Warhammer Age of Sigmar
Officially Warhammer: Age of Sigmar
Games Workshop's high-fantasy tabletop miniature wargame — successor to Warhammer Fantasy Battle after 2015 'End Times' reboot. Stormcast Eternals + Sylvaneth + Skaven + Nighthaunt + Ogor Mawtribes + 20+ factions battle across Mortal Realms. 4th Edition launched 2024. Sister game to Warhammer 40k.
What is Warhammer Age of Sigmar?
Warhammer Age of Sigmar (AoS) is a high-fantasy tabletop miniature wargame by GAMES WORKSHOP (British company, HQ Nottingham, England), sister game to Warhammer 40,000. Successor to WARHAMMER FANTASY BATTLE (originally 1983-2015) — after Games Workshop's controversial 2015 'END TIMES' storyline destroyed the Old World, Age of Sigmar launched as fresh reboot with new setting: MORTAL REALMS. Storyline: 8 Mortal Realms (Order, Beasts, Death, Chaos aligned) with GOD SIGMAR sending down STORMCAST ETERNALS (immortal thunder warriors) to reclaim realms from Chaos + Death + Destruction forces. FACTIONS (20+): ORDER (heroes) — Stormcast Eternals, Cities of Sigmar, Sylvaneth (tree spirits), Fyreslayers (fire dwarves), Idoneth Deepkin (sea elves), Daughters of Khaine, Kharadron Overlords (sky dwarves), Lumineth Realm-lords, Seraphon. DEATH — Nighthaunt (ghosts), Ossiarch Bonereapers, Soulblight Gravelords (vampires), Flesh-eater Courts (ghouls). DESTRUCTION — Orruks (orks), Ogor Mawtribes (ogres), Gloomspite Gitz (goblins + trolls + spider-riders), Sons of Behemat (giants). CHAOS — Slaves to Darkness (mortal chaos warriors), Blades of Khorne (rage-god warriors), Disciples of Tzeentch (change-god sorcerers), Maggotkin of Nurgle (plague-god warriors), Hedonites of Slaanesh (pleasure-god warriors), Skaven (rat-men), Beasts of Chaos. HISTORY: 1st Edition (July 2015) launched with FREE RULES (simplified — controversial); MULTI-BASING + WARSCROLLS replaced rank-and-file rules. 2nd Edition (2018) restored more depth with Age of Sigmar: Malign Sorcery. 3rd Edition (2021) added Battle Tactics + Grand Strategies. 4TH EDITION (July 2024) — SPEARHEAD boxed skirmish + streamlined army lists. GAMEPLAY: Two players field armies from Warscrolls (unit rules cards); turn structure: Hero Phase → Movement → Shooting → Charge → Combat → Battleshock. Dice-based (D6) combat. POINTS-BASED army construction (1000-3000 pts standard tournament). MINIATURES: hand-painted; single miniatures $10-50; army boxes $150-300; competitive army $500-1500. TOURNAMENTS: LVO (Las Vegas Open, largest US), UK Nationals, GHO (Grand Handbook of Order), Global Championship (Games Workshop-sponsored). Estimated 500K-1M active hobbyists. Sister game Warhammer 40,000 (sci-fi) is larger, but AoS grew significantly with 3rd + 4th Edition.
Quick facts
Category
Miniature Wargames
Type
Individual
Players
2–4
Duration
~180 min
Where played
indoor
Field / court
tabletop with battlefield terrain (4×4 ft to 6×4 ft table)
Country of origin
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Estimated origin
Warhammer Fantasy Battle 1983-2015; End Times finale 2015 + Age of Sigmar launch 4 July 2015; 2nd Edition 2018; 3rd Edition July 2021; 4th Edition July 2024
Olympic
No
Popularity
regional
How it works
Objective
Score more Victory Points than opponent through Battle Tactics + Grand Strategy + battlefield control at end of turn 5 (or force opponent to concede).
Match structure
5-turn game (2 players); each turn = hero + movement + shooting + charge + combat + battleshock. Multi-day tournaments (3-5 games weekend).
Rules
Basic rules
Build army by faction (Battletome)
Choose one of 20+ factions; select units up to point limit (500 skirmish → 3000 mega). Include heroes, battleline, monsters, artillery.
