Warhammer Age of Sigmar (Third Edition) (2021) Board Game

Warhammer Age of Sigmar is a popular miniature wargame set in a fantasy universe created by Games Workshop. The third edition of the game was released in 2021, introducing new rules and mechanics to enhance gameplay for both new and experienced players.

Game Components of Warhammer Age of Sigmar

Miniature models for various factions (e.g., Stormcast Eternals, Orruk Warclans)

Rulebooks (Core Book, Matched Play Battlepack)

Warscrolls for each unit detailing their abilities and stats

Dice (six-sided and sometimes custom)

Terrain and battlefield accessories

Command points and other game tokens

How To Setup Warhammer Age of Sigmar

Setting up Warhammer Age of Sigmar involves deploying your army on the battlefield. Players start by deploying their units according to the specific mission or scenario rules. Each player must ensure unit coherency, where models are within a specified distance of each other. The game begins with a roll-off to determine which player has priority in the first battle round, with the winner choosing whether to go first or second.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Phases: The game is divided into six phases – Hero Phase, Movement Phase, Shooting Phase, Charge Phase, Combat Phase, and Battleshock Phase.

Command Abilities: Generals can use command points to perform heroic actions, cast spells, or invoke abilities during the Hero Phase.

Movement: Units move according to their move characteristic, with options to retreat from combat or run.

Shooting: Units with missile weapons can shoot during the Shooting Phase.

Charge: Units within 12” of an enemy can charge.

Combat: Players alternate fighting with units, resolving attacks with roll to hit, roll to wound, and roll to save mechanics.

Battleshock: Units that have lost models roll to see if additional models flee based on their bravery.

Objective: The primary objective is to defeat the opponent’s army or complete specific mission objectives.

Player Experience

Warhammer Age of Sigmar offers a dynamic and engaging experience, with a mix of strategy and luck. The game encourages interaction during both player turns, thanks to mechanics like command points and the priority roll-off system. This creates a balanced and unpredictable gameplay environment, where players must adapt quickly to changing circumstances.

Pros

Clear Rules: The rulebook is well-structured and clear, making it easier for new players to learn.

Dynamic Gameplay: The priority roll-off and command point system add a layer of strategy and unpredictability.

Unit Coherency: Encourages a more MSU (Many Small Units) based game, which can be appealing for new players.

Guardrails: Prevents stacked combos, keeping the game cleaner and more balanced.

Cons

Complexity in Unit Abilities: The bulk of mechanics are within the warscrolls, which can be cumbersome to learn and manage.

No Engagement Range: Unlike other games, engagement range is not codified, leading to laborious rule descriptions.

Objective Scoring: Most objective scoring is at the end of the battle round, which could limit tension in decision-making.

Personal Thoughts on Warhammer Age of Sigmar

Warhammer Age of Sigmar (Third Edition) is ideal for those interested in fantasy miniature wargaming, particularly fans of strategy and tactical gameplay. It is a great entry point for new players due to its clear rules and dynamic mechanics, but it also offers depth for experienced players through complex unit abilities and army synergies. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer highly streamlined or simplistic rule sets, as the game requires a significant amount of time to learn and master the various unit abilities and strategies.

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