This is the complete Age of Sigmar FAQ. We have answered 50 of the most commonly asked questions about Warhammer Age of Sigmar, covering everything from getting started to advanced lore. Whether you are a brand new player or returning after a break, this page gives you clear, direct answers.
Getting Started (Questions 1–15)
1. What is Age of Sigmar?
Age of Sigmar (AoS) is a tabletop miniature wargame by Games Workshop set in a high-fantasy universe called the Mortal Realms. Players collect, build, and paint armies of miniatures and battle each other using a dice-based rules system. It replaced Warhammer Fantasy Battles in 2015 and has since become one of the most popular wargames in the world.
2. How is Age of Sigmar different from Warhammer 40k?
Age of Sigmar is a fantasy setting (magic, monsters, swords) while Warhammer 40k is science fiction (lasers, tanks, spaceships). AoS uses round bases and has different core rules, though both share similar dice mechanics. The lore, factions, and aesthetics are completely separate, but the hobby elements (building, painting) are identical.
3. What edition of AoS is current?
As of 2026, the current edition is Age of Sigmar 4th Edition, which launched in 2024. 4th Edition brought significant rules changes including a new turn structure, updated battletome formats, and revamped magic and command ability systems. It is the most refined version of AoS to date.
4. How do I start playing Age of Sigmar?
The best way to start is with the current Starter Set or a Spearhead box for your chosen faction. Spearhead is AoS’s introductory game mode — each box is a self-contained force ready to play. You will also need the core rules (available free online), dice, a tape measure, and basic hobby supplies.
5. What is Spearhead?
Spearhead is Age of Sigmar’s introductory game format, similar to Combat Patrol in 40k. Each faction has a Spearhead box containing a fixed roster of models with pre-set rules. Games are played on a smaller board, take about 45 minutes, and are designed to teach the core mechanics with minimal investment.
6. How much does Age of Sigmar cost to start?
A Spearhead box costs around £50–£65 and gives you a complete playable force. A full 2,000-point army typically costs £250–£500 depending on the faction. You will also need basic hobby supplies (glue, clippers, paints) which add another £30–£50. Compared to 40k, AoS armies tend to be slightly cheaper overall.
7. What is the best starter army for AoS?
Stormcast Eternals are the most beginner-friendly army — they have simple rules, durable models, and appear in most starter sets. Orruk Warclans (especially Ironjawz) are great for aggressive players who want straightforward melee combat. Nighthaunt are good budget options as they were heavily featured in past starter sets.
8. How many models do I need?
A Spearhead game uses roughly 15–25 models. A full 2,000-point army ranges from as few as 20 models (elite armies like Stormcast or Ossiarch Bonereapers) to over 100 (horde armies like Skaven or Gloomspite Gitz). Most armies field 40–60 models at standard game size.
9. Where can I find the rules?
The core rules for Age of Sigmar are available for free on the Warhammer Community website and in the official Warhammer Age of Sigmar app. Faction-specific battletomes provide additional rules, lore, and army-building options. Many experienced players also recommend Goonhammer and AoS Coach for rules breakdowns.
10. Can I use old Warhammer Fantasy models?
Many classic Warhammer Fantasy models have AoS warscrolls and are fully playable. Cities of Sigmar in particular incorporates many legacy models. However, some very old kits have been discontinued and may lack official rules. Square bases from Fantasy should ideally be swapped to round bases for AoS.
11. What is the Warhammer Age of Sigmar app?
The official AoS app provides digital army lists, warscrolls, and rules references. It allows you to build and manage your army lists and access battletome content. The basic version is free, with a subscription unlocking additional features. Many players prefer third-party tools like Warhammer AoS Reminders for tracking abilities.
12. How long does a game take?
A Spearhead game takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. A standard 2,000-point matched play game typically takes 2 to 3 hours between experienced players. AoS tends to play slightly faster than 40k due to simpler shooting mechanics and more decisive combat.
13. Can I play AoS solo?
While AoS is designed as a two-player game, you can play solo using narrative Path to Glory rules or fan-created AI opponent systems. Games Workshop has published some solo scenarios in campaign supplements. Alternatively, digital adaptations and Tabletop Simulator mods offer solo play options.