Set up battlefield with terrain
Place terrain features (hills, ruins, forests); terrain rules affect line-of-sight + movement + cover.
Deploy alternating
Roll off; players alternate deploying units. Terrain + objective placement varies by mission.
5-turn game
Standard game lasts 5 game turns; each turn both players complete phases.
Turn structure: Hero → Movement → Shooting → Charge → Combat → Battleshock
Hero Phase (spells + prayers + abilities), Movement, Shooting (bows/artillery), Charge (12-inch charge attempts), Combat (melee attacks), Battleshock (morale check).
Dice-based combat (D6)
To hit + to wound + save rolls; each unit has statlines (attacks, damage, wounds, saves).
Objectives + Victory Points
Score points from controlling objectives + battle tactics + grand strategies.
Points-based army construction
Standard: 2000 pts. Escalation: 500 → 1000 → 1500 → 2000 → 3000.
Advanced rules
Faction allegiance abilities
Each Battletome grants unique subfaction abilities, army traits, artifacts, spells, prayers. Deep strategic customization.
Battle Tactics + Grand Strategy
3rd Edition + added: choose Grand Strategy at start (game-long objective); reveal Battle Tactic each turn (short-term goal). Points scored for completion.
Warscrolls (unit rules cards)
Each unit has warscroll with statline, weapons, special abilities, keywords. Modernized replacement for old rank-and-file rules.
Command points + abilities
Earn Command Points per turn; spend for army-wide abilities (Rally, All-out Attack/Defense, Redeploy, Inspiring Presence).
Hero Phase spells + prayers
Wizards cast spells + priests offer prayers; can be dispelled/unbound by opponent's wizards.
Charge phase (12-inch charge + combat)
Roll 2D6 for charge distance; unit that fails charge = penalty. Successful charge → combat with strike-first bonus.
Combat phase alternating activation
Players alternate activating combat units; tactical decision-making + priority activation.
Battleshock (morale)
Units lose models to Battleshock if suffered wounds > bravery + wounds; can cause routing.
Terrain features
Mystical terrain grants random bonuses (bravery + rerolls + wound rolls); terrain types affect combat.
Spearhead (4th Edition new mode)
Skirmish-scale (100-200 points) with pre-built boxed sets; simplified for beginners + fast play.
Scoring
Victory Points from Battle Tactics + Grand Strategy + objective control. Win by scoring more VP at end of game 5.
| Action | Points |
|---|---|
| Complete Battle Tactic per turn | 2-5 VP (varies) |
| Complete Grand Strategy at end | 3-5 VP |
| Control battlefield objective | 1-3 VP per objective per turn |
| Kill enemy general (some scenarios) | 2-5 VP |
| Match win (VP majority at end turn 5) | 1 game win |
| Tournament rank (multi-game) | Match wins + strength of schedule + tie-breakers |
Win condition · Score more Victory Points at end of Turn 5, OR force opponent to concede (rare — army destroyed).
Playing area
Called
tabletop with battlefield terrain (4×4 ft to 6×4 ft table)
Dimensions
Standard tournament table 44×60 inches (~4×5 ft); scenery + terrain provided by players or venue. 44×90 for Grand Tournament matches.
Grass-mat tables with cardstock/plastic terrain: hills, forests, ruins, buildings, temples, walls. Terrain rules affect line-of-sight + cover + movement.
Equipment
Miniature army (100-3000 points)
$150-1500 hand-painted miniatures per army. Starter Set $150; competitive tournament army $500-1500.
Battletome (faction rules book)
$50-80 per faction-specific rulebook with warscrolls, points, allegiance abilities.
Core Rules book (Games Workshop)
Free digital or $50 hardcover; contains basic game rules.
Dice (D6, D3, D20)
10-20 D6 minimum for combat rolls; specific dice for wounds + saves + battleshock. Custom faction dice available.
Measuring tape / rulers
Movement + shooting in inches; 12-inch ruler + tape measure standard.
Painted miniatures (mandatory or nearly)
Games Workshop encourages painting; tournaments usually require 3-color minimum painted.
Painting supplies
Citadel paints ($5-8/pot), brushes ($5-30), primers, varnishes. $100-300 for full painting kit.
