Necromunda Halls Of The Ancientspdf 2021 -
Necromunda: Halls of the Ancients (released in late 2024/early 2025) is
a 128-page expansion that serves as the definitive "House of" style supplement for the Ironhead Squat Prospectors
. It transitions the faction from a "get-you-by" gang to a fully fleshed-out army with deep lore, expanded rosters, and unique mechanics. Core Content & Features Deep Lore:
Explores 10,000 years of Squat history on Necromunda, including the arrival of the thirteen Votann bastion voidships and the negotiation of the "Great Charter" that protects their mining clans from Imperial interference. Expanded Gang Roster: New Fighters: Exo Master (a melee-focused Champion) and (melee-oriented Prospects). Techmites: Introduces three varieties of robotic "Exotic Beasts"—the (scout/loot specialist), (resilient objective holder), and (target-painting flyer). Special Characters: Includes rules for the legendary Grimjarl twins (Orrin and Urson) and the Claim Jumper hanger-on. New Vehicles: Detailed rules for the Svenotar Scout Trike (fast reconnaissance) and the Skalvian Explorator
(a literal tank designed for hauling cargo in the Ash Wastes). Unique Mechanics: Squat Ancestry: Choose from one of eight Mining Clans
(plus custom Splinter Clans) to grant your gang unique skills and powerful post-battle actions, such as hiring free Hive Scum or gaining massive credit bonuses. Wisdom of the Ancients:
A unique skill tree alongside the Brawn and Leadership trees. Gameplay Pros & Cons Elite Firepower:
Arguably the "shootiest" gang in the game with extensive access to Rapid Fire weapons. Slow Mobility: necromunda halls of the ancientspdf 2021
Movement is generally capped at 4", making them vulnerable to being outmaneuvered. High Resilience:
Toughness 4 across the board makes them difficult to remove once they find cover. High Credit Cost:
Individual fighters are expensive, often leading to your gang being outnumbered early in campaigns. Unique Utility:
The Techmites and Claim Jumper provide unmatched income-generating and objective-playing potential. Skill Limitations:
Despite being range-focused, they lack native access to the Shooting skill tree. Review Summary Reviewers from Goonhammer Sprues & Brews
highlight this book as a "welcome glow-up" that makes the Squats feel like a premier faction rather than a gimmick. While the melee champions might not match the raw killing power of Goliath Stimmers or Escher Death Maidens, the under-costed vehicles provide significant strategic depth.
An essential purchase for any Ironhead Squat player. For others, it's a goldmine of lore, especially for those interested in the Leagues of Votann connection. specific Mining Clan bonuses to help you choose an ancestry for your gang? Necromunda: Halls of the Ancients (released in late
Digging Deep: The Return of the Ironhead Squats in Halls of the Ancients
The underhive just got a lot shorter and a whole lot tougher. If you've been following the whispers in the Ash Wastes, you know that the Ironhead Squat Prospectors have finally received their definitive expansion: Halls of the Ancients
While many players have been hunting for a 2021 PDF, this comprehensive supplement actually hit the tabletop in January 2025
. It marks a major milestone as the first non-Great House faction to receive a full "House of"-style treatment. What’s Inside the Vault?
This 128-page expansion is essentially a "Codex" for the Squat gangs, packed with everything a Prospector needs to stake their claim: Deep Lore: Explore the 10,000-year history of the Confederation of Urlish and their negotiation of the Great Charter. Expanded Gang Lists:
Full rules for running Squat gangs, including the return of the Exo-driller Claim Jumper New Tech & Vehicles: Deploy the Svenotar Scout Trike Skalvian Explorator to navigate the treacherous wastes. Squat Ancestry:
New mechanics allow you to customize your gang with unique skills based on their specific Mining Clan origins Exclusive Scenarios: Test your grit with two thematic missions: Defend the Claim Explore the Depths New Tools for the Trade Alongside the book, a massive Weapons & Upgrades kit Weaknesses
was released to fill the gaps in the Squat arsenal. Expect to see your gangers wielding everything from circular stone saws gem extractors heavy flamers two-handed power axes How to Get Your Hands on It If you’re looking for a digital copy, Warhammer Digital offers an official ePub version
. This edition is optimized for mobile devices with quick-link contents for easy reference during intense skirmishes.
The Ironhead Squats aren't just visitors on Necromunda; they are the bedrock that keeps the hives thriving. It’s time to head back to the mines and show those Great Houses what real toughness looks like. Are you ready to lead your Prospectors into the Halls of the Ancients
? Let us know which Mining Clan you're backing in the comments! to help you build your first gang? Necromunda: Halls of the Ancients - Warhammer
Weaknesses
- Complexity Creep: The rules add a significant layer of bookkeeping. Tracking exploration turns, trap locations, and random events can slow the pacing of a game that is already rules-heavy.
- Rule Dispersal: Like many Games Workshop expansions, this book contains essential mechanics that are not present in the Core Rulebook. Players need to cross-reference multiple sources to play a full campaign.
2.2 The Narrative Engine: “The Malaise”
The book introduces a campaign-specific condition: The Malaise. Any fighter spending more than 3 consecutive cycles (campaign weeks) in Secundus begins suffering cumulative penalties – hallucinations, phasing, spontaneous mutation. This creates a ticking clock for campaigns.
Building a Campaign Around the PDF
Assuming you have secured the document, here is a 3-step guide to launching a Halls of the Ancients campaign in 2025:
Step 1: The Arbitrator’s Role is King This is not a sandbox campaign. You need one player willing to be the Game Master (Arbitrator) to run the Automata and environment effects.
Step 2: Gang Rating Cap The vault is lethal. Set a starting Gang Rating of 1,000 credits (instead of 1,200). This forces players to choose between bringing heavy weapons or buying the environmental suits required to survive Phase 1.
Step 3: The “No Sales” Rule Artifacts found in the vault cannot be sold for credits in the Trading Post. This keeps the focus on narrative, not economics.