INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the wonderful world of Age of Sigmar! A high-fantasy miniature war game that is as much about strategy as it’s about building and painting your armies. If tabletop games, intricate models, and epic lore sound exciting to you, then you’re just about to start a fantastic journey. This guide is ideal for beginners or those who are returning to the game after a break. Age of Sigmar is dynamic, immersive, and an exceedingly rewarding hobby, so let’s dive in!
WHAT IS AGE OF SIGMAR?
Age of Sigmar, often abbreviated as AoS, is a tabletop war game presented by Games Workshop, the same creators of Warhammer 40,000. Originating in 2015 as the successor to the company’s Warhammer Fantasy series, it offers a fresh setting with new armies and lore, while remaining familiar to seasoned fans of the genre.
In this dynamic game, players assemble and paint individual miniature models that represent various fantasy characters. These models form armies that battle against each other on a tabletop battlefield, using dice-rolls, strategic positioning, and intricate rules to determine the outcomes of these epic conflicts.
The game is set in the Mortal Realms, a series of varied and imaginative worlds, each connected with a different aspect of magic. From the steampunk cities of Azyr to the deadly realms of Shyish, the Age of Sigmar universe is a rich tapestry of distinctive locales, factions, and creatures.
HOW IT WORKS / HOW TO START
Playing Age of Sigmar involves several phases. Firstly, players assemble their chosen armies. These can range from the steadfast Stormcast Eternals, the necrotic forces of the Nighthaunts, the bloodthirsty Daughters of Khaine, to the whimsical Gloomspite Gitz, and much more. Each army has its unique aesthetic, strengths, and strategies, offering a diverse range of playstyles to choose from.
The game itself is typically played out in turns on a 6×4 foot table, heavily decorated with terrain to represent the fantasy landscapes of the Mortal Realms.
Divided into several phases like Hero, Movement, Shooting, Charge, Combat, and Battleshock, each round involves complex planning and cunning strategies. For example, in the Movement phase, models can march across the battlefield, readying for attack or holding strong defensive positions.
If this sounds a bit complex, don’t worry. The game comes with a very detailed and comprehensive rulebook. Start by reading the Age of Sigmar Core Rules, an easily digestible guide that lays the foundation for your understanding of the game.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
To start playing AoS, you’ll need a few key things.
1. Start collecting box: Choose an army that you like the look and lore of and buy their ‘Start Collecting’ box.
2. Rulebooks: Invest in a copy of the Core Rulebook.
3. Dice and Measuring Tape: Vital for gameplay.
4. Paints and Brushes: A crucial part of the hobby is assembling and painting your models.
5. Battletome: This book gives you the unique rules and abilities for your chosen army.
TIPS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
1. Start Small: You don’t need a massive army to start playing. Begin with a Start Collecting box and gradually build from there.
2. Learn the Basics: Make sure you understand basic gameplay before diving into more complicated rules.
3. Practice Painting: This could be a new skill for many, so take your time and feel free to experiment.
4. Watch Battle Reports: These are gameplay videos that you can find on YouTube, which are an entertaining way to learn the rules.
5. Join a community: Find local clubs, online communities, or friends also interested in AoS. It’s much more fun when shared.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
A plethora of resources exist to help you on your journey with AoS. Games Workshop’s own website is packed with tutorials, while Warhammer Community is a hub of news and updates. YouTube channels like Warhammer TV and Tabletop Tactics are excellent for painting tutorials and gameplay videos. Communities like Reddit’s /r/ageofsigmar or the AoS Discord are brilliant spaces to ask questions and find others who share your new passion.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
1. Warcroll: A document detailing a unit’s abilities, statistics, etc.
2. Battletome: An army-specific rulebook.
3. Battleplan: Scenarios for your games, detailing objectives, setup, etc.
4. Warscroll Battalion: A selection of units from your army that gain additional abilities.
5. Allegiance Ability: Special rules and abilities available to your army.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
Now that you have an understanding of what the Age of Sigmar entails, where to begin, and what you will need, the next step is to dive in! Purchase a Start Collecting box of an army you fancy and immerse yourself in building and painting your models. Remember to refer back to this guide whenever you’re in doubt, and most importantly, have fun! Age of Sigmar is a hobby filled with creativity, community, and epic stories just waiting to be told on your tabletop!
