INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the fantastical world of Age of Sigmar, a tabletop miniatures game that combines the thrill of strategy with the excitement of role-playing in a universe richly steeped in myth and lore. Whether you’ve never played a miniatures game before or you’re returning to the hobby after a period of absence, this guide serves as a beginner-friendly introduction to the game. Zeitalter des Sigmar offers endless possibilities to command epic battles, paint intricately detailed models, and dive into an engaging narrative that evolves with each roll of the dice.
WHAT IS AGE OF SIGMAR?
Launched in 2015 by Games Workshop, Age of Sigmar transports players to the Mortal Realms, eight diverse dimensions floating in the aether created by the god Sigmar following the end of the Alte Welt. These realms are the theatre of a colossal inter-dimensional battle between the forces of Order led by Sigmar, and the forces of Chaos, Death, and Destruction.
In essence, Age of Sigmar is a turn-based strategy game that utilizes beautifully crafted miniatures to fight battles both small and large. Each model represents a unique unit with its capabilities, weapons, and spells. Depending on the size of the game, players could control just a handful or several dozen miniatures. It’s like a game of chess merged with an epic fantasy novel!
HOW IT WORKS / HOW TO START
Ready to dive in? Here’s how Age of Sigmar works. Each player builds an army from their collection of miniatures. These armies will abide by a set of rules laid down in the game’s Core Book which outlines things like movement distance, weapon ranges, and victory conditions. These rules can be simple – move, shoot, fight, for example – but there’s enough depth to keep players engrossed.
Most games are played on a 6′ x 4′ surface that represents the battlefield. With army lists selected, players can deploy their forces, roll their dice and let the battle begin!
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
The basics you’ll need to play include the Age of Sigmar Core Book, which contains the game’s primary rules, and some miniatures. Consider picking up a starter box – like the “Age of Sigmar: Soul Wars” box. It comes with two small armies, a mini-version of the Core Rulebook, and a guide on how to play your first few games.
You’ll also need some six-sided dice (usually about 20), a tape measure for movement and range, and potentially some terrain to spice up your battlefield. To fully enjoy the hobby aspect, you may also want to pick some model paints and brushes.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. START SMALL: Don’t feel like you need a giant army right out of the gate. Start by mastering a few key units and grow your army over time.
2. ASK THE COMMUNITY: There’s an enormous and welcoming community out there, both online and in real life. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek advice.
3. WATCH BEFORE YOU PLAY: YouTube is filled with how-to-play videos and battle reports. These can provide great insight into the game.
4. READ YOUR RULES: This might seem obvious, but understanding the rules will help you make better strategic choices during your games.
5. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: Remember, every player starts out as a novice. Learn from each game, and most importantly, have fun!
HELPFUL RESOURCES
For rules queries, strategizing, or just chatting about all things Age of Sigmar, check out official forums like Warhammer Community and Reddit’s /r/ageofsigmar. YouTube channels like Warhammer TV and Miniwargaming provide great tutorial and game commentary videos.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
– WARSCROLL: The rules and abilities for a specific unit in your army.
– BATTLELINE UNIT: Basic infantry units that form the core of your army.
– HERO: A single model unit with special abilities.
– BRUTES: Strong and tough units, usually with high wounds or great weapons.
– PHASES: The stages of a game round, i.e., Movement Phase, Shooting Phase, Combat Phase.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
Now that you have a basic understanding of Age of Sigmar, it’s time to start playing! Consider picking up a starter box, and maybe some paints if you’re interested in that aspect of the hobby. Don’t forget to join online communities to learn more and get involved. Prepare to embark on a grand adventure filled with glorious victories, daring strategies, and epic tales of courage. Happy gaming!
