INTRODUCTION
The incredible and diverse world of tabletop games has many unique and immersive experiences to offer, one of which is the fantastical world of Warhammer: Age of Sigmar. This expansive, fantasy tabletop wargame captures the imagination and is filled with epic battles across mind-blowingly diverse realms. Epic, because you’re the general leading vast forces of incredible miniatures into battles with magic, monsters, and heroes – and it’s no wonder this unique game has enraptured countless players around the globe. This article is a beginner-friendly guide, designed to introduce newcomers or refresh old fans to get started in the Age of Sigmar universe.
WHAT IS AGE OF SIGMAR?
Age of Sigmar is a tabletop miniatures game developed by Games Workshop, the creators of the popular Warhammer 40,000. Released in 2015, it replaced Warhammer Fantasy Battle, introducing a refreshed and more accessible gameplay system set in a completely new storyline. The game takes place across several fantastical realms, each with their own unique environments and associated factions of warriors.
In Age of Sigmar, you assemble and paint a collection of miniatures to represent your own army. Then, in battles against your opponents, you play out epic scenarios with rules for movement, combat, magic, and much more. It’s a bit like chess, but with dragons, wizards, and customizable armies.
HOW TO GET STARTED
Starting Age of Sigmar involves a few key steps:
1. PICK a Faction: There are many fascinating factions in the Age of Sigmar – from the valiant Stormcast Eternals to the malicious Hedonites of Slaanesh. Doing some research into each faction’s lore, playstyle, and miniatures can help you decide which one resonates with you.
2. PURCHASE a Starter Set: Starter sets like the “Age of Sigmar Starter Set” or the “Soul Wars Boxed Set” come with two small armies, rulebooks, and dice – everything you need to get started!
3. ASSEMBLE and PAINT your Miniatures: Age of Sigmar is a game and a hobby. Assembling and painting your miniatures is half the fun!
4. LEARN the Rules: The basic rules for Age of Sigmar are free! Get familiar with the mechanics of movement, combat, magic and the phases of a round.
5. PLAY! Find a local gaming group, or just a friend, and start playing.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
To play Age of Sigmar, you will need several items:
1. Miniatures: You can start with a starter set or purchase individual boxes of miniatures depending on your chosen faction.
2. Rulebooks: The Core Rulebook provides the main rules, while your faction’s Battletome will have specific rules and information about your army.
3. Dice: You will need several six-sided dice.
4. Rulers or Measuring tapes: These are needed for moving your miniatures across the battlefield.
5. Paints and Brushes: You’ll use these to bring your miniatures to life, painting them in the colors of your chosen faction.
TIPS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
1. Start Small: An entire army can be overwhelming for beginners. Start with a small force and gradually expand.
2. Learn by Playing: Age of Sigmar has a lot of rules, but the best way to learn is by actually playing the game.
3. Don’t Rush the Painting: Painting is a big part of the hobby. Enjoy it as a therapeutic process and don’t rush to have an army painted overnight.
4. Find a Community: Joining a local gaming group or online community can provide gaming opportunities, advice, and motivation.
5. Have Fun: While winning is great, remember to enjoy the game, the painting, and the universe of Age of Sigmar. Relax, play, have fun!
HELPFUL RESOURCES
1. Games Workshop: The official website, with rules, painting guides, and more.
2. Warhammer Community: The official news hub with tips, updates, and more.
3. YouTube: Channels like Warhammer TV and MiniWargaming have video tutorials and battle reports.
4. Reddit: r/ageofsigmar is a friendly community for sharing experiences, seeking advice, and discussing news.
GLOSSARY
Age of Sigmar terminology can be confusing, so here’s what you need to know:
1. Faction: The army you play as, each with its special rules and models.
2. Wounds: How much damage a model can take before being removed from the battlefield.
3. Battleshock: After a unit suffers wounds, it can potentially lose more models to fear.
4. Battleline units: The core troops of your army.
5. Warscrolls: Profiles for different models or units, detailing their abilities, stats, and equipment.
NEXT STEPS
Now you’re armed with the knowledge to start your journey into the exciting world of Age of Sigmar! Visit the Games Workshop website or your local hobby shop to explore starter sets and rulebooks. There’s a whole community waiting to welcome you to thrilling battles, intricate painting, and compelling lore. Remember, like any new venture, the first step is always the hardest, but each subsequent step becomes easier and more fun. Welcome to the adventure that is Age of Sigmar.
