Creative Assembly has released a substantial update for their fantasy strategy game, bringing significant reworks to multiple factions and addressing long-standing gameplay concerns. The patch introduces new units, quality-of-life improvements, and mechanical overhauls that aim to refresh the experience for both new and veteran players.
Kislev Receives Complete Mechanical Redesign
The Kislev faction, once plagued by contentious political mechanics, has undergone a comprehensive transformation in patch 6.1. The previously divisive supporter race system has been completely removed, replaced with a more intuitive Court and Orthodoxy system available to all Kislev factions. Players can now choose which side to align with, earning specific boons as support increases, though favoring one side too heavily will destabilize the realm and trigger penalties. The Control mechanic has been replaced with Devotion, allowing armies to channel powerful Invocation buffs in their territories before engaging enemies.
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| The commander of Kislev, resplendent in her new battle attire, symbolizes the faction's comprehensive mechanical redesign |
Boris Ursus Now Immediately Available
In a player-friendly move, Creative Assembly has eliminated the story quest requirements to unlock Boris Ursus, Kislev's third playable leader. Previously locked behind specific campaign achievements, Boris is now available from the start in both the main campaign and Immortal Empires modes. This change addresses a long-standing community request and makes the full Kislev roster more accessible to players without requiring extensive prerequisites.
Tzeentch's Kairos Fateweaver Reimagined
Kairos Fateweaver, the double-headed lord of change, has received a significant mechanical overhaul fitting his chaotic nature. His Fragments of Sorcery system has been replaced with a more flexible spell system that gradually unlocks customizable spell slots every five levels. Starting with two common spell slots, Kairos can eventually access a sixth rare slot at level 20. Players can freely swap spells from eight different lores of magic without limitations, allowing for tactical preparation before each battle. Kairos also begins campaigns with two active cults and benefits from an improved skill tree.
New Units Expand Faction Capabilities
Two new units join the roster with this update. Grand Cathay gains the Nan-Gau Grenadiers, versatile troops equipped with grenades, hand weapons, and a single-use stun bomb ability that applies significant melee debuffs. The Ogre Kingdoms receive Gnoblar Flingers, providing an inexpensive though inaccurate ranged option that also supplements existing garrison forces. These additions help fill tactical gaps in their respective factions and offer players new strategic options.
Mother Ostankya Gets Homesick
Players of the Shadows of Change DLC will find that the witch Mother Ostankya now has an interesting choice in Immortal Empires mode. While she traditionally starts far from Kislev in Naggaroth, she'll now experience homesickness early in her campaign. Players can choose to either remain in her default position (immediately unlocking her witch's hut) or teleport back to Plesk in Kislev's Eastern Oblast for a more challenging but thematically appropriate start. This effectively gives her two distinct campaign starting positions.
Quality-of-Life Improvements
Creative Assembly has incorporated a popular mod that improves the display of unit abilities, spreading them across several lines rather than compressing them into a difficult-to-read stack. The developers specifically credited modder 'sudkks' for this solution, demonstrating their willingness to adopt community innovations. Additionally, cavalry units have received increased turn speeds to make them feel more responsive in battle, though undead cavalry retains their characteristically creaky handling.
Campaign AI Improvements
The update includes the first implementation from the ongoing campaign AI beta testing. Computer-controlled factions will now treat enemy agents differently from enemy armies, with Creative Assembly noting this is just the beginning of planned AI improvements. A second beta round is scheduled in the coming weeks, suggesting more comprehensive AI enhancements are in development.
DLC Restructuring
The Shadows of Change DLC has been restructured, with its three legendary lords (The Changeling, Mother Ostankya, and Yuan Bo) now available as separate, standalone purchases. This change brings the expansion in line with Creative Assembly's more recent approach to DLC offerings, providing players with greater flexibility in expanding their game.