Discover Frostgrave 2nd Edition With Creator Joseph A. McCullough #FrostgraveWeekOTT
December 21, 2020 by avernos
We talk with Frostgrave creator Joseph A. McCullough about getting started in Frostgrave 2nd Edition and learn what this tabletop game published by Osprey Games is all about.
Frostgrave Books - Frostgrave Miniatures - Frostgrave Terrain
The guys talk about the lore behind your adventures, the basic mechanics of gameplay and how you can get started in building a warband for use in the game.
Comment To Win A Frostgrave Bundle
We will be picking winners from three of our communities: YouTube, OnTableTop & from our Cult Of Games Members.
- Frostgrave 2nd Edition Rulebook + The Red King Expansion + Cultist Plastic Box (Cult Of Games)
- Frostgrave 2nd Edition Rulebook + The Red King Expansion + Barbarian Plastic Box (YouTube)
- Frostgrave 2nd Edition Rulebook + The Red King Expansion + Soldiers I Plastic Box (OnTableTop)
Are you going to be getting started in Frostgrave 2nd Edition with us?

































This has been on my to-try list for a long time. If covid carries on Ill eventually play through a solo campaign I hope.
first edition was a blast lots of scope for the narrative side of things and if you have kids a great game for them too to join in with. id be surprised if you didnt like it i only slowed down playing due to health issues and key opponents moving away.
i think realistically youve two months post christmas at least with this covid pain enjoy your Frostgrave escape lol
I’ve no kids and I live alone. A 2+ player campaign game of any sort doesn’t work for me even under “normal” conditions. I had a demo of this a while back. Seemed good, but pointless without the campaign element. Solo, I wont enjoy it without some sort of narrative goal / a defined “end” to achieve, beyond hitting lvl X or whatever. I know there are campaigns out there. I’m curious to see if 2nd ed does anything new about solo narrative campaigns.
Had a lot of fun with first edition. Looking forward to getting some people together to have a go at 2nd.
Sounds like a perfect blend of the best bits of war games and the best bits of RPGs. Creativity and narrative are often missing with “out of the box” heroes. Heard good things but never played FG but might have to give it a whirl
Stap! STAAAAAAAAP!
I can’t take any more… to many shinys…
there is never enough shinies … 😀
Frostgrave is one of my favourite games. I guess I have played the first edition more than any other wargame in 20 years of gaming 😮 Second edition seems even better and stronger!
Frostgrave looks perfekt to bring my niece to play tabletop with me. We started to build two mages out of clay.
I don’t know why I never tried Frostgrave.
I always loved wizards. I always have as many wizards/psykers in my armies as possible.
I just bought the Oathmark rule book. Have to have a go at that first.
The magic system in Frostgrave is a lot of fun to play around with. Plenty of combinations to try out
Get in, grab the treasure, get out…what could go wrong?
Hopefully one of the games I can introduce my nephew to when lockdown is over & we don’t need to socially distance anymore
FG will always be a favourite of mine! Glad I was able to get a 2nd ed game in before the second lockdown.
I’m all in for Frostgrave. Love the cold themed setting and the models with appropriate winter gear
Got into frost grave from the very beginning. The misses joined me for her first visit to Salute and was looking at the rules whilst I was looking at another stall. Suffice to say when I returned we talked about the rule book and ended up buying a copy to try out and have not looked back.
Would love the new edition to add to our growing collection of the books.
I do love the thematic nature of this game. The solo campaign is comething I’ve not really looked at. If I can’t persuade my boys to play it with me I may give the solo a go.
I think solo and co-op play is great in Frostgrave – well worth diving into, or at least making it semi-coop!
Thanks,I shall definitely give it a look-see!
Fantastic stuff, really drawn to smaller skirmish level games these days. Frostgrave looks really interesting. 2021 is the year I take the plunge.
Frostgrave and that other one have been on my radar for quite a while now.
And there’s Stargrave in the future, right ? Although Corespace kind of scratches that itch already it is cool to see that the original that kind of started it all.
Cracking interview glad to see this system doing so well
This looks like a good one to get the kids involved. Paint 10 minis and you’re ready to go. What could be simpler?
