Introduction to Age of Sigmar
Warhammer Age of Sigmar, produced by Games Workshop, is a fantasy tabletop wargame that immerses players in epic battles within the Mortal Realms. The game replaced Warhammer Fantasy Battles in 2015 and introduced a streamlined rule set, diverse lore, and an expansive collection of factions. Players assemble armies from a variety of distinct factions, each with its unique strengths, weaknesses, and lore-rich backstories.
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What Are Factions in the Age of Sigmar?
Factions in Age of Sigmar represent groups of units, heroes, and monsters unified by allegiance, ideology, or race. They fall under four grand alliances:
- Order: Champions of stability and civilization.
- Chaos: Followers of the ruinous powers.
- Death: Servants of the underworld and its rulers.
- Destruction: Wild and untamed forces seeking to conquer and plunder.
Each faction offers a distinctive playstyle, from highly strategic armies to aggressive, brute-force warriors.
Grand Alliance: Order
Key Factions in Order
Stormcast Eternals
The Stormcast Eternals are Sigmar’s chosen warriors, forged in the storm to combat the forces of darkness. Known for their iconic golden armor, these warriors excel in resilience and adaptability.
- Playstyle: Balanced; effective in melee and ranged combat.
- Key Units:
- Liberators
- Retributors
- Dracothian Guard
- Notable Heroes: Lord-Celestant, Vandus Hammerhand
Sylvaneth
The Sylvaneth are sentient tree spirits led by Alarielle, the Everqueen. They embody the life forces of nature, protecting the Mortal Realms’ forests.
- Playstyle: Hit-and-run tactics with terrain manipulation.
- Key Units:
- Dryads
- Kurnoth Hunters
- Treelord Ancients
- Notable Heroes: Alarielle, Branchwych
Cities of Sigmar
The Cities of Sigmar represent the remnants of human, aelf, and duardin civilizations united against Chaos. These cities are bastions of resilience and ingenuity.
- Playstyle: Versatile; large armies combining magic, artillery, and infantry.
- Key Units:
- Freeguild Guard
- Steam Tanks
- Phoenix Guard
- Notable Heroes: Freeguild General, Battlemage
Grand Alliance: Chaos
Key Factions in Chaos
Slaves to Darkness
The Slaves to Darkness are warriors and marauders who have pledged allegiance to the dark gods of Chaos.
- Playstyle: Close-combat heavy with high customization.
- Key Units:
- Chaos Warriors
- Chaos Knights
- Varanguard
- Notable Heroes: Archaon, the Everchosen
Khorne Bloodbound
These followers of Khorne, the god of blood and skulls, are fierce melee combatants.
- Playstyle: Aggressive; focused on close combat.
- Key Units:
- Bloodletters
- Skullcrushers
- Bloodthirsters
- Notable Heroes: Skarbrand, Slaughterpriest
Disciples of Tzeentch
The Disciples of Tzeentch worship the Chaos God of change and deceit.
- Playstyle: Magic-heavy with manipulation mechanics.
- Key Units:
- Pink Horrors
- Flamers of Tzeentch
- Lords of Change
- Notable Heroes: Kairos Fateweaver, Gaunt Summoner
Grand Alliance: Death
Key Factions in Death
Soulblight Gravelords
The Soulblight Gravelords are vampire-led armies commanding legions of undead.
- Playstyle: Attrition-focused with powerful characters.
- Key Units:
- Skeleton Warriors
- Blood Knights
- Vargheists
- Notable Heroes: Neferata, Mannfred von Carstein
Nighthaunt
The Nighthaunt are spectral warriors, embodying fear and despair.
- Playstyle: High mobility; ignore terrain and armor.
- Key Units:
- Chainrasps
- Grimghast Reapers
- Spirit Hosts
- Notable Heroes: Lady Olynder, Kurdoss Valentian
Grand Alliance: Destruction
Key Factions in Destruction
Orruk Warclans
The Orruk Warclans are brutal, greenskin warriors split into subfactions like the Ironjawz and Bonesplitterz.
- Playstyle: High aggression; close combat-focused.
- Key Units:
- Ardboyz
- Brutes
- Maw-Krusha
- Notable Heroes: Gordrakk, Megaboss
Gloomspite Gitz
The Gloomspite Gitz are a mix of grots, trolls, and squigs, driven by lunacy.
- Playstyle: Swarm tactics and unpredictability.
- Key Units:
- Squig Hoppers
- Fanatics
- Troggoths
- Notable Heroes: Loonboss, Skragrott
Comparison Table of Age of Sigmar Factions
| Grand Alliance | Faction | Playstyle | Key Units | Notable Heroes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Order | Stormcast Eternals | Balanced | Liberators, Retributors | Vandus Hammerhand |
| Order | Sylvaneth | Hit-and-run | Dryads, Kurnoth Hunters | Alarielle |
| Chaos | Slaves to Darkness | Close-combat heavy | Chaos Warriors, Varanguard | Archaon, the Everchosen |
| Chaos | Disciples of Tzeentch | Magic-heavy | Pink Horrors, Lords of Change | Kairos Fateweaver |
| Death | Soulblight Gravelords | Attrition-focused | Skeleton Warriors, Blood Knights | Neferata |
| Death | Nighthaunt | High mobility | Chainrasps, Grimghast Reapers | Lady Olynder |
| Destruction | Orruk Warclans | Aggressive, melee-heavy | Ardboyz, Maw-Krusha | Gordrakk |
| Destruction | Gloomspite Gitz | Swarm, unpredictable | Squig Hoppers, Troggoths | Skragrott |
Why Choose a Specific Faction?
- Playstyle: Some factions favor aggressive strategies (e.g., Orruk Warclans), while others excel in tactical play (e.g., Sylvaneth).
- Aesthetic: Choose based on visual appeal, whether it’s the spectral designs of Nighthaunt or the divine armor of Stormcast Eternals.
- Lore: Each faction’s narrative can influence your connection to their ethos.
Final Thoughts of this article
Age of Sigmar’s factions offer an unparalleled variety of gameplay experiences, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to the disciplined warriors of Order, the chaos-fueled legions, the spectral undead, or the wild hordes of Destruction, the Mortal Realms await your command.
Disclaimer: This article is a general overview of Age of Sigmar factions. For the most accurate and updated rules, refer to official publications by Games Workshop or consult their official website. This guide is meant for informational purposes and does not substitute for official game materials.
