Warhammer 40k vs Age of Sigmar — Which Should You Play?

So you’ve decided to get into Warhammer — excellent choice. But now you face the first and arguably most important decision: Warhammer 40,000 or Age of Sigmar? Both are outstanding tabletop wargames made by Games Workshop, but they offer very different experiences in theme, gameplay, and hobby.

This guide provides an honest, detailed comparison to help you decide which game is right for you. We’ll cover everything from the setting and rules to the cost and community, so you can make an informed choice before investing your time and money.

Quick Comparison Table

Setting and Theme

Warhammer 40,000

40k is set in the far future of the 41st/42nd Millennium, where humanity has spread across the galaxy but exists in a state of perpetual war, ignorance, and decay. The Imperium of Man is a theocratic nightmare state where billions toil in miserable servitude, technology is poorly understood and treated as religious ritual, and the Emperor of Mankind sits entombed on the Golden Throne — a living corpse sustained by the sacrifice of thousands of psykers daily.

The iconic tagline says it all: “In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war.”

40k’s setting is beloved for its sheer darkness, its mordant humor, and its incredible depth. The lore spans tens of thousands of years and hundreds of novels. It draws inspiration from Dune, Judge Dredd, Alien, Starship Troopers, and countless other sci-fi touchstones, blending them into something wholly unique.

Age of Sigmar

AoS is set across eight interconnected Mortal Realms — vast dimensions of existence, each embodying a wind of magic (fire, death, light, shadow, etc.). The setting is high fantasy with mythic scope: gods walk among mortals, magic reshapes reality, and the conflict between the forces of Order, Chaos, Death, and Destruction shapes the fate of all existence.

AoS replaced the old Warhammer Fantasy Battle setting (which was destroyed in the End Times event), and while it took time to establish itself, it’s grown into a rich, distinctive setting with its own identity. The Mortal Realms allow for far more creative freedom than the old “analogue Earth” fantasy setting — expect floating cities, realms of pure fire, and oceans of souls alongside more traditional fantasy tropes.

Verdict: Setting

This comes down entirely to personal preference. Do you want dark science fiction with guns, tanks, and existential dread? Choose 40k. Do you want mythic fantasy with swords, magic, and gods? Choose AoS. Both settings are excellently realized.

Rules and Gameplay

Warhammer 40,000

40k is a game of shooting, melee, and positioning played on a 44″×60″ table with terrain. 10th Edition simplified many mechanics from previous editions while keeping strategic depth, and the current 11th Edition (June 2026) builds on that streamlined core. Key phases are: Command, Movement, Shooting, Charge, and Fight.

40k places heavy emphasis on shooting — ranged combat is typically more impactful than melee for most armies. Cover, line of sight, and positioning are crucial. The Stratagem system (using Command Points to activate special abilities during specific phases) adds a layer of reactive decision-making.

40k has slightly more complex rules than AoS, particularly around shooting (Ballistic Skill, Armour Penetration, various weapon profiles) and vehicle interactions. The learning curve is moderate — the core rules are straightforward, but mastering the nuances of each faction’s codex takes time.

Age of Sigmar

AoS is played on a similar size table but uses a double-turn mechanic — the player who goes second in one battle round might go first in the next (determined by a roll-off), creating dramatic swings and forcing players to plan for the possibility of their opponent getting two consecutive turns. This is AoS’s most distinctive (and most debated) mechanic.

AoS places greater emphasis on melee combat and the movement phase. Magic (Hero Phase spells) is more impactful than in 40k, and many armies are designed around getting into close combat. The rules are slightly more streamlined than 40k, with fewer modifiers and special rules to track.

The double-turn mechanic is polarizing: fans argue it creates exciting dramatic moments and rewards careful positioning; critics argue it can feel unfair when one player gets two turns in a row and swings the game. After playing both extensively, we find it adds genuine excitement to games once you learn to play around it.

Verdict: Rules

AoS is slightly easier to learn and faster to play. 40k has more mechanical depth, particularly in the shooting phase. If you prefer ranged combat and careful positioning, lean toward 40k. If you prefer aggressive melee and dramatic swings, lean toward AoS. Both are excellent games.

