INTRODUCTION
Hello there, friend! If you’re new to the world of high-fantasy tabletop gaming or just returning from an epic hiatus and wondering what’s new on the horizon, this beginner-friendly guide is exactly what you need. Today, we’re diving into the otherworldly realms of ‘Zeitalter des Sigmar‘ – a phenomenal game of limitless potential, extraordinary creatures, and sweeping magical warfare. Why Age of Sigmar you ask? Well, multiple reasons actually: creative freedom, thrilling narrative, strategic gameplay, and immersive universe, among others. Buckle up for this ride, and don’t you worry; by the end of this guide, you’ll be well equipped to embark on your very own Age of Sigmar adventure.
WHAT IS AGE OF SIGMAR?
In essence, Age of Sigmar is a miniature wargame set in a high fantasy universe, forged by Games Workshop. A spiritual successor to Warhammer Fantasy, Age of Sigmar takes us through a breathtaking cosmos of eight distinct realms, each characterized by different elements of magic. From muscled Orruks and ethereal Stormcasts to fire-belching dragons and plague-ridden daemons, Age of Sigmar is teeming with a plethora of unique personalities and units. Just like Warhammer 40K, one might. However, Age of Sigmar is less dark, more high fantasy, and involves less complicated systems – making it a perfect tabletop game for beginners and veterans alike.
HOW IT WORKS/HOW TO GET STARTED
To begin your Age of Sigmar journey, you first need to decide on your army or faction. There are four Grand Alliances – Order, Chaos, Death and Destruction, each with a myriad of factions. Next, gather your miniatures, assemble, and if you wish, paint them. Part of the joy of Age of Sigmar lies in customizing your miniatures!
Gameplay involves two players each controlling their army on a battlefield. Here’s a quick overview:
1. HERO PHASE: Spellcasting, abilities, and command abilities are used.
2. MOVEMENT PHASE: Units are moved across the battlefield.
3. SHOOTING PHASE: Units make ranged attacks.
4. CHARGE PHASE: Units charge into the enemy.
5. COMBAT PHASE: Melee combat takes place.
6. BATTLESHOCK PHASE: Assess the morale of your troops.
Player turns alternate, and the player who scores more victory points wins the game!
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
First and foremost, you’ll need the Age of Sigmar rulebook, your chosen faction’s ‘battletome’, and miniatures. The rulebook lays out the overall guidance for the game, while the battletome delves into the nitty-gritty of your faction. Additionally, you’ll need dice, a measuring ruler, and a battlefield terrain to play on. Fancy painting your minis? Grab a paint set. A carrying case for your miniatures could be handy for games on the go!
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. START SMALL: Start with the Start Collecting box for your chosen faction to understand fundamentals, before expanding your army.
2. PLAN YOUR ARMY: Pre-plan your list of units and heroes. It aids strategic gameplay.
3. JOIN A COMMUNITY: Utilize online communities and forums for guidance, tips, and FAQs.
4. LEARN THE RULES: A good grasp of the rules makes the game more enjoyable.
5. PAINTING IS OPTIONAL: You don’t have to be a master miniaturist; painting is entirely optional.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Among various resources, Warhammer’s official website and the WH Age of Sigmar app are indispensable. For painting tutorials, Warhammer TV on YouTube is superb. Reddit’s r/ageofsigmar, Warhammer Age of Sigmar Facebook Group, and various Discord server communities are great for player interaction and discussion.
GLOSSARY
1. BATTLETOME: Army-specific rulebook.
2. WARSCROLL: Detailed stat block for unit/hero.
3. WOUNDS: Hit points of a model.
4. HERO PHASE: Phase where heroes use abilities.
5. BATTLESHOCK: Test on unit’s morale level after suffering casualties.
NEXT STEPS
Ready to raise your arms and charge into the realm of endless epic battles? Head over to the Games Workshop website or your local hobby store to explore Age of Sigmar Starter Sets. Consider engaging with the community or watching a demo game on YouTube before plunging in. No matter how slow or daunting the initial stages may seem, remember: in the Age of Sigmar, the journey is as much fun as the destination – if not more!