Tokens + counters
Command Point trackers, spell + prayer tokens, wound markers, objective markers.
Officiating
Tournaments have head judges + volunteer refs. Games Workshop sponsors Grand Tournaments + Championships. Rules disputes resolved via Battletome + FAQ.
- Tournament organizers (TO)
- Head Judge (for major tournaments)
- Games Workshop event staff (Grand Tournaments)
- Community judges + Warhammer TV commentators
Strategies
Start with Starter Set
Dominion (2021 3rd Ed) or Skaventide (2024 4th Ed) launch boxes give 2 armies + book for $150-200. Best beginner value.
Choose faction that appeals visually
Painting will consume most hobby time; pick army you'll enjoy painting.
Learn rules slowly
AoS complex; don't try to master everything at once. Start with core rules + 1 faction's Battletome.
Join local gaming group
Games Workshop stores + independent hobby shops host game nights. Local Facebook/Discord groups list events.
Watch battle reports + YouTube
MiniWarGaming, StrikingScorpion82, Guerilla Miniature Games, Warhammer TV channels teach rules + tactics.
Practice list building
Free tools (Warhammer AoS App, AzyrGauntlet) for army construction; test different unit combinations.
Attend local RTT (Rebased Tournament Trial)
Small local tournaments (2-day, 3-4 games); low-pressure competitive introduction.
Painting matters
Games Workshop encourages painted armies; tournaments require 3-color minimum; aesthetic pleasure + tournament requirement.
GHB (General's Handbook) yearly meta
Annual General's Handbook shifts points + battleplans + meta; adapt list building yearly.
Tournament grand strategy
Choose grand strategy carefully — match with your army's strengths for reliable VP.
Terminology
- AoS
- Common abbreviation for Age of Sigmar.
- Warscroll
- Unit rules card with statline + special abilities + weapons.
- Battletome
- Faction rulebook ($50-80); contains all faction warscrolls + allegiance abilities.
- Mortal Realms
- 8 dimensional realms (Order, Beasts, Death, Chaos aligned) where AoS is set.
- Stormcast Eternals
- Sigmar's immortal thunder warriors; iconic AoS Order faction.
- Sigmar / God-King Sigmar
- Chief god of Order pantheon; sends Stormcast to reclaim realms.
- Chaos gods (Khorne, Tzeentch, Nurgle, Slaanesh)
- 4 evil chaos deities with distinct faction themes.
- Battle Tactic
- Short-term turn-by-turn objective; earn Victory Points for completion.
- Grand Strategy
- Game-long objective; complete for VP bonus at end of game 5.
- Command Point (CP)
- Turn-based resource for army-wide command abilities.
- General
- Chosen leader of army; grants command traits + certain command abilities.
- Rally / All-out Attack / All-out Defense
- Universal command abilities cost 1 CP each.
- Battleshock
- Morale check after taking wounds; can lose models to fear.
- Bravery
- Unit's morale rating; higher = better Battleshock resistance.
- Wound / Save
- Combat mechanics: wounds inflicted vs armor save roll.
- Spearhead
- 4th Edition skirmish mode (100-200 pts) with pre-built boxed sets.
- GHO / General's Handbook
- Annual points update + battleplans book.
- GHB
- Same as above — General's Handbook (annual meta update).
- LVO
- Las Vegas Open — largest US AoS Championship.
- GT
- Grand Tournament — top-tier competitive event.
- RTT
- Rebased Tournament Trial — small local tournaments.
