Wondering what Age of Sigmar 2.0 starter set is the best option for you? Well, you have come to the right place!
In this article, I will go through the three old Age of Sigmar starter sets released for Age of Sigmar 2.0 – Storm Strike, Tempest of Souls and Soul Wars. I will list the differences, how many points of models you will get in each one, how much you save by buying the different versions and the general pros and cons for each starter set.
You are not able to buy these starter sets in stores anymore, but you might be able to buy them second hand. If you are looking for an article regarding the new starter sets, you can look at our article about the new 3.0 Age of Sigmar Starter Sets here.
The goal is to give the information you need in order to make your purchase decision regarding the starter sets.
Warhammer Age of Sigmar starter sets: what are your options?
There are currently three different starter sets and around 18 different ‘start collecting boxes‘. The Age of Sigmar starter sets are spread out in three different price points and gives players various entry levels into Warhammer.
The starter sets will give you models from two different forces. Alternatively, it can be quite easy to sell the models from one of the forces in the box (or you can split the cost with a friend). If you are only looking to start one army, a start collecting box can be a better option. This article will go in depth on the three starter sets, so look elsewhere for info on the start collecting boxes.
At any rate, let us take a look at each one of the three sets to find out what will suit your needs. First, we will look at the small box, then the medium-sized and finally the biggest version.
Storm Strike review starter set review (£25/$40)
How good is the price of Storm Strike and what kind of players is it aimed at?
Storm Strike is the smallest available starter set for Age of Sigmar. Storm Strike is very similar to the old small starter set called Storm of Sigmar, but this time around the two factions are the new chamber of Stormcast Eternals and the renewed Death Faction: Nighthaunt.
You get 15 models in total, so the price pr. model is £1.6 – which is a very good price. On top of that, you get several different nifty accessories.
The models from the starter set are made up of exactly the same models you would get if you bought the 4 easy to build sets for the same factions. Each of those boxes is £10, so that would come out to £40 for the exact some models. So compared to that, you save £15 on this starter set and you even get all the other things besides the miniatures.
As you will see later, the saving of £15 is not that high compared to the other sets, so in that area, the value of the set is not that high.
What models are included in the Storm Strike starter set?
7 miniatures from the Stormcast Eternals faction:
3 Sequitors (mace and shield wielding magic Stormcasts).
One model is a Prime (champion) with a Stormsmite Maul and Shield, one is armed with a Stormsmite Greatmace and the last guy is armed with Stormsmite Maul and Shield. The prime can be assembled without a helmet.
3 Castigators (Stormcasts with crazy big magic x-bows). One model is a Prime and all are armed with Thunderhead Greatbows
1 Gryph Hound (Sigmars favourite hound-bird-hybrid pets)
8 miniatures from the Nighthaunt faction (evil ghosts):
4 Glaivewraith Stalkers (flying ratlike ghosts with pointy spears). All are armed with Hunter’s Glaive. One of them can be assembled as a drummer (and the drummer is a must have to make the unit effective).
4 Myrmourn Banshees (ghost ladies that hit hard and can dispell magic). All of them are armed with Chill Daggers (although I doubt these ladies are very chill…).
What are the total points of models in Storm Strike starter set?
- The Stormcast models will comprise about 178 points (three Sequitors 72, three Castigators 80 and one Gryph Hound 23)
- The miniatures from the Nighthaunt side will give you 140 points of models (60 points for the Glaivewraight Stalkers and 80 points for the Myrmourn Banshees).
- That is a total of 318 points in the box
Note: the unit of Sequitors has a minimum size of 5 in the newest Generals Handbook, but there are only 3 in this set. The minimum unit size of Gryph Hounds is 6 and there is only one in this box.
If you are intending to use these units for matched play, it would be wise to find some ways to get the units up to the minimum size (you can play with them, but they would be ‘understrength unit” which means you pay points for models not on the battlefield). I have calculated the points as if you could buy them in smaller units size. If you just a want way of dipping your toe into Age of Sigmar do not worry about this. This is only important if you later want to play with the
What other items are included in the Storm Strike starter set?
80 page book
Warscroll cards for all units in the box
16 page core rules (can also be found for free online or in the AoS app).
Double sided playing mat (printed on paper so not very durable).
6 dice (normal six sided ones)
12″ measure stick
1 Transfer sheet (symbols you can transfer onto the Stormcast Miniatures)
The insert box can be flipped over to be a small terrain piece
Pros of the Storm Strike starter set
- The miniatures are push-fit (easy to build for beginners), so they do theoretically not need any glue to assemble. If you are going to paint them though, I would recommend getting some plastic glue on them so you avoid too many gaps when the models are assembled (there will be at least some gaps if you use no glue). The miniatures are very easy to assemble either way you do it.
- The miniatures are not pre-painted (GW does not do that kind of stuff), but the plastic is coloured. The gold of the Stormcast actually looks really good, so games without painted miniatures can look okay (I find that normally the coloured plastic looks pretty rubbish, but the gold in all of the starter sets is an exception).
- The models are all unique and are of the highest game workshop quality. Even people who already collect either army might be tempted to get these unique poses for miniatures to put in a unit. Even though they are push fit, the seam lines are very well hidden in the way the models are constructed.
- The set includes rules for the game and rules for the models in the box as well as everything you will need to play. For £25 you can get playing AoS and that is just incredible for children and beginners!
- You will get models from the good guys and bad guys, giving you some models you can lend to an opponent for a quick pickup game.
- The small printed version of the core rules is really neat to have, even if you end up buying the big core rulebook.
- The book is very good for beginners. Besides the story stuff in it, it also goes into great detail about painting. It is written for the complete beginner, so will take you through undercoating, base-coating, shading, dry-brushing, and layering. Basically, it breaks it down into small understandable pieces for a hobby beginner. The book also includes 4 battleplans (mission), that actually act as four tutorial games for Age of Sigmar. Great value for the beginner, but not really that interesting if you are a seasoned player.
- The physical Warscrolls are pretty neat for beginners, and finally, they have made some versions that are not printed on a huge sheet with too much white space.
- The bases on the miniatures are pre-made in plastic (normally the bases are just flat and you have to texture them yourself). For a beginner, this is much easier to get painting.
