Blood Bowl 2025: New Season Brings Bretonnians, Tomb Kings, and Game-Changing Rules

The next season of Blood Bowl is here—and it’s packed with updates that are sure to excite both new and veteran coaches. With two new teams, a revised hardback rulebook, and mechanical upgrades that modernize the gameplay, this edition is the most refined version of the fantasy football tabletop game yet.

Designed by fans for fans, the new season introduces streamlined rules, enhanced components, and a deeper strategic experience—all while keeping the classic spirit of Blood Bowl fully intact.

Introducing the New Teams: Bretonnians vs Tomb Kings

The core of the new boxed set features two teams with very different playstyles, setting the tone for a dynamic and diverse season.

The Bretonnian Team – Brionne Barons

Appearing on the tabletop for the first time, the Bretonnians offer a high-risk, high-reward playstyle. Their roster focuses on synergy between elite and scrappy players, making them a unique strategic challenge.

Team Breakdown:

• Grail Knights: Two powerful Blitzers with the brand-new Steady Footing skill, which allows them to stay standing on a 6+ roll when they would otherwise be knocked down.

• Knight Throwers and Catchers: Each pair comes equipped with Pass, Catch, and Nerves of Steel, making them reliable in tight situations.

• Squires: Agile and aggressive linemen who bring Wrestle and utility to the field.

• No Big Guy on the roster, but the widespread use of Dauntless allows them to take on larger opponents confidently.

This team is ideal for players who enjoy tactical risk-taking and dynamic passing plays.

The Tomb Kings – Nehekhara Nightmares

Returning from the depths of Blood Bowl history, the Tomb Kings have a familiar but refined roster. This team excels in strength and durability, relying on brute force and tough positioning.

Team Breakdown:

• Tomb Guardians: Four ST5 linemen with the Brawler skill, giving them unmatched control on the line of scrimmage.

• Blitzers and Throwers: Two of each provide flexibility and control, supported by durable skeleton linemen.

• Skeleton Linemen: Cost-effective players with Thick Skull to keep them in the game longer.

• Low Agility remains their weakness, but it’s now balanced by a new mechanic: Secure the Ball, which makes pickups more reliable for low-Agility teams.

This is a classic "bash" team—perfect for players who favor slow, calculated dominance on the pitch.

Updated Rulebook: Same Core Game, Better Experience

The 2025 season brings with it a fully updated hardback rulebook. While the core mechanics remain the same, the presentation and terminology have been thoroughly revised to improve readability and reduce ambiguity.

Key Improvements:

• Clear Terminology: The difference between “players” (miniatures) and “coaches” (you) is now always clear. Declaring and performing actions are now distinct, reducing confusion.

• Kick-off Table Overhaul: More streamlined events and the removal of less popular outcomes, such as “Officious Ref.”

• Improved Passing Mechanics: The rule for Wildly Inaccurate Passes has been removed, making passing less punishing and more intuitive.

• New Star Player Point Opportunities: Players can now earn SPPs for throwing or being thrown by team-mates, rewarding creative gameplay.

• Keyword System: A new standardized keyword system simplifies how abilities and interactions are resolved, reducing confusion during gameplay.

Secure the Ball: A New Core Mechanic

One of the most impactful changes is the introduction of the Secure the Ball action. This new action allows a player to attempt to pick up the ball on a flat 2+ roll, but with strict limitations.

How it works:

• It is a once-per-turn action.

• Ends the player’s activation if successful.

• Cannot be used if an opponent is standing within two squares.

• Big Guys and certain positionals cannot perform this action.

This new mechanic is a major quality-of-life improvement for teams with traditionally low Agility stats, helping to reduce frustrating turnover chains.

Improved Components and Accessories

The new boxed set includes everything you need to start playing Blood Bowl, or update your collection:

• Two full plastic teams (Bretonnians and Tomb Kings)

• Double-sided pitch and dugouts

• Two sets of dice

• Reference sheets

• Hardback rulebook

• Range ruler, scatter templates, and new status markers

Status Markers: A Practical Upgrade

Previous editions left players guessing who was Stunned, Prone, or had already activated. The new status markers eliminate that problem. Now, you can clearly indicate every condition—without laying miniatures face-down or rotating them awkwardly.

The markers include indicators for:

• Prone

• Stunned

• Blitzing

• Distracted (for players who lose tackle zones)

• Chomped (from the updated Monstrous Mouth skill)

• Eye Gouged (a new skill that prevents assists)

• Dodgy Snack (a new Kick-off event effect)

If you prefer painted accessories, the rulebook includes recommended color schemes for painting the markers to match your team.

What's Coming Next?

Alongside the launch of the new season box, fans can look forward to:

• Spike! Journals dedicated to both the Bretonnians and Tomb Kings, with background lore, tactics, and more.

• Team-specific dice, cards, and boards.

• PDF rules for High Elves, available at launch for players with the classic team.

• A full breakdown of new skills and keywords in an upcoming detailed article.

Final Thoughts: Blood Bowl is Back, and Better Than Ever

The 2025 Blood Bowl season is not just an update—it’s a refined, thoughtful reimagining of the game. The new teams offer exciting new strategies, while the rulebook and game components have been overhauled for a smoother experience on the tabletop.

Whether you’re returning after years away or diving in for the first time, this edition delivers the most polished version of Blood Bowl to date. The Brionne Barons and Nehekhara Nightmares bring fresh energy to the pitch, while smart rules updates and gameplay enhancements ensure that every match is fast-paced, tactical, and fun.