BlitzBowl: Ultimate Second Edition – (Another) New Era for BlitzBowl Fans and Newcomers Alike!

BlitzBowl: Ultimate Second Edition (UE2) has hit the shelves, and players are diving into the new tweaks, updated rules, and exciting changes that have arrived. For those unfamiliar, BlitzBowl is a streamlined, faster-paced version of Blood Bowl, making it ideal for quicker games while retaining the tactical depth and excitement of its parent game. Let’s break down the most important updates in this new edition:

Team Stat Adjustments: One of the most significant changes is the tweaking of team stats across the board, with almost every team receiving updates to make gameplay more balanced and immersive. Here are some notable changes:

• Dark Elf Runners now have the "Dump-Off" ability, allowing them to make a free short throw when targeted for a block. This gives a nice tactical advantage, especially in a game where positioning and actions are critical.
• Elven Union Linemen and Catchers have seen improvements in their Throwing stat, moving from 4+ to 3+, making them much more efficient at passing. Their Throwers also gain the "Expert Passer" ability, allowing re-rolls on failed throws—cementing the Elven Union as the go-to for precision passing plays.
• Imperial Nobility sees quite a few changes, including a name change from "Retainer" to "Lineman," and a drop in Armor value. Their Throwers now have the "Running Pass" ability, which lets them make a short throw after a Run action—adding mobility to their strategy.
• Teams like Ogre, Lizardmen, and Orcs have seen tweaks to their Emergency Reserves, which adjusts how frequently they can bring players back from the bench. These changes seem to streamline gameplay by limiting overpowered reserve mechanics from previous editions.

Mark Action Reworked: The Mark Action has seen a substantial change. Previously, a player could move up to two spaces, even after marking an opponent. Now, when a player marks an opponent, they must stop immediately. This change prevents players from exploiting movement after marking, leading to a more strategic game with a focus on positioning. Slower teams with good armor, like Dwarfs and Ogres, benefit from this, as they no longer face the threat of being overwhelmed by fast, Marking opponents.

Throw Team-Mate: For teams like Ogre, Halfling, and Goblin, the new rules for Throw Team-Mate bring a refreshing change. You can now target opposition players with this ability, and although the thrown player will get injured, the opposing player will be knocked down with a guaranteed hit. This adds an unpredictable yet fun dynamic to the game, and teams that rely on brute strength or wild tactics, such as the Ogres or Goblins, now have a more competitive edge.

Team Differentiation: One of the big goals with UE2 seems to have been enhancing team differentiation. Previously, many teams, such as Humans, Nobles, and Elven Union, felt too similar in playstyle. UE2 fixes this by giving teams unique abilities and stats that bring out their individual flavor. For example, Elven Union is now much more focused on precision passing, turning them into a squad of throw-demigods. Meanwhile, Imperial Nobility has become more fragile, but their abilities—like excellent medical treatment and passing options—give them a strategic advantage. Orcs are slightly more vulnerable but have become brawl-heavy, leaning into their brutality. The Wood Elf Wardancer now has a special ability called "Wardance," allowing a free Sidestep action, further differentiating this agile team from the rest. Necromantic teams also benefit from unique abilities, like the Werewolf’s "Violent" claws, and Flesh Golems’ "Stand Firm," making them tougher on the field.

No More Stopping the Clock: In the previous edition, players could discard a challenge card and effectively pause the game’s timer. This rule has been made mandatory in UE2—discarding a card is no longer optional, which forces players to keep the game moving. This subtle change eliminates stalling tactics, making for a faster, more dynamic match.

No End of Game Challenge Cards: Another notable absence is the "End of Game Challenge Cards." These cards, which offered bonus points at the end of a game, have been removed. Some players appreciated the unpredictability these cards brought, while others found them frustrating. Without these cards, the game is more predictable and stable, but players who enjoyed the excitement of a final turn comeback may miss them.

New Gameboard Options: In addition to rules and teams, BlitzBowl: UE2 introduces spicy new board layouts to change up gameplay. The game now includes new board configurations, each offering unique setups and opportunities for strategic positioning. These new boards give players a fresh experience, providing different shapes and obstacles that significantly affect how games play out. Whether you’re defending narrow lanes or positioning to exploit wide-open spaces, the updated boards make each match feel distinctive.