Cons of the Storm Strike starter set
- The cheap price point of the set also means you are pretty far from making an actual army. While you can have a great intro game with this set, a fight between such small forces does not really resemble what an actual battle between armies will feel like. You might be better of playing with these models with the Skirmish AoS rules (but it would require a bit of self-ruling as these models were not released when the skirmish book came out so no rules for them). If you really want to see what Age of Sigmar can offer in terms of tactical depth, you need more and bigger units on the battlefield than this box contains.
- If you intend to play matched play in the near future, it is very awkward that there are only 3 Sequitors when you need 5 for a minimum sized unit. You could buy a push fit kit with three more, but that would leave you with 1 dude spare and it would give you a unit with very identical miniatures. Not having the correct sizes can make a beginner player feel like they made a bad purchase later on.
- Even though the ghosts are push fit, the Banshee does not go well together without glue (very fiddly parts that do not snap together well).
- I think the opposing forces in the box are badly balanced against each other. After a few games with just the miniatures in the box, it will quickly become apparent that the Stormcast are quite a lot better.
- The Warscroll cards are finally cool and worth something, but as we have seen before they can quickly become outdated.
- Even though the plastic bases are wicked (especially on the ghost ladies) they can become a problem if you intend to build a big army. Are you going to have different bases in your army? Are you going to try and replicate them? This poses some problems that I think a beginner could be better off without.
- The map and the box are cool for beginners, but that paper mat is going to die very quickly.
- Is it really ideal as a new player to start collecting two factions? Think about that before you buy this instead of a “Start Collecting” box.
- The savings are very small – so if you are not buying this to be an easy entry into the game via the booklets, you are better of buying something else.
Overall verdict on the Storm Strike starter set
There is no doubt this is the best pickup if you want to spend as little as possible to try out AoS. This is the best set if your children are interested in the hobby, and you want something that will not overwhelm them. The book will guide them through the hobby and getting a hang of the gaming side.
If you are serious about taking the plunge into the hobby, you are probably better off looking at one of the ‘real’ Age of Sigmar starter sets. You will get more models (and save much more money than this set will) and your first battles will feel much closer to what Age of Sigmar really plays like.
If you are only interested in dipping your toes in the most shallow part of the pool, this is the Age of Sigmar starter set for you. If you want a cheap way into the hobby, but you are not so keen on buying models from two different factions, you could get the “Getting Started Magazine” and some models and it would be about the same experience.
Anything else I should know about the Storm Strike Starter set?
- If you are buying this is a gift for your children, I would recommend getting a paint starter set (preferably with clippers to get the miniatures of the sprue).
- If you are interested in watching a good review about this set, “Always Board Never Boring” made a pretty long one where you can see the details of the book and the miniatures way better than I can replicate in text.
- That same youtube dude also played the 4 Storm Strike battleplans and talks about assembling the miniatures.
Tempest of Souls starter set review (£50/$80 or with paint £75/$120)
How good is the price of Tempest of Souls starter set?
Tempest of Souls is the medium version of the starter sets.
You get 24 models in total, so the price pr. model is around £2. On top of that, you get several the different accessories.
The price of the Stormcast part:
If you were to buy the Stormcast models separately it would roughly cost you £70.
- Knight Incantor is not available for purchase, but the trend is that Stormcast heroes on foot will be about £15-20.
- The 2 Evocators normally come in a box of 5 for £30, making them £6 for a total of £12 for the two models in this set.
- The 3 Castigators can right now only be bought in a push-fit 3 man box that includes a gryph hound. That is going for £10.
- 5 Sequitors can only be bought in a box of 10 for £37.5, making these around £19.
- The Ballista is only available as an easy build push fit set for £15 (but note that those are some different sculpts).
The price of the Nighthaunt part:
If you were to buy the Nighthaunt models separately it would roughly cost you £63.
- You can get a Lord-Executioner in a different sculpt for £.15
- You can normally buy 10 Grimghast reapers for £27,5, making the four dudes in this set about £11
- You can only buy Glaivewraight stalkers in a push fit set of 4 for £10, making 5 about £12,5 (different sculpts).
- You can buy 10 Chainrasp Horde as a push fit for £25. So 20 models would be £50.
The total price of the Tempest of Souls set compared with buying all the models separately.
Buying all of the models separately (if that was possible) would be around £133. Buying this set represents a saving of £83. On top of that comes the book and the other accessories you get.
Now the saving is very nice and the price of £2 pr. model is not bad at all, but it does not really compare to the savings of the biggest starter set (but that is to be expected).
What models are included in the Tempest of Souls starter set?
12 (or 14 if you count the two crew members) miniatures from the Stormcast Eternals faction:
1 Knight-Incantor (Stormcast wizard guy with auto dispell scroll).
3 Castigators (Stormcasts with crazy big magic bows). One model is a Prime and all are armed with Thunderhead Greatbows.
2 Evocators (Stormcast wizard unit with a melee buff). Both are armed with Tempest Blades and Stormstaves.
2 Evocators (Stormcast wizard unit with a melee buff). Both are armed with Tempest Blades and Stormstaves.
5 Sequitors (mace and shield wielding magic Stormcasts).
One model is a Prime (champion) with Stormsmite Greatmace. One is armed with a Stormsmite Greatmace and the last 3 guys are armed with Stormsmite Maul and Shield.
5 Sequitors (mace and shield wielding magic Stormcasts).
One model is a Prime (champion) with Stormsmite Greatmace. One is armed with a Stormsmite Greatmace and the last 3 guys are armed with Stormsmite Maul and Shield.
1 Celestar Ballista and two crew members (Stormcast war machine. Cheap and effective!).
20 miniatures from the Nighthaunt faction (evil ghosts):
5 Glaivewraith Stalkers (flying ratlike ghosts with pointy spears). All are armed with Hunter’s Glaive. None of them can be assembled as a drummer (and that is a real bummer).
4 Grimghast Reapers (ghosts with big nasty scythes). The leader is armed with a big bell called Death Knell.
What are the total points of models in the Tempest of Souls starter set?
The Stormcast models will comprise about 520 points.
- Knight Incantor: 140
- The Evocators can only come in a unit of 5 for 200 points (in matched play) so two would be 80 points.