Model Count and Army Building

Warhammer 40,000

A typical 40k army at the standard game size (2,000 points) ranges from 30 models (elite armies like Custodes or Knights) to 80+ (horde armies like Orks or Guard). Most armies fall in the 40–60 model range. The trend in recent editions has been toward slightly lower model counts, which helps with painting and game speed.

Age of Sigmar

AoS armies at standard game size (2,000 points) have a wider range: from as few as 4 models (Sons of Behemat — literally just four giants) to 100+ (Skaven or Gloomspite Gitz hordes). Most armies are 40–70 models. AoS generally has more variance in model count between factions than 40k.

Verdict: Model Count

Roughly comparable, though both games offer low-model-count options for players who prefer elite armies. If you want the absolute fewest models, Sons of Behemat (AoS) and Imperial Knights (40k) are your options.

Cost

Starting Costs

Both games cost roughly the same to get started:

• Starter set: $165–$200 (both games offer excellent starter sets with two armies, rules, and accessories)
• Single army (beginner, ~1,000 points): $200–$350 depending on faction
• Full army (competitive, 2,000 points): $400–$800 depending on faction and model count
• Paints, tools, and accessories: $80–$150 (see our hobby tools guide)

Ongoing Costs

Both games have similar ongoing costs for new releases, expansions, and replacements. AoS tends to have slightly cheaper individual kits on average, but the difference is marginal. Both games require periodic rulebook purchases for new editions and codex/battletome updates.

Verdict: Cost

Essentially a tie. Both games are expensive hobbies, but neither is significantly more expensive than the other at comparable army sizes.

Competitive Scene

Warhammer 40,000

40k has the larger and more established competitive scene. Major events like the Las Vegas Open (LVO), Adepticon, and Games Workshop’s own World Championships of Warhammer attract thousands of players. The competitive community produces extensive meta analysis, tier lists, and strategic content. Competitive 40k is thriving globally.

Age of Sigmar

AoS’s competitive scene is smaller but growing rapidly. It benefits from passionate players who often find AoS’s gameplay more competitively balanced than 40k. Major events run AoS alongside 40k, and standalone AoS events are increasing in size and frequency. The community is welcoming to newcomers.

Verdict: Competitive Scene

40k wins on sheer size and infrastructure. AoS wins on balance and accessibility. If competitive play is your primary motivation, 40k has more events and a larger player pool. If you prefer a balanced competitive game, AoS may be more satisfying.

Community Size

40k has a significantly larger community than AoS globally. This means more content (YouTube channels, podcasts, blogs), more local players at your game store, and more second-hand models available. However, AoS’s community has grown substantially in recent years and is notably welcoming and enthusiastic.

In practical terms: you’ll almost certainly find 40k players at any game store. Finding AoS players may require a bit more searching in some areas, though it’s rarely a problem in cities with active gaming communities.

Verdict: Community

40k has the larger community, which means more content, more opponents, and more second-hand deals. AoS has a smaller but passionate and welcoming community. If playing regularly with local opponents is critical, check your local game store to see which game is more popular in your area.

Beginner Friendliness

Both games are reasonably beginner-friendly, with starter sets, tutorial content, and simplified “learn to play” rules. AoS is slightly easier to learn due to simpler core mechanics and fewer special rules per unit. 40k has more overwhelming lore and rules to absorb but also has significantly more tutorial content available.

Verdict: Beginner Friendliness

Slight edge to AoS for rules simplicity. Slight edge to 40k for support resources and tutorials. Both are very accessible with a good starter set.

Lore Depth

40k wins this category convincingly. With 35+ years of lore, hundreds of novels, and a setting that fans have been exploring since the 1980s, 40k has one of the deepest fictional universes in any medium. AoS has been rapidly building its lore since its launch in 2015 and has produced some excellent fiction, but it simply hasn’t had the time to match 40k’s depth.

That said, AoS’s relative newness can be an advantage — there’s less to absorb, and you can get up to speed with the major lore much more quickly.