Major competitions
LVO (Las Vegas Open) — AoS Championship
annual (January) · USA (largest US annual event) · since 2012
Warhammer Grand Tournament (GT) — UK Nationals
annual + regional · UK + international · since 2016
AoS Global Championship (Games Workshop)
annual · Nottingham, UK · since 2019
US AoS Nationals + regional GTs
annual · USA + Europe + Australia · since 2015
Warhammer World tournaments
monthly + major · Nottingham, UK (Games Workshop HQ) · since 1997
Adepticon (US Chicago wargaming convention)
annual · Chicago, USA · since 2005
Cancon Australia + European Championships
annual · Australia + Europe · since 2015
Regional community tournaments (100+ per year worldwide)
monthly · worldwide · since 2015
Where it is played
Governing bodies
Games Workshop
Founded 1975 · Nottingham, UK
Official site ↗Games Workshop Warhammer World (HQ + events)
Founded 1997 · Nottingham, UK
AoS Global Championship + Grand Tournaments
Founded 2019 · worldwide (rotating hosts)
Famous names & records
Famous athletes
- James Hitchen (UK) — 2019 + 2022 UK Nationals champion; content creator (Vince Venturella podcast frequent guest)
- Sam Pearson (UK) — Multi-time UK Grand Tournament winner
- Sean Nayden (USA) — LVO champion + Adepticon top
- Adrian Lasos (Poland) — European AoS champion
- Josh Coyne (Australia) — Multi-time Australian national champion
- Andrew Ross (Canada) — Canadian AoS Nationals champion
- Tuomas Pirinen (Finland) — Legendary designer of original Warhammer Fantasy + AoS influence
- Legendary designers (not competitive): John Blanche (artist), Alan Merrett (early designer), Games Workshop design team
- Notable community: Vince Venturella (Warhammer Weekly), Rob Symes (Rob Symes commentates AoS), Warhammer Weekly podcast crew
Records
Warhammer Fantasy Battle first edition
Games Workshop — 1983 (1983)
Warhammer Fantasy Battle 'End Times' + destruction
Games Workshop — 2014-2015 storyline destroyed Old World setting (2015)
Age of Sigmar 1st Edition launch
Games Workshop — July 4, 2015 (with FREE 4-page rules) (2015)
AoS 2nd Edition (Malign Sorcery)
Games Workshop — 2018 return to more depth (2018)
AoS 3rd Edition (Dominion box)
Games Workshop — July 2021 with Battle Tactics + Grand Strategy (2021)
AoS 4th Edition (Spearhead + Skaventide)
Games Workshop — July 2024 with Spearhead skirmish mode (2024)
Largest AoS tournament
LVO 2024 AoS Championship — ~400 players (2024)
Games Workshop annual revenue peak
Games Workshop plc — £500M+ FY2023 (AoS + 40K + LOTR combined) (2023)
Learn this sport
beginner
- 1
Watch YouTube 'How to Play' videos
Warhammer TV + MiniWarGaming channels have 4th Edition tutorials. 2-hour investment to learn basics.
- 2
Buy Starter Set ($150-200)
Skaventide (Skaven vs Stormcast) 4th Ed launch box; includes armies + rules + terrain + dice.
- 3
Play beginner games at local store
Games Workshop stores + independent hobby shops offer intro games; 1-hour lessons free.
- 4
Paint your first models
Basic painting (base coat + wash + drybrush) suffices for tabletop-quality; YouTube tutorials cheap.
intermediate
- 1
Buy Battletome for chosen faction
$50-80; contains detailed rules + allegiance abilities + subfactions.
- 2
Build full 2000-point army
Standard tournament size. Cost: $500-1000 for models + paints + terrain.
- 3
Attend local RTT + monthly tournaments
Low-pressure competitive introduction. 8-15 players typical.
advanced
- 1
Grand Tournament circuit
Enter major GTs (LVO, UK Nationals, Adepticon); ranking + qualification for World Team Championships.
- 2
AoS Championship / Global finals
Top-tier competitive players qualify for Games Workshop Global Championship.
- 3
Content creation + coaching
Warhammer Weekly + Vince Venturella podcast; Twitch streams; YouTube tutorials; coaching services.
