords of Excess requires understanding their strengths and weaknesses, especially concerning their relatively fragile nature compared to more heavily armored factions. For more lore and background on the Emperor’s Children, you can visit Lexicanum.

Q8: Is the Warhammer Lords of Excess a limited-time product?

Yes, Battleforce boxes, including the Warhammer Lords of Excess, are typically limited-time releases. They are often released annually, usually around the holiday season, and are available only while stocks last. Once they sell out, they are generally not restocked, making them a somewhat exclusive purchase. If you are interested in this specific Battleforce, it is advisable to purchase it promptly when it becomes available. This limited availability adds to its desirability.

Final Verdict

The Warhammer Lords of Excess Battleforce presents an undeniably attractive proposition for anyone invested in the Warhammer 40,000 hobby, particularly those drawn to the alluring and deadly forces of Slaanesh. Its primary strength lies in the exceptional value it offers, providing a substantial collection of miniatures at a significantly reduced price compared to individual purchases. This makes it a smart financial decision for expanding an existing army or starting a new one from scratch, directly impacting the budget for your home hobby setup.

Beyond the cost savings, the set provides a fantastic foundation for a playable Slaanesh army. The curated selection of units ensures tactical flexibility and thematic cohesion, allowing players to jump straight into games with a balanced force. For the dedicated hobbyist, the numerous models offer countless hours of engaging assembly and painting, transforming raw plastic into stunning, personalized works of art for display in your home.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge the commitment required. These models demand time, patience, and additional hobby supplies (glue, paints, tools) to bring them to life. This is not a ready-to-play set out of the box, and the distinct aesthetic of Slaanesh might not appeal to every player. Its limited availability as a seasonal release also means prompt action is often necessary to secure a copy.

Despite these considerations, for the target audience—new Slaanesh players, existing collectors, and passionate hobbyists—the benefits of the Warhammer Lords of Excess far outweigh its caveats. It is a brilliant way to immerse yourself in the rich lore and engaging gameplay of Warhammer 40,000, while simultaneously providing a rewarding creative project for your home. If you’re ready to embrace the path of excess, this Battleforce is undoubtedly a worthwhile investment for your hobby and gaming space.