Are the Rules for 40k and Age of Sigmar the Same?
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The short answer is: No, the rules for Warhammer 40,000 (40k) and Warhammer Age of Sigmar (AoS) are not the same, though they share a common ancestry and some similar core mechanics. While both games involve moving miniatures, rolling dice, and resolving combats, the devil is in the details. The differences extend from subtle nuances in how unit characteristics are used to significant divergences in army construction and strategic gameplay. Think of them as cousins rather than siblings – sharing some family traits, but with distinctly individual personalities.
Core Mechanics: Shared DNA
Both 40k and AoS are tabletop wargames where players command armies of miniatures, moving them across a battlefield and engaging in combat. This basic structure is where the similarities become apparent. Both systems utilize D6 dice rolls to determine success in various actions, such as hitting an enemy, dealing damage, or resisting a spell. Key characteristics like Movement, Strength, Toughness, and Wounds are also present in both games, though they might be interpreted or used slightly differently.
Furthermore, the turn sequence, while not identical, shares some common elements. Typically, players take turns moving their units, shooting or using magic, and then resolving combat. Both games emphasize strategy and tactical decision-making, making unit positioning and anticipating your opponent’s moves vital for victory.
Divergences in Detail
However, beyond these foundational similarities, the rulesets diverge significantly. 40k is known for its complexity and granular detail. It features multiple layers of rules, often involving interacting modifiers, unit-specific abilities, and a complex vehicle damage system. Army construction in 40k is structured around detachments, requiring players to build forces within specific organizational guidelines. This promotes diverse lists with synergistic benefits but can be daunting for new players.
Age of Sigmar, in contrast, is a streamlined and more accessible game. The rules are simpler, with less emphasis on modifiers and complicated interactions. Army construction is more flexible, allowing players to include units from their chosen faction with fewer restrictions. This focus on simplified rules and faster gameplay makes AoS more approachable for newcomers, while still offering strategic depth for experienced players.
Key Areas of Rule Differences
Here are some key areas where the rules diverge:
- Movement: While both games involve moving miniatures across the board, 40k is more rigid in this respect with models arranged in coherent formations, while AoS features looser and more flexible movement.
- Shooting: 40k utilizes a more complex shooting phase with various weapon types and rules for cover, line of sight, and rapid fire. AoS shooting is more simplified, often with fewer modifiers impacting results.
- Magic: Both games have magic, but they are handled differently. 40k uses a “psychic phase” for specific units, while AoS uses a more integrated magic system with many different spell types available to a wide variety of units.
- Combat: While both games have similar core elements such as attacking and defending, 40k tends to have more intricate combat phases with more detailed weapon profiles and damage calculations. AoS simplifies combat, placing more emphasis on the overall strength and toughness of the units involved.
- Unit Profiles: While both games share many characteristics, how these characteristics are used differs. In 40k, armour saves are more consistent, while AoS uses a “to wound” roll. Furthermore, many unit-specific abilities and keywords further differentiate the combat mechanics.
- Army Construction: 40k heavily relies on detachments and command points, demanding strict adherence to organization guidelines. AoS features a much less restrictive list-building system, focusing more on choosing units from your chosen faction.
- Turn Order: While both games involve players taking turns, in AoS, the player who finishes deploying first typically gets the choice of who takes the first turn. This can have a huge strategic impact. 40k relies on a more structured turn-by-turn approach.
Which System is Right for You?
The choice between 40k and AoS often comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a complex and detailed game with a high level of tactical depth, 40k may be the better choice. Its intricacy offers a greater strategic reward for those willing to invest time in learning the rules. If, on the other hand, you prefer a streamlined, faster-paced game that is more accessible, Age of Sigmar might be a better fit. It’s an excellent choice for new wargamers or those looking for a more narrative-driven experience.
In conclusion, while both games share some similar roots, the core rules for 40k and AoS are distinct and designed to provide different gameplay experiences. They represent different philosophies of game design: one emphasizes complexity, while the other emphasizes accessibility. Understanding these differences will help you choose the game that best suits your preferences and playstyle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you play 40k against Age of Sigmar?
No. The fundamental rule systems, unit profiles, and mechanics are too different to allow for a direct game between 40k and Age of Sigmar forces.
2. Are the ages of Sigmar and 40k in the same universe?
Officially, no. They are set in separate fictional universes despite some shared lore concepts and archetypes. 40k evolved from Warhammer Fantasy, but the current lore does not place them in the same continuity.
3. Is Age of Sigmar compatible with Warhammer (40k)?
You can use some Chaos models from Age of Sigmar in 40k as many share the same Chaos deities. However, the reverse is not true; 40k models cannot be directly used in AoS due to lore and technological differences.
4. What is the difference between Warhammer and Age of Sigmar?
Warhammer refers to the older Warhammer Fantasy Battles game (which has now been replaced by AoS). Age of Sigmar is the current fantasy wargame that is streamlined for faster gameplay and looser tactical unit formations.
5. Is Warhammer 40k connected to Warhammer Fantasy/Age of Sigmar?
While they share some thematic similarities, and 40k evolved from Warhammer Fantasy, the universes are separate. There is no connection in lore between the 40k and Age of Sigmar universes.
6. Is Sigmar really a god in Warhammer?
Yes, Sigmar is a deity in the Warhammer Age of Sigmar setting. He is a former barbarian warrior who ascended to godhood, making his character unique and interesting.
7. Is Horus Heresy the same as 40k?
The Horus Heresy is a narrative setting within the Warhammer 40,000 universe, focusing on events leading up to the main 40k setting. It is a separate game system with different rulesets, but it is linked to the lore of 40k.
8. Are Warhammer 40k and AoS connected?
No. They are set in entirely different universes with no official connection.
9. Are Warhammer and 40k in the same universe?
No. Warhammer Fantasy and Warhammer 40,000 are distinct universes, even though they share some common themes.
10. Does 40k have Skaven?
No. Skaven, the rat-men, are unique to the Warhammer Fantasy/Age of Sigmar setting, not appearing in Warhammer 40k.
11. Is AOS easier than 40K?
AoS is generally considered easier to learn due to its more streamlined rules. Army building in AoS is also often more straightforward compared to the complex detachment system of 40k.
12. Can you use Warhammer Underworlds in Age of Sigmar?
Warhammer Underworlds is a separate game, but it is closely linked to the Age of Sigmar universe. Underworlds is often seen as a good entry point to the broader AoS hobby.
13. Who takes the first turn in aos?
In matched play games, the player who finishes deploying their army first gets the option of who takes the first turn.
14. What is the best army in Age of Sigmar?
The best army varies based on rules changes and player skill. Factions like Cities of Sigmar, Skaven, and Idoneth Deepkin are frequently cited as strong options for new players.
15. Does Earth still exist in Warhammer 40k?
Yes. Earth, now called Terra, is the homeworld of mankind and the most sacred and revered place within the Imperium of Man in Warhammer 40k. It is also the resting place of the Emperor.