Frequently asked
What is Warhammer Age of Sigmar?+
Warhammer Age of Sigmar (AoS) is a HIGH-FANTASY tabletop miniature wargame by GAMES WORKSHOP (British company, Nottingham). Sister game to Warhammer 40,000 (sci-fi). Successor to WARHAMMER FANTASY BATTLE (1983-2015) — Games Workshop's controversial 2015 'END TIMES' storyline destroyed original Old World setting; AoS launched July 4, 2015 as fresh reboot with new MORTAL REALMS setting. STORY: 8 dimensional realms (Order, Beasts, Death, Chaos aligned). GOD-KING SIGMAR sends STORMCAST ETERNALS (immortal thunder warriors) to reclaim realms from Chaos + Death + Destruction factions. GAMEPLAY: 2 players field 100-3000 point armies; alternating turns (Hero, Movement, Shooting, Charge, Combat, Battleshock phases); dice-based (D6) combat. WIN by scoring most Victory Points at end of Turn 5. 20+ FACTIONS including Stormcast Eternals, Sylvaneth, Skaven, Nighthaunt, Slaves to Darkness, Ossiarch Bonereapers, etc. 4TH EDITION launched July 2024 with SPEARHEAD skirmish mode. Sister game to Warhammer 40K; AoS smaller but growing player base (500K-1M active). Requires miniature purchase + painting + rulebook investment ($200-2000+ for competitive).
AoS vs Warhammer 40K — what's the difference?+
Both by GAMES WORKSHOP; both tabletop miniature wargames with similar core mechanics. DIFFERENCES: (1) SETTING — AoS = HIGH FANTASY (Mortal Realms with wizards, elves, orcs, dwarves, monsters, gods); 40K = GRIMDARK SCI-FI (year 40,000+; Space Marines, Chaos, Aliens, Imperium). (2) FACTIONS — AoS: Stormcast, Sylvaneth, Skaven, Nighthaunt, etc.; 40K: Space Marines, Chaos Space Marines, Necrons, Tyranids, Orks, Aeldari, etc. (3) SCALE — AoS: infantry + monster + hero balanced; 40K: infantry-heavy + vehicles + terminators. (4) RULES COMPLEXITY — 40K more complex + rules-heavy; AoS more streamlined but has depth. (5) POPULARITY — 40K MUCH bigger; ~4x more players + revenue. AoS ~500K-1M active; 40K ~2-4M active worldwide. (6) TOURNAMENTS — both have major GTs; 40K has more numerous. (7) PRICE POINT — similar ($200-2000+ per army). (8) SUB-BRANDS — both have sister games: AoS has Warcry (skirmish), Warhammer Underworlds (card + minis); 40K has Kill Team, Necromunda, Aeronautica. Both share same fundamental appeal: collect + paint + play with miniatures. Pick based on setting preference.
How much does Age of Sigmar cost?+
Costs vary widely: (1) STARTER SET (Skaventide or previous Dominion): $150-200. Includes 2 factions + book + terrain + dice. Best beginner value. (2) BATTLETOME per faction: $50-80. Contains faction-specific rules. (3) SINGLE MINIATURES: $10-50 each. Elite unit $50; hero $30-40; troops $30-40 for 10-20 models. (4) FULL 2000-POINT ARMY: $500-1500 depending on faction (elite armies cost more since fewer models needed). (5) PAINTING SUPPLIES: $100-500 for full paint kit (Citadel paints $5-8/pot + brushes + primers). (6) TERRAIN + ACCESSORIES: $100-300. TOTAL BEGINNER: $300-500 (Starter Set + basic paints). TOTAL COMPETITIVE: $1000-3000 for painted + optimized army. RECURRING: (1) New Battletomes released periodically; some armies need book updates. (2) Points updates yearly ($40 General's Handbook). (3) 4th Edition launched July 2024 required new core rulebook ($60). Games Workshop is EXPENSIVE hobby (2× cost of Warmachine, MtG); consider commitment before starting. Second-hand market on eBay + Reddit r/warhammerAOSmarket can save 30-50%.