14. Do I need to paint my models?
There is no requirement to paint models for casual games, but most organised events enforce a three-colour minimum. Painting is a hugely enjoyable part of the AoS hobby, and the fantastical setting offers incredible creative freedom with colour schemes, basing themes, and conversions.
15. What are Grand Alliances?
The four Grand Alliances are Order, Chaos, Death, and Destruction. Every faction belongs to one of these. Grand Alliances provide a broad organisational structure, but in matched play, armies must be built from a single faction (e.g., Stormcast Eternals) rather than mixing across the entire alliance.
Lore (Questions 16–25)
16. What are the Mortal Realms?
The Mortal Realms are eight interconnected magical dimensions, each tied to a Wind of Magic: Azyr (Heavens), Ghyran (Life), Aqshy (Fire), Chamon (Metal), Ghur (Beasts), Shyish (Death), Hysh (Light), and Ulgu (Shadow). They are connected by Realmgates and are the primary setting for all Age of Sigmar events.
17. Who is Sigmar?
Sigmar is the God-King of the Mortal Realms, a divine warrior who once walked the world-that-was (Warhammer Fantasy). He was rescued from the destruction of the old world by the celestial drake Dracothion and went on to forge the civilisations of the Mortal Realms. He created the Stormcast Eternals as his immortal warriors against Chaos.
18. What are Stormcast Eternals?
Stormcast Eternals are Sigmar’s immortal warriors, forged from the souls of exceptional mortal heroes reforged in the celestial anvil of Azyr. When they die, they are reforged again — though each reforging costs them memories and humanity. They are AoS’s equivalent of Space Marines and the faction most heavily featured in starter sets.
19. Who is Nagash?
Nagash is the Supreme Lord of the Undead and the god of Death in the Mortal Realms. He is one of the most powerful beings in existence, commanding vast legions of undead across the Realm of Shyish. His ambition is to kill everything living and rule the Mortal Realms as a dominion of obedient dead; his great ritual in Shyish triggered the Necroquake. He is an antagonist to virtually every other faction.
20. What is the Age of Chaos?
The Age of Chaos was a dark period when the forces of the four Chaos Gods overran the Mortal Realms after Sigmar retreated to Azyr. Civilisations were destroyed, mortals enslaved, and the realms corrupted. It ended when Sigmar launched the Stormcast Eternals in the Realmgate Wars, beginning the Age of Sigmar.
21. What happened to the Old World (Warhammer Fantasy)?
The Old World was destroyed in the End Times event in 2015, when the forces of Chaos overwhelmed the world and it was consumed. From the remnants, the Mortal Realms were born, and many characters and races from the Old World were reborn or reimagined in Age of Sigmar. Games Workshop has since launched Warhammer: The Old World as a separate game set in the classic Fantasy setting.
22. What are the Ossiarch Bonereapers?
The Ossiarch Bonereapers are Nagash’s elite undead legions, constructed from harvested bones of the living. Unlike mindless skeletons, Ossiarch warriors are crafted with multiple souls fused into purpose-built bodies. They levy a “bone tithe” on mortal civilisations — deliver bones willingly, or they will be taken by force.
23. Who are the Skaven?
The Skaven are a race of scheming ratmen who inhabit the spaces between the Mortal Realms, gnawing tunnels through reality itself. They worship the Great Horned Rat (the unofficial fifth Chaos God) and are characterised by treachery, cowardice, and overwhelming numbers. Their technology combines mad science with warpstone-powered chaos.
24. What are the Daughters of Khaine?
The Daughters of Khaine are a faction of Aelf (elf) warrior-priestesses who worship Khaine, the dead god of murder. Led by Morathi (now a goddess herself), they are fearsome gladiatorial fighters who draw power from bloodshed and ritual sacrifice. On the tabletop, they are a fast, aggressive glass-cannon army.
25. What is the Realm of Ghur?
Ghur is the Realm of Beasts, a primordial wilderness where the land itself is alive and predatory. Continents devour each other, mountains hunt, and every creature fights to survive. It was the primary setting for AoS 3rd Edition and is home to many Destruction faction strongholds, particularly the Orruk Warclans.
Rules (Questions 26–35)
26. How does a turn work in AoS?
In 4th Edition, a battle round begins with a priority roll to determine who goes first. The active player then moves through phases: Hero Phase, Movement Phase, Shooting Phase, Charge Phase, and Combat Phase. After both players have completed their turns, a new battle round begins with a fresh priority roll.
