Para Bellum has officially pulled back the curtain on the next edition of Conquest: First Blood, sharing the first preview of rules updates, gameplay tweaks, and the overall direction of the streamlined skirmish format.
TL;DR
The next edition of Conquest: First Blood aims to tighten gameplay and make small-scale battles faster and more tactical. Para Bellum has outlined changes to unit structure, new action economy ideas, and adjustments meant to reduce table clutter and speed up play.
Key points:
Updated rules for faster, cleaner skirmish turns
New unit templates and action adjustments previewed
Designed to match Conquest’s evolving rules ecosystem
Para Bellum’s preview highlights a focused redesign meant to make Conquest’s skirmish mode more readable on the table. The early look at the rules emphasizes streamlined actions, cleaner unit interactions, and clearer model roles. The design team notes that this brings First Blood closer to the core Conquest rules while still keeping its identity as a close-quarters skirmish game.
The preview mentions new reference layouts, a more intuitive turn flow, and clearer battlefield roles for individual troops and heroes. These changes appear aimed at reducing bookkeeping and helping players resolve engagements faster. As always with Para Bellum’s design philosophy, the game leans into tactical maneuvering rather than large dice pools.
Players also get hints about updated scenarios and deployment rules. While full details aren’t released yet, the preview suggests that small warbands will operate more dynamically around objectives, giving skirmish fans more movement and decision-making each turn.
Fans of tight, model-focused battles will likely appreciate how the redesign aims to make individual troops matter more on the table.
Why It Matters for Skirmish Gamers
First Blood has always been Para Bellum’s gateway into the Conquest world for skirmish players. A streamlined edition means easier onboarding, quicker games, and fewer barriers for hobbyists who enjoy small-unit tactical play.
For Gangfight players, many of the showcased Conquest units—especially infantry and unique characters—offer interesting inspiration for roles like Specialists or Heavies. The refreshed rules also help reinforce the broader trend toward compact, detail-driven tabletop experiences.