- 3 Castigators: 80 points
- 5 Sequitors: 120
- Ballista: 100
The miniatures from the Nighthaunt side will give you roughly 291 points of models.
- Lord-Executioner: 80
- 4 Grimghast reapers are 140 points for 10, so 56 points (if you could buy them in units of 4 in matched play).
- 5 Glaivewraight stalkers will be around 75 points (only units of 4 in matched play for 60 points).
- The 10 Chainrasp Horde: 80
The total amount of points will be about 811.
Note: again we have some weird unit sizes. If you intend to play matched play, be aware that the unit sizes are not aligned with the minimum unit sizes in matched play.
What other items are included in the Tempest of Souls starter set?
96 page book
Warscroll cards for all units
16 page core rules
Double sided playing mat
6 dice
12″ measure stick
1 Transfer sheet
The insert box can be flipped over to be a small terrain piece
If you buy the version with paint and tools, the following is also included:
- Clippers
Mouldline remover (preeetty good)- A GW Starter Brush
- Retributor Armour
- Abaddon Black
- Armageddon Dust
- Kantor Blue
- Reikland Fleshshade
- White Scar
- Leadbelcher
- Mournfang Brown
- Celestra Grey
- Khorne Red
- Nighthaunt Gloom
- Rakarth Flesh
- Bugman’s Glow
You would pay 25£ extra to get those items included. Paints are usually 2,5£ each and you get 13 in this set (worth 32,5£). On top of that you get the clippers, brush and
If you buy the Commander Collection (only comes with the paint) you also get:
Astreia Solbright (named Lord Arcanum mounted on a
Reikenor Grimhailer (named Nighthaunt hero).
The Commander bundle is £125, so £50 more than the normal paint bundle set. Both models can be bought standalone for £25 each, so you save nothing for selecting this option.
Pros of Tempest of Souls starter set:
- The price is an okay entry point. You are not blowing too much on a game system you might not like, but you are also giving the game a fair chance to shine.
- The easy to assembly miniatures are good for beginners.
- The included books very good for new players, but not really useful if you are a veteran.
- If the printed core rules were available as a standalone purchase option, I reckon a lot of people would get it. You get in this set, making it a big plus.
- You can probably quite easily sell the miniatures from the faction you do not want to collect.
- Bases are not part of the plastic (as with the Tempest of Soul option), so easier to continue your basing scheme when you expand your army.
- The printed Warscroll cards are good and here you get a lot more of them than in the smallest version.
- The difference between new GW models and the older models is just staggering. Getting some of the newest models will make sure they are a joy to paint and will look great on the tabletop.
- The option with the paint bundle can be a good money saver, provided you need the paints.
Cons of Tempest of Souls starter set:
- If you are worried a lot about the condition of the miniatures, the gaps in the push fit miniatures will probably detract from the experience of the set. The colored plastic can also be a bit of a pain when doing a light primer on them.
- The savings are not as big as the biggest starter set, so if that is your main concern you should take a look at that instead.
- The sides are not balanced very well (not a lot of points on the Nighthaunt side).
- If you are interested in matched play, notice that you get two evocators (you need five for a unit) and 4 Grimghast Reapers (you need teen for a unit) so this is not exactly matched play ready.
- In many ways the big set and the medium set do the same thing – but the big set just does a better job across the board.
Overall verdict on the Tempest of Souls starter set:
This is a good medium sized entry level, and I can see what GW tried to do here. Sadly, I just think the Soul Wars set does a much better job. The savings are ok but outshined by the big set. The book is okay for a beginner, but why not get the set with the real book?
This is the set for the Age of Sigmar curious, that got some money to spend but is not that sure yet.
Souls Wars starter set review (£95/$160)
How good is the price of Soul Wars starter set?
Soul Wars is the big premium starter set.
You get 54 models in total, so the price pr. model is around £1.75. On top of that, you get several the different accessories and the Big Core Rulebook.
The price of the Stormcast part:
If you were to buy the Stormcast models separately it would roughly cost you £119.5.
- The model for the Lord Arcanum mounted on Gryph Charger is not available for purchase right now, but you can get the named push fit version for £25.
- Knight Incantor is not available for purchase, but the trend is that Stormcast heroes on foot will be about £15-20.
- The 3 Evocators normally come in a box of 5 for £30, making them each £6 for a total of £18 for the three models in this set.
- The Castigators can right now only be bought in a push-fit 3 man box that includes a gryph hound. That is going for £10. This means that 5 would equal £16.5
- 8 Sequitors can only be bought in a box of 10 for £37.5, making these around £30.
- The Ballista is only available as an easy build push fit set for £15 (but note that those are some different sculpts).
The price of the Nighthaunt part:
If you were to buy the Nighthaunt models separately it would roughly cost you £133.5
- You can get a Lord-Executioner in a different sculpt for £15.
- You cannot buy a mounted Knight of Shrouds as a separate model right now. My guess is it would be about £25 if it were available (you can get a non mounted for £20)
- Guardian of Souls is not available for single model purchase. I would put it at about £10-15
- Spirit Torment is not on sale as a single model. Around £10-15 would be normal.
- You can normally buy 10 Grimghast reapers for 27,5, making the four dudes in this set about £11.
- You can only buy Glaivewraight stalkers in a push fit set of 4 for £10, making 5 about £12,5 (different sculpts).
- 10 Chainrasp Horde is bought as a push fit for £25 – making 20 be £50
Buying all of the models separately (if that was possible) would be around £253. So buying the set instead of the models will net you a save £158. On top of that, you also get the different accessories as well as the Big Core Rulebook worth £35 – making the actual saving about £193.
This makes the biggest set the one with the best saving, but actually not the one with the cheapest model (but it is comparing it to the small set without characters).
1 Lord-Arcanum mounted on a Gryph-charger with an Aethstave (also called “just a staff”)
5 Castigators (Stormcasts with crazy big magic bows). One model is a Prime and all are armed with Thunderhead Greatbows.
1 Knight-Incantor (Stormcast wizard guy with auto dispell scroll).
3 Evocators (Stormcast wizard unit with a melee buff). All are armed with Tempest Blades and Stormstaves. One is a prime.
