Warhammer Fantasy vs. Age of Sigmar: A Detailed Comparison
The world of tabletop wargaming can be confusing, especially when dealing with franchises like Warhammer. Many are familiar with Warhammer 40,000, but the world of fantasy has its own intricate history and two distinct iterations: Warhammer Fantasy Battle and its successor, Warhammer Age of Sigmar. So, what’s the fundamental difference?
Essentially, Warhammer Fantasy Battle (WFB), often simply referred to as Warhammer Fantasy, was the original fantasy wargame, set in a world known as the Old World, heavily inspired by European history and mythology. It was known for its complex rules, ranked infantry units, and a more grounded, gritty tone. On the other hand, Warhammer Age of Sigmar (AoS) is its successor, set in a new setting called the Mortal Realms, which is a more high-fantasy, magical world. AoS is distinguished by its simplified rules, emphasis on individual models, and a generally more fantastical and bombastic aesthetic. The change between the two wasn’t just cosmetic; it represented a significant shift in design philosophy by Games Workshop.
The Key Distinctions
Setting and Lore
- Warhammer Fantasy: Set in the Old World, a place mirroring 15th-century Europe, the game featured a mix of human empires, dwarfs, elves, orcs, and various other fantastical races in a world that was constantly beset by Chaos incursions. The lore was detailed, grounded, and often grim.
- Age of Sigmar: Takes place in the Mortal Realms, a collection of interconnected planes that are vastly different from the Old World. This new setting is more akin to traditional high fantasy, with realms made of magic, fire, death, etc. The narrative is more expansive and allows for grander, more mythical heroes and villains.
Rules and Gameplay
- Warhammer Fantasy: Favored rank-and-file units. Movement was measured in inches, and complex rules dictated how units interacted in combat and maneuvered on the battlefield. Combat was often slow and grinding, rewarding careful planning and positioning. It was a more simulationist approach, trying to represent a medieval battlefield.
- Age of Sigmar: Uses a more streamlined approach with model-based movement and simplified combat mechanics. Units do not necessarily fight in rigid formations, and many rules favor individual heroes and monsters. The focus shifts from unit cohesion to individual model power, and gameplay is faster-paced and more dynamic.
Miniatures and Aesthetics
- Warhammer Fantasy: Models tended to be more grounded in reality, reflecting the historical inspirations of the setting. Armies were often heavily armored, and the aesthetics leaned into a gritty medieval fantasy.
- Age of Sigmar: Features more flamboyant and dynamic miniatures. The designs are often over-the-top, with more ornate armor, larger weapons, and a greater emphasis on magical effects. The overall feel is more fantastical and less historically influenced.
Community and Legacy
- Warhammer Fantasy: Had a very established and dedicated community, having been around for decades. However, the game suffered from a decline in sales and tournament attendance towards the end, contributing to its discontinuation.
- Age of Sigmar: Was initially met with mixed reactions from the hardcore Warhammer Fantasy fans but has grown its own dedicated community. It aims to be more accessible to newcomers, with more straightforward rules.
Why Was Warhammer Fantasy Discontinued?
The discontinuation of Warhammer Fantasy Battle was controversial and stemmed from multiple factors:
- Declining Sales: The game experienced a gradual decline in player numbers and sales, particularly in the face of the more popular Warhammer 40k.
- Complex Rules: The intricate ruleset, while beloved by some, became a barrier to entry for new players.
- Competitive Pressures: The rise of other tabletop games and alternative miniature sources also contributed to the decline.
- Poor Communication: Games Workshop was criticized for communication issues that hampered player loyalty.
- Lawsuits: Legal disputes with competitors also added to the difficulties.
The decision to destroy the Old World in the lore and replace it with Age of Sigmar was a radical one, intended to revitalize the franchise and attract a new generation of players.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Age of Sigmar a Sequel to Warhammer Fantasy?
Yes, Age of Sigmar is the spiritual successor and a reboot of Warhammer Fantasy. It is set in a new universe after the destruction of the Old World. Though it uses many similar concepts, it is a fundamentally new game with a different setting and rules.
Can I use my Warhammer Fantasy models in Age of Sigmar?
Generally, yes, most models from Warhammer Fantasy can be used in Age of Sigmar, although they may need to be rebased and will use different rules. However, many units and characters have been removed, changed or renamed so not all options will still be available.
Is Age of Sigmar easier to learn than Warhammer Fantasy?
Yes, Age of Sigmar is designed to be more accessible with simplified rules and faster gameplay. Warhammer Fantasy, in contrast, was known for its complexity and steep learning curve.
Do Warhammer Fantasy and Age of Sigmar share the same lore?
No, although some themes and characters carry over, they exist in separate universes. Warhammer Fantasy is set in the Old World, while Age of Sigmar takes place in the Mortal Realms. The lore is fundamentally different between the two.
Is Warhammer 40k and Age of Sigmar in the same universe?
No, Warhammer 40,000 (40k) and Age of Sigmar are set in entirely different universes. They share some thematic elements like Chaos Gods, but the settings, technologies, and narratives are distinct.
Can you use Age of Sigmar models in Warhammer 40k?
Technically, yes, if you are playing a Chaos faction in Warhammer 40k, since the two games share the same Chaos deities, some AoS models might fit the aesthetic and be usable. However, this is not officially supported.
Which is more popular, Age of Sigmar or Warhammer 40k?
Warhammer 40k is generally more popular than Age of Sigmar. It’s one of the most popular tabletop wargames in the world due to its unique sci-fi setting.
Which Warhammer game should a beginner try?
Age of Sigmar is generally recommended for beginners due to its streamlined rules and faster gameplay. Warhammer 40k is also beginner friendly but has a more intricate ruleset.
Does Warhammer Fantasy have any video games?
Yes, there are multiple video games set in the Warhammer Fantasy universe, such as the Total War: Warhammer series and the Warhammer: Vermintide series.
Is Sigmar a god in Warhammer Fantasy?
Sigmar was a mortal human hero in Warhammer Fantasy who founded the Empire. In Age of Sigmar, he ascended to a god-like status. The two are very different characterisations of the same figure.
Is Warhammer Fantasy a dark fantasy?
Yes, Warhammer Fantasy is known for its dark and gritty tone. It has heavy influences from historical themes, along with a grim and often unforgiving world.
What’s the most expensive Warhammer model?
The most expensive Warhammer model is the Manta from Warhammer 40k, which can cost over $2,000.
When did Warhammer Fantasy stop being produced?
Warhammer Fantasy was officially discontinued in 2015, when Games Workshop destroyed the Old World in a major lore event, to make way for Age of Sigmar.
Which game has a more competitive scene: Warhammer 40k or Age of Sigmar?
While both games have competitive scenes, Warhammer 40k typically has a larger and more established competitive scene due to its larger player base.
Are all Warhammer games connected?
No, while there might be some shared concepts, most Warhammer games are set in distinct universes. Total War: Warhammer and Vermintide are connected by sharing the lore and setting of the Old World. Warhammer 40k and Age of Sigmar exist in separate settings.
Conclusion
While both Warhammer Fantasy and Age of Sigmar stem from the same roots, they represent distinct eras and design philosophies within the Warhammer universe. Warhammer Fantasy was a complex and gritty game set in a world inspired by real history, while Age of Sigmar is a more streamlined, high-fantasy game set in a new, more fantastical setting. Choosing between the two depends on individual preferences, and understanding the key differences can help players make the most of their wargaming experiences.