INTRODUCTION
Welcome, fellow adventurers! The universe of tabletop gaming is vast and diverse, providing endless hours of strategic fun and creative play. One game that has captured the hearts and minds of many is the highly captivating, incredibly interactive, and wonderfully imaginative Age of Sigmar. If you’re a newcomer to this fantastical realm or if it’s been a while since your last battle, this beginner-friendly guide is here to help you plunge back into the thrill!
WHAT IS AGE OF SIGMAR?
Age of Sigmar, often abbreviated as AoS, is a thrilling tabletop wargame created and produced by Games Workshop, the gaming powerhouse behind other phenomenons like Warhammer 40,000. Launched in 2015 as the successor to the revered Warhammer Fantasy Battle, AoS brings you into a new fantasy universe teeming with rich lore, dynamic characters, and diverse factions vying for dominance – all set amidst the eight interconnected realms of existence.
But AoS isn’t just another game. It offers a deep, layered experience that combines strategy, decision-making, and a wealth of beautifully designed miniatures. Think of it as the love child of chess and Dungeons & Dragons, a perfect fusion of calculated tactics and on-the-spot role-playing.
HOW IT WORKS/HOW TO GET STARTED
Diving into the Realm of Age of Sigmar may seem complex at first, but once you understand the basics, the rest falls into place quite naturally.
1. Assemble Your Army: Players create armies from a designated faction. Factions have different races like humans, elves, and orcs, and each race has varied units and heroes that affect the style of your play.
2. Setting The Scene: Once the armies are ready, you define the terrain and objectives of your game. From simple clashes in open plains to complex battles amidst arcane ruins, the choice is yours.
3. The Battle Unfolds: Each game round comprises a series of turns, where you generate resources, execute maneuvers, and engage in combat to outwit and overcome your adversary.
4. Understanding the Rules: The Core Rules of AoS are freely available and will guide you through the details of gameplay, such as movement, shooting, melee, or magic spell casting.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
Supply-wise, starting with AoS is pretty straightforward.
1. Miniatures: Given the highly visual and tactile nature of the game, you’ll need the miniatures, which you can obtain from the many AoS Start Collecting boxes or a faction-specific box.
2. Rulebooks: While the Core Rules give you the basics, the Age of Sigmar Core Book and your Faction’s Battletome are comprehensive guides detailing specific units, abilities, and game lore.
3. Dice and Ruler: Dice are needed for various checks during the game and the ruler is used to measure unit movement and attack ranges.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Start Small: Begin with a small number of miniatures to get a feel for the game.
2. Learn Your Faction: Each faction comes with its strengths, weaknesses, and distinct playstyle. Choose one that resonates with you and learn its intricacies.
3. Practice, Practice, Practice: Like any game, practice makes perfect here. Play as much as you can.
4. Embrace the Community: The AoS community is a fantastic resource. They’re usually welcoming, friendly, and eager to help newcomers.
5. Have Fun: Above all, enjoy the process! Age of Sigmar is a game about creativity, strategy, and storytelling.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Games Workshop’s official site, Warhammer Community, provides news, articles, and guides. Warhammer TV on YouTube is a great channel with painting guides and gameplay breakdowns. Websites like AoS Shorts and 1d4chan offer in-depth strategy advice. Communities like r/ageofsigmar on Reddit and the AoS Discord are also great for interaction and advice.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
1. Battleline: These are often your ‘core troops’ or rank-and-file units in your army.
2. Warscroll: This is a sheet that details everything you need to know about a unit.
3. Wound: If a model suffers damage, it suffers wounds.
4. Battle Shock: A mechanic to represent troops fleeing due to casualties.
5. Realmgate: Magical gateways that provide access between the Mortal Realms.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
You’re now armed with the basics of Age of Sigmar. The next step? Immerse yourself in the realms! Grab your first set of miniatures, start painting, and prepare for your first game. Join local clubs or online communities and start engaging with fellow players. Moreover, keep exploring, learning, and most importantly, having fun, because, in the heart-pounding universe of Age of Sigmar, the journey gets more captivating every day. Happy gaming!