8 Sequitors (mace and shield wielding magic Stormcasts). One model is a Prime (champion) with Stormsmite Greatmace. Two are armed with a Stormsmite Greatmace and the last 5 guys are armed with Stormsmite Maul and Shield.
1 Celestar Ballista and two crew members (Stormcast war machine. Cheap and effective!).
33 miniatures from the Nighthaunt faction (evil ghosts):
1 Lord-Executioner with a Decapitating Greateaxe (ghost lord with ghost axe. Has part of a hangman’s gallow strapped to his back just for kicks).
1 Guardian of Souls armed with a Chill Blade and a Nightmare Lantern (ghost wizard that can buff nearby ghosts and can heal or return ghost people with his
5 Glaivewraith Stalkers (flying ratlike ghosts with pointy spears). All are armed with Hunter’s Glaive. None of them can be assembled as a drummer (and that is a real bummer).
1 Lord-Executioner with a Decapitating Greateaxe (ghost lord with ghost axe. Has part of a
1 Knight of Shrouds on
1 Spirit Torment (
4 Grimghast Reapers (ghosts with big nasty scythes). The leader is armed with a big bell called Death Knell.
20 Chainrasp Horde armed with Malignant Weapons (smaller ghost guys with random rusty weapons). 1 is a Dreadwarden (leader) armed with a candelabra (because why not?).
What are the total points of models in Soul Wars starter set?
The Stormcast models will comprise about 925 points.
- Lord Arcanum mounted on Gryph Charger: 240
- Knight Incantor: 140
- The Evocators can only come in a unit of 5 for 200 points (in matched play) so three would be 120 points.
- 5 Castigators: A unit of three is 80 points. Five would, therefore, be 133 points – but it is a weird unit size.
- 8 Sequitors: five are normally 120 points. 8 would equal 192 points (if you could take it in that size).
- Ballista: 100
The miniatures from the Nighthaunt side will give you roughly 751 points of models.
- Lord-Executioner: 80
- Knight of Shrouds: 120
- Guardian of Souls: 140
- Spirit Torment: 120
- 4 Grimghast reapers are 140 points for 10, so 56 points (if you could buy them in units of 4 in matched play).
- 5 Glaivewraight stalkers will be around 75 points (only units of 4 in matched play for 60 points).
- The 20 Chainrasp Horde: 160
The total amount of points will be about 1676.
Note: again we have some weird unit sizes. If you intend to play matched play, be aware that the unit sizes are not aligned with the minimum unit sizes in matched play.
What other items are included in the Soul Wars starter set?
The Big Core Rulebook (320 pages)
Warscolls for all units in the box
12 dice
12″ measure stick
1 Transfer sheet
Core rules and 8 pages of “start here” for new gamers
Soul Wars + Malign Sorcery option:
Note that there is an option of buying the Malign Sorcery box in a bundle with the Soul Wars box. Since that bundle is just the price of the two boxes added together, you are actually not saving anything if you buy it that way.
Pros of the Soul Wars starter set
- The set includes the Core Rulebook – a book I think is mandatory if you want easy access to getting into the lore and feel of the Age of Sigmar setting. If you really want to see what this game is about, it is a must buy book and this is the only set you get it in.
- You get some solidly sized forces in this starter set, making your first game feel much closer to “real” AoS battles.
- This is the set with the biggest saving compared to buying the miniatures piecemeal.
- The novel Soul Wars will mention the miniatures you get in the box, making that novel much more engrossing and attractive (and it is one of the better AoS novels).
- The miniatures are push-fit (easy to build for beginners), so they do theoretically not need any glue to assemble. This will make it quick to assemble for a quick game. If you are going to paint them though, I would recommend getting some plastic glue so you avoid some of the gaps in the models.
Cons of Soul Wars starter set
- The Soul Wars starter set is a lot of money to be investing. If you are not sure about the game yet (but chances are good you can sell the box second hand with minor losses).
- If you are completely new to the game, this will be a big amount of models to paint. You could get overwhelmed compared to one of the smaller boxes.
- Again we have some weird sized units – so the set is not ready for matched play.
- You miss out on the mat and the terrain piece – but this is only a big deal if you do not intend to buy any terrain at all.
Overall verdict on the Soul Wars starter set
This is the starter set if you are serious about getting into AoS – or if you want to get the Core Book and start either of the armies in the box.
Overview of the three Age of Sigmar starter sets
Storm Strike Starter set
£
25
- £1.6 pr. model
- £15 saved if you buy this set instead of separate models
- 15 models in total (7 Stormcast and 8 Nighthaunt)
- 318 points in total
- £0.078 pr. point
- 6 Dice and 12″ ruler
- Playing mat
- Box that can turn into terrain
- Warscrolls for all units
- Core rules
- Starter set book
Tempest of Souls Starter set
£
50
- 2£ pr. model
- £83 saved if you buy this set instead of separate models
- 24 models in total (14 Stormcast and 20 Nighthaunt)
- 811 points in total
- 0.061£ pr. point
- 6 Dice and 12″ ruler
- Playing mat
- Box that can turn into terrain
- Warscrolls for all units
- Core rules
- Starter set book
Soul Wars Starter set
£
95
- 1.75£ pr. model
- 193£ saved if you buy set instead of separate models
- 54 models in total (21 Stormcast and 33 Nighthaunt)
- 1676 points
- 0.056£ pr. point
- 12 Dice and 12″ ruler
- -Playing mat
- Box that can turn into terrain
- Warscrolls for all units
- Core rules
- Starter set book
- Big Core Rulebook
Overview of Stormcast units in the starter sets
| Units | Storm Strike | Tempest of Souls | Soul Wars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ballista | 1 | 1 | |
| Sequitors | 5 | 8 | |
| Evocators | 2 | 3 | |
| Sequitors | 3 | ||
| Castigators | 3 | 3 | 5 |
| Knight Incantor | 1 | 1 | |
| Lord-Arcanum mounted on a Gryph-charger | 1 |
Overview of Nighthaunt units in the starter sets
| Units | Storm Strike | Tempest of Souls | Soul Wars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myrmourn Banshees | 4 | ||
| Chainrasp Horde | 10 | 20 | |
| Glaivewraith Stalkers | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Grimghast Reapers | 4 | 4 | |
| Lord-Executioner | 1 | 1 | |
| Spirit Torment | 1 | ||
| Guardian of Souls | 1 | ||
| Knight of Shrouds | 1 |
Wondering what Age of Sigmar 2.0 starter set is the best option for you? Well, you have come to the right place!
