RuneQuest: Warlords

RuneQuest: Warlords is a turn-based, battle-scale strategy game set in the RuneQuest universe. As a warlord in Glorantha, you master runes, command an army of heroes and creatures, and defend your tribe from Chaos with tactical plans and rune-based abilities.

The struggle for Talastar

The story takes place in 7/37 (1608) of the Glorantha timeline, in a mystical cube of earth surrounded by the Sramake’s River. Ancient floods still cover much of the land. Between Talastar and Dorastor, west of Dragon Pass on the continent of Genertela, the Talastar Tribes fight for survival against the Chaos hordes.

Across 18 missions, you follow Hahlgrim, a tribal champion from Talastar’s Bilings, as he gathers allies to drive back the invasion from Dorastor. His allies include elves and temporary Lunar allies. The story features deeds of valor, heroism, cruelty and betrayal, as well as RuneQuest characters Ketil Whiteye, Hakon the Swimmer, Woowander and Ralzakark.

Tactical battles

Battles take place on grid-based maps where terrain and positioning shape your tactics. Each unit controls nearby tiles through its Zone of Control, forcing enemies to engage or maneuver around it. You spend Action Points (AP) to move, attack or use special abilities; Heroes have two AP for advanced tactics such as flanking and spellcasting. Sentry Mode lets units guard areas automatically, while Opportunity Attacks and counter-attacks make positioning important.

Units range from 1 to 7 models, and every model has its own health points. Armies include specialized heroes such as Chieftains, Howlers and Centurions, along with spellcasters such as Stormwalkers and Broo Shamans. The forces also field heavies and skirmishers, hybrid warriors equipped for melee and ranged combat, monsters, artillery, cavalry, Shadowcats and Broo Marauders.

Runes and magic

Spirit, Rune and Sorcery magic provide powerful abilities in battle. As heroes progress, they strengthen their affinity with specific Runes and unlock abilities linked to their connection with the Gods of Glorantha. These abilities can be instant or sustained, so you must manage unit resources carefully.

Cult Rune Magic is available only to commanding Hero units. It grants powerful abilities for short-term advantages and sustained tactical support, drawing on the Glorantha pantheon of gods.

Factions and multiplayer

You can command one of three factions: Talastar, Chaos or the Lunar Empire. Each has its own strengths, playstyle and diverse units, including heroes, spellcasters and other battlefield forces.

The Competitive Arena offers replayable scenarios across maps with distinct strategic challenges. Its multiplayer battles let you test and refine tactics against varied faction matchups.