Do you love heavily armoured warriors, devastating artillery, ancient grudges and armies that simply refuse to break? If so then the Dwarfen Mountain Holds might be one of the most satisfying factions in all of Warhammer: The Old World.
Following on from our previous faction spotlights covering Bretonnia, Tomb Kings of Khemri and the Beastmen Brayherds, it is time to descend beneath the mountains and take a closer look at one of the most iconic armies in Warhammer history.
The Dwarfen Mountain Holds are everything fans of classic fantasy warfare expect to see. Stoic shieldwalls. Thunderous cannons. Elite warriors clad in gromril armour. Engineers creating bizarre flying machines. Every unit feels dependable, dangerous and incredibly characterful on the tabletop.
Unlike nimbler factions, Dwarfs are not about outright aggression. They win battles through discipline, resilience, clever positioning and overwhelming firepower. Once a Dwarf battleline is established, shifting it can feel almost impossible, its like charging into a brick wall.
For players who enjoy tactical gameplay, tough units and an army dripping with Old World flavour, the Dwarfen Mountain Holds are an absolute joy to collect and play.
Who Are the Dwarfen Mountain Holds?
The Dwarfs of the Old World are ancient kingdoms carved deep within the towering mountain ranges of The Old World. Their holds are immense underground fortresses filled with treasure vaults, breweries, forges and sprawling tunnel networks built over thousands of years.
Dwarfen society revolves around honour, craftsmanship, loyalty and grudges. Lots of grudges – this is something Dwarves excel at!
If another race wrongs a Dwarf, even slightly, it is recorded within the Great Book of Grudges and remembered for generations. This obsession with honour and vengeance defines much of the faction’s identity both in the lore and on the tabletop.
In battle, the Dwarfen Mountain Holds rely on:
- Elite infantry
- Powerful ranged firepower
- Exceptional armour
- Deadly war machines
- Strong leadership
- Defensive formations
What they lack in speed and cavalry, they more than make up for with sheer staying power.
Why Play Dwarfen Mountain Holds in Warhammer: The Old World?
One of the best things about the Dwarfen Mountain Holds is how reliable they feel during games. While other factions depend on risky magic or unpredictable monsters, Dwarfs are brutally consistent.
They excel at:
- Holding objectives
- Punishing enemy advances
- Surviving prolonged combat
- Controlling the battlefield with artillery
- Countering elite enemies with armour-piercing attacks
From a hobby perspective, they are also one of the most rewarding armies to paint. Their detailed armour, ornate runes, banners, shields and war machines offer loads of opportunities for hobbyists to really personalise an army.
If you enjoy classic fantasy aesthetics, the Dwarfs are peak Warhammer.
Core Units of the Dwarfen Mountain Holds
Dwarf Warriors – The Backbone of the Hold
Every Dwarfen army begins with its rank-and-file warriors. These troops might not look flashy, but they are incredibly dependable on the tabletop.
Armed with heavy armour, shields, axes and an unbreakable will, Dwarf Warriors are excellent for forming solid battlelines that simply refuse to collapse.
They are particularly effective at:
- Holding objectives
- Absorbing charges
- Protecting artillery
- Supporting elite infantry
For players new to the game, they are also one of the easiest units to learn within the faction. They perfectly represent the Dawrves playstyle and will be the tough backbone of your army.
You can build the foundation of your force with the Dwarfen Mountain Holds: Dwarf Warriors – we have them available HERE at Bomran.
Dwarf Quarrellers and Thunderers – Reliable Firepower
Ranged combat is important on the battlefeilds of The Old World. The ability to strike before you are enganged is not to be underestimated. This one of the Dwarfen Mountain Holds’ greatest strengths, and Quarrellers and Thunderers are central to that strategy.
Quarrellers provide long-range pressure with crossbows, while Thunderers unleash devastating handgun volleys capable of tearing through armour.
A solid line of missile infantry can force opponents to advance directly into your defensive formations, exactly where Dwarfs want them.
The Dwarfen Mountain Holds: Dwarf Quarrellers kit gives players the flexibility to build either Quarrellers or Thunderers, making it an excellent addition for growing armies.
Ironbreakers and Irondrakes – Elite Veterans of the Deep Roads
Few units in Warhammer look as intimidating as Ironbreakers.
Encased in near-impenetrable gromril armour, these elite warriors are designed to hold the line against the deadliest enemies in the Old World. They are exceptionally difficult to remove from objectives and can anchor an entire battle plan.
Their counterparts, the Irondrakes, swap shields for devastating drakeguns capable of unleashing torrents of alchemical fire.
Both units are incredibly thematic and extremely effective.
The Dwarfen Mountain Holds: Dwarf Ironbreakers kit allows you to build either Ironbreakers or Irondrakes, giving players plenty of tactical flexibility.
Hammerers – The King’s Chosen
Hammerers are the elite bodyguards of Dwarf royalty and one of the most dangerous melee infantry units available to the faction.