In this article, I will go through the three current starter sets released for Age of Sigmar 2.0 – Storm Strike, Tempest of Souls and Soul Wars. I will list the differences, how many points of models you will get in each one, how much you save by buying the different versions and the general pros and cons for each starter set.
The goal is to give the information you need in order to make your purchase decision regarding the starter sets.
Warhammer Age of Sigmar starter sets: what are your options?
There are currently three different starter sets and around 18 different ‘start collecting boxes‘. The Age of Sigmar starter sets are spread out in three different price points and gives players various entry levels into Warhammer.
The starter sets will give you models from two different forces. Alternatively, it can be quite easy to sell the models from one of the forces in the box (or you can split the cost with a friend). If you are only looking to start one army, a start collecting box can be a better option. This article will go in depth on the three starter sets, so look elsewhere for info on the start collecting boxes.
At any rate, let us take a look at each one of the three sets to find out what will suit your needs. First, we will look at the small box, then the medium-sized and finally the biggest version.
Storm Strike review starter set review (£25/$40)
How good is the price of Storm Strike and what kind of players is it aimed at?
Storm Strike is the smallest available starter set for Age of Sigmar. Storm Strike is very similar to the old small starter set called Storm of Sigmar, but this time around the two factions are the new chamber of Stormcast Eternals and the renewed Death Faction: Nighthaunt.
You get 15 models in total, so the price pr. model is £1.6 – which is a very good price. On top of that, you get several different nifty accessories.
The models from the starter set are made up of exactly the same models you would get if you bought the 4 easy to build sets for the same factions. Each of those boxes is £10, so that would come out to £40 for the exact some models. So compared to that, you save £15 on this starter set and you even get all the other things besides the miniatures.
As you will see later, the saving of £15 is not that high compared to the other sets, so in that area, the value of the set is not that high.
What models are included in the Storm Strike starter set?
7 miniatures from the Stormcast Eternals faction:
3 Sequitors (mace and shield wielding magic Stormcasts).
One model is a Prime (champion) with a Stormsmite Maul and Shield, one is armed with a Stormsmite Greatmace and the last guy is armed with Stormsmite Maul and Shield. The prime can be assembled without a helmet.
3 Castigators (Stormcasts with crazy big magic x-bows). One model is a Prime and all are armed with Thunderhead Greatbows
1 Gryph Hound (Sigmars favourite hound-bird-hybrid pets)
8 miniatures from the Nighthaunt faction (evil ghosts):
4 Glaivewraith Stalkers (flying ratlike ghosts with pointy spears). All are armed with Hunter’s Glaive. One of them can be assembled as a drummer (and the drummer is a must have to make the unit effective).
4 Myrmourn Banshees (ghost ladies that hit hard and can dispell magic). All of them are armed with Chill Daggers (although I doubt these ladies are very chill…).
What are the total points of models in Storm Strike starter set?
- The Stormcast models will comprise about 178 points (three Sequitors 72, three Castigators 80 and one Gryph Hound 23)
- The miniatures from the Nighthaunt side will give you 140 points of models (60 points for the Glaivewraight Stalkers and 80 points for the Myrmourn Banshees).
- That is a total of 318 points in the box
Note: the unit of Sequitors has a minimum size of 5 in the newest Generals Handbook, but there are only 3 in this set. The minimum unit size of Gryph Hounds is 6 and there is only one in this box.
If you are intending to use these units for matched play, it would be wise to find some ways to get the units up to the minimum size (you can play with them, but they would be ‘understrength unit” which means you pay points for models not on the battlefield). I have calculated the points as if you could buy them in smaller units size. If you just a want way of dipping your toe into Age of Sigmar do not worry about this. This is only important if you later want to play with the
What other items are included in the Storm Strike starter set?
80 page book
Warscroll cards for all units in the box
16 page core rules (can also be found for free online or in the AoS app).
Double sided playing mat (printed on paper so not very durable).
6 dice (normal six sided ones)
12″ measure stick
1 Transfer sheet (symbols you can transfer onto the Stormcast Miniatures)
The insert box can be flipped over to be a small terrain piece
Pros of the Storm Strike starter set
- The miniatures are push-fit (easy to build for beginners), so they do theoretically not need any glue to assemble. If you are going to paint them though, I would recommend getting some plastic glue on them so you avoid too many gaps when the models are assembled (there will be at least some gaps if you use no glue). The miniatures are very easy to assemble either way you do it.
- The miniatures are not pre-painted (GW does not do that kind of stuff), but the plastic is coloured. The gold of the Stormcast actually looks really good, so games without painted miniatures can look okay (I find that normally the coloured plastic looks pretty rubbish, but the gold in all of the starter sets is an exception).
- The models are all unique and are of the highest game workshop quality. Even people who already collect either army might be tempted to get these unique poses for miniatures to put in a unit. Even though they are push fit, the seam lines are very well hidden in the way the models are constructed.
- The set includes rules for the game and rules for the models in the box as well as everything you will need to play. For £25 you can get playing AoS and that is just incredible for children and beginners!
- You will get models from the good guys and bad guys, giving you some models you can lend to an opponent for a quick pickup game.
- The small printed version of the core rules is really neat to have, even if you end up buying the big core rulebook.
- The book is very good for beginners. Besides the story stuff in it, it also goes into great detail about painting. It is written for the complete beginner, so will take you through undercoating, base-coating, shading, dry-brushing, and layering. Basically, it breaks it down into small understandable pieces for a hobby beginner. The book also includes 4 battleplans (mission), that actually act as four tutorial games for Age of Sigmar. Great value for the beginner, but not really that interesting if you are a seasoned player.
- The physical Warscrolls are pretty neat for beginners, and finally, they have made some versions that are not printed on a huge sheet with too much white space.
- The bases on the miniatures are pre-made in plastic (normally the bases are just flat and you have to texture them yourself). For a beginner, this is much easier to get painting.