27. What is the double turn?
The double turn is AoS’s most distinctive mechanic. At the start of each battle round, players roll off for priority — meaning a player who went second in one round could go first in the next, effectively getting two consecutive turns. This creates dramatic swings and requires careful positioning to mitigate the risk.
28. How does combat work?
In the Combat Phase, units within 3 inches of an enemy (or that charged) can fight. Each model attacks with its melee weapons, rolling to hit, then to wound, then the defender rolls saves. As in 40k, combat in AoS uses alternating activations — players take turns picking units to fight, creating a back-and-forth dynamic.
29. How does magic work?
In the Hero Phase, wizards can attempt to cast spells by rolling 2D6 and meeting or exceeding the spell’s casting value. The opposing player can then attempt to unbind the spell by rolling 2D6 and beating the casting roll. Each wizard has a limited number of casts per turn, and each spell can only be attempted once per turn.
30. What are command abilities?
Command abilities are tactical orders that Heroes and generals can issue by spending Command Points. Examples include All-out Attack (+1 to hit), All-out Defence (+1 to save), and faction-specific commands. CP management is a core strategic element — knowing when to use and when to save command abilities can decide games.
31. How do objectives work in AoS?
Matched play games use objective markers placed on the battlefield according to the mission. Players score victory points by controlling objectives (having a higher combined Control score within range than the opponent). Battle tactics (secondary objectives chosen each turn) provide additional scoring opportunities.
32. What are battle tactics?
Battle tactics are mini-objectives that players select at the start of their Hero Phase. They challenge you to achieve specific goals during your turn, such as destroying a unit, controlling certain objectives, or completing an action. Successfully completing a battle tactic earns additional victory points.
33. What is a ward save?
A ward save (similar to Feel No Pain in 40k) is an additional save rolled after a wound is allocated. Ward saves are not affected by Rend (the AoS equivalent of AP). A ward of 5+ means you ignore each wound on a roll of 5 or 6. Ward saves represent supernatural resilience, ethereal nature, or magical protection.
34. What does Rend mean?
Rend is the Age of Sigmar equivalent of Armour Penetration in 40k. A weapon with Rend -1 worsens the target’s save roll by 1 (so a 4+ save becomes a 5+). Higher Rend values make it easier to punch through armour, making Rend a critical stat when evaluating weapon effectiveness.
35. What are battleplans?
Battleplans are scenarios that define the objectives, deployment zones, and special rules for an AoS game. Matched play battleplans are designed for balanced competitive games, while narrative battleplans create story-driven scenarios with asymmetric goals. Each edition and supplement provides new battleplans to keep games fresh.
Hobby (Questions 36–45)
36. What makes AoS models different to paint?
AoS models tend to feature more organic shapes, flowing robes, magical effects, and fantastical creatures compared to the rigid armour plates of 40k. This means more opportunities for blending, colour gradients, and freehand designs. The fantasy setting also allows for more creative colour schemes and basing themes.
37. What are the best paints for AoS armies?
Citadel paints remain the most popular choice, with official colour guides for every faction. Vallejo and Army Painter offer excellent alternatives at lower price points. Contrast paints are particularly effective for AoS armies due to the abundance of flowing fabric, skin, and organic textures on the models.
38. How do I paint Stormcast Eternals?
The classic Stormcast scheme is Retributor Armour (gold spray or base coat) followed by Reikland Fleshshade wash and Liberator Gold highlight. Blue elements use Kantor Blue base, Nuln Oil wash, and Caledor Sky highlight. This scheme is fast and forgiving, making it ideal for beginners tackling their first AoS army.
39. How do I paint ghostly/ethereal models?
Start with a white or Corax White primer, then apply Hexwraith Flame or Nighthaunt Gloom technical paint — it pools in recesses and creates an instant ghostly effect. Drybrush with white on raised edges. This three-step method produces a stunning ethereal effect in under 10 minutes per model.
40. What basing themes work for AoS?
Popular basing themes include blasted hellscape (for Chaos armies), ancient ruins (Stormcast, Cities of Sigmar), overgrown forest (Sylvaneth, Gloomspite Gitz), bone-covered wasteland (Death factions), and volcanic rock (Fyreslayers). The fantastical setting gives you freedom to be creative — crystal formations, glowing portals, and magical terrain all work brilliantly.
