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Which Age of Sigmar Army Should I Play? A Wargamer’s Guide

So, you’re diving into the Age of Sigmar, the sprawling, vibrant fantasy wargame from Games Workshop. Excellent choice! But with a dizzying array of factions vying for control of the Mortal Realms, deciding which army to command can feel overwhelming. The honest, and perhaps frustrating, answer to the question “Which Age of Sigmar army should I play?” is: it depends entirely on you. It depends on your playstyle, your aesthetic preferences, and the kind of experience you’re looking for. There’s no single “best” army. Instead, there’s a “best” army for you. This guide will help you figure out which one that is.

Finding Your Perfect Faction: Beyond the Battlefield

Choosing an army isn’t just about crunching numbers and analyzing win rates (though we’ll touch on that). It’s about connecting with a faction on a deeper level. Think about these factors:

The Lore: Immerse yourself in the rich background of the Mortal Realms. Read the novels, short stories, and army books. Does the grim determination of the Stormcast Eternals resonate with you? Or perhaps the cunning brutality of the Orruk Warclans? Lore is your entryway into the soul of each army.
The Aesthetic: Let’s be honest, Warhammer is a hobby that’s as much about building and painting as it is about playing games. Do you love the sleek, high-fantasy look of the Lumineth Realm-lords? Or are you drawn to the grotesque, decaying beauty of the Maggotkin of Nurgle? Choose an army whose models you genuinely enjoy painting, as this will keep you motivated and engaged in the long run.
The Playstyle: This is where the crunch comes in. Some armies are aggressive melee powerhouses, while others rely on intricate magic or cunning ranged tactics. Do you prefer to smash your opponents head-on, or outmaneuver them with finesse?

Defining Your Playstyle: A Quick Army Overview

Here’s a brief rundown of some popular factions and their general playstyles to get you started:

Stormcast Eternals (Order): The poster boys of Age of Sigmar. Versatile, resilient, and good at just about everything. A solid choice for beginners. They tend to be elite and durable, making them forgiving to play.
Orruk Warclans (Destruction): Raw, brutal power. These armies are all about smashing face and overwhelming the enemy with numbers and aggression. Expect a simple and direct playstyle. If you want to get in close and deal devastating damage, Orruks are for you. Ironjawz specialize in heavy armor and brutal melee, while Kruleboyz utilize cunning traps and poisonous weapons.
Cities of Sigmar (Order): A diverse mix of human, duardin (dwarves), and aelven (elves) units, offering a wide range of tactical options. Can be tricky to master, but very rewarding for experienced players. A good army for people who like combined arms tactics.
Disciples of Tzeentch (Chaos): Masters of magic and manipulation. These armies rely on powerful spells, cunning schemes, and mutating horrors. A more complex and unpredictable faction. If you enjoy strategic depth and mind games, Tzeentch might be your calling.
Idoneth Deepkin (Order): Swift and deadly raiders from the abyssal depths. They excel at lightning strikes and hit-and-run tactics. A fast and aggressive army, but requires careful positioning.
Skaven (Chaos): An overwhelming tide of rats and mad science. They rely on sheer numbers, unreliable technology, and a healthy dose of skulduggery. Can be highly variable and unpredictable but capable of immense damage output.
Nighthaunt (Death): Ethereal spirits that haunt the battlefield. They are fast, resilient, and difficult to pin down. A highly mobile and disruptive army. If you like playing with tricky rules and surprising your opponent, Nighthaunt are a great choice.
Lumineth Realm-lords (Order): Elegant and powerful elves with a strong connection to nature. They excel at magic, ranged combat, and precise strikes. This army focuses on precision and synergy.
Seraphon (Order): Scaly warriors and lumbering dinosaurs commanded by star-powered priests. Highly versatile and adaptable to different playstyles. A powerful and flexible army.
Maggotkin of Nurgle (Chaos): Plodding but resilient forces that spread disease and decay. They excel at attrition warfare and wearing down the enemy. If you like a tough, durable army that can slowly grind down the competition, Nurgle is for you.