Wielding enormous two-handed hammers, they excel at smashing through heavily armoured enemies and elite troops.
They work especially well when accompanying powerful characters like a Dwarf Lord or King, creating an incredibly durable and deadly centrepiece unit.
You can reinforce your elite infantry with the Dwarfen Mountain Holds: Dwarf Hammerers kit.
Dwarf Lords and Kings – Ancient Leaders of the Holds
Dwarfen characters are absolute powerhouses.
Whether leading from the front with massive axes or standing defiantly atop an Oathstone, Dwarf Lords and Kings provide exceptional leadership and brutal combat ability.
They are not flashy heroes in the traditional fantasy sense. Instead, they feel immovable and relentless – perfectly matching the army itself.
The Dwarfen Mountain Holds: Dwarf Lords with Shieldbearers kit is especially iconic and makes an outstanding centrepiece model for any army.
You can also add even more character to your force with the Dwarfen Mountain Holds: Dwarf King with Oathstone.
Dwarfen Artillery – One of the Best Gunlines in The Old World
If you enjoy artillery and blasting you opponent from afar – the Dwarfen Mountain Holds are hard to beat.
Cannons, Organ Guns and other devastating war machines allow Dwarf armies to punish enemy advances long before combat even begins.
The sheer psychological pressure of Dwarfen artillery changes how opponents play. Many armies are forced to rush forward aggressively simply to avoid being blasted apart at range.
The Dwarfen Mountain Holds: Dwarf Cannon & Organ Gun kit is a fantastic addition for players wanting to lean into the classic Dwarf gunline strategy.
Gyrocopters – Fast Support for a Slow Army
One of the faction’s most unique units is the Gyrocopter.
Dwarfs are famously slow, but Gyrocopters provide much-needed mobility and utility. They can harass enemy flanks, hunt war machines, redirect enemy charges and support the main battleline.
They also happen to be some of the coolest models in the range.
The Dwarfen Mountain Holds: Dwarf Gyrocopters kit is an excellent pickup for players looking to add speed and tactical flexibility to their army.
Are Dwarfen Mountain Holds Good for Beginners?
Absolutely.
The Dwarfen Mountain Holds are one of the best beginner-friendly factions in Warhammer: The Old World.
They are:
- Durable
- Forgiving of mistakes
- Easy to understand
- Reliable in combat
- Strong in both casual and competitive games
Because their units are so resilient, new players usually have more time to learn positioning and battlefield tactics without immediately losing entire sections of their army.
They also have a fantastic range of classic miniatures, making them incredibly rewarding to collect and paint.
Building a Dwarfen Mountain Holds Army
If you are looking to start a Dwarfen Mountain Holds force, there are loads of great options available here at Bomran.
Some of the best starting points include:
- Dwarven Mountain Holds Battalion
- Dwarf Warriors
- Quarrellers/Thunderers
- Ironbreakers/Irondrakes
- Hammerers
- Dwarf Lords
- Cannons and Organ Guns
- Gyrocopters
You can also expand your collection with faction books such as Arcane Journal: Dwarfen Mountain Holds to explore even more lore, army rules, and campaign content.
Final Thoughts on the Dwarfen Mountain Holds
The Dwarfen Mountain Holds remain one of the most iconic factions in all of Warhammer Fantasy and they fit perfectly into the slower, more tactical gameplay style of Warhammer: The Old World.
They are stubborn, durable, heavily armed and packed with character.
Every unit feels purposeful. Every battleline feels solid. Every victory feels earned.
Whether you want an elite defensive army, a devastating artillery force, or simply an excuse to paint ranks of heavily armoured Dwarfs with magnificent beards, the Dwarfen Mountain Holds are an outstanding faction to collect.
And honestly, there are few sights in Warhammer more satisfying than watching an enemy army break itself against a wall of stubborn Dwarfs.
FAQ – Dwarfen Mountain Holds in Warhammer: The Old World
Are Dwarfen Mountain Holds good in Warhammer: The Old World?
Yes. Dwarfen Mountain Holds are considered one of the strongest defensive factions in the game thanks to their durability, leadership, artillery and elite infantry.
Do Dwarfen Mountain Holds use magic?
Dwarfs do not traditionally cast spells like other factions. Instead, they rely on runesmithing, engineering, artillery, and exceptional combat discipline.
What is the best Dwarfen Mountain Holds unit for beginners?
Dwarf Warriors are one of the best starting units because they are durable, straightforward to use, and form the backbone of most armies.
What are the best ranged units for Dwarfen Mountain Holds?
Quarrellers, Thunderers, Irondrakes, Cannons, and Organ Guns all provide exceptional ranged damage and battlefield control.
Where can I buy Dwarfen Mountain Holds models in the UK?
You can find a growing range of Dwarfen Mountain Holds miniatures and Warhammer: The Old World products right here at Bomran.co.uk or alternativley if you are based in the South East, why not head down to our store in Corringham, Essex?