Verdict: Lore

40k has vastly deeper lore. AoS has engaging lore that’s easier to digest. Choose based on whether you want a deep ocean or an accessible lake.

Play Warhammer 40k If…

• You love science fiction, especially dark, dystopian sci-fi
• You want the largest possible community and easiest time finding opponents
• You prefer ranged combat and shooting-focused gameplay
• You want to dive into one of the deepest fictional universes ever created
• You enjoy the competitive scene and want access to the most events
• Space Marines, Orks, Tyranids, or other 40k factions specifically appeal to you
• You want the most content (YouTube, podcasts, blogs, tutorials) available for your game

Play Age of Sigmar If…

• You love fantasy settings with magic, monsters, and mythic heroes
• You prefer slightly simpler, faster-playing rules
• You enjoy melee combat and aggressive gameplay
• You like the idea of dramatic double-turn swings
• The AoS model range appeals to you (Stormcast, Nighthaunt, Skaven, etc.)
• You want a game that’s generally well-balanced competitively
• You prefer a smaller, tight-knit community
• You like creative freedom (the Mortal Realms allow for wildly varied hobby projects)

Can I Play Both?

Absolutely — many hobbyists play both systems. However, be realistic about the time and cost involved. Building, painting, and learning the rules for one army is already a significant commitment. Adding a second game doubles everything. Our recommendation for newcomers: pick one game, build one army to completion, play regularly, and then consider branching out once you’re established. Starting two armies simultaneously is a recipe for burnout and two half-finished collections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is one game “better” than the other?

No. Both are excellent tabletop wargames with distinct strengths. The “better” game is whichever one excites you more. If you’re passionate about the setting, models, and gameplay of your chosen system, you’ll have an incredible time.

Is 40k more popular than AoS?

Yes, significantly. 40k is the more popular and commercially successful game by a wide margin. However, popularity doesn’t equal quality — AoS is an outstanding game that many players prefer to 40k. Don’t choose based on popularity; choose based on which game you’ll enjoy more.

Will AoS models work in 40k or vice versa?

Not directly — the games use different rules and army lists. Some Chaos Daemons models are usable in both systems (they exist in both settings), but generally, models are specific to one game. That said, you can always use models from one game as proxies or conversion bases for the other in casual settings.

Which game is easier to paint?

Neither game is inherently easier to paint — it depends on the faction you choose. Both games have factions with simple colour schemes (Space Marines, Stormcast) and factions with complex ones (Harlequins, Daughters of Khaine). Check out our painting guide for help with either system.

I like both sci-fi and fantasy — what should I pick?

Start with whichever game has a specific faction that excites you most. If you look at a particular army and think “I NEED to paint those models,” that’s your answer. If genuinely undecided, 40k has the larger community and more resources, making it a slightly safer bet for finding opponents and support.

Can my friends and I play different games?

Unfortunately, you do need to play the same game to play against each other. If you’re getting into Warhammer with friends, coordinate which game you’ll all play. Having a local playgroup is one of the best parts of the hobby.

Ready to get started? Head to our complete beginner collection guide for step-by-step instructions on starting your first army in either system.

Does Age of Sigmar play like 40k?

Partly. Both games use the same core dice sequence: roll to hit, roll to wound, then the opponent saves. The big differences are AoS’s priority roll, which can hand one player two turns in a row, its stronger focus on melee and magic, and 40k’s heavier emphasis on shooting, vehicles and cover. Someone who knows one game can pick up the other quickly.

What editions are Warhammer 40k and Age of Sigmar on?

Warhammer 40,000 is on 11th Edition, which launched in June 2026. Age of Sigmar is on 4th Edition, which launched in 2024. Both games have current starter sets and free core rules. Factions update over time through new codexes, battletomes and balance updates, so check the official app for the latest points.

How is Warhammer 40k different from The Old World?

The Old World is Games Workshop’s rank-and-flank fantasy game, released in 2024 and set in the original Warhammer Fantasy world before the End Times. Its regiments move in blocks on square bases, which makes it play very differently from 40k’s skirmish-style units on round bases. It is a revival of classic Warhammer Fantasy Battle, not a replacement for Age of Sigmar.