Beyond the Core Factions: Exploring Further

Don’t feel limited by the above list! There are many other fascinating factions in Age of Sigmar, each with its unique flavor and playstyle. Explore the Beasts of Chaos, the Daughters of Khaine, the Kharadron Overlords, and more! Take your time, browse the Games Workshop website, read online forums, and watch battle reports to get a feel for each faction. Consider browsing the Games Learning Society to learn more about how games can enrich your knowledge of the worlds in which they are set. We invite you to explore GamesLearningSociety.org.

Making Your Decision: Practical Tips

Try Before You Buy: If possible, play a game or two with a borrowed army before committing to buying your own. Many local gaming stores offer demo games or introductory sessions.
Start Small: Don’t feel pressured to buy a huge army all at once. Start with a small, manageable force (like a Start Collecting! box) and gradually expand from there. This will give you time to learn the rules and develop your painting skills.
Don’t Chase the Meta: The “meta” (most effective tactics available) is constantly changing. Don’t choose an army solely based on its current power level, as it may be nerfed in the next update. Focus on choosing an army you enjoy playing, regardless of its win rate.
Remember It’s a Hobby: Most importantly, have fun! Age of Sigmar is a game, and the goal is to enjoy yourself. Choose an army that excites you, challenges you, and inspires you to create something beautiful.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the easiest army to paint for a beginner?

Generally, armies with fewer intricate details and larger, simpler surfaces are easier to paint. Stormcast Eternals are a good choice due to their large armor plates. Orruk Warclans can also be relatively simple, especially if you focus on a more “grungy” look rather than pristine details.

2. What is the most competitive army in Age of Sigmar?

The meta is constantly shifting, so there’s no definitive “most competitive” army. However, factions like Lumineth Realm-lords, Seraphon, and Ossiarch Bonereapers are often considered strong contenders in the competitive scene. It’s a good idea to check for regular updates.

3. What army is best for someone who likes magic?

Disciples of Tzeentch are the undisputed masters of magic in Age of Sigmar. They have access to a vast array of powerful spells and abilities. Seraphon, Lumineth Realm-lords, and Slaves to Darkness (with a focus on magic) are also strong contenders.

4. What army is best for someone who likes melee combat?

Orruk Warclans (especially Ironjawz) are all about getting up close and personal. Beasts of Chaos are also a fantastic melee army.

5. What army is best for someone who likes ranged combat?

Kharadron Overlords are the masters of ranged firepower, with their heavily armed skyvessels. Lumineth Realm-lords are also very good at range, and Skaven have some strong range options as well, albeit unreliable.

6. Can I mix armies in Age of Sigmar?

Yes, you can include Allies in your army. You can add 1 allied unit for every 4 units you field but those do not inherit or nor use the allegiance abilities of your faction. They also cannot get Enchancements.

7. What is the most versatile army in Age of Sigmar?

Seraphon are widely regarded as one of the most versatile armies, with access to a wide range of units and abilities. Cities of Sigmar can also be built in many different ways.

8. What is the cheapest army to collect in Age of Sigmar?

This depends on how you define “cheap.” Armies with fewer, larger models (like Fyreslayers or Maggotkin of Nurgle) can be less expensive to buy initially.

9. Is Age of Sigmar more beginner-friendly than Warhammer 40,000?

Generally, yes. Age of Sigmar has simpler rules and a more streamlined gameplay experience, making it easier for new players to learn.

10. Where can I find people to play Age of Sigmar with?

Check your local gaming stores, join online forums and groups (like Facebook groups or Discord servers), and look for local Age of Sigmar events and tournaments.

11. How often does Age of Sigmar get new editions and updates?

Games Workshop releases new editions of Age of Sigmar every few years. There are also regular updates to the rules and unit stats through Battletomes and errata.

12. What is a Battletome?

A Battletome is a dedicated army book that contains the lore, rules, and unit stats for a specific faction. It’s an essential resource for anyone playing that army.

13. What are “Endless Spells”?

Endless Spells are magical spells that persist on the battlefield, creating ongoing effects. They can be used to buff your own units, debuff your opponents, or create dangerous environmental hazards.

14. What is the best way to learn the rules of Age of Sigmar?

Start with the core rulebook, read your army’s Battletome, and watch online tutorials and battle reports. The best way to learn is to play the game and make mistakes!

15. What is the best Age of Sigmar faction?

There is no single “best” faction. It all comes down to personal preference, playstyle, and the kind of experience you’re looking for. Choose the army that excites you the most, and have fun!