A Beginner’s Guide to Warhammer Age of Sigmar

Warhammer Age of Sigmar (AoS) has become one of the most popular tabletop wargames in the world, offering epic battles, rich storytelling, and an incredibly creative hobby community. Whether you’re brand new to miniature wargaming or you’re just looking to explore a new universe, Age of Sigmar is a fantastic place to start.

At More Than Meeples, we stock a wide range of Warhammer sets, paints, and accessories to help you begin your journey. This beginner’s guide will walk you through the basics of Age of Sigmar, from understanding the lore and factions to choosing your first models and painting them.

If you’re ready to start your Warhammer Age of Sigmar journey, browse the extensive range available at our online board game shop or contact us if you have any enquiries.

What Is Warhammer Age of Sigmar?

Age of Sigmar is a fantasy tabletop wargame produced by Games Workshop. Unlike traditional board games, AoS is part strategy game, part model-building hobby, and part storytelling experience. Players collect miniatures, assemble and paint them, then lead their armies in battles set across the Mortal Realms, a vast universe of gods, heroes, and terrifying monsters.

The appeal of Age of Sigmar lies in its flexibility: you can play small skirmishes with just a handful of models or stage massive clashes with hundreds of painted miniatures. It’s a hobby you can grow with, and one that connects you to a global community of gamers and collectors.

The Factions of Age of Sigmar

One of the most exciting aspects of AoS is choosing a faction. Each has its own lore, playstyle, and aesthetic. Here are a few examples to get you started:

• Stormcast Eternals – The iconic warriors of Sigmar, clad in golden armour. Great for beginners thanks to straightforward rules and versatile units.
• Orruk Warclans – Brutal, green-skinned fighters who thrive on raw aggression and smashing their enemies in close combat.
• Nighthaunt – Ghostly legions that look spectacular on the tabletop and offer unique movement mechanics.
• Sylvaneth – Spirits of the forest, combining beautiful models with a mix of magical and melee gameplay.

As a new player, it’s best to pick a faction you love the look of. You’ll be spending time painting and assembling your models, so choose an army that excites you visually. You should also do your research to learn how each faction plays, ensuring you pick an army that aligns with your playstyle

What Do You Need to Get Started?

Getting into Age of Sigmar doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are the essentials:

1. Starter Set – The Warhammer Age of Sigmar Starter Set is the easiest way to begin, giving you two small armies, dice, rulers, and a rulebook.
2. Miniatures – Over time, you’ll expand your chosen faction with extra units, heroes, and monsters.
3. Paints and Brushes – The Army Painter provide paints that are an excellent choice for beginners, offering everything you need to get colour on your models quickly.
4. Dice and Measuring Tools – Included in most starter kits, but available separately if you want extras.
5. Rulebook – Digital and print versions are available, giving you the core rules and faction-specific battletomes.

At More Than Meeples, we stock starter sets, expansion kits, and all the supplies you need to paint your miniatures, making it simple to grab everything you need in one place.

Learning the Rules

Age of Sigmar is designed to be accessible, even if you’re brand new to wargaming. Battles are turn-based, with players alternating through phases:

1. Hero Phase – Cast spells, use abilities, and issue commands.
2. Movement Phase – Position your units strategically across the battlefield.
3. Shooting Phase – Ranged units unleash arrows, bolts, or magical blasts.
4. Charge & Combat Phases – Units rush into melee combat and fight it out.
5. Battleshock Phase – Morale checks decide whether shaken units flee.

Games can last from one hour to an entire afternoon, depending on the size of your armies. The rules are free to download from Games Workshop’s website, making it easy to test the waters before committing.

Painting and Customising Your Army

For many hobbyists, painting is just as rewarding as playing. It’s your chance to bring your army to life and express creativity. If you’re new to painting miniatures, start simple:

• Prime your models – Spray primer gives your paint a good surface to stick to.
• Base colours – Apply the main colours of your faction.
• Washes – Add depth by shading recesses and details.
• Highlights – Pick out raised areas with a lighter shade to make your models pop.

The Army Painter provides paints that are designed for ease, giving you pre-selected paints, brushes, and instructions. Over time, you can experiment with advanced techniques like dry brushing, layering, and blending.

Building Your First Army

Once you’ve tried the starter set, you’ll probably want to expand. The best way is by purchasing a Battletome for your chosen faction. This gives you detailed lore, special rules, and guidance on how to structure your army.

A good beginner army usually has:

• 1 Hero (leader)
• 2–3 Battleline units (core troops)
• 1 Special unit (elite fighters, monsters, or artillery)

You don’t need hundreds of models to enjoy the game. A balanced 1,000-point army is a great starting point for regular play.

Tips for Beginners

• Start small – Focus on learning the basics before expanding into massive armies.
• Join the community – Local game stores often host beginner nights and events.
• Practice painting – Don’t stress about perfection. Your skills will improve with every model.
• Play for fun – AoS is about storytelling and creativity, not just winning.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

Warhammer Age of Sigmar is a hobby that combines strategy, artistry, and community. Whether you’re drawn to the heroic Stormcast, the terrifying Nighthaunt, or the destructive Orruks, there’s sure to be a faction that will capture your imagination.

At More Than Meeples, we make it easy to dive in with a wide range of Warhammer starter sets, paints, and accessories. You can buy board games online with confidence, as we stock everything from beginner-friendly kits to advanced hobby supplies. From your first miniature to fully painted armies, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Explore our Warhammer collection today and start building your army of the Mortal Realms, or contact us if you’d like advice on choosing the perfect set to begin your journey.