The Verdict: Is UE2 Worth It?

For new players, the core box includes Orcs and Dwarfs—a classic matchup that highlights the game's brutal yet tactical nature. These two iconic teams offer a perfect introduction to the game's mechanics, with the Orcs’ raw power clashing against the Dwarfs’ resilience, making for intense and strategic gameplay right out of the box.

For veteran BlitzBowl players, the changes in UE2 are exciting, especially if you're into team customization and strategic depth. With clearer distinctions between teams and the rebalancing of abilities, the game now offers more variety and unique playstyles, making each match feel fresh.

BlitzBowl: Ultimate Second Edition also shows Games Workshop's continuing commitment to support and balance the game, which is great for both casual players and competitive fans alike. The updates provide new strategies, fresh challenges, and refined gameplay, ensuring that BlitzBowl remains engaging and accessible while rewarding tactical depth. This ongoing attention to detail demonstrates their dedication to keeping this great game evolving and enjoyable for the community.

For those in the US, BlitzBowl: Ultimate Second Edition is now available at Barnes & Noble, making it easier than ever to get your hands on the latest version.

Blitz Bowl: Ultimate Edition Preorder at Barnes & Noble

Blitz Bowl: Ultimate Edition is now available for pre-order at Barnes & Noble's website and its official release date is Saturday, October 22, 2022.  Its price is $49.99, which is the same original price of Season 2 (which is still listed for sale at Barnes & Noble) and five more bucks than the original game (which is also still listed for sale at Barnes & Noble). Also, there is a maximum of two per order!

Blitz Bowl Ultimate Edition Leaked Images

Earlier this year, Games Workshop announced "Blitz Bowl: Ultimate Edition".  Leaked images have now been found showing some of the changes to the game, including what looks to be a new stat for blocking!

The leaked photos confirms that 19 teams will be included in the box, which means all but one of the 20 existing teams in Blood Bowl will have rules in this edition.  It appears that the individual player cards have been replaced with team cards which will have all the stats for every player on the team.

In addition to some stat tweaks to a few positions on the Human team (the Blitzer is now Move 7, and the Catchers is Move 8), the inclusion of a brand new stat for every team is getting much attention - what appears to be a block stat (of 1) in shown for both the Humans and Skaven.  This would allow certain players to roll a certain amount of block dice without the need of special text (see for example, the Black Orc).  This also opens up possibilities for even stronger positions or players, such as Ogres.  The fact that now three block dice (of a single color) are included in the game (instead of two block dice for each of the two teams) further supports the expectation that blocking rules have changed.

Further leaked images show a new "Rookies To Watch" card (which will help out inexperienced players) and the two pitches included in this edition.

If past timing is any indication, Blitz Bowl Ultimate Edition will release this fall. The original Blitz Bowl was first available for purchase at Gen Con 2018 (in August) and was later was available for purchase in early September 2018. Blitz Bowl Season 2 had an official release date of Monday, September 21, 2020.

Games Workshop Announces "Blitz Bowl: Ultimate Edition"

On it's Warhammer Community page, Games Workshop has announced Blitz Bowl: Ultimate Edition, (along with a number of other games).

According to Games Workshop, Blitz Bowl: Ultimate Edition includes "two new teams are ready to tussle in a tumultuous try-out – six Human players form The Reavers, while six Skaven make up The Scramblers"

On close examination of the picture, it is hard to make out the main changes to the game, other than the inclusion of the Skaven as a team, the color of the plastics, a new format for the cards, a new board option (with fire pits), and pink dice.

Based on prior releases (that were first shown at the New York Toy Fair), we can expect Blitz Bowl: Ultimate Edition (and the other games previewed) to be released this fall.  The first Blitz Bowl was previewed at the New York Toy Fair on March 1, 2018.  It was first available for purchase at Gen Con 2018 (in August of that year).  It later was available for purchase (from Barnes and Noble stores) in early September 2018.  Blitz Bowl Season 2 was announced on February 22, 2020 and had an official release date of Monday, September 21, 2020.

