Can You Mix Races in Warhammer? A Comprehensive Guide to Army Composition

The short answer is: It depends! In the grim darkness of the far future, and the mortal realms of Age of Sigmar, the rules surrounding mixing factions, or “races” as they are commonly called, vary significantly depending on the specific game system, edition, and even the type of game you’re playing. Let’s break it down to give you the most comprehensive understanding.

In Warhammer 40,000, the concept of “allies” has evolved over the editions. Currently, the game allows for limited detachment mixing within certain parameters. The defining factor is often the “Faction Keyword”. Armies are typically built around a central faction, like the Imperium, Chaos, Aeldari, or Xenos. You can generally include units from different sub-factions within that broad category, subject to specific rules about detachments and shared keywords.

For example, an army primarily composed of Space Marines can often include a detachment of Imperial Guard (Astra Militarum) because they both share the Imperium faction keyword. However, you usually cannot mix Imperium units with Xenos factions like Orks or Tyranids in a standard matched play game.

Imperial Knights offer a unique exception. They can be included in Imperium armies as Freeblades, allowing a single Titanic Knight or up to three Armiger Knights to join without disrupting the army’s core benefits.

In Age of Sigmar, the rules are generally more lenient. The concept of Grand Alliances allows for broader army construction. Armies are built around one of four Grand Alliances: Order, Chaos, Death, and Destruction. You can freely mix factions within a Grand Alliance, making armies like a combined force of Stormcast Eternals (Order) and Sylvaneth (Order) perfectly legal.

However, mixing units from different Grand Alliances is generally prohibited in standard matched play. Narrative play offers more flexibility, but requires agreement with your opponent.

Ultimately, communication with your opponent is key, especially in casual games. If you both agree on a scenario and army composition, the possibilities are much broader!

Warhammer Mixing Rules: Deep Dive

To truly understand the nuances, consider these key factors:

• Game System: Warhammer 40,000 and Age of Sigmar have different rulesets. What’s legal in one may not be in the other.

• Edition: Rules change with each new edition of the game. Always refer to the current rulebook.

• Game Type: Matched play games (competitive) usually have stricter rules than narrative or open play.

• Faction Keywords: These keywords determine which units can be included in the same detachment or army.

• Allied Detachments/Units: Some factions have specific rules allowing them to include units from other factions.

• Grand Alliances (Age of Sigmar): Determine which factions can be freely mixed within an army.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mixing Races in Warhammer

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify army composition in Warhammer:

FAQ 1: Can I use Age of Sigmar models in Warhammer 40,000?

Generally, no. The universes are separate, and units are designed with specific rules and lore in mind for each game. However, certain models, particularly those associated with Chaos, might have some crossover potential. A Chaos Daemon model, for example, could potentially be used in both games, depending on its specific datasheet and your opponent’s agreement.

FAQ 2: Can I use Warhammer 40,000 models in Age of Sigmar?

Almost certainly not. The technology and lore of Warhammer 40,000 don’t translate well to the fantasy setting of Age of Sigmar. Bolt guns and power armor are distinctly 40k.

FAQ 3: Are there restrictions on mixing Imperial Guard regiments?

Yes and no. While you can mix Imperial Guard regiments, it’s important to understand the implications for Regimental Doctrines. Each regiment has its own special rules. By mixing regiments, you may dilute or lose out on the benefits of a pure regiment army. In 9th edition and earlier, this could impact command point generation, so carefully consider the strategic advantages and disadvantages before creating a mixed Guard force. However, 10th Edition generally allows for more mixing of regiments with less restrictions on doctrines and detachments..

FAQ 4: Can I include a single unit from another faction just because I like the model?

In casual games, with your opponent’s permission, absolutely! Warhammer is ultimately about having fun. However, in matched play, this is almost always prohibited. You need to adhere to the rules regarding detachments, faction keywords, and allied units.

FAQ 5: How do detachments work when mixing factions in Warhammer 40,000?

Detachments are organizational units that define your army structure. Each detachment has specific requirements regarding the number of HQ, Troop, Elite, Fast Attack, and Heavy Support units you must include. When mixing factions, you’ll typically need to dedicate entire detachments to each faction. For example, you might have a Battalion Detachment of Space Marines and a Patrol Detachment of Imperial Guard.

FAQ 6: What happens if two factions have conflicting rules?

In most cases, rules apply only to units with the appropriate faction keyword. For example, a Space Marine ability that affects “Adeptus Astartes” units will not affect Imperial Guard units, even if they are in the same army. If conflicts arise, consult the rulebook for clarification or errata.

FAQ 7: Can I mix different chapters of Space Marines?

Yes, with caveats. Different chapters of Space Marines (e.g., Ultramarines, Blood Angels, Space Wolves) are generally considered separate factions and have their own unique rules. You can include detachments from different chapters in the same army, but you may lose out on certain chapter-specific benefits if you don’t meet the requirements for a single-chapter army.

FAQ 8: Are there any factions that cannot be allied with anyone?

Some factions have very limited or no official allies in the lore and rules. The Tyranids, for example, are notoriously xenophobic and consume all other life. Alliances with Tyranids are exceptionally rare and would require a very specific narrative justification.

FAQ 9: How does the “Agent of the Imperium” rule affect mixing in Warhammer 40,000?

Certain units, designated as “Agents of the Imperium”, can be included in Imperium armies without breaking faction rules. This typically includes units like Inquisitors and Assassins. These units often provide unique abilities and strategic options, making them valuable additions to a mixed Imperium force.

FAQ 10: Can I mix Chaos Space Marines with Chaos Daemons?

Yes! Chaos Space Marines and Chaos Daemons can be mixed within the same army, as they share the Chaos faction keyword. Furthermore, certain Chaos Space Marine legions (e.g., the Word Bearers) have particularly strong ties to specific Chaos Gods and may synergize well with Daemons aligned with those gods.

FAQ 11: How does the new edition change mixing factions?

Each new edition brings potential changes to army building rules. It’s crucial to carefully review the current edition’s rulebook and any relevant FAQs or errata to understand the latest restrictions and opportunities for mixing factions. Often, changes are made to streamline the process and balance the game.

FAQ 12: Is mixing factions viable in competitive Warhammer 40,000?

Yes, absolutely. Properly constructed mixed armies can be very competitive. The key is to identify synergistic combinations of units from different factions that can cover each other’s weaknesses and maximize overall effectiveness. However, it requires careful planning and a deep understanding of the rules.

FAQ 13: How are allies handled in narrative play?

Narrative play offers the greatest flexibility in army construction. You can create alliances that would be impossible in matched play, based on your own story and the agreed-upon scenario. Communicate clearly with your opponent and embrace the creative possibilities. Remember Warhammer is, at its core, a story-telling medium and it is okay to bend the rules for the sake of a great story!

FAQ 14: Can I create a “counts as” army using models from different factions?

A “counts as” army uses models from one faction to represent units from another faction. For example, you might use Ork models to represent heavily armored Imperial Guard units. This is generally acceptable in casual games, with your opponent’s explicit agreement. However, it’s crucial that the models are clearly identifiable and that you accurately represent their stats and abilities.

FAQ 15: Are there resources for learning more about army composition and mixing factions?

Yes! Games Workshop publishes official rulebooks, codices, and FAQs that provide detailed information on army building. Many online communities and forums also offer advice and guidance on creating effective mixed armies. Additionally, websites and YouTube channels dedicated to Warhammer strategy can be valuable resources. For instance, the Games Learning Society offers great research resources on the design and mechanics of games. You can find out more by visiting GamesLearningSociety.org.