The latest New Year Preview has pulled back the curtain on upcoming additions for the Ossiarch Bonereapers, introducing new units that deepen the faction’s identity as a meticulously controlled, elite undead force in Warhammer Age of Sigmar. The reveal focuses less on sweeping reinvention and more on reinforcing what Bonereapers already do well: disciplined battlefield control, layered synergies, and a distinct visual language built from arcane bonecraft.

For skirmish-scale gamers—especially those who favor fast, small-unit systems like Gangfight—these reveals matter because they point to how elite, low-model-count factions continue to evolve without bloating complexity.

TL;DR

The New Year Preview introduced new Ossiarch Bonereapers units designed to expand Mortisan-led playstyles and elite battlefield roles.

The models reinforce the faction’s core themes rather than shifting its fundamentals.Hobbyists gain more focused list-building options and striking centerpiece-level sculpts.

What Was Revealed—and What We Know So Far

The preview showcased several new Bonereapers units, visually aligned with the Mortisan caste and the faction’s rigid hierarchy. While full rules and points values have not yet been released, the designs strongly suggest additional support for magic-heavy or command-focused builds rather than mass infantry expansion. No firm release date or pricing has been confirmed, but the models are positioned as part of the next wave of faction support rather than a standalone boxed release.

From a practical standpoint, this continues a recent trend in Age of Sigmar releases: reinforcing faction identity through targeted additions instead of broad resets. For Bonereapers players, that likely means more internal synergy rather than mandatory replacements for existing kits. Speculation around exact battlefield roles remains just that—speculation—until warscrolls are published.

One notable hobbyist takeaway is how restrained the scope feels. These are not “must-buy” replacements, but deliberate extensions, which veteran players often prefer over disruptive overhauls.

Why This Matters Beyond the Announcement

Elite factions live or die by internal balance. Adding even one new support or specialist unit can dramatically alter how small, high-value forces operate. Bonereapers already reward careful positioning and resource management; additional Mortisan-flavored options may further encourage tight, purposeful lists rather than broad combined-arms builds.

Visually, the new sculpts double down on the faction’s severe, almost architectural aesthetic. Painters who enjoy controlled palettes, sharp bone contrasts, and ritualistic details will find plenty to work with here. Kitbashers, meanwhile, gain new components that slot naturally into existing Bonereapers collections without clashing stylistically.

What This Means at Skirmish Scale

At skirmish scale, these reveals reinforce a key design lesson: elite undead forces thrive when each model has a defined job. Whether adapted for narrative scenarios, small-point clashes, or flexible systems like Gangfight, Bonereapers-style units suit players who enjoy low model counts, high survivability, and layered abilities.

Narrative players can lean into Mortisan-led warbands with strong thematic cohesion. Competitive skirmish players benefit from predictable, durable profiles. Hobby-first collectors get models that stand out individually rather than disappearing into ranks.

This release fits neatly into the broader skirmish landscape without redefining it—useful, focused, and intentionally narrow.