Welcome to your comprehensive guide to every army and faction from both Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer Age of Sigmar.
In this section, you’ll discover detailed overviews of each faction, delving into their rich lore and unique characteristics.
Whether you’re drawn to the righteous zeal of the Adepta Sororitas or the relentless march of the Death Guard, each entry provides insights into their backstory, playstyle, and thematic elements.
Additionally, we offer practical painting tips tailored to each army, helping you bring your chosen miniatures to life on the battlefield.
With this information at your fingertips, you can make an informed decision about which faction resonates with your vision.
Embrace the challenge and excitement of the Warhammer universe—decide your game setting now!
Warhammer 40k
Warhammer 40,000 is a grim, dystopian sci-fi universe where humanity battles various alien races and chaotic entities, emphasizing strategy and complex rules.
In contrast, Age of Sigmar features a high-fantasy setting filled with magic and heroic battles, offering streamlined gameplay and a focus on individual heroes and mythical creatures.
Warhammer 40k Factions
There are many Warhammer 40k armies for players to choose from. Those armies can be categorized under four main factions. These factions include:
- Space Marines: Genetically enhanced super soldiers built to defend the Imperium of Man.
- Xenos: The many non-human factions that make up the rest of the galaxy.
- Chaos: The nefarious creatures that reside within the warp, and seek to subvert the mortal species of the Milky Way.
- Imperium: The many denizens of the Imperium of Man’s inner workings that help it function.
Warhammer Age of Sigmar
Warhammer Age of Sigmar is a high-fantasy tabletop game set in magical realms, focusing on epic battles between various factions and heroes.
Unlike Warhammer 40,000, which is a grim sci-fi universe featuring dystopian themes and complex tactics, Age of Sigmar offers streamlined rules and a more accessible gameplay experience.
Warhammer Age of Sigmar Factions
Players can choose from numerous playable Age of Sigmar armies, which are grouped into four main factions. These factions include:
- Order: Champions of stability and justice, they strive to maintain peace in a chaotic world.
- Death: Focused on the power of the undead, this faction seeks to expand their dark dominion.
- Chaos: Embodying madness and corruption, they embrace the unpredictable forces of the universe to sow discord.
- Destruction: Celebrating brute force, this faction revels in chaos and overwhelming might against their foes.
Tips for Getting Started
Below are some key tips for getting started with Warhammer.
Playing Warhammer
Warhammer offers two immersive and engaging tabletop wargames: Warhammer 40,000 and Age of Sigmar. Each game features distinct settings — one in a grim sci-fi universe and the other in a vibrant fantasy realm.
Both games encourage strategy, creativity, and narrative-driven gameplay, making them popular among hobbyists.
What You’ll Need to Start Playing Warhammer
- Miniatures: Choose an army from either Warhammer 40K or Age of Sigmar. Each faction has unique models representing different units and characters.
- Rulebook: Obtain the core rulebook for your chosen game. This will provide essential gameplay mechanics, lore, and army guidelines.
- Dice: You’ll need standard six-sided dice (D6) for gameplay, along with measuring tools like a ruler or tape measure.
- Battle Mat or Terrain: A playing surface with terrain features enhances the aesthetic and strategic elements of the game.
- Codex or Battletome: Each army has a specific codex (40K) or battletome (Age of Sigmar) detailing unit stats, abilities, and lore.
- Gaming Accessories: Consider additional items like templates, tokens, or counters to track game mechanics.
Painting Warhammer
Painting your Warhammer miniatures is a rewarding aspect of the hobby that allows you to express creativity and personalize your army.
Whether you’re delving into the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40,000 or the fantastical realms of Age of Sigmar, customizing your models enhances your gaming experience and brings your characters to life.
What You’ll Need to Start Painting Warhammer
- Miniatures: Begin with a few assembled models from your chosen army. Start small to build confidence before tackling larger units.
- Paints: Invest in a basic set of acrylic paints designed for miniatures. Brands like Citadel, Vallejo, and Army Painter offer a wide range of colors.
- Brushes: A selection of brushes in various sizes is essential. Use finer brushes for detail work and larger ones for base coating.
- Palette: A wet palette or a simple plastic palette helps you mix and keep your paints workable.
- Primer: Applying a primer coat prepares your miniatures for painting by ensuring better paint adhesion and enhancing details.
- Water Pot: Keep a container of water nearby for rinsing brushes between colors.
- Paper Towels: Useful for drying brushes and wiping excess paint.
- Sealant: A protective varnish can safeguard your painted miniatures from wear and tear during gameplay.
How Beginners Can Learn More About Warhammer
Aside from playing the game, diving into the lore of Warhammer 40,000 and Age of Sigmar enriches your gaming experience and deepens your understanding of the vast universes.
Each setting is filled with epic stories, complex characters, and intricate histories that bring the tabletop battles to life. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned veteran, exploring the narratives will enhance your connection to the game.
Best Ways to Explore Warhammer
Below are some ways in which new players can expand their knowledge of Warhammer. The following list will help you find your feet in what can be an overwhelming universe.
- Core Rulebooks: Each game has a core rulebook that introduces the setting, factions, and gameplay mechanics, along with essential lore.
- Codexes and Battletomes: Each faction has a codex (for 40K) or battletome (for Age of Sigmar) that contains detailed background information, unit lore, and unique narratives about the armies.
- Novels and Anthologies: The Black Library publishes a wide range of novels set in both universes. Start with popular titles that focus on your favorite factions or characters.
- Online Resources: Websites and forums dedicated to Warhammer lore can provide summaries, discussions, and insights from other fans.
- Audio Dramas and Podcasts: Explore Warhammer-themed podcasts and audiobooks for immersive storytelling experiences, perfect for on-the-go learning.
- Lore Compendiums: Some guides compile lore and background information, making it easier to understand the overarching narratives and connections between factions.
- Warhammer Video Games: There are games that delve into lore that can help you gain a deeper understanding of the universe.
Start with what interests you and focus on the factions or characters that intrigue you most to keep your expanding your knowledge. There are also lots of fantastic communities you can join. Participate in online forums or local clubs to discuss lore and share recommendations or go to one of the many fantastic events.
