Horus Heresy 2e Review: Iron Warriors Legion Rules

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4/5 stars. (The rules are strong).  

Background.

The Iron Warriors are an interesting force as they were one of the most dispersed at the start of the Heresy and subject to more internal schism than almost any other legion. This means that the player has very good cause to field both loyalist and traitor elements should they desire.

As a legion, their focus is tilted toward firepower, although they can also do a reasonable job with close combat as well when they need to. Yet, their rules have been very much re-worked compared to the first edition which I will point out below.

Legion Rules Review.

Wrack and Ruin. This is the legion's own rule and have been devastatingly changed compared to first edition. Gone are the Iron Warriors of old who could withstand the fire power of others and not flee. In their place are Iron Warriors who gain +1S against vehicles, buildings, dreadnoughts and the like. Candidly, I preferred the old rules. That said the new Iron Warriors will be a bane to any enemy who runs a lot of vehicles. This means that the Iron Warriors are going to be nicely served with plenty of high strength and long range attacks in the main part, although don't underestimate the chain fist close up either. Those enemy vehicles and dreadnoughts will be toast quite quickly.  

They have a special upgrade for Praetors in the form of Warsmiths. This remains a nice touch. And they have access to the Iron Within, Iron Without warlord traits, and The Armoury of Ruin for some graviton melee weapons and shrapnel ranged weapons.

Advanced Reaction.

Bitter Fury is a once per game shooting reaction that enables a unit to return fire -- twice -- at the cost of gets hot. This is excellent and reinforces the concept that the Iron Warriors are primarily a shooting force. 

Difference to First Edition.

Neutral. 

Things have come, and things have gone. It is just different. The Iron Warriors are now just as vulnerable to pinning as others and can and will run away. On the other hand they will be vaporizing enemy vehicles with smug ease and returning fire with added interest. I see the Iron Warriors as a strong and capable force in second edition and their rules are strongest around ranged shooting.