Warhammer: Blood Bowl is Blood Bowl 3.5 rather than a whole new game, but based on the beta it's definitely an upgrade

Warhammer: Blood Bowl 3.5 is not a full sequel but an upgrade to Blood Bowl 3, featuring a new seven-a-side Rumble Mode inspired by the tabletop Sevens format. The mode reduces pitch size, halves turns per half to six, and doubles reroll costs, accelerating gameplay and altering tactics. Key differences from Sevens include the absence of Desperate Measures inducements and no requirement to make a lineman a veteran. The mode is now the default for the campaign’s beginner games, replacing the previous eight-a-side format.

The beta introduces improvements to the AI, which now occasionally selects passes over default cages and chooses better block dice, though it still makes occasional risky plays. The AI’s handling of smaller matches in Rumble Mode appears notably better, addressing long-standing criticisms of its simplicity. Campaign progression now defaults to seven-a-side matches, with the second beginner game against Chaos Chosen proving more challenging due to the reduced team size.

Season rules updates include penalties for stalling, such as audience members throwing rocks, and a 10,000 gold bonus for avoiding stalling. New actions like Secure the Ball and passing rule changes eliminate Wildly Inaccurate results and deflections, encouraging more dynamic play. MVP selection is now limited to six nominated players (four in Rumble Mode), preventing bench players from absorbing Star Player Points.

Quality-of-life features include a customizable landing page for quick access to modes and competitions, and a player advancement screen showing skill purchase trends with percentages. The beta, launching October 7 on Steam, excludes new teams like Tomb Kings and Bretonnians, as well as monetization details for the shop and season pass. The full release is planned for year-end.