Nice start to the week. I’d seen some hype for Frostgrave but never had a chance to look into it so I’m really looking forward to learning more as the week continues. I like the wizard theme and seems to have a bit of a Mordheim feel (which I loved). Looking forward to the rest of the week!
Just built the mausoleum from Kromlech and man it looks goooood
Been reading the rules last couple of days, as brought it last month. Nice easy read, rules look fairly straight forward. Been tempted by figures for some time. Looking forward to trying it out.
I have the first edition and figures. Looking forward to the second edition.
Keep looking at this, seems like a good game to play on the small scale.
Looks like a good one to get the kids involved with. Paint 10 minis and you’re ready to go. What could be simpler?
So if I comment here I can win the frostgrave bundle?
My weekly RPG session cancelled until new year and I plan to solo some Frostgrave during the break.
In the last decade I’ve drifted away from competitive wargaming more and more due to a change in taste, but I’M perfectly fine with Frostgrave’s more ‘lighthearted’ approach. Having started Rangers of the Shadowdeep recently with a friend and we might try some coop games with Frostgrave too.
Wondering if Frostgrave 2 will help my gaming mojo return
Have been wanting to play this for awhile, and almost got into it just as it was moving to this edition. Does anyone know if the solo rules work for second ed or were they designed for first?
Loved the first edition, especially the solo play elements he introduced. Having the first edition expansions still work with 2nd edition was a really fans first attitude that attracts me to the game.
Frostgrave looks great.
I very tempted to give this a try. I like the sounds of the use of the D20 for grainularity. I see no reason why not, unless you think your players can’t count to 20.
Frostgrave does look very interesting, and with a requirement for such a low count of range agnostic miniatures, there looks to be a very low entry point. How much terrain is typically needed for a battle?
Play on a 2X2 or 3×3 board and pack it with as much as you can
First of all, I love when rules does not specify exactly what model can do what role. Secondly, it just seems fun.
Good timing as just looking at this game a festive season project
Really looking forward to trying out 2nd Edition. Very happy that I can still use the campaign books I already have.
Have played a few games at my local club….but it didn’t take off maybe 2nd edition will have better luck.
Im really looking forward to see the new expansion!
Enjoy skirmish games and the Frostgrave world. Planning to get second edition soon.
The rulebook is a Christmas present from the wife. Looking forward to getting a new campaign off the ground in our group once covid has sodded off the planet.
Well that was a nice intro to the game
Interesting video. I have Frostrgrave and it’s interesting to see what direction they’ve taken with FG2. Looks like the small changes will make the game slicker. Can’t wait
yeah small changes to tighten it up and then 10 additional scenarios bringing it up to 20. It’s a nice update to the 1st edition without having to throw the baby out to get there
I missed the campaign in stores in my area. Going to have to organize something when the pandemic is over.
How compatible is Frostgrave 2ed and Ghost Archipelago in a campaign?
Our group played two full campaigns of the first edition, loved it, every game was great and different. While we haven’t played second ed yet, thanks covid, we are all looking forward to at least one campaign with new warbands.
Frostgrave looks like the perfect game to get my son into the hobby with!
Love me some Frostgrave. I haven’t picked up the second edition, but the first edition scenarios were a blast.
Very nice.
My favorite game! Gets a whole week! Yes please.
Good luck to any new wizard/ sorcerer or experienced wizard in getting these prizes.
lets hope
been thinking about picking up frostgrave
Get in there and stock this before Boris finds out.
Forstgrave is my only fantasy game I play. It dragged my teenage daughters into gaming and painting. It also gave me a lot of unforgettable moments. Highly recommend the game to anyone.
Great Game, got it in first edition and loved the solo play along with the small number of models and the Old World feel to the game. Look forward to learning all the rules I misunderstood (fudged on) and seeing how the lets plays go!
Definitely want to try this game
Looks like a good game. So many good games, so little time.
1st Ed was great and 2nd looks to be even more streamlined and fun.
Bounced off the first edition, the core game loop of treasure capture the flag wasn’t a good fit for my other players. Curious to see what the second edition brings. Thanks for great coverage through the holiday.
I’ve been looking forward to this all weekend. This game had me interested before the new edition. Might be time to jump in.
