INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the exciting world of Age of Sigmar! Here’s a one-stop guide for all you need to know, especially if you’re new to the game or just returning after a long break. Zeitalter des Sigmar is an enchanting miniature war game set in a magical world, bursting with mystery, suspense and an opportunity to cultivate critical thinking through tactical gameplay. If you love fantasy themes, strategic play, and painting miniatures, this is for you! This beginner-friendly guide will take you from novice to nerd, breaking everything down, so let’s delve in!
WHAT IS AGE OF SIGMAR?
Age of Sigmar, produced by Games Workshop, is a fantasy miniature tabletop wargame that began in 2015 as the successor to Warhammer Fantasy Battle. It’s an epic battle set in eight inter-connected mortal realms, each with unique landscapes, creatures, and magic. The exciting lore and captivating stories, combined with diverse armies of beautifully crafted miniatures, make Age of Sigmar a popular choice in the wargaming scene.
Players command fantastically detailed miniature armies, each with its own unique abilities, fighting against their enemies using strategy, tactics, and sometimes luck. The game involves assembling and painting these miniatures, building terrain for battlefields, and multiple layers of strategy from army composition to in-game moves. It’s very alike chess but with additional layers of complexity, making each game a thrilling experience.
HOW IT WORKS / HOW TO START
First, you and your opponent must decide on the rules of engagement, known as the battleplan. Then, you’ll select your armies. Each model represents a unit in your army, with specified abilities and restrictions. Starting a game usually involves assembling these units on the game board, based on certain restrictions defined in the battleplan.
With your armies assembled, each game turn is divided into phases: hero, movement, shooting, charge, combat, and battleshock. You’ll use strategy to move units, attack, and use magic during these phases. Gameplay involves a mix of rolling dice to determine outcomes and applying tactics for positioning and engaging units. With every game, your understanding of your army, its strengths and weaknesses will grow, leading to exciting and strategic games!
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
To start playing, you’ll need a few basic items. The first essential item is the Age of Sigmar Core Book, your guide to rules, background lore, and helpful tips. It’s a must-have! The second are your miniatures, typically available in starter sets which contain a selection of miniatures, dice, and a game ruler. Grab a General’s Handbook for updated rules and guidance on army selection. Lastly, you’ll need a selection of six-sided dice and a ruler to measure movements and distances. Extras that can enhance your experience include painting supplies for your miniatures and a game mat for a more immersive battlefield, but these are not essential to start.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Start with a starter set: These offer prefabricated armies and provide an easy entry point to the game.
2. Painting matters: Take your time in painting the miniatures. It increases game immersion.
3. Familiarise Yourself with the Core Rules: The more you understand, the better your strategy.
4. Use Battleplans: A predefined scenario can help make initial games easier to grasp.
5. Have fun: It’s a game, so enjoy every moment of it — victory or defeat!
HELPFUL RESOURCES
To get more insight and learn from other players, forums like ‘Warhammer Age of Sigmar’ on Reddit or the ‘Age of Sigmar’ Discord channel is recommended. Numerous YouTube channels offer painting tutorials, rule explanations, and game recaps, some notable ones include Warhammer TV, MiniWarGaming, and AoS Coach.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
1. Wargame: A strategy game that simulates warfare.
2. Miniatures: Small, detailed figures used to represent characters or units in the game.
3. Battleplan: The scenario defining the rules of engagement in each game.
4. Dice Roll: The method of deciding certain outcomes.
5. Phase: A section of a turn with specific actions that can be performed.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
Now that you’ve acquainted yourself with Age of Sigmar, it’s time to get started. Consider visiting a local board game store to see Age of Sigmar in action and get advice on starting sets. You could also try a demo game at Games Workshop stores.
Remember, every master was once a beginner. The more you play, the better you’ll understand the strategies and intricacies of the game. Embarking on this journey may seem overwhelming at first, but it gets easier and even more fun with every battle you play. Now, onwards to your Age of Sigmar adventures! Enjoy the journey!
