INTRODUCTION
Welcome, fellow explorer to the fantastical universe of Warhammer’s Age of Sigmar! Whether you’re completely new to the hobby or returning after a long hiatus, this article is a beginner-friendly guide that aims to make your journey into this entertaining, complex tabletop game an enjoyable one. In the Age of Sigmar, you command famous heroes and terrifying monsters in battles fought across a myriad of whimsical landscapes. This game is not only engaging because of its sophisticated lore and strategy, but also due to the miniatures you get to assemble and paint yourself. Let’s dive into the spellbinding world of Warhammer’s Age of Sigmar.
WHAT IS THE AGE OF SIGMAR?
Warhammer: Age of Sigmar is a tabletop strategy game created by Games Workshop. It is set in the Mortal Realms, a group of eight interconnected dimensions with unique properties, populated by gods, heroes, monsters, and ordinary individuals. Each player amasses an army of fantastically detailed miniatures representing their chosen faction, with each unit offering unique abilities.
The game is akin to chess in its strategy but includes layers of rich lore, making play feel more like participating in a vibrant, immersive fantasy novel. Over time, Age of Sigmar has evolved into a vast, multifaceted game with numerous factions and model types to choose from, each with their distinct playstyles and strategies.
HOW IT WORKS/HOW TO GET STARTED
The game begins by setting up a battlefield, usually a table with terrain features and objectives. Players deploy their armies on the field and then take turns moving their units, casting spells, shooting with ranged weapons, and clashing in melee combat.
The heart of the game is in the balance between strategy and chance. Different units have separate statistics for movement, range, attacks, wounds, and saving throws, with dice rolls determining the result of many actions. For example, to attack an enemy unit, a player rolls dice to determine the number of hits, the strength of these hits, and how many the enemy can save through armour or magic.
Units also have special abilities and powers described in their ‘warscrolls’, which are like data sheets that detail a unit’s characteristics, weapons, abilities, and point cost. Understanding their units’ abilities and positioning them optimally is crucial to a player’s strategy.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
To begin this adventure, you will need an Age of Sigmar Starter Set, which includes a selection of miniatures from two factions, the basic rules, dice, and measure. Picking up a copy of the full Age of Sigmar Core Book is also essential for further exploring the wealth of advanced rules and lore. You will also need miniature paints and brushes to bring your models to life.
TIPS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
1. Start small: Begin with a starter set and gradually expand your army. It can be overwhelming to assemble and paint a massive force all at once.
2. Learn your units: Read the warscrolls carefully so that you know what each unit can do.
3. Understand the basics: Make sure you understand the four phases of play – Hero Phase, Movement Phase, Shooting Phase, and Combat Phase.
4. Watch and learn: Participate in demo games or observe experienced players. There’s much to be learned from others’ tactics.
5. Practice makes perfect: As with any strategy game, practice is essential. Play games frequently, try out new strategies, and learn from any defeats.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
The Warhammer Community site and the official Age of Sigmar app are excellent resources. Warhammer TV’s YouTube channel has helpful painting tutorials, while Warhammer Age of Sigmar: The App includes warscrolls for every unit. Where to Hold community offers narrative and competitive gaming updates. Finally, useful communities include the Age of Sigmar subreddit and the TGA.Community forums.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
1. Warscrolls: Describes a unit’s weapons, abilities, point cost, and stats.
2. Factions: A group of similar units that usually fight together.
3. Wounds: How much damage a unit can take before it’s removed from play.
4. Mortal Realms: The eight different realms where battles are fought.
5. Dice rolls: Method of determining the success or failure of various actions.
NEXT STEPS
The best way to dive right into Age of Sigmar is to get your hands on a starter set and find someone to play with. Try out a demo game at your local hobby shop or gaming club. And remember, the first few games are about learning – don’t fret about making mistakes. Every defeat is just a step closer to victory. Happy gaming!
