Exploring the Vast Armies of the Mortal Realms
Welcome, aspiring commanders and curious newcomers, to the thrilling world of Warhammer Age of Sigmar! If you've ever wondered about the diverse factions you can lead into glorious battle, you've come to the right place. Age of Sigmar boasts a rich tapestry of armies, each with its own unique lore, playstyle, and iconic miniatures. This guide will break down the major factions, giving you a clear picture of what makes each one tick.
The Grand Alliances: A Foundation for Understanding
Before diving into individual armies, it's crucial to understand the four Grand Alliances. These are the overarching allegiances that most factions fall under, shaping their motivations and relationships within the Mortal Realms. Think of them as the major political blocs in this fantastical universe.
- Order: The defenders of civilization and justice, striving to bring light to the darkest corners of the realms.
- Destruction: Warlike and chaotic, these forces revel in battle and plunder, driven by primal urges.
- Death: The legions of the undead, bound by the will of powerful necromancers and gods of the grave.
- Chaos: Agents of corruption and madness, these armies serve the malevolent Chaos Gods, seeking to remake reality in their twisted image.
Delving into the Factions: Your Legion Awaits
Now, let's get specific! Within each Grand Alliance, you'll find a multitude of distinct armies, each with their own sub-factions and specialized units. Here's a look at some of the most prominent:
Order: The Bulwarks Against Darkness
The forces of Order are a beacon of hope in a war-torn multiverse. They are united by their desire to protect the innocent and restore balance to the Mortal Realms.
- Stormcast Eternals: The demigod warriors forged by Sigmar himself, clad in gleaming power armor and wielding thunderous weapons. They are the ultimate shock troops, embodying courage and righteous fury.
- Cities of Sigmar: A diverse collection of humankind and their allies, residing in fortified cities across the realms. This includes Freeguild soldiers, the arcane Luminark engineers, the stealthy Shadow Aelves, and the noble Duardin (dwarfs) from various Holds.
- Sylvaneth: The vengeful spirits of the ancient forests, these tree-like warriors are fiercely protective of nature and wield powerful elemental magic.
- Idoneth Deepkin: Mysterious sea-dwelling elves who harvest the souls of mortals to sustain their existence. They are masters of illusion and hit-and-run tactics.
- Seraphon: Celestial beings who descend from the stars, these reptilian warriors are the ancient guardians of Order, seeking to fulfill Sigmar's grand design.
Destruction: The Unstoppable Tide
Destruction armies are driven by a singular, insatiable lust for combat. They are the embodiment of raw power and the thrill of the fight.
- Orruk Warclans: Hulking, green-skinned brutes who live for war and destruction. This includes the savage Ironjawz, the shamanistic Bonesplitterz, and the sneaky Grots (goblins).
- Gloomspite Gitz: The vast and insidious hordes of Grots, led by the monstrous fungal beasts known as Squigs and the mad Loonbosses.
- Firestorm: A collective term often used to refer to various Destruction factions, emphasizing their explosive and overwhelming nature.
Death: The Unending Legions
The forces of Death are an omnipresent threat, animated by the will of their dark lords and fueled by the souls of the departed.
- Soulblight Gravelords: The aristocratic vampires and their legions of undead thralls. They are cunning strategists who command legions of skeletons and zombies.
- Nighthaunt: The spectral armies of the tormented dead, unleashed by the Mortarch of Grief. They are ethereal warriors, capable of phasing through solid objects.
- Ossiarch Bonereapers: The disciplined legions of constructs forged from bone and animated by the will of Nagash, the Great Necromancer. They are unyielding and relentless.
Chaos: The Corrupting Influence
The servants of the Chaos Gods embody the primal forces of mutation, madness, and despair. They seek to tear down civilization and remake the Mortal Realms in their image.
- Slaves to Darkness: The mortal champions who have pledged themselves to the Chaos Gods. They are a diverse force, ranging from brutish marauders to skilled knights.
- Khorne: The Blood God, whose followers are driven by an insatiable thirst for bloodshed and glorious combat. Their armies consist of hulking Blood Warriors, frenzied Berserkers, and monstrous Bloodthirsters.
