What’s the Easiest Army to Learn in Age of Sigmar?
When diving into the vibrant and complex world of Warhammer Age of Sigmar, choosing the right army can feel like a daunting task. With numerous factions boasting unique playstyles, lore, and complexities, newcomers can often be overwhelmed. If you’re asking, “What is the easiest army to learn in Age of Sigmar?,” the answer, with qualifications, is Stormcast Eternals.
While “easiest” can be subjective, referring to both rules simplicity and forgiving playstyles, Stormcast Eternals consistently emerge as the top contender for beginners. They provide a well-rounded experience, introducing you to core gameplay mechanics without the overwhelming intricacies of some other factions. Their units are generally straightforward, with clear roles, allowing players to quickly grasp the fundamentals of movement, combat, and shooting. Furthermore, their durability provides some much-needed leeway for those just learning the ropes. While not the most complex nor the most competitive, the Stormcast Eternals offer a smooth and enjoyable entry point into the Age of Sigmar.
Why Stormcast Eternals are Beginner-Friendly
Several factors contribute to the Stormcast Eternals’ beginner-friendly status:
Streamlined Rules
Stormcast units generally have easy-to-understand rules, with fewer special abilities and complex interactions to memorize. This reduces the cognitive load on new players, allowing them to focus on core mechanics and strategic thinking. For instance, a Liberator is straightforward: move, attack, and if needed, stand on an objective. There are far fewer fiddly rules to remember.
Durable and Forgiving
Stormcast Eternals are known for their high armor saves and wound counts. This makes them more resilient on the battlefield, providing a buffer for beginner mistakes. A few flubbed rolls or miscalculated charges won’t send your entire army crumbling, allowing you to learn from errors without immediate catastrophe. This resilience makes them much more forgiving than some of the more fragile factions.
Versatile Playstyle
While not excelling in any single area, Stormcast Eternals can field units that perform effectively in all aspects of the game, including melee combat, shooting, and magic. This versatility teaches new players about the diverse aspects of Age of Sigmar and lets them experiment with different approaches without requiring the specific synergy that other factions need. You’re not locked into one game plan and can explore different unit combinations.
Strong Core Units
The Liberators, Retributors, and Prosecutors form a solid core for most Stormcast lists. These units are powerful in their own right, are easy to understand, and serve as a reliable foundation for a beginner army. You can build upon this foundation without getting lost in overly complicated builds.
Readily Available Resources
Stormcast Eternals are the poster boys for Age of Sigmar, and therefore, there are plenty of online resources, battle reports, and guides available to help new players learn the ins and outs of the army. Games Workshop itself produces a lot of content that features the faction to introduce new players to the game, and most hobby veterans have experience with them.
Alternatives for Beginners
While Stormcast Eternals offer the most straightforward route, other factions are still suitable for new players, albeit with a few caveats. Fyreslayers are noted for their straightforward playstyle on the tabletop, focusing heavily on aggressive melee engagements, but they may not provide as much overall game knowledge as the Stormcast Eternals. Similarly, Kruleboyz offer a relatively simple approach with plenty of opportunities for sneaky tactics but may require some understanding of positioning and range to use effectively. The Seraphon and Nighthaunt factions are also often recommended to new players. However, both require a certain amount of understanding in the nuances of magic or mortal wound-based tactics, respectively, which can be slightly more challenging for beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What makes an army “easy” to learn in Age of Sigmar?
An “easy” army typically has straightforward rules, is relatively durable, offers a versatile playstyle, and has a clear role for each unit. It allows players to focus on the core mechanics of the game without getting bogged down in complex interactions or fragile models.
2. Are Stormcast Eternals the most powerful army?
No, Stormcast Eternals are not generally considered the most powerful army, but they are reliable. They excel in overall versatility and ease of play rather than outright power. Competitive players frequently choose other more specialized factions, but Stormcast Eternals do often hold their own in battle due to their durability and the reliability of their units.
3. Is Age of Sigmar more beginner-friendly than Warhammer 40K?
Yes, Age of Sigmar is generally considered more beginner-friendly than Warhammer 40K. Its rules are more streamlined and easier to grasp, making the learning curve less steep for new players. Warhammer 40K is often considered more detailed and complex, which is enjoyable for some but potentially overwhelming for others.
4. Are there any armies that are definitely not recommended for beginners?
Yes. Factions like the Lumineth Realm-Lords and the Disciples of Tzeentch are generally not recommended for beginners due to their reliance on intricate magic phases, unique mechanics, and tactical subtlety. These armies often have low durability, requiring players to be very strategic and precise.
5. Can you use Age of Sigmar models in Warhammer 40K?
Yes, you can use Age of Sigmar models in Warhammer 40,000 if you choose to play one of the Chaos factions, as they share the same Chaos deities in both games. However, using them in other factions of 40k isn’t really possible.
6. What is the most popular faction in Age of Sigmar?
The Stormcast Eternals continue to be the most popular faction in Age of Sigmar, followed by Sylvaneth. This is largely due to the Stormcast Eternals’ status as poster boys, their balanced gameplay, and the easy learning curve of the army.
7. How do you get started with Age of Sigmar?
The best way to start with Age of Sigmar is to pick up the core rules, which are available for free from Games Workshop. Then, choose an army that appeals to you aesthetically and fits your preferred playstyle. Start with a small force and gradually expand your collection as you get more comfortable with the rules. Attending local game nights or watching battle reports is also immensely helpful.
8. Is it expensive to start playing Age of Sigmar?
Like many tabletop wargames, Age of Sigmar can be an expensive hobby. It is generally recommended to build your army slowly, starting with small starter sets and gradually adding to it. Be aware that building and painting the models is also a significant part of the hobby.
9. What are the core rules of Age of Sigmar?
The core rules of Age of Sigmar cover the basic mechanics of movement, shooting, combat, and the use of magic. These are the fundamental rules that all players need to know, and they can be learned fairly easily. There are many detailed strategic layers built on top of these core rules.
10. What is narrative play in Age of Sigmar?
Narrative play allows players to create unique scenarios and stories, using any models they desire, without the rigid restrictions of a points system. This type of play focuses more on the story being told, with victory taking a backseat to creating engaging battles.
11. How can I learn Age of Sigmar tactics and strategies?
Watching games being played is the best way to learn Age of Sigmar tactics. A local gaming group can also be invaluable, offering new strategies and different styles of play. The internet is also full of battle reports and army guides to help you learn more.
12. Is Age of Sigmar easy to learn?
Yes, Age of Sigmar is easy to learn, especially compared to other tabletop wargames. The game’s rules are relatively simple, making it accessible to beginners. However, the depth of strategy and tactics allows experienced players to constantly improve.
13. What is the most powerful army in the lore?
While numerous factions are powerful in the Age of Sigmar lore, Archaon the Everchosen, a Chaos champion, is one of the most formidable characters. However, he doesn’t represent a singular faction, but rather a force of chaos.
14. What faction does the most magical damage in Age of Sigmar?
The Lumineth Realm-Lords, Disciples of Tzeentch, and Seraphon are known for their magical prowess. They often possess units and abilities that focus on dealing heavy magical damage to their opponents.
15. What is the most badass faction in Age of Sigmar?
The answer to this is subjective, but factions like the Khorne Bloodbound, Ironjawz, and Nighthaunt are often cited as being among the most badass because of their aggressive playstyles and striking aesthetics.
In conclusion, if you’re just starting out in Age of Sigmar, Stormcast Eternals are an excellent choice. Their straightforward rules, forgiving nature, and versatile playstyle make them the perfect jumping-off point for any aspiring general in the Mortal Realms.