Cons of the Storm Strike starter set
- The cheap price point of the set also means you are pretty far from making an actual army. While you can have a great intro game with this set, a fight between such small forces does not really resemble what an actual battle between armies will feel like. You might be better of playing with these models with the Skirmish AoS rules (but it would require a bit of self-ruling as these models were not released when the skirmish book came out so no rules for them). If you really want to see what Age of Sigmar can offer in terms of tactical depth, you need more and bigger units on the battlefield than this box contains.
- If you intend to play matched play in the near future, it is very awkward that there are only 3 Sequitors when you need 5 for a minimum sized unit. You could buy a push fit kit with three more, but that would leave you with 1 dude spare and it would give you a unit with very identical miniatures. Not having the correct sizes can make a beginner player feel like they made a bad purchase later on.
- Even though the ghosts are push fit, the Banshee does not go well together without glue (very fiddly parts that do not snap together well).
- I think the opposing forces in the box are badly balanced against each other. After a few games with just the miniatures in the box, it will quickly become apparent that the Stormcast are quite a lot better.
- The Warscroll cards are finally cool and worth something, but as we have seen before they can quickly become outdated.
- Even though the plastic bases are wicked (especially on the ghost ladies) they can become a problem if you intend to build a big army. Are you going to have different bases in your army? Are you going to try and replicate them? This poses some problems that I think a beginner could be better off without.
- The map and the box are cool for beginners, but that paper mat is going to die very quickly.
- Is it really ideal as a new player to start collecting two factions? Think about that before you buy this instead of a “Start Collecting” box.
- The savings are very small – so if you are not buying this to be an easy entry into the game via the booklets, you are better of buying something else.
Overall verdict on the Storm Strike starter set
There is no doubt this is the best pickup if you want to spend as little as possible to try out AoS. This is the best set if your children are interested in the hobby, and you want something that will not overwhelm them. The book will guide them through the hobby and getting a hang of the gaming side.
If you are serious about taking the plunge into the hobby, you are probably better off looking at one of the ‘real’ Age of Sigmar starter sets. You will get more models (and save much more money than this set will) and your first battles will feel much closer to what Age of Sigmar really plays like.
If you are only interested in dipping your toes in the most shallow part of the pool, this is the Age of Sigmar starter set for you. If you want a cheap way into the hobby, but you are not so keen on buying models from two different factions, you could get the “Getting Started Magazine” and some models and it would be about the same experience.
Anything else I should know about the Storm Strike Starter set?
- If you are buying this is a gift for your children, I would recommend getting a paint starter set (preferably with clippers to get the miniatures of the sprue).
- If you are interested in watching a good review about this set, “Always Board Never Boring” made a pretty long one where you can see the details of the book and the miniatures way better than I can replicate in text.
- That same youtube dude also played the 4 Storm Strike battleplans and talks about assembling the miniatures.
Tempest of Souls starter set review (£50/$80 or with paint £75/$120)
How good is the price of Tempest of Souls starter set?
Tempest of Souls is the medium version of the starter sets.
You get 24 models in total, so the price pr. model is around £2. On top of that, you get several the different accessories.
The price of the Stormcast part:
If you were to buy the Stormcast models separately it would roughly cost you £70.
- Knight Incantor is not available for purchase, but the trend is that Stormcast heroes on foot will be about £15-20.
- The 2 Evocators normally come in a box of 5 for £30, making them £6 for a total of £12 for the two models in this set.
- The 3 Castigators can right now only be bought in a push-fit 3 man box that includes a gryph hound. That is going for £10.
- 5 Sequitors can only be bought in a box of 10 for £37.5, making these around £19.
- The Ballista is only available as an easy build push fit set for £15 (but note that those are some different sculpts).
The price of the Nighthaunt part:
If you were to buy the Nighthaunt models separately it would roughly cost you £63.
- You can get a Lord-Executioner in a different sculpt for £.15
- You can normally buy 10 Grimghast reapers for £27,5, making the four dudes in this set about £11
- You can only buy Glaivewraight stalkers in a push fit set of 4 for £10, making 5 about £12,5 (different sculpts).
- You can buy 10 Chainrasp Horde as a push fit for £25. So 20 models would be £50.
The total price of the Tempest of Souls set compared with buying all the models separately.
Buying all of the models separately (if that was possible) would be around £133. Buying this set represents a saving of £83. On top of that comes the book and the other accessories you get.
Now the saving is very nice and the price of £2 pr. model is not bad at all, but it does not really compare to the savings of the biggest starter set (but that is to be expected).
What models are included in the Tempest of Souls starter set?
12 (or 14 if you count the two crew members) miniatures from the Stormcast Eternals faction:
1 Knight-Incantor (Stormcast wizard guy with auto dispell scroll).
3 Castigators (Stormcasts with crazy big magic bows). One model is a Prime and all are armed with Thunderhead Greatbows.
2 Evocators (Stormcast wizard unit with a melee buff). Both are armed with Tempest Blades and Stormstaves.
2 Evocators (Stormcast wizard unit with a melee buff). Both are armed with Tempest Blades and Stormstaves.
5 Sequitors (mace and shield wielding magic Stormcasts).
One model is a Prime (champion) with Stormsmite Greatmace. One is armed with a Stormsmite Greatmace and the last 3 guys are armed with Stormsmite Maul and Shield.
5 Sequitors (mace and shield wielding magic Stormcasts).
One model is a Prime (champion) with Stormsmite Greatmace. One is armed with a Stormsmite Greatmace and the last 3 guys are armed with Stormsmite Maul and Shield.
1 Celestar Ballista and two crew members (Stormcast war machine. Cheap and effective!).
20 miniatures from the Nighthaunt faction (evil ghosts):
5 Glaivewraith Stalkers (flying ratlike ghosts with pointy spears). All are armed with Hunter’s Glaive. None of them can be assembled as a drummer (and that is a real bummer).
4 Grimghast Reapers (ghosts with big nasty scythes). The leader is armed with a big bell called Death Knell.
What are the total points of models in the Tempest of Souls starter set?
The Stormcast models will comprise about 520 points.
- Knight Incantor: 140
- The Evocators can only come in a unit of 5 for 200 points (in matched play) so two would be 80 points.
- 3 Castigators: 80 points
- 5 Sequitors: 120
- Ballista: 100
The miniatures from the Nighthaunt side will give you roughly 291 points of models.
