INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the awe-inspiring, high-energy world of ‘Age of Sigmar’! Whether you’re a raw recruit or a lapsed gamer itching to return to action, buckle up and get ready for an epic journey. This totally beginner-friendly guide is geared towards providing you an in-depth understanding of the Zeitalter des Sigmar. Here, we’ll cut through all the jargon, introduce you to all the basics and help you enjoy the game without feeling overwhelmed. So gear up to dip your toes into this mesmerising universe, honing your strategic skills and role-playing alongside some of the most amazing characters in the realm of fantasy warfare!
WHAT IS AGE OF SIGMAR?
‘Age of Sigmar’ is a breathtaking franchise by Games Workshop, set in a fantastical universe divided into realms associated with eight different elements. It’s the successor to Warhammer Fantasy Battle, putting a stronger emphasis on storytelling and individual character mechanics. Various factions, each with unique troops and heroes, battle fiercely for supremacy in the snow-capped freezing lands, soaring heavens, and shadowy abysses of the Mortal Realms.
HOW IT WORKS / HOW TO GET STARTED
To dive into ‘Age of Sigmar’, you start by choosing your faction. Your choice can be based on aesthetics, backstory, or gameplay style. From lightning-wielding winged heroes to creepy undead armies, the options are endless.
Once you’ve selected your army, you’ll set them up on the game board, following the game’s deployment rules.
The game progresses in turns, with each player performing a range of actions like moving units, casting spells, shooting arrows or engaging in brutal hand-to-hand combat.
The players will roll dice to determine outcomes, and the objective is to outmaneuver and outfight your opponent to achieve the scenario’s victory conditions. It’s a thrilling interplay of strategy, risk, and chance!
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
To start your Age of Sigmar adventure, you will need:
– A ‘Start Collecting!’ box set or a ‘Starter Set’ for your chosen faction. These come with an array of miniatures to construct your army, and some even include a mini-rulebook.
– A rulebook or ‘battletome’ for your chosen faction
– A set of gaming dice
– A ruler or measuring tape
– Optional but helpful tools include a modeling kit for assembly and painting of your miniatures and a game mat or suitable surface to play on.
TIPS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
1. Begin with a starter set: It’s the most cost-effective way to test the waters and provides a balanced force to start playing.
2. Read the rules and your battletome: Understand your faction’s strengths, weaknesses, and special abilities.
3. Practice makes perfect: Don’t be disheartened if you lose early games; charging forth is part of the learning curve.
4. Gradually expand your army: Be patient and build a strategically diverse force.
5. Engage with the community: Online forums and local gaming groups can offer tactical advice and helpful insights.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Websites like Warhammer Community and platforms such as Reddit’s r/ageofsigmar are excellent places to learn and discuss the game. For painting tutorials, check out Warhammer TV on YouTube or Duncan Rhodes Painting Academy. Apps like ‘Azyr’ can help in army building and keeping track of game rules.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
1. Warcroll: A description of a unit’s abilities and rules.
2. Battletome: Faction specific rulebook.
3. Wound: The damage a model can take before it is removed from play.
4. Hero phase: The segment where magic spells are cast.
5. Unit: A group of one or more models that move and fight as a single entity.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
Now that you’ve been introduced to the basics, your next step is to secure your starter box, assemble your army and just get playing! Remember, the more you play, the more adept you become at strategizing and outmaneuvering your opponents. You might also want to join a local gaming club to learn from other players’ experience and grow your skills. Remember, in Age of Sigmar, the journey is just as important as the victory – and it’s a journey filled with fun, camaraderie, and continuous learning!