41. How do I convert AoS models?
Kitbashing (combining parts from different kits) is hugely popular in AoS due to the modular nature of many kits. Green stuff (epoxy putty) is used for sculpting custom details, fur, tentacles, or filling gaps. The AoS community is especially welcoming of creative conversions, with many tournaments awarding hobby prizes for the best converted armies.
42. What is Path to Glory?
Path to Glory is AoS’s narrative campaign system (equivalent to Crusade in 40k). Your warband starts small and grows over a series of linked games, gaining territories, artefacts, and upgrades. It adds an RPG-like layer to the game and is popular among gaming groups who enjoy ongoing storytelling alongside their battles.
43. How do I paint large monsters?
Large monsters benefit from sub-assemblies — painting the rider, body, wings, and base separately before final assembly. Use an airbrush or drybrush for large skin/scale areas to build up quick transitions. Focus your detailed brushwork on the face, rider, and any focal points. Washes are your best friend for adding depth to large organic surfaces.
44. Are there painting competitions for AoS?
Yes, Games Workshop runs the Golden Demon painting competition at Warhammer events worldwide, featuring dedicated AoS categories. Many independent tournaments also award Best Painted prizes. Online painting competitions on Instagram, Reddit, and painting community sites provide additional opportunities to showcase your work.
45. How do I photograph my miniatures?
Use a plain backdrop (white or black paper), two light sources at 45-degree angles (desk lamps with daylight bulbs work fine), and a phone or camera on a tripod. Shoot in macro mode, focus on the face, and avoid flash. A lightbox (available cheaply online) dramatically improves photo quality with minimal setup.
Buying (Questions 46–50)
46. Where should I buy AoS models?
Independent retailers offer 15–20% off Games Workshop RRP and are the best value for most purchases. Online shops like Element Games, Wayland Games, and Goblin Gaming (UK) or MiniatureMarket and GameNerdz (US) are popular. Games Workshop stores sell at full price but offer exclusive models, events, and in-store painting support.
47. What is the cheapest AoS army to collect?
Stormcast Eternals are often the cheapest to collect because they appear in so many starter sets — you can frequently find them on eBay at deep discounts. Nighthaunt are similarly cheap due to past starter set inclusion. Ogre Mawtribes are budget-friendly because their low model count means fewer boxes to buy.
48. Is AoS cheaper than 40k?
Generally yes, AoS armies tend to be slightly cheaper than 40k equivalents because many factions have a lower model count at competitive points levels. The Spearhead entry point is also very affordable. However, some AoS horde armies (Skaven, Gloomspite Gitz) can be just as expensive as any 40k army.
49. Should I wait for a new battletome before buying?
If a new battletome for your faction is rumoured within the next month or two, it may be worth waiting to see what changes. However, the models themselves rarely become unusable — rules change, but miniatures endure. If you want to start painting and playing now, buy what appeals to you and adapt when the new book arrives.
50. Can I use AoS models in other games?
AoS models work excellently in many other game systems. Warhammer: The Old World uses many of the same kits. Kings of War, Frostgrave, Rangers of Shadow Deep, and D&D all welcome AoS miniatures. The high quality of Games Workshop sculpts makes them popular proxies across the entire tabletop gaming hobby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use Legends models in Age of Sigmar 4th Edition?
Yes, but only in casual and narrative games. Legends warscrolls cover retired models and aren’t permitted in matched play or most tournaments. If your opponent agrees, you can field them in friendly games, but they don’t get balance updates, so check the current Legends rules in the app or on Warhammer Community.
What are regiments in Age of Sigmar 4th Edition?
In 4th Edition, you build your army from regiments. Each regiment is a Hero plus the units that Hero can lead, and your general’s regiment can usually take one more unit than the others. Which units a Hero can include is listed on their warscroll or in the faction rules. Regiments replace the old battleline-and-slots system.
What is the Age of Sigmar 4th Edition starter set?
4th Edition launched in 2024 with the Skaventide launch box, which pitted Stormcast Eternals against Skaven. Smaller starter sets built from that matchup followed for new players. Spearhead boxes are the other main entry point if you’d rather start with a specific faction.