What is the Most Popular Army in Age of Sigmar?
The answer to the question of the most popular army in Age of Sigmar is consistently the Stormcast Eternals. This faction’s popularity isn’t just a fleeting trend; it’s a deeply rooted preference that stems from a variety of factors, including their lore, models, and play style. The Stormcast Eternals are not only highly represented on the tabletop but also hold a significant place in the hearts of many Age of Sigmar enthusiasts.
Why Are Stormcast Eternals So Popular?
The popularity of the Stormcast Eternals can be attributed to several key elements:
Relatable Heroes and Compelling Narrative
Stormcast Eternals are essentially immortal warriors, reforged by the power of Sigmar. They are the champions of Order, fighting against the forces of Chaos, Death, and Destruction. This heroic narrative resonates strongly with players who enjoy a classic “good versus evil” storyline. Their individual stories of sacrifice and redemption, combined with the visual spectacle of their golden armor and celestial powers, make them compelling characters to follow.
Beginner-Friendly Playstyle
The Stormcast Eternals are often cited as the most beginner-friendly faction in Age of Sigmar. Their rules are relatively straightforward, their unit profiles are versatile, and they have access to a wide range of tools that make learning the game easier. Their units excel in many roles, making it simpler for new players to adapt to different battlefield situations. This accessibility makes them a popular choice for those just starting their Age of Sigmar journey.
Stunning Models and Visual Appeal
The models for the Stormcast Eternals are undeniably some of the most visually striking in the Age of Sigmar range. Their heavily armored figures, adorned with celestial iconography, possess an impressive presence on the tabletop. The intricate designs and the sheer variety of unit types, from powerful paladins to flying dragons, provide hobbyists with ample opportunity for painting and customization.
All-Rounder Capabilities
Unlike some factions that excel in specific niches, the Stormcast Eternals are effective in almost any combat scenario. They have sturdy infantry, mobile cavalry, devastating ranged units, and powerful heroes. This all-rounder capability means they can adapt to different armies and playstyles, making them a consistently solid pick.
Strong Lore Connections
The lore of Age of Sigmar is closely tied to the Stormcast Eternals. They are the central figures in the narrative, making them an integral part of the overall game. This close connection to the lore adds another layer of engagement for players who enjoy immersing themselves in the world of Age of Sigmar.
Factors Influencing Faction Popularity
While the Stormcast Eternals reign supreme, faction popularity is dynamic and influenced by various factors:
- New Releases and Updates: The introduction of new models, rules, and Battletomes can significantly impact the popularity of a faction. When a faction receives significant updates or powerful new units, it often experiences a surge in popularity.
- Meta Shifts: The game’s competitive scene, known as the “meta,” can also influence which factions are played more. Factions that are perceived as strong or have favorable matchups become more popular choices in tournaments.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, many players choose a faction based on personal preference and the unique themes and lore that resonate with them. Visual appeal, backstory, and play style are all important factors.
Other Popular Factions
While the Stormcast Eternals dominate, several other factions enjoy considerable popularity. The most notable include:
- Sylvaneth: Known for their connection to nature and striking models, they consistently rank as one of the most popular factions.
- Seraphon: With their diverse roster of reptilian units, they offer a versatile and enjoyable play experience.
- Lumineth Realm-Lords: Aesthetically pleasing with their high magic and elegant models, they appeal to players who prefer a more refined playstyle.
Conclusion
The Stormcast Eternals’ enduring popularity in Age of Sigmar is a testament to their strong lore, versatile gameplay, stunning models, and beginner-friendly nature. While other factions have their dedicated followings, the golden warriors of Sigmar consistently remain the most played and cherished army within the Mortal Realms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the most versatile army in Age of Sigmar?
The Seraphon are often considered one of the most versatile armies in Age of Sigmar. They boast nimble Skinks, hardy Saurus Warriors, aerial reptilian units, and hulking dinosaur centerpieces, offering a broad range of tactical options.
What is the least played army in Age of Sigmar?
Based on data, the least represented factions tend to be the Bonesplitters, Big Wagh, Cities of Sigmar, Kruleboyz, Sons of Behemat, and Idoneth/Flesheaters, with percentages of representation typically below 2.5%.
Which Age of Sigmar army should I play if I want magic?
If you’re looking for magic-heavy armies, Lumineth Realm-lords, Tzeentch, and Seraphon are excellent choices. They tend to have strong magical capabilities and units that synergize well with spellcasting.
Which Age of Sigmar army is easiest for beginners?
Stormcast Eternals are designed to be the most beginner-friendly faction. They feature versatile units, straightforward rules, and a solid all-around playstyle that makes learning the game easier.
Are Stormcast Eternals overpowered?
While they are strong and versatile, the Stormcast Eternals are not generally considered overpowered. They have clear strengths and weaknesses that can be exploited by skilled opponents. They’re more known for being consistently solid rather than overwhelmingly powerful.
What makes the Lumineth Realm-Lords unique?
Lumineth Realm-Lords are known for their high magic, their “castle” style play, their elegant and graceful aesthetic, and powerful ranged capabilities that allow them to act as a powerful sniper army, much like the Stormcast.
Which factions are good for fast and brawl-focused gameplay?
Armies like Beasts of Chaos, Ironjawz, and Idoneth Deepkin excel in fast-paced and brawl-focused strategies. They tend to favor close-quarters combat and aggressive maneuvers.
Is Age of Sigmar easier to play than Warhammer 40K?
Age of Sigmar is generally considered more streamlined and accessible than Warhammer 40K, which features more complex rules and interactions. This makes Age of Sigmar easier for beginners to learn.
Who are the most powerful characters in Age of Sigmar?
Some of the most powerful characters in Age of Sigmar include Archaon the Everchosen, Nagash, Bastian Carthalos, Morathi-Khaine, Lord Kroak, and Kairos Fateweaver.
Can I mix armies in Age of Sigmar?
While there’s not specific mixing of armies in the way it happens in Warhammer 40k, you can typically mix different factions that belong to the same Grand Alliance, like all the Order factions, under certain circumstances. Always refer to your current Battletome and FAQ rules for up-to-date information.
Who is Sigmar?
Sigmar is the Ascended god of civilization and progress in Age of Sigmar. He’s the patron deity of Men, the lord of the Realm of Azyr, and the leader of the Free Peoples of the Cities of Sigmar. He is often known as the God-King.
Who is the god of destruction in Age of Sigmar?
Gorkamorka is the god of destruction in Age of Sigmar, representing primal violence and savagery. His followers, the Orruks, are driven by a constant need for fighting.
Which are the most badass factions in Warhammer 40k?
While the most badass factions are subjective, the Tyranid Hivemind, Necrons, Orks, and Imperium of Man tend to be widely considered among the most badass factions in Warhammer 40k
What is the most elite unit in Warhammer?
The definition of the “most elite” can vary by faction and depends on what is considered elite. Elite units in Warhammer include K’daai Destroyer (Chaos Dwarfs), Hell Pit Abomination (Skaven), Blood Knights (Vampire Counts), and Arachnarok Spider (Orcs and Goblins), and there are many more to consider.
Is Age of Sigmar hard to play?
The core rules of Age of Sigmar are quite simple, making it easy for beginners to learn. However, at higher levels of competition, the game can become very intricate, requiring tactical expertise and knowledge of rules to master it.