- Tzeentch: The Changer of Ways, god of magic, destiny, and mutation. His followers are sorcerers, daemons, and cultists who manipulate arcane energies.
- Nurgle: The Plague God, god of decay, despair, and pestilence. His armies are shambling masses of diseased warriors and festering daemons.
- Slaanesh: The Prince of Pleasure and Pain, god of excess, ambition, and perfection. His followers are swift, graceful, and utterly devoted to exquisite sensation.
- Skaven: The insidious ratmen, masters of cunning, treachery, and warpstone technology. They operate in vast underground empires and constantly scheme for power.
Beastmen: The Horned Ones
A faction that often straddles the line between Destruction and Chaos, the Beastmen are wild, savage creatures with the heads and hooves of beasts. They are primal and unpredictable.
Disciples of Tzeentch
Dedicated followers of the Changer of Ways, these forces are masters of arcane magic and unpredictable transformations. They often employ intricate spellcasting and daemonic entities.
Maggotkin of Nurgle
The devoted followers of Nurgle, this army embodies decay and resilience. They are slow-moving but incredibly durable, spreading plagues and disease with every step.
Blades of Khorne
The bloodthirsty legions of Khorne, driven by a singular desire for bloodshed and martial glory. They excel in close combat and are relentlessly aggressive.
Hedonites of Slaanesh
The zealous devotees of Slaanesh, seeking perfection and exquisite sensation through excess. Their armies are swift and deadly, often relying on shock tactics and psychic abilities.
Skaventide
The vast and insidious armies of the Skaven, the ratmen of the Mortal Realms. They are known for their overwhelming numbers, cunning schemes, and potent warpstone-infused technology.
Flesh-eater Courts
These are not your typical vampires. The Flesh-eater Courts are ghouls and undead who believe they are noble knights and benevolent rulers, feasting on the flesh of the living as a distorted act of chivalry.
Cities of Sigmar
Representing the diverse human civilizations of the Mortal Realms, the Cities of Sigmar are a flexible army composed of Freeguild soldiers, disciplined Duardin (dwarves), and the more arcane Luminark engineers. They offer a balanced and adaptable playstyle.
Dawnbringer Crusades
A more recent addition to the Cities of Sigmar, these are the hardy frontier settlers and their defenders who venture out into the wilds, establishing new outposts and fighting back against the encroaching darkness.
Anvils of the Void
A sub-faction of the Stormcast Eternals, these warriors are grim and determined, often found on grim and desolate battlefields. They are known for their unwavering resolve.
Hallowed Knights
Another prominent sub-faction of Stormcast Eternals, the Hallowed Knights are renowned for their chivalry and unwavering faith, often acting as the spiritual backbone of Sigmar's forces.
Celestar Ballistas
These are not an army themselves but powerful siege engines fielded by various Order factions, particularly the Cities of Sigmar and Stormcast Eternals, for devastating ranged bombardment.
Sacred Groves
This term refers to the sacred places that the Sylvaneth draw their power from, and the armies fighting to defend them. It highlights their connection to the natural world.
Fyreslayers
These Duardin (dwarves) are fiercely loyal and driven by the power of elemental fire. They worship the god of the forge and wield axes and hammers infused with fiery energy.
Gloomspite Gitz
The Grot armies are a chaotic and unpredictable force, often led by the cunning Moonclan Goblins, the savage Spiderfang Goblins, and the hulking fungi-beasts known as Troggoths.
Ironjawz
The most brutal and direct of the Orruk Warclans, the Ironjawz are all about smashing and cleaving their enemies. They are heavily armored and hit incredibly hard.
Bonesplitterz
These Orruks are more primal and spiritual, guided by shamans and their connection to the wild. They believe in embracing their savage nature to gain strength.
Gutrippaz
A key unit within the Orruk Warclans, Gutrippaz are the basic infantry, forming the brutal core of their overwhelming charges.
Kruleboyz
A more cunning and insidious breed of Orruk, the Kruleboyz utilize poison, traps, and ambushes to overcome their foes. They are a significant addition to the Destruction allegiance.
Huskard Ascendants
A more elite and powerful type of Stormcast Eternal, often wielding unique weapons and abilities.