Probably one of the best skirmish game out there in my humble opinion.
Currently playing Rangers of shadow deep solo, but would like to try out Frostgrave with my brother in law. Got to get him started on something…
I’m currently bulding a ruined city covered in snow for Conquest, and Frostgrave has been appealing to me for some time. I might as well try !
Been building my warband for 2e. I’m ready to go when we’re able to gather again.
This is a game I know that I can enjoy with my friends.
I love Frostgrave. I bought the digital 2nd edition rulebook on launch day. I can’t wait to get the chance to actually meet up with my mates and get playing!
I’ve been preparing to play some Rangers of Shadowdeep for a bit and will hopefully start up Frostgrave soon after.
Sadly having built a new warband I have yet to play it yet due to current circumstances but myself and others in my local gaming club are really looking forward to getting some second edition games going.
Love the game, and the plastics looks absolutely amazing
I really must get around to building some Frostgrave warbands out of the oodles of fantasy minis I have knocking around…
Played mostly single games so far but when Covid will finally be over I will get a campagne going I hope
Nice look into the mind of the creator. The game sounds like a spiritual successor to Mordheim, which I’ve played for many a summer campaign with the local club.
please tell me there is scope for animal companions/familiars and mounts, i do not care if the mounts are limited to one per warband i just want to field a group with my dwarf riding a goat miniature. purely narrative not super powerful just maybe a little more agile and quicker hitting slightly harder maybe or simply random effects just within the rules.
my wizard also has to be able to take his trusty Jack russell companion. i played first edition and used the warhound stats for the Jack, going mental if the jack was slain, grudges were issued people bludgeoned lots of narrative fun. i got mullered more times than anything but it was lots of fun while doing so
yes but no, there are no mount rules in the game but the freedom of exploring Frostgrave means there is no reason why you can’t go ahead and add in rules for exactly that. Think of the rule book as more a guidelines book
Had fun with the first edition but not picked this version up yet
I have been enjoying this new edition.
This could be just the narrative led skirmish for me and my boys to launch into next year, love the plastics.
Very interested in Frostgrave. It’s been on my to try list for ages.
I’ve often looked at this 8n passing, but don’t know much about it.
This will be a good time to find out more through the week I think!
Dya know, this is a perfect game for the covid times
I’m not into fantasy, usaully, but I have to say that this is something I’ve been looking forward to having a try at!
Loving the glee in Joe’s voice as he talks about the game. I agree with every word about the spirit of the game, it’s a means for people to have a bit of fun. I’m not a hyper competitive gamer, so approach every game like (or at least I’m contrite if I roflstomp an opponent) and that element does feel baked in to Frostgrave.
Been looking at this a while. Great interview
This is on my xmas list… but my family never picks me up gaming stuff. I should build a table over the winter…
Sooo tempted to buy the new version. I still have loads of unplayed content from the initial one, so not sure if to hold off.
I do like the idea of kitbashing armies for this.
Haven’t tried it yet but I do have some of the “official” miniatures and they are great.
Will give it a go…if I win! 🙂
sounds a great game with plenty of depth and variation for trying repeat missions in different ways.
So, did I really hear Joseph saying that he hadn’t designed a game before and managed to get it published with Osprey? Wow. Does he have any tips for other people designing skirmish/wargames? It’s a question often asked in the interviews with the guys from Parabellum. With them representing a fairly large company (or it feels so at least from the said interviews) it’d be interesting to hear it from ‘this guy that managed to think up one of the most popular skirmish games out there’.
I don’t know anyone directly who plays the game here, but my friendly local game store does stock it, I believe. I have a feeling Frostgrave Week will be the last bit of convincing I need to get myself a copy.
Very nice giveaway. Never played Frostgrave. Thanks for the opportunity.
This makes 2020 all worth it. Santa is Real! 🙂
Season Greeting all will have to show my son and see what he thinks might finally get him nto one.
We’ve been actively getting terrain ready to start a campaign sometime early in the new year. My Barbarian warband is all built and Primered.
I was hoping to introduce Frostgrave to my local gaming club just before the world went on hold… I’m still planning to get some sort of league going there once everybody’s inoculated and it’s safe to mix again.
