Is Age of Sigmar Easy? A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
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The short answer is: Yes, Age of Sigmar (AoS) is relatively easy to learn, especially for beginners in the tabletop wargaming hobby. While mastering its nuances takes time and practice, the fundamental rules of Age of Sigmar are designed to be straightforward and accessible. This makes it a great entry point into the world of miniature wargaming, offering a less daunting experience than some of its counterparts. Let’s delve deeper into why this is the case and what you can expect when starting out with AoS.
Why Age of Sigmar is Beginner-Friendly
Age of Sigmar distinguishes itself with a focus on streamlined gameplay. Here are some key reasons why it’s considered easy to learn:
- Simplified Ruleset: The core rules of AoS are relatively concise and easily understood. Unlike some other complex wargames, the mechanics are generally intuitive. Actions such as movement, shooting, and combat are clearly defined, minimizing confusion for new players.
- Free Basic Rules: Unlike some tabletop games that require you to purchase rulebooks just to start, the basic rules of Age of Sigmar are available for free. This allows prospective players to test the waters and get a feel for the game without initial investment. This is a huge help for those unsure if they will like the game.
- Focus on Narrative: Age of Sigmar emphasizes a strong narrative element, focusing on the epic battles and lore of the Mortal Realms. This narrative focus helps engage players and makes the learning process more enjoyable. It’s not just about moving miniatures; it’s about creating a story on the tabletop.
- Accessible Armies: While some factions have more complex rules, many of them are easy to pick up and play. For example, Stormcast Eternals are often recommended for beginners because of their relatively straightforward mechanics. There are numerous factions which also fall into the easy to learn category. This allows beginners to ease themselves into the game with a more direct army.
- Emphasis on Fun: AoS is designed to be fun and engaging. The mechanics aren’t overly complicated, allowing players to concentrate on tactics and having a good time. This emphasis on a good player experience makes it easy for beginners to jump in and enjoy.
Moving Beyond the Basics
While the initial rules are easy to grasp, the strategic depth and tactical nuances of AoS can take time to master. Here’s how the learning curve progresses:
- Early Stages: Initially, players will focus on learning the core rules and understanding how their chosen army operates. This involves things such as movement, attacks, and basic combat mechanics.
- Intermediate Stages: As players become more comfortable, they can start exploring more advanced tactics. This might involve things such as terrain usage, unit synergy, and specific faction strategies.
- Advanced Stages: At the highest level, Age of Sigmar becomes intensely competitive. Here, veteran players will use extremely fine-tuned army compositions, and intricate tactics that are designed to take advantage of every possible in-game edge.
It’s important to remember that even advanced gameplay is built upon the same easy to learn core rules. This means new players will always have some familiarity with how everything is intended to work.
Age of Sigmar vs. Warhammer 40,000
A common comparison is made between Age of Sigmar and its science-fiction counterpart, Warhammer 40,000. Here’s how they stack up in terms of ease of learning:
- Setting: AoS boasts a high-fantasy setting that is often considered more accessible and less intimidating for new players. By contrast, Warhammer 40,000 has a dark, science-fiction theme, which can be more niche.
- Rules Complexity: While both games have their own unique complexities, AoS generally has a more streamlined ruleset compared to 40k. This makes it easier for beginners to jump in without feeling overwhelmed.
- Learning Curve: Age of Sigmar is often cited as having a gentler learning curve than Warhammer 40,000, making it more appealing to players new to tabletop wargaming.
- Game Length: Games of Age of Sigmar tend to be slightly shorter than 40k. This can make them more accessible to players who are just starting out and do not want to get bogged down with long play times.
Ultimately, the choice between AoS and 40k comes down to personal preference. If you are new to the hobby, however, AoS is often recommended as a more beginner friendly option.
Finding Your First Army
When picking your first AoS army, it’s good to remember that some armies are better for new players. Here are a few that are often recommended for beginners:
- Stormcast Eternals: Known for their versatility and relatively straightforward playstyle, the Stormcast are a popular choice for beginners.
- Kruleboyz: With their focus on melee combat and simple tactics, the Kruleboyz are also a great option for those just learning the game.
- Seraphon: While they possess some more complex magic options, the core units of the Seraphon are easy to learn and understand.
It’s a great idea to try out different armies with borrowed models or on the table with a friend to figure out which one best matches your playstyle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Age of Sigmar harder to play than chess?
No, Age of Sigmar is not inherently harder than chess. Chess has a smaller rule set with greater depth. AoS is easier to grasp at a basic level, but it has a larger number of mechanics to learn. Chess is considered to be the harder of the two.
2. What is the best way to learn Age of Sigmar?
Watching games being played is a great way to learn, along with a local gaming group that can help you learn the rules. Actually playing the game yourself is the best method of learning.
3. Do I need to buy a lot to start playing?
You will need an army, a stable gaming surface, dice, measuring tools, and a copy of the core rules. However, you can start with a smaller force and expand your collection over time. Many start with a prebuilt starter box, which often has a rule book included.
4. Can I play Age of Sigmar online?
Yes, there are online simulators that allow you to play Age of Sigmar virtually. There are also discord communities dedicated to playing the game over digital platforms.
5. How long does a typical game of Age of Sigmar take?
A typical game can last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours depending on the size of the armies and players’ experience.
6. Is Age of Sigmar expensive to get into?
Like many miniature wargames, AoS can be a costly hobby, but it can be played on a budget. You can start small and gradually expand your army over time.
7. Which army is the most powerful in Age of Sigmar?
The meta of Age of Sigmar shifts as new models and rules are added. It depends on the meta and the composition of the army. Currently some of the top players utilize factions from a variety of backgrounds. There is no single best army.
8. Can I mix armies in Age of Sigmar?
Yes, you can mix armies using an allies system. This is limited, but it does provide extra tactical flexibility to your armies.
9. Do the base sizes of my miniatures matter?
In most games, the base size isn’t critical, but for matched play games there can be very specific base size rules which should be followed.
10. Is there an Age of Sigmar video game?
Yes, there are several Age of Sigmar video games available on various platforms.
11. Is Age of Sigmar good for solo play?
While designed as a multiplayer game, some players have adapted AoS for solo play using custom rules and scenarios.
12. Can Age of Sigmar models be used in other Warhammer games?
You can use Age of Sigmar Chaos models in Warhammer 40,000. However, 40k models cannot be used in AoS.
13. Who goes first in Age of Sigmar?
Players roll-off for the first turn. If they tie, the last player to go first can select who goes first, unless its the first round in the game. The first turn advantage is decided by who finishes setting up their army first.
14. What are the most popular armies in Age of Sigmar?
Stormcast Eternals are often cited as the most popular, followed by Sylvaneth and other factions.
15. How does Age of Sigmar compare to other tabletop wargames?
Age of Sigmar has a streamlined ruleset, making it more accessible for beginners than some other more complex games. This is something that appeals to many new players.
Conclusion
Age of Sigmar offers a vibrant, accessible, and engaging entry point into tabletop wargaming. Its streamlined rules, strong narrative, and diverse factions make it an appealing option for beginners and veterans alike. While mastery takes practice, the game’s core mechanics are designed to be easy to learn, ensuring that players can quickly get into the action and enjoy the rich world of the Mortal Realms. So, if you’ve been curious about tabletop wargaming, Age of Sigmar is a fantastic place to start.