- Lord-Executioner: 80
- 4 Grimghast reapers are 140 points for 10, so 56 points (if you could buy them in units of 4 in matched play).
- 5 Glaivewraight stalkers will be around 75 points (only units of 4 in matched play for 60 points).
- The 10 Chainrasp Horde: 80
The total amount of points will be about 811.
Note: again we have some weird unit sizes. If you intend to play matched play, be aware that the unit sizes are not aligned with the minimum unit sizes in matched play.
What other items are included in the Tempest of Souls starter set?
96 page book
Warscroll cards for all units
16 page core rules
Double sided playing mat
6 dice
12″ measure stick
1 Transfer sheet
The insert box can be flipped over to be a small terrain piece
If you buy the version with paint and tools, the following is also included:
- Clippers
Mouldline remover (preeetty good)- A GW Starter Brush
- Retributor Armour
- Abaddon Black
- Armageddon Dust
- Kantor Blue
- Reikland Fleshshade
- White Scar
- Leadbelcher
- Mournfang Brown
- Celestra Grey
- Khorne Red
- Nighthaunt Gloom
- Rakarth Flesh
- Bugman’s Glow
You would pay 25£ extra to get those items included. Paints are usually 2,5£ each and you get 13 in this set (worth 32,5£). On top of that you get the clippers, brush and
If you buy the Commander Collection (only comes with the paint) you also get:
Astreia Solbright (named Lord Arcanum mounted on a
Reikenor Grimhailer (named Nighthaunt hero).
The Commander bundle is £125, so £50 more than the normal paint bundle set. Both models can be bought standalone for £25 each, so you save nothing for selecting this option.
Pros of Tempest of Souls starter set:
- The price is an okay entry point. You are not blowing too much on a game system you might not like, but you are also giving the game a fair chance to shine.
- The easy to assembly miniatures are good for beginners.
- The included books very good for new players, but not really useful if you are a veteran.
- If the printed core rules were available as a standalone purchase option, I reckon a lot of people would get it. You get in this set, making it a big plus.
- You can probably quite easily sell the miniatures from the faction you do not want to collect.
- Bases are not part of the plastic (as with the Tempest of Soul option), so easier to continue your basing scheme when you expand your army.
- The printed Warscroll cards are good and here you get a lot more of them than in the smallest version.
- The difference between new GW models and the older models is just staggering. Getting some of the newest models will make sure they are a joy to paint and will look great on the tabletop.
- The option with the paint bundle can be a good money saver, provided you need the paints.
Cons of Tempest of Souls starter set:
- If you are worried a lot about the condition of the miniatures, the gaps in the push fit miniatures will probably detract from the experience of the set. The colored plastic can also be a bit of a pain when doing a light primer on them.
- The savings are not as big as the biggest starter set, so if that is your main concern you should take a look at that instead.
- The sides are not balanced very well (not a lot of points on the Nighthaunt side).
- If you are interested in matched play, notice that you get two evocators (you need five for a unit) and 4 Grimghast Reapers (you need teen for a unit) so this is not exactly matched play ready.
- In many ways the big set and the medium set do the same thing – but the big set just does a better job across the board.
Overall verdict on the Tempest of Souls starter set:
This is a good medium sized entry level, and I can see what GW tried to do here. Sadly, I just think the Soul Wars set does a much better job. The savings are ok but outshined by the big set. The book is okay for a beginner, but why not get the set with the real book?
This is the set for the Age of Sigmar curious, that got some money to spend but is not that sure yet.
Souls Wars starter set review (£95/$160)
How good is the price of Soul Wars starter set?
Soul Wars is the big premium starter set.
You get 54 models in total, so the price pr. model is around £1.75. On top of that, you get several the different accessories and the Big Core Rulebook.
The price of the Stormcast part:
If you were to buy the Stormcast models separately it would roughly cost you £119.5.
- The model for the Lord Arcanum mounted on Gryph Charger is not available for purchase right now, but you can get the named push fit version for £25.
- Knight Incantor is not available for purchase, but the trend is that Stormcast heroes on foot will be about £15-20.
- The 3 Evocators normally come in a box of 5 for £30, making them each £6 for a total of £18 for the three models in this set.
- The Castigators can right now only be bought in a push-fit 3 man box that includes a gryph hound. That is going for £10. This means that 5 would equal £16.5
- 8 Sequitors can only be bought in a box of 10 for £37.5, making these around £30.
- The Ballista is only available as an easy build push fit set for £15 (but note that those are some different sculpts).
The price of the Nighthaunt part:
If you were to buy the Nighthaunt models separately it would roughly cost you £133.5
- You can get a Lord-Executioner in a different sculpt for £15.
- You cannot buy a mounted Knight of Shrouds as a separate model right now. My guess is it would be about £25 if it were available (you can get a non mounted for £20)
- Guardian of Souls is not available for single model purchase. I would put it at about £10-15
- Spirit Torment is not on sale as a single model. Around £10-15 would be normal.
- You can normally buy 10 Grimghast reapers for 27,5, making the four dudes in this set about £11.
- You can only buy Glaivewraight stalkers in a push fit set of 4 for £10, making 5 about £12,5 (different sculpts).
- 10 Chainrasp Horde is bought as a push fit for £25 – making 20 be £50
Buying all of the models separately (if that was possible) would be around £253. So buying the set instead of the models will net you a save £158. On top of that, you also get the different accessories as well as the Big Core Rulebook worth £35 – making the actual saving about £193.
This makes the biggest set the one with the best saving, but actually not the one with the cheapest model (but it is comparing it to the small set without characters).
1 Lord-Arcanum mounted on a Gryph-charger with an Aethstave (also called “just a staff”)
5 Castigators (Stormcasts with crazy big magic bows). One model is a Prime and all are armed with Thunderhead Greatbows.
1 Knight-Incantor (Stormcast wizard guy with auto dispell scroll).
3 Evocators (Stormcast wizard unit with a melee buff). All are armed with Tempest Blades and Stormstaves. One is a prime.
8 Sequitors (mace and shield wielding magic Stormcasts). One model is a Prime (champion) with Stormsmite Greatmace. Two are armed with a Stormsmite Greatmace and the last 5 guys are armed with Stormsmite Maul and Shield.