It’s a great game for introducing people to the hobby, as new players don’t have to paint massive armies and can just borrow 10 figures to start with.
I’m thankful you are putting content out over Chrimbo, something to listen to when I finally get to sit down and paint some minis again during the limbo between Christmas and New year.
Have a great festive season folks, and don’t eat too many turkey sandwiches…. 🙂
Ooh new expansion, nice.
Gives me another excuse, to dive into my box of unpainted reaper bones again so double win.
Never played the game, but it sure looks sweet!
Not sure about the rules but the models look great – be a useful addition to my collection.
That’s one of the most disturbing images ever LOLOLOLOL
I met Joseph a few years ago at Adepticon (I lost FG so bad, I got a reward — pretty sure out of pity lol). Such a nice guy, with great vision.
Gonna definitely give this a try. I liked the first edition except the shooting (archers and crossbows) was way overpowered. People were arming there war bands with archers and just killing them collecting treasure. But I loved the system. Let’s see. The D20 is a great addition to the game. Can’t wait to play it.
Been interested for a while. I’ll be watching each of these.
I just bought the 2nd edition rulebook a few weeks ago. Just flicking through it was great. I’m excited to see what this week will bring before diving into the book fully.
Such a great little skirmish/campaign game. We had a pretty decent campaign running for 1st edition before the world ended. Hoping to get a new 2nd edition one kicked off sometime soon. “Christian the Humble, Thaumaturge Extraordinaire and Worker of Miracles the Second” has a nice ring to it really 🙂
Looking forward to see how the overall project develops. nice idea and it will be pleasant to watch over the holidays.
Always loved the freedom this ruleset allows. Interesting how early confrontational games at club gradually turned semi-coop as win-win games (but my win is bigger) took over from the usual win-lose.
I can highly recommend this game to anyone yet to try it. Endless fun, and you can also play it in Roll20 or Tabletop Simulator if you spend a bunch of time getting yourself set up. If you want examples let me know.
This is most troubling, I have three wargames on the go as it is, I suppose a fourth won’t hurt really?
Absolutely! Rangers is darn good, too!
Sounds like an interesting game. More story oriented than competitive play. I might give it a shot…
I’ve never been able to get my wife to play a miniatures game but she agreed to try this one during the quarantine. She and I absolutely love it and have an ongoing campaign going now. It’s a wonderful mix of rpg elements and wargaming. I highly recommend trying it out. I fully intend to try to get some of my gaming group in on this as well when we’re able to meet in person again.
I have heard many good things about this system. I would love to give it a try.
Question for Joe: Were you influenced by any games when it came to designing Frostgrave, and if so what are they? What ideas did you take from them and what things did you decide to do differently and why?
I’ve been playing Frostgrave since it was first released. It is a real firm favourite amongst our group. We have had a few long running campaigns going over the years. We usually play multiplayer games with a few extra tweaks to the rules to ensure there are extra gribblies turn up. Every one of us has their own style of play and the game can accommodate them all. One thing we all do though is laugh a lot when we are playing. As a game it has got to have produced the most legendary moments and recounted stories told.
A game I keep meaning to try…
This if first on the list to kick off post lockdown gaming. Fun rules, laughter with mates, perfect for the joy of group gaming again.
Frostgrave is a great ruleset and setting. The second edition looks amazing.
Played a few campaigns in 1st edition and loved the game!
I’ve got 2nd edition book in the pre-order but haven’t taking the time to read it but, i really love the artwork inside!
I’ll put reading it in the agenda now and finish catching up to the vids.
Thanks for the vid guys!
Frost grave has been on my radar for a while now. Maybe 2021 is the year I take the plunge. I’ve just ordered some of the kromlech terrain, so I guess I’ve started.
Loved the 1st ed of Frostgrave. Some elements of RPGs wrapped up with a really solid skirmish game. Looking forward to playing this.
Like I said on YouTube, I really, really, really do not want to get into another game (especially when I have so many games not painted as is) but there is something so immensely enticing about ‘Frostgrave’. I’m a big fan of miniature games where I don’t need 30+ models on the board. And the idea that I’m building the lore for my wizard instead of playing someone else’s creation is so fun sounding.
Looks really awesome
This has been one I wanted to try for a while !
