Overview
Blood Bowl Second Season Edition from Games Workshop drops you straight into the brutal, darkly comic world of fantasy football, where orcs, humans, skaven, and other denizens of the Old World settle their differences on the pitch rather than the battlefield. This boxed set builds on the acclaimed relaunch of the game, refining the rulebook with clearer explanations, updated rosters, and a wealth of scenario and league material that lets hobbyists move from a single friendly match to full-blown campaign play. Inside the box you'll find the iconic double-sided game board depicting a suitably muddy, blood-spattered arena, along with dice, turn markers, range rulers, and all the tokens needed to track injuries, weather, and the ever-present risk of a pitch invasion.
At the heart of the set are two complete teams of multi-part plastic miniatures, the Blackblood Brovanias-style Human Blitzers and the Gnarlrot Snotlings—actually the classic Human and Orc rosters—each sculpted with the exaggerated, muscular character that makes Blood Bowl models so instantly recognizable. These figures are a genuine treat for painters: heavily armored linemen, hulking blockers, and nimble catchers all offer distinct silhouettes and plenty of surface detail for practicing blending, edge highlighting, and weathering effects like mud spatter or grass stains on the bases. Because the teams are visually and thematically opposed, they make for a satisfying two-player painting project, encouraging hobbyists to develop separate color schemes, team liveries, and even fan tokens or fluff-inspired conversions using leftover bitz from other Games Workshop kits.
Beyond the miniatures, the Second Season Edition rulebook expands the strategic depth wargamers crave, with rules for skill development, star players, and the sort of chaotic random events that make every match memorable, from a rogue mob of fans storming the field to a referee's questionable ruling. The included dugouts, turn counter, and reroll trackers add tabletop presence and make the game as satisfying to display as it is to play, while compatibility with the broader range of Blood Bowl team boxes means this core set is easily expanded with additional squads, terrain, and accessories sold separately. Whether you're a veteran of Warhammer-scale wargaming looking for a lighter, narrative-driven diversion or a painter seeking character-rich miniatures with built-in team rivalry, Blood Bowl Second Season Edition delivers a complete, self-contained package that rewards both competitive strategizing and dedicated hobby time on the workbench.
Key features
- 01Complete boxed game with 24 detailed Human and Orc plastic miniatures
- 02Double-sided fold-out game board depicting the Blood Bowl pitch
- 03Full rulebook covering core rules, leagues, and tournament play
- 04Dugout reference cards, turn markers, and skill reroll tokens
- 05Range ruler, balls, and block dice included for gameplay
- 06Card standees and score tracker for match management
Specifications
| Player Count | 2 players |
|---|---|
| Included Teams | Human and Orc |
| Miniature Material | Plastic (multi-part) |
| Game Board Size | Double-sided fold-out pitch |
| Average Playtime | 60-90 minutes |
Pros & cons
What we liked
- High-quality plastic miniatures great for painting hobbyists
- Rules cater to both casual play and competitive league building
- Strong replay value with two distinct team playstyles included
- Well-organized components make setup and storage straightforward
- Excellent entry point into the wider Blood Bowl miniature range
What could be better
- Only two teams included, limiting variety without extra purchases
- Assembly and painting required before miniatures look their best
- Rulebook can feel dense for absolute board game newcomers
- Some tokens and cards are thin and prone to wear over time
Hobbyist notes
Feedback from painters and players who use it.
Fantastic miniatures and solid rules
The Human and Orc teams are a joy to paint, and the core rules strike a great balance between depth and accessibility. Highly recommend for any wargaming fan.
Great game, wish it had more teams
Gameplay is engaging and the components are top-notch, but I immediately wanted more teams to expand my league. Worth buying extra boxes.
Perfect hobby and strategy crossover
As someone who loves both painting minis and tactical board games, this hits the sweet spot perfectly. The board and dice quality are excellent.
Steep learning curve but rewarding
Took a few games to fully grasp the rules, but once it clicked, the strategic depth really shone through. Miniature detail is impressive.
Our verdict
Excellent for learning a new game system
Blood Bowl: Second Season Edition delivers a superb fusion of tabletop strategy and miniature hobby appeal, offering polished components, deep rules, and strong replayability. It's an ideal starting point for wargamers and painters alike, though expanding beyond the two included teams will require additional purchases.
Check price on AliExpress
