Blood Bowl 2 combines the brutal fantasy world of Warhammer with the strategic depth of American football, creating a unique turn-based sports game full of surprises. Among the many teams available, the Kislev Circus team stands out with its distinct playstyle centered around agility, leaps, and unexpected maneuvers. Originally inspired by Slann teams from earlier editions and adapted for the digital version, Kislev adds a fresh dynamic to the pitch. Their playstyle breaks many conventions, offering a steep learning curve but rewarding creativity and bold plays.
Who Are the Kislev Circus?
The Kislev team in Blood Bowl 2 is thematically inspired by acrobats, daredevils, and circus performers from the icy regions of the Warhammer world. These players rely less on brute strength and more on flexibility, speed, and aerial flair. With an emphasis on Leap and Very Long Legs, Kislev players can go places most others can’t, literally jumping over opposing lines to reach their objectives.
Origins and Lore
Kislev originates from the Warhammer setting, a nation known for its cold climate, bear cavalry, and proud traditions. In Blood Bowl, this lore is interpreted as a traveling circus troupe turned sports team. This unique flavor sets them apart from more traditional fantasy races like Orcs or Elves, giving them a whimsical but deceptive identity. Don’t let the theatrics fool you Kislev can be deadly in the right hands.
Team Composition and Player Roles
The Kislev team is relatively straightforward in terms of available players, but each one fills a critical niche within the squad. They rely heavily on their core mechanics and synergy between players to outmaneuver and outscore opponents.
Primary Player Types
- Bear (Big Guy): The only true heavy on the team. It provides essential muscle but comes with the usual drawbacks of Wild Animal and Bonehead-type traits. Still, its presence is vital to anchor the team’s defensive or offensive line.
- Kislev Blitzers: Arguably the best players on the team. With access to Block and general skill options, they act as the team’s enforcers. Their stats make them the most reliable on the pitch.
- Kislev Catchers: Fast, agile, and excellent at repositioning. Catchers are crucial for executing deep plays or surprise leaps into scoring range.
- Kislev Linemen: The bread and butter of the team. While not flashy, they are versatile and relatively cheap. Their built-in Leap gives them unexpected utility, even if their stats are average.
Key Abilities
- Leap: Allows players to jump over opposing models instead of dodging around them. It can bypass otherwise airtight defenses.
- Very Long Legs: Boosts the success rate of Leap and provides bonuses when intercepting passes, helping Kislev disrupt air plays.
Strengths of the Kislev Team
Kislev is not a beginner-friendly team, but in the hands of an experienced player, they offer a set of unique advantages. Their skill set is ideal for agile, unpredictable strategies that catch opponents off guard.
Unparalleled Mobility
Thanks to Leap and their movement speed, Kislev players can reach areas of the pitch that would normally require multiple dodges. This makes them unpredictable and difficult to plan against. They excel at repositioning mid-turn and exploiting weaknesses in the defense.
Versatility in Offense
While many teams rely on bashy cage plays or linear passing, Kislev can attack from angles that don’t follow conventional patterns. Their flexibility lets them adapt on the fly, creating scoring opportunities even from poor field positions.
Defensive Surprises
On defense, Kislev can disrupt ball carriers in ways that other teams can’t. Leap allows them to bypass screens and pressure throwers or runners in supposedly safe zones, leading to turnovers or forced mistakes.
Challenges and Weaknesses
Despite their flair and potential, Kislev is not without flaws. The very mechanics that give them power also introduce risks, and their lack of core skills means they’re prone to failing crucial moves unless properly supported.
Reliance on Dice
Leap rolls are not guaranteed. Unlike Dodge, Leap doesn’t benefit from automatic re-rolls without additional skills. This makes the team prone to turnover chains, especially early on before skills like Sure Feet or Catch are unlocked.
Fragility
Most Kislev players have average armor, meaning they’re more susceptible to being injured or knocked out. Against bash teams like Orcs, Dwarves, or Chaos, Kislev can quickly find themselves outnumbered.
Lack of Starting Skills
Other than Blitzers, most Kislev players start without core skills like Block or Dodge. This limits their reliability and increases their vulnerability until they gain star player points and level up.
Strategy and Gameplay Tips
To succeed with Kislev in Blood Bowl 2, you must play proactively and creatively. This team thrives on movement, misdirection, and exploiting openings. Here are some practical tips to improve your win rate:
Manage Risk Wisely
Don’t rely solely on Leap unless necessary. Use positioning and screens to minimize risk, and save Leaps for critical moments like cage breaks or last-minute touchdowns.
Prioritize Key Skills
Skills like Block, Dodge, Sure Hands, and Tackle should be your first targets when leveling up. They add much-needed consistency to the team’s actions. For Catchers, consider skills like Sprint and Sure Feet for long-distance plays.
Protect the Bear
The Bear is slow but strong. Use it to tie up high-strength players or block lanes. Keep support nearby to reduce the chance of failure from Bonehead or Wild Animal traits.
Use Chain Pushes and Crowd Pressure
Kislev excels at chain-pushing and positioning. Combine movement and Leap to force opponents into dangerous spots or push them off the pitch with well-timed blocks and assists.
Team Development and League Play
In league formats, Kislev requires careful player development. Early games will be rough due to their lack of core skills, but once players start leveling up, the team gains momentum. Focus on spreading out star player points to build a balanced roster rather than relying on one or two stars.
Banking for Re-Rolls
Kislev teams often burn through re-rolls quickly. Investing in extra re-rolls early helps stabilize play and reduce the impact of failed Leaps or dodges. Apothecaries are also valuable due to the team’s fragility.
Is Kislev Right for You?
Kislev is a team that rewards bold strategies, positional play, and creative risk-taking. If you enjoy teams like Elves but want a twist in mechanics, Kislev offers an experience that’s both frustrating and exhilarating. They require time and patience, but the payoff comes in the form of jaw-dropping plays and memorable wins. Whether you’re climbing the ladder or joining a long league, mastering Kislev adds a unique challenge to your Blood Bowl journey.