Ive been wanting to try frostgrave for quite a while now. Looks like such an awesome game. I love the rpg/campaign elements, and the “flavor” is right in my wheel house.
The second edition is really worth getting (even if you’ve already got the first edition), the major changes are with spells (Hint DON’T buy “The Grimoire” (printed spell cards) even on sale as these have changed), and another major (much needed) change with how you build a warband. No more complete band of Archers and Crossbowmen (was a bit “gamey”), and instead you’re limited to just four specialists (which contain not only the aforementioned Archers, but also your elite fighters and useful bandmembers like Treasure Hunters). Now your warband is mainly made up of cannon fodder, and rightly so. All of the previous expansions like Rise of the Lich Lord are compatible, so other than The Grimoire box you can buy these with confidence.
Neat
I love the setting of the world and the game play is simple, fun but has enough depth to make is interesting and engaging
It does look lovely, and I am very tempted by a fantasy skirmisher right now anyway.
Alright, you’ve got my attention, I’ve never given frostgrave much time. But great interview. I want to know more!
really want to try a game of this
I would like to give frostgrave a try but I don’t know anyone nearby that would jump into a game so readily.
Sucks leaving in a less populated cities.
Always good to hear about a game ‘from the gryphon’s mouth’ as it were
Been on my list for so long, finally think 2021 could be the time! Really like the the vibe of the game from this video
Wasn’t sure I needed second edition until now.
What really drew me to Frostgrave was the use the minis you have. I have a lot of random figures – The Northstar ones are pretty sweet. I have even borrowed stuff from Frostgrave for my DnD game.
I’ve been looking at Frostgrave for a while. Now that second ed is out I might take the plunge
How come noone else thought about doing a project week during christmas holidays when people have time watching videos while digesting their christmas diet? Cool idea!!!
Had lots of fun with the first edition. This one is even better.
Love the idea behind this game, not read much about it, but from what i know of the back ground i love it. The only down side to me getting this game is, my friends do not play small skirmish there more in to full scale battles. On a good note though, i
m looking at doing a force just need to work out which school of magic to follow.As for questions, heres one for you.
Can Centaur
s be Wizards, im thinking as there half man/horse it could be possible. If so, could a Satyr be the apprentice. If allowed, ill then work on the rest of the force.I must admit I have the rules for 1st ed, as well as Ghost archipelago, but have yet to play it. The books are gorgeous, though!
I have the first edition and am pleased to see that the free basic henchman rules from ghost archipelago have come into 2nd edition, as that helps to mitigate any major party losses early campaign.
Would like to see something along the lines of Rangers of Shadowdeep more complete campaign for cooperative or solo play in the city
Dabbled in first edition and only see this one getting better. Time for a full-blown campaign!
I love Frostgrave! It’s fun to play, the mechanics are simple, the scenarios are interesting, and you can use your existing collection. Thanks Joe.
so I guess this is a bit like mordheim but flows a bit better, isn’t GW and is mostly centred on magic users. I have a fond memory of mordheim when I was a kid but I realise that I never actually played it properly because I never fully understood it. I did like the idea of raiding places and getting away with loot etc so I expect id quite like the premise of this game
Really enjoyed the interview. Please bring us Joe once again in the future!
I have been looking at this for some time and have almost bought everything to play more than once.
A friend of mine convinced me to try it out and I’m reading through the rulebook just now. Hoping to play with my finace soon. She wants to play a Baba Jaga-style female wizard 🙂
double post – remove pls
Need to try the 2nd edition sounds really good.
Always intersting to hear from the creator about their interests and intentions for their rules. Insightful, thanks.
Love first edition. May jump into second after this week with the Red king book too!
First ed was/is great and from what I have seen and read of the second ed it seem to be even better.
Working furiously now to get a really crowded gaming table ready for when we can start gaming again at the club
Thoroughly enjoyed Frostgrave and it reignited my desires to “play games” as opposed to lurking and watching the hobby… plus absolutely love Rangers which has been a godsend in lock down!
I’m kind of hoping I’ll be able to run some Rangers of Shadow Deep for friends once lockdown lifts – or some cooperative Frostgrave using Perilous Dark.
Frostgrave week! I can finally sit down and get watching. I’m dying to get stuck into the solo play rules 🙂