Stormcast Eternals
The demigod warriors of Sigmar, clad in golden armor and wielding thunderous weapons. They are the elite shock troops of the Order Grand Alliance, designed to be the ultimate warriors.
Kharadron Overlords
These Duardin (dwarves) are masters of steampunk technology and sky-faring. They pilot magnificent airships and wield advanced weaponry, valuing commerce and innovation.
Loonboss on Squig Hoppa
A particularly mobile and aggressive unit within the Gloomspite Gitz, this leader rides a giant, bouncing Squig into battle.
Vanguard-Raptors
Elite skirmishers and scouts for the Stormcast Eternals, often armed with powerful crossbows. They are excellent at harassing enemy flanks.
Gore-gruntas
Massive, charging boars ridden by Orruk Brutes, forming the devastating cavalry of the Ironjawz.
Nurgle's Rotting Legions
This is a thematic way to refer to the forces of Nurgle, emphasizing their diseased and decaying nature.
Nurgle's Death Guard
While more commonly associated with Warhammer 40,000, the core concept of Nurgle's followers being resilient and plague-ridden is shared across both game systems.
Beastlords
The powerful leaders of Beastmen herds, these individuals are imbued with the primal rage of the wild.
Bloodletters
The daemonic infantry of Khorne, these hulking demons are driven by an insatiable bloodlust and wield hellblades.
Skarbrand
Arguably the most iconic and powerful Bloodthirster (a Greater Daemon of Khorne), Skarbrand is a force of pure destruction.
Realmshaper Engines
Powerful magical constructs used by some Order armies, particularly those focused on building and defending strongholds. They can influence the battlefield with mystical energies.
Fellwater Troggoths
Large, monstrous creatures favored by some Grot tribes, known for their resilience and crude strength.
Moonclan Goblins
The most numerous and widespread of the Grots, known for their sneaky tactics and vast numbers.
Aetherwing Chargers
These are specialized flying mounts used by certain Kharadron Overlords units, allowing them to move quickly across the battlefield.
Godsworn Hunt
This is a thematic name for a group of Ironjawz, emphasizing their aggressive and relentless pursuit of battle.
Khorne Berzerkers
These are the most fanatical and bloodthirsty warriors dedicated to Khorne, driven to extreme acts of violence.
Skink Cohorts
The basic infantry units of the Seraphon, these reptilian warriors are numerous and versatile, often supporting their more powerful allies.
Stormsire's Cursebreakers
A specific named unit of Stormcast Eternals, known for their specialized roles in dealing with magical threats.
Sons of Behemat
These are colossal, monstrous giants that can be fielded by Destruction armies. They are incredibly powerful and smash through enemy lines with sheer size and strength.
Ironclad Duardin
A more heavily armored and well-equipped variant of Duardin warriors, often found in the Cities of Sigmar or Kharadron Overlords armies.
Slaanesh Daemonettes
The core daemonic infantry of Slaanesh, these swift and seductive creatures are deadly in close combat.
Nurgle Plaguebearers
The daemonic infantry of Nurgle, these shambling, diseased creatures are incredibly resilient and spread contagion.
Tzaangors
Mutated bird-like humanoids that serve Tzeentch, often acting as the expendable but numerous infantry for his forces.
Verminlord
The most powerful of the Skaven leaders, these grotesque rat-demons command vast armies and wield immense power.
Vanguard-Hunters
Elite ranged units of the Stormcast Eternals, specializing in picking off key enemy targets from afar.
Chaos Lords
The mortal champions who lead the Slaves to Darkness armies, imbued with the power of the Chaos Gods.
Skittershank's Thorns
A specific named unit of Skaven assassins, known for their stealth and deadly precision.
Genestealer Cults
While primarily a Warhammer 40,000 faction, the thematic elements of secretive cults and infiltration can be found in Age of Sigmar through factions like the Skaven or some cults of Chaos.
Katakros, Mortarch of the First Harvest
A powerful named hero for the Ossiarch Bonereapers, this ancient commander leads legions of bone constructs with unparalleled skill.
Malignant Seers
These are powerful Tzeentchian sorcerers who command the Changer of Ways' forces, wielding potent magic and foresight.