One other thing to take note of is that while in the past these releases were "available in select independent retailers in the USA, Canada and Germany, including Barnes & Noble stores," there is no mention of Barnes & Noble in this year's announcement.  There have been rumors that the games previewed will be released through Games Workshop stores and not be limited to Barnes & Noble (and a limited number of other select retailers) that prevented many from buying them.

Blood Bowl: Repainted and Re-based 3rd Edition Orcland Raiders from Ebay

I've been fortunate recently to land a few great deals for 3rd edition Blood Bowl Dwarfs and High Elves that were both painted well and posted for very reasonable prices on Ebay.  I bought an Orc team from a seller based on how well painted his High Elves arrived, and similarly his Orcs arrived painted very well too.  With just a couple hours of effort I was able to spruce them up, dip, and re-base all of them.

The Orcs were my original Blood Bowl team back in the mid-1990s.  They have a special place in my heart and I'm very happy now to have a nicely painted Orc team (along with Varag Ghoul-Chewer and some Goblin Special Players!) that match the aesthetics of the rest of my Blood Bowl teams.

Blitz Bowl Season 2 - Official Errata and FAQ!

Games Workshop has released a Blitz Bowl Season 2 Errata and FAQ on its Warhammer Community website.  It answers a wide variety of rules questions and includes a few rule changes and clarifications.

The hosts of the The Crush! podcast were officially involved in the publication - and it shows!  Matt and Jody were authors of the Santa Cruz Blitz Bowl League’s rule changes which slightly tweaked and clarified things for both balance and fun.  Their changes were heavily influenced by both their expertise and experience with the game.  These rules tweaks and clarifications have now made it into an official errata for Season 2.

You can learn more and also hear Matt and Jody discuss the Blitz Bowl Season 2 Errata and FAQ document in their podcast's Episode 24: The Official FAQisode.  I highly recommend all of their podcast episodes - each is informative and fun if you love Blitz Bowl.  As the hosts are school teachers, the style and approach of each episode is professional, educational, and interesting.  It is one of the few podcasts I listen to in normal "1x" speed in order to savor every second....

Blood Bowl: Repainted and Re-based 3rd Edition High Elf Galadrieth Gladiators from Ebay

A few months ago, I got a great deal on Ebay for some 3rd edition Blood Bowl Dwarfs that I touched-up and re-based.  Then, just a few weeks ago I came across an entire High Elf Galadrieth Gladiators team, along with Prince Moranion, that were painted well and posted for a reasonable price on Ebay.  Seeing that they were painted in the same colors scheme as the Seattle Seahawks sealed the deal, and I purchased them.

After they arrived, I realized they were painted even better than I had thought from the pictures.  I did some slight touchup, added a few details (mostly highlights), and then dipped, re-based, and flocked each model.  With just a few hours of effort, I now have a nicely painted Elf team that matches the aesthetic of the rest of my Blood Bowl teams.  I'm very happy with the results, and even bought another (Orc) team from the same seller based on how these turned out.

Blitz Bowl Season 2 Remaining Spoilers Revealed in Video Review

Joel Eddy at Drive Thru Games has released his review of Blitz Bowl Season 2.  The review reveals the last details about previously undisclosed Ball Cards and other Season 2 changes based on the preview copy he received.

 

 

I highly recommend this video review.  Joel does a great job of breaking down the box contents, highlighting the differences from the original Blitz Bowl rules, and displaying great images of the Team Cards, Ball Cards, and Coach Traits.

Blitz Bowl Season 2 Wood Elf and Nurgle Team Cards

Tonight the remaining two new teams were spoiled on The Crush podcast's Discord Channel by Joel from Drive Thru Games.

Spoilers for the Wood Elf Team:

Catcher (x1)
M8, T3+, A6+
Catcher's Instincts: If this player catches a thrown ball (not a hand-off or bouncing ball), roll a six-sided dice. This player can make a free Run action up to that many squares. 

Wardancer (x1)
M7, T3+, A5+
Wardance: When this player makes the Run action, they can ​move adjacent to opponents. If they enter or are on a square that contains the ball after moving adjacent to an opponent during this action, the ball bounces. 

