How to Start Playing Warhammer Age of Sigmar

Warhammer Age Of Sigmar is the fantasy-oriented version of the staple tabletop wargame. Here are the products and places that will get you started.

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If the sound of clashing swords and the thrill of roaring war beasts smashing heads gets you excited, then you may have looked at Warhammer Age of Sigmar. The spiritual successor to Games Workshop’s fantasy wargame, Warhammer Fantasy Battles, AOS has a new setting but retains many familiar aspects that made the game great, but at the same time, GW has streamlined the rules so it is easier to play.

What Is Warhammer Age of Sigmar?

Warhammer Age of Sigmar is a tabletop wargame set in a pseudo-medieval setting where magic exists. It is inhabited by Humans, Orruks (Orcs), Aelves (elves), Duardin (Dwarves), and other fantasy folks. Gameplay takes place over a series of turns where each player makes a series of actions. These actions could be casting spells, movement of units, or entering melee combat. Set up time for a battle is usually 15 minutes for small games, with an average playtime of approximately 60 minutes. The primary objective is to defeat the other player in tabletop warfare but there a variety of other game types/mission objectives available. Players take control of an army found within the Age of Sigmar universe. This comprises of plastic miniatures put together using army lists/rules (known as battletomes) to make games fair. The models have usually been painted prior to play and this is as much a part of the wargaming hobby as the game is.

The game features many common fantasy tropes but the tech level and era can be thought of as being more chronologically advanced than usually found in other fantasy focused games. This is no mistake that this game is the spiritual successor of another wargame produced by Games Workshop. Prior to Age of Sigmar’s release, the aforementioned Warhammer Fantasy Battles transitioned into the “End Times.” This featured a variety of campaigns that explored the events leading up to the end of the Warhammer world and the creation of the eight Mortal Realms, and with it, the birth of the Warhammer Age of Sigmar universe.

What You Need To Play

Your first port of call should be a visit to your local games store. There you will find knowledgeable staff and the range of miniatures available for Warhammer Age of Sigmar. They should also have some gaming tables where you can test-drive a couple of games. This will help you get a feel for the game and, hopefully, an army or two as well. Once you are sure that AOS is for you, it will be time to make your first purchases.

A great way to start is to pick up the Soul Wars box set. This contains the full retail rule book, army lists, as well as enough miniatures to build two armies. Of course you can purchase the core rules on their own; there you have the option of a digital version or a hardback edition. You will also need a Battletome, you only need the one for your chosen army. Inside you will find background information and details on the various unit types. It will also outline any special rules or abilities specific to your army.

Now it’s time to build out your army. The “Start Collecting” boxes are the next best thing to the boxed game and provide the essential miniatures you need to get up and running. Most established players recommend starting small and building your army and collection up in small affordable chunks. Both the boxed game and “Start Collecting” boxes offer a discount over the individual recommended retail prices.

Also worthy of note are two cut down versions of the game. These contain a reduced number of miniatures and a slimmer rulebook. They also contain a paper fold-out play area and the packaging can be used as make-shift terrain. These are both good entry points where you are unsure about the game or if the cost is an issue. You can also use these miniatures in your army should you buy the full box set later on. Check out Storm Strike and Tempest of Souls if you are interested in exploring either of these options. You can also download a free cut-down version of the rulebook from here. There is nothing stopping you from playing using makeshift paper tokens while you get a feel for things.

The Hobby

An important part of the hobby is the assembly and painting of your army. Your local games store will have paints designed specifically for plastic miniatures as well as all the tools and brushes you need to master the craft. New players should look at GWs Citadel range of paints. These are the perfect accompaniment as all the guides to paint Age of Sigmar miniatures provided by Games Workshop references their paint range exclusively. While there are other brands available, finding a paint match can be difficult to achieve. There are also some techniques that have been devised that utilize one or more Citadel products that could be difficult to reproduce otherwise.

One final note on safety. Younger players should be careful when using sharp knives and should have adult supervision at all times. This is also a great way for them to bond with their kids.

Time To Start Playing

Once you have your army painted, you’ll need people to play against. If you have a friend who also plays, arrange your first battle. The two of you can hone your understanding of the rules together, but eventually you will want fresh challenges. Ask at your local games store if they run a games nights or know of any wargaming clubs in the area. Get yourself signed up and go along. Most people will welcome beginners and are more than happy to help with game strategies or painting tips. They are also a great way to meet new people and make friends.

Most of all have fun, happing gaming!

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