Tomb Kings
While this was a distinct army in the previous edition (Warhammer Fantasy Battles), their lore and units are now largely incorporated into the Ossiarch Bonereapers and Soulblight Gravelords factions in Age of Sigmar.
Vampire Counts
Similar to Tomb Kings, the Vampire Counts have been integrated into the Soulblight Gravelords army, representing the aristocratic vampires and their undead legions.
Beast-kin
A general term for the various monstrous humanoids that make up the Beastmen armies, emphasizing their bestial nature.
Blood Knights
Elite cavalry units of the Soulblight Gravelords, these are vampiric warriors mounted on monstrous steeds, renowned for their charging power.
Flesh-eater Courts Ghouls
The common troops of the Flesh-eater Courts, these undead creatures are driven by delusion and a hunger for flesh.
Stormcast Eternals Sequitors
The backbone of many Stormcast Eternals armies, these warriors are well-armed and armored, capable of holding the line against fierce opposition.
Idoneth Deepkin Akhelian Guard
Elite warriors of the Idoneth Deepkin, these are the primary fighting force of their underwater kingdoms, often mounted on fierce sea creatures.
Slaves to Darkness Chaos Warriors
The heavily armored and disciplined core infantry of the Slaves to Darkness, these warriors are devoted to the Chaos Gods and capable of enduring great punishment.
Khorne Daemon Princes
The most powerful mortal champions of Khorne, who have been transformed into daemonic entities by the Blood God's favor. They are terrifying combatants.
Khorne Skullcrushers
Mounted on monstrous steeds, these Khorne warriors are designed to smash through enemy formations with their massive lances and axes.
Destruction Grand Alliance
This refers to the entire allegiance of armies focused on war and conquest, encompassing Orruk Warclans, Gloomspite Gitz, and Sons of Behemat.
Order Grand Alliance
This encompasses all the forces dedicated to protecting the realms, including Stormcast Eternals, Cities of Sigmar, Sylvaneth, Idoneth Deepkin, and Seraphon.
Death Grand Alliance
This allegiance includes the legions of the undead, such as Soulblight Gravelords, Nighthaunt, and Ossiarch Bonereapers.
Chaos Grand Alliance
This grand alliance represents the forces of corruption and mutation, including Slaves to Darkness, Khorne, Tzeentch, Nurgle, Slaanesh, and Skaven.
This list provides a comprehensive overview of the major armies and sub-factions within Warhammer Age of Sigmar. Each army has its own unique playstyle, making it possible for every player to find a force that resonates with their strategic preferences and aesthetic tastes. Whether you prefer the noble charge of demigods, the savage onslaught of greenskins, the chilling advance of the undead, or the insidious corruption of Chaos, there's an army waiting for you to lead it to victory!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I choose an Age of Sigmar army?
The best way to choose an army is to consider what kind of playstyle you enjoy. Do you like fast, aggressive armies? Or do you prefer slow, powerful units that can soak up damage? You can also look at the lore and artwork of each faction to see which one appeals to you aesthetically. Many players start by picking a faction whose miniatures they find visually appealing!
Why are there so many different factions in Age of Sigmar?
The vast number of factions is a core part of the Mortal Realms' rich lore and the game's design. It allows for diverse storytelling, varied strategic challenges on the battlefield, and a wide array of miniature collections for players to choose from. Each faction represents a different ideology, power, or way of life within this chaotic and magical setting.
Can I mix units from different armies?
Generally, you must choose one Grand Alliance for your army. Within that Grand Alliance, you can usually include units from different factions as long as they share that Grand Alliance. For example, you can field a Cities of Sigmar army that includes Duardin, Freeguild humans, and even some allied Order units. However, you cannot mix units from entirely different Grand Alliances, like Order and Destruction, without specific rules allowing it.
How do I learn the rules for a specific army?
Each army has its own Battletome, which is a dedicated book containing lore, rules, and special abilities for that faction. You can also find basic army rules and a glossary of terms in the core rules for Age of Sigmar, which are freely available on the official Warhammer Community website. The Battletomes are where you'll find the unique mechanics that make each army play differently.