Thrower (x1)
M7, T2+, A6+
Handling Skills: Whenever this player moves into a square containing the ball, they pick it up as though they were making a Run action. 

Lineman (x3)
M7, T3+, A6+

Spoilers for the Nurgle​ Team:

Bloater (x2)
M4, T5+, A2+
Immovable Bulk: If this player is the target of a Block action, the Shove result is treated as the Miss result. 

Pestigor (x1)
M6, T4+, A4+
Headbutt: If this player makes a Mark action and they have already made a Run action this turn, they can immediately make a free Block action. 

Rotter (x3)
M5, T4+, A3+

Combined with the previously released Lizardmen Team spoilers, we now know all three new teams for Blitz Bowl Season 2. 

The Wardancer on the Wood Elf team sports a brand new skill to the game ("Wardance"), and at first glance it looks extremely powerful!  And with two Bloaters (each with Armour 2+) for Nurgle, they are going to be hard to get out of the way.  Both team look like they will bring some fun new styles of play to the game.

Now we just wait for it's release on September 21st through Barnes & Noble.

Blitz Bowl Season 2 Coach Traits Spoiled!

Recently, NornQueenAlexis's YouTube Channel unboxed Blitz Bowl Season 2.  She flipped through the rulebook enough to show how Coach Traits work....  With some deciphering of the screen captures below, most of the details could be determined:

 

Gaining Coach Traits:

After playing a league game (not a finals, semi-finals, or quarter-finals match, both coaches will gain one Coach Trait.  Each coach rolls 2 eight-sided dice and compares that total score on both dice with the Coach Traits table to see what Coach Trait they have gained.  If the coach already has that Coach Trait, they can choose one trait they do not have.  That Coach Trait is then available to that coach until the end of the league, and should be recorded on their coach roster.  Each Coach Trait a coach gains gives them a special ability that can be used once per game.

Coach Traits (Roll of 2D8):

2 – # Training: Before a player on you team that is on the pitch makes a Run, Block or Throw action, you can choose another player from your team that is on the pitch or in the Dugout.  Until the end of that action, those players swap any abilities that are on their cards (for example, Safe Hands or Hulking Brute).
3 – # Kit: After making an Armour check, you can re-roll the dice.
4- Threatening Looks: Before an opponent makes a Block action, roll an eight-sided dice; on a 6 or better, that opponent must make a Sidestep action instead.  If they cannot make a Sidestep action, that opponent cannot make anymore actions this turn.
5- Bribe the Ref: Start the game with 1 point instead of 0.
6- Last Blast: During your last turn, if your team has fewer points than the other team, you can shuffle the Endgame Challenges that were not used to make this match’s Challenge deck, draw one and place it face up in front of you.  This challenge can be claimed by your team in this turn.  If it is not claimed, it is discarded.
7 – #: When your team takes a free action, roll an eight-sided dice; on an 8, take a free action with another player.
8 – Loud Celebrator: When you team scores a touchdown, it scores 4 points instead of 3.
9 – Well Prepared: You can choose which trapdoor the ball is placed on instead of having to randomize it.  If both coaches have this trait and wish to use it at the same time, they each roll an eight-sided dice, re-rolling any ties.  Whoever scores highest chooses which trapdoor the ball is placed on.
10 – Glory Hound: Your team scores 4 points for a Clean Sweep instead of 2.
11 – #: This trait is used at the start of the game, and lasts throughout the game.  You can have 4 Challenge cards in your hand instead of 3 before you have to discard any.  If you do have to discard any, you can keep 4 cards instead of 3.
12 – Threatening Reputation: A team must exceed your score by 11 instead of 10 to score a Sudden Death victory.
13 – Blinding Smile: When an opponent is chosen to make a free action, you can choose to roll a six-sided dice.  On a result of a # of better, that free action cannot be taken by that player.
14 – # Starter: When setting up your team at the beginning of the game, one player on your team can be set up on any square adjacent to a square from your team’s end zone.
15 – Inspiring Presence: After a player on your team makes a Block action, you can choose to re-roll the dice.
16 – Outrageous Cheat: When an opponent claims a Challenge card, you can choose to roll an eight-sided dice.  If the result of the roll is an 8, you claim that Challenge card instead.