In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war… and now, a surprisingly accessible roleplaying game to experience it all.
The Warhammer 40,000 universe has always been intimidating in its scope and complexity, but Cubicle 7 Entertainment’s Wrath & Glory delivers a streamlined approach that opens the doors of the 41st millennium to both veterans and newcomers alike. This 381-page hardcover represents not just a revision but a complete reimagining of the troubled original release from Ulysses Spiele.
From Troubled Origins to Triumphant Revival
When Ulysses lost the license for Wrath & Glory, many wondered if the system would survive the transition. The original release suffered from conflicting information, numerous errors, and sparse support materials. Cubicle 7 Entertainment, however, has transformed what was a diamond in the rough into a polished gem worthy of the Emperor’s attention.
The most striking change is the expanded content. Where the original edition glossed over setting details in roughly 250-280 pages, this new version dedicates significant space across its 381 pages to properly introducing the Gilead System - a pocket of Imperial space cut off from the greater Imperium by the Great Rift.
Character Creation: Freedom in the Grim Dark
Breaking the Archetype Mold
Unlike its predecessor, which locked players into specific archetypes, this edition offers true character customization. While numerous pre-built archetypes remain available for those who want to jump straight into action, players can now spend experience points to craft completely unique characters from scratch.
The tier system elegantly handles power disparities between different character types. A Space Marine naturally operates at a higher tier than an Imperial Guard soldier (or Astra Militarum, for those keeping up with current nomenclature), and the mechanics support mixed-tier parties without breaking the game.
Streamlined Mechanics for Maximum Action
The core system remains refreshingly simple: roll a pool of D6s, with 1-3 counting as failures and 4-6 as successes. The number of successes determines your degree of achievement. This straightforward approach keeps the focus on narrative and action rather than complex calculations.
The game mechanics are actually created so they’re not going to be really alien to Warhammer 40K players
Special mechanics like the Wrath die and Glory points (functioning similarly to Savage Worlds’ Bennies) add tactical depth without overwhelming complexity. Combat flows quickly with clear attack options, damage systems, and modifiers that enhance rather than bog down play.
The Gilead System: A Perfect Sandbox
Strange Alliances in Desperate Times
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Wrath & Glory’s setting is how the Great Rift’s isolation has forced unlikely alliances. Your party might include Imperial citizens alongside Eldar and even Orks, all united against the common threat of Chaos. This setup brilliantly sidesteps decades of lore restrictions while maintaining the setting’s grimdark atmosphere.
The focus on a single system rather than an entire sector makes the setting manageable for newcomers while providing enough detail for compelling campaigns. The book includes extensive information about various factions, NPCs, and adversaries specific to the Gilead System.
Production Quality and Support
The artwork throughout is entirely new, not recycled from previous editions, and maintains the dark, gothic aesthetic Warhammer 40K is known for. The layout is clean and intuitive, making information easy to find during play.
Unlike the Ulysses edition’s sparse post-launch support, Cubicle 7 has already released several adventures and supplements, including the excellent free introductory adventure “Graveyard Shift.” This commitment to ongoing support addresses one of the community’s primary concerns about the system’s longevity.
Key Takeaways
- Character creation offers unprecedented freedom with both archetypes and custom builds
- The D6 pool system provides fast, intuitive gameplay without sacrificing tactical depth
- The Gilead System setting enables unique party compositions impossible in traditional 40K lore
- Production quality and ongoing support from Cubicle 7 ensure the game’s future
- The 381-page core book provides substantially more content than the original edition
- Tier system elegantly handles power disparities between different character types
- Extensive GM resources including bestiary and ready-to-use NPCs
Conclusion
Wrath & Glory succeeds where many licensed RPGs fail by making its source material accessible without sacrificing what makes it special. While it may not satisfy those seeking the mechanical crunch of Fantasy Flight’s previous Warhammer 40K RPGs, it opens the grim darkness of the far future to a broader audience than ever before.
For newcomers to the 41st millennium, this represents an ideal entry point. For veterans, it offers a fresh perspective on familiar territory. The streamlined mechanics ensure that whether you’re purging heretics or forming desperate alliances against Chaos, the focus remains on the story rather than the rules.
At 29.99 for the digital version on DriveThruRPG, Wrath & Glory delivers exceptional value for anyone looking to explore the Warhammer 40K universe through a narrative lens.
Related Topics
- Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 4th Edition
- Age of Sigmar: Soulbound RPG
- Dark Heresy and other Fantasy Flight 40K RPGs
- Savage Worlds and other dice pool systems
- Grimdark roleplaying settings
- Licensed tabletop RPG adaptations
- Narrative-focused game mechanics