1 Celestar Ballista and two crew members (Stormcast war machine. Cheap and effective!).
33 miniatures from the Nighthaunt faction (evil ghosts):
1 Lord-Executioner with a Decapitating Greateaxe (ghost lord with ghost axe. Has part of a hangman’s gallow strapped to his back just for kicks).
1 Guardian of Souls armed with a Chill Blade and a Nightmare Lantern (ghost wizard that can buff nearby ghosts and can heal or return ghost people with his
5 Glaivewraith Stalkers (flying ratlike ghosts with pointy spears). All are armed with Hunter’s Glaive. None of them can be assembled as a drummer (and that is a real bummer).
1 Lord-Executioner with a Decapitating Greateaxe (ghost lord with ghost axe. Has part of a
1 Knight of Shrouds on
1 Spirit Torment (
4 Grimghast Reapers (ghosts with big nasty scythes). The leader is armed with a big bell called Death Knell.
20 Chainrasp Horde armed with Malignant Weapons (smaller ghost guys with random rusty weapons). 1 is a Dreadwarden (leader) armed with a candelabra (because why not?).
What are the total points of models in Soul Wars starter set?
The Stormcast models will comprise about 925 points.
- Lord Arcanum mounted on Gryph Charger: 240
- Knight Incantor: 140
- The Evocators can only come in a unit of 5 for 200 points (in matched play) so three would be 120 points.
- 5 Castigators: A unit of three is 80 points. Five would, therefore, be 133 points – but it is a weird unit size.
- 8 Sequitors: five are normally 120 points. 8 would equal 192 points (if you could take it in that size).
- Ballista: 100
The miniatures from the Nighthaunt side will give you roughly 751 points of models.
- Lord-Executioner: 80
- Knight of Shrouds: 120
- Guardian of Souls: 140
- Spirit Torment: 120
- 4 Grimghast reapers are 140 points for 10, so 56 points (if you could buy them in units of 4 in matched play).
- 5 Glaivewraight stalkers will be around 75 points (only units of 4 in matched play for 60 points).
- The 20 Chainrasp Horde: 160
The total amount of points will be about 1676.
Note: again we have some weird unit sizes. If you intend to play matched play, be aware that the unit sizes are not aligned with the minimum unit sizes in matched play.
What other items are included in the Soul Wars starter set?
The Big Core Rulebook (320 pages)
Warscolls for all units in the box
12 dice
12″ measure stick
1 Transfer sheet
Core rules and 8 pages of “start here” for new gamers
Soul Wars + Malign Sorcery option:
Note that there is an option of buying the Malign Sorcery box in a bundle with the Soul Wars box. Since that bundle is just the price of the two boxes added together, you are actually not saving anything if you buy it that way.
Pros of the Soul Wars starter set
- The set includes the Core Rulebook – a book I think is mandatory if you want easy access to getting into the lore and feel of the Age of Sigmar setting. If you really want to see what this game is about, it is a must buy book and this is the only set you get it in.
- You get some solidly sized forces in this starter set, making your first game feel much closer to “real” AoS battles.
- This is the set with the biggest saving compared to buying the miniatures piecemeal.
- The novel Soul Wars will mention the miniatures you get in the box, making that novel much more engrossing and attractive (and it is one of the better AoS novels).
- The miniatures are push-fit (easy to build for beginners), so they do theoretically not need any glue to assemble. This will make it quick to assemble for a quick game. If you are going to paint them though, I would recommend getting some plastic glue so you avoid some of the gaps in the models.
Cons of Soul Wars starter set
- The Soul Wars starter set is a lot of money to be investing. If you are not sure about the game yet (but chances are good you can sell the box second hand with minor losses).
- If you are completely new to the game, this will be a big amount of models to paint. You could get overwhelmed compared to one of the smaller boxes.
- Again we have some weird sized units – so the set is not ready for matched play.
- You miss out on the mat and the terrain piece – but this is only a big deal if you do not intend to buy any terrain at all.
Overall verdict on the Soul Wars starter set
This is the starter set if you are serious about getting into AoS – or if you want to get the Core Book and start either of the armies in the box.
Overview of the three Age of Sigmar starter sets
Storm Strike Starter set
£
25
- £1.6 pr. model
- £15 saved if you buy this set instead of separate models
- 15 models in total (7 Stormcast and 8 Nighthaunt)
- 318 points in total
- £0.078 pr. point
- 6 Dice and 12″ ruler
- Playing mat
- Box that can turn into terrain
- Warscrolls for all units
- Core rules
- Starter set book
Tempest of Souls Starter set
£
50
- 2£ pr. model
- £83 saved if you buy this set instead of separate models
- 24 models in total (14 Stormcast and 20 Nighthaunt)
- 811 points in total
- 0.061£ pr. point
- 6 Dice and 12″ ruler
- Playing mat
- Box that can turn into terrain
- Warscrolls for all units
- Core rules
- Starter set book
Soul Wars Starter set
£
95
- 1.75£ pr. model
- 193£ saved if you buy set instead of separate models
- 54 models in total (21 Stormcast and 33 Nighthaunt)
- 1676 points
- 0.056£ pr. point
- 12 Dice and 12″ ruler
- -Playing mat
- Box that can turn into terrain
- Warscrolls for all units
- Core rules
- Starter set book
- Big Core Rulebook
Overview of Stormcast units in the starter sets
| Units | Storm Strike | Tempest of Souls | Soul Wars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ballista | 1 | 1 | |
| Sequitors | 5 | 8 | |
| Evocators | 2 | 3 | |
| Sequitors | 3 | ||
| Castigators | 3 | 3 | 5 |
| Knight Incantor | 1 | 1 | |
| Lord-Arcanum mounted on a Gryph-charger | 1 |
Overview of Nighthaunt units in the starter sets
| Units | Storm Strike | Tempest of Souls | Soul Wars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myrmourn Banshees | 4 | ||
| Chainrasp Horde | 10 | 20 | |
| Glaivewraith Stalkers | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Grimghast Reapers | 4 | 4 | |
| Lord-Executioner | 1 | 1 | |
| Spirit Torment | 1 | ||
| Guardian of Souls | 1 | ||
| Knight of Shrouds | 1 |
Other great resources:
Age of Sigmar Hub