Which AoS faction should I play?+
20+ FACTIONS across 4 GRAND ALLIANCES: (1) ORDER (heroes) — Stormcast Eternals (iconic; beginner-friendly; expensive), Cities of Sigmar (elite fantasy humans/elves/dwarves), Sylvaneth (tree spirits; magical), Fyreslayers (fire dwarves), Idoneth Deepkin (sea elves), Kharadron Overlords (sky dwarves with ships), Daughters of Khaine (elite assassins), Lumineth Realm-lords (elite elves), Seraphon (lizard warriors), Ossiarch Bonereapers, Beasts of Chaos. (2) DEATH — Nighthaunt (ghosts), Soulblight Gravelords (vampires + skeletons), Flesh-eater Courts (ghouls), Ossiarch Bonereapers. (3) DESTRUCTION — Orruks Warclans (orks + brutes), Ogor Mawtribes (ogres + giants), Gloomspite Gitz (goblins + trolls + spider-riders), Sons of Behemat (giants). (4) CHAOS — Slaves to Darkness (chaos warriors), Blades of Khorne (rage), Disciples of Tzeentch (magic), Maggotkin of Nurgle (plague), Hedonites of Slaanesh (pleasure), Skaven (rat-men). BEGINNER RECOMMENDATIONS: STORMCAST ETERNALS (many painting tutorials + strong 4th Ed range), SLAVES TO DARKNESS (versatile + easy to learn), GLOOMSPITE GITZ (fun + affordable). Pick faction whose AESTHETICS you'll enjoy painting for hundreds of hours — that's the real long-term investment. Play STYLE: hordes (Skaven), elite (Idoneth), monster-heavy (Bonereapers), balanced (Stormcast).
Is Age of Sigmar tournament-competitive?+
YES — solid competitive scene, though smaller than 40K. TOP EVENTS: (1) LVO (Las Vegas Open, January) — largest US AoS Championship; 400+ players. (2) UK NATIONALS + GRAND TOURNAMENTS — UK circuit; strong European presence. (3) AoS GLOBAL CHAMPIONSHIP (Games Workshop-sponsored, annual in Nottingham) — pinnacle event. (4) US NATIONALS, CANADIAN NATIONALS, AUSTRALIAN NATIONALS — regional prestige events. (5) ADEPTICON (Chicago, March) — annual wargaming convention with AoS majors. (6) SMALLER RTTs (Rebased Tournament Trials) — 8-15 player local events monthly worldwide. FORMAT: 5-6 games over weekend; 2000-point armies; Battle Tactics + Grand Strategies; matched play rules. NOTABLE PROS: James Hitchen (UK), Sam Pearson (UK), Sean Nayden (USA), Josh Coyne (Australia). RANKINGS: ITC (Independent Tournament Circuit) tracks tournament winners globally; season-long standings. Growing scene with new 4th Edition (July 2024). Not as large as 40K or MTG competitive scenes but active enough for dedicated tournament players. PRIZES modest (trophies + Games Workshop store credit + occasional cash prizes at biggest events). Community-driven + welcoming; not lucrative pro path but rewarding hobby competition.
Why did Warhammer Fantasy Battle end + AoS start?+
In 2014-2015 Games Workshop LITERALLY DESTROYED their fantasy world through storyline. WARHAMMER FANTASY BATTLE (1983-2015) had complex 'Old World' setting with Empire, High Elves, Orcs + Goblins, Skaven, Chaos, etc. — beloved by hardcore fans but SALES DECLINED for years vs 40K. REASONS: (1) COMPLEXITY — Rank-and-file wargame with 25+ page core rules; steep learning curve. (2) SIZE — Games required 3000+ point armies; expensive + time-consuming. (3) STAGNANT sales; Games Workshop needed refresh. END TIMES (2014-2015) storyline: apocalyptic 4-book series destroyed Old World in-fiction. WORLD LITERALLY DESTROYED — realms shattered, gods died, most factions ended. AGE OF SIGMAR LAUNCHED July 4, 2015 — controversial for fans: (1) FREE 4-PAGE 'RULES' (simplified from 200-page WFB); considered dumbed-down. (2) NEW SETTING (Mortal Realms) unfamiliar. (3) NO POINTS COST initially (added later). (4) 'ROUND BASES' instead of square. FAN BACKLASH severe — hardcore Old World players quit. GAMES WORKSHOP RECOVERED: (1) Added points 2015; (2) 2018 2ND EDITION restored depth; (3) 3RD + 4TH EDITIONS refined; (4) OLD WORLD RETURNED 2024 as SEPARATE game (The Old World). Both games now coexist — AoS has grown into successful tournament + narrative game with 20+ factions. Old World reboot for classic WFB fans. Games Workshop learned + adapted successfully.
Sources & provenance
- Wikipedia — Warhammer Age of Sigmar— Wikipedia
- Games Workshop — Warhammer Age of Sigmar— Games Workshop
- Warhammer Community— Games Workshop