Age of Sigmar is Games Workshop's epic fantasy wargame — a world of gods, monsters, and warring armies clashing across the Mortal Realms. If you've been tempted to start but don't know where to begin, this guide will get you on the table fast.
Choose Your Faction
With dozens of factions across four Grand Alliances, here are the best starting points for newcomers:
| Faction | Best for |
|---|---|
| Stormcast Eternals | All-round beginners; forgiving to learn with a striking gold armour scheme |
| Flesh-eater Courts | Horror lovers; ghoulish models that paint up quickly with washes |
| Skaven | Horde players who love characterful, chaotic models |
| Ossiarch Bonereapers | Clean, structured paint schemes; great for beginners wanting sharp results |
| Sylvaneth | Nature and wood elf aesthetic fans; dramatic, organic models |
| Slaves to Darkness | Dark fantasy lovers; heavily armoured warriors with a sinister edge |
| Ironjawz | Aggressive melee players who love big, brutish greenskin models |
| Seraphon | Aztec-inspired lizard warriors; vibrant colour schemes and strong magic |
The golden rule: pick the faction that excites you visually. Enthusiasm is your most important hobby tool.
What Do You Need to Start?
A basic Age of Sigmar setup includes:
- A Spearhead or starter box for your chosen faction
- Plastic glue and clippers for assembly
- A set of paints and tools (Citadel or equivalent)
- Brushes — a base brush and a detail brush to begin
- The Age of Sigmar Core Rules — download free from Games Workshop
Start small — a Spearhead box gives you a complete, playable force straight out of the box.
Assembly Tips for Beginners
- Dry fit parts before gluing to check alignment
- Remove mould lines with a hobby knife before priming
- Always prime before painting — it helps paint stick and gives a consistent base to work from
Painting Your First Models
Done is better than perfect. A simple basecoat, wash, and drybrush approach will get your army looking great on the table:
- Prime (grey or black suits most AoS factions)
- Base coat your main colour
- Apply a wash to add instant depth and shading
- Drybrush raised areas to bring out highlights
- Pick out details — eyes, weapons, gems, and bases
Ready to Start Your Collection?
Browse our range of paints, tools, and hobby supplies to build your first Age of Sigmar army.