INTRODUCTION: DIVE INTO THE AGE OF SIGMAR
Welcome to the exciting, epic universe that is the Age of Sigmar. This fantasy tabletop wargaming franchise by Games Workshop can provide endless hours of strategic and imaginative fun. As a beginner, there’s no need to feel daunted – this guide exists to help you navigate this complex and engaging gaming world, dissect the lingo, and lead you towards your first epic battle.
WHAT IS AGE OF SIGMAR?
Born through the ashes of the Warhammer Fantasy Battle, Age of Sigmar is a high fantasy universe teeming with mythical creatures, heroic deeds, and intense conflict. It started in 2015, following the apocalyptic event known as the ‘End Times’ in Warhammer Fantasy Battle. The game itself is centered around the clash of mighty forces in thrilling, tactical gameplay.
Much like other wargames, Age of Sigmar involves players gathering, painting, and controlling armies of miniatures to wage war against others. The game combines strategic play with fantastical lore and beautifully detailed miniatures that you can customize to make your own. Age of Sigmar is ideal for fans of fantasy worlds like Middle-earth, or anyone who enjoys strategic warfare games like chess, but with a fantastical twist.
GETTING STARTED: HOW TO PLAY AGE OF SIGMAR
Playing Age of Sigmar is straightforward once you get the hang of it. Here are the basic steps:
1. Assemble Your Army: To start playing, you’ll first need an army. Armies can be assembled from pre-packaged kits, and there’s an array of races and alliances you can choose from.
2. Learn the Rules: There is a Core Rulebook that provides in-depth information about how to play. It covers everything from how to move your miniatures to how combat works.
3. Set Up the Game: This involves setting up a battlefield, typically on a tabletop, placing miniature figures which represent infantry, monsters, and heroes, and defining the terms of the battle.
4. Play: You and your opponent take turns moving your units, casting spells, and engaging in combat. The game continues until a victory condition is met.
SUPPLIES TO PLUNGE INTO AGE OF SIGMAR
Starting your Age of Sigmar experience doesn’t require much. Here’s what you need:
1. Miniatures: A starter set is probably the best way to begin. The set includes an array of miniatures, rulebooks and dice that you require to play the game.
2. Rulebook: The Core rulebook will guide you to understand how the game functions.
3. Dice: Age of Sigmar uses six-sided dice. A starter set will include this.
4. Measuring Tape: To measure distances between miniatures.
5. Paints and Brushes: To customize your armies.
TERRIFIC TIPS FOR NEWCOMERS
Starting a new game can feel like a huge undertaking, but here are five tips to make the transition easier:
1. Start Small: Don’t feel like you need to paint an entire army right away. Start with a few models and grow as you become more confident.
2. Learn the Basics: Understanding the basics of movement, melee combat, and magic is key before diving into the more complex aspects of the game.
3. Practice: Play practice games with just a handful of models on each side to get a feel for how the game works.
4. Get Involved in the Community: Age of Sigmar has a vibrant community. Join forums, subreddits, and Facebook groups to learn from other players.
5. Have Fun: The most important thing is to enjoy yourself! It’s a game, after all.
USEFUL RESOURCES FOR AGE OF SIGMAR
There’s a wealth of resources to help beginners find their way in the Age of Sigmar:
1. Games Workshop Website: The creators of Age of Sigmar, this site has everything you need
2. Warhammer Community: Offers latest news, painting tutorials, and more
3. r/AgeofSigmar: A Reddit community, a perfect place to ask questions and share experiences.
4. YouTube Channels: Age of Sigmar-focused channels, such as 2+ Tough or Warhammer TV, offering painting tutorials and gameplay tips.
COMMON TERMS TO KNOW IN AGE OF SIGMAR
1. War Scroll: This provides details about each unit or model in your army
2. Mortal Wounds: These are special types of damage that bypass the usual save rolls.
3. Deployment: The process of setting up your army on the battlefield.
4. Battle Round: A game turn in Age of Sigmar.
5. Summoning: Many armies in Age of Sigmar can ‘summon’ extra units onto the battlefield.
WHERE TO GO NEXT
Now that you’ve dipped your toes in, it’s time to immerse yourself fully in the Age of Sigmar. Consider purchasing a starter set and giving painting a go. Visit a local game store to meet fellow enthusiasts. Remember that jumping into a new game can be as thrilling as it is challenging – but with time, you’ll become a skilled commander in the Age of Sigmar universe!
