10 Products All New Warhammer Age of Sigmar Players Need
Stepping into the Mortal Realms of Warhammer Age of Sigmar can feel overwhelming for newcomers. With countless miniatures, paints, tools, and rulebooks available, knowing where to start your journey into this epic tabletop wargame can be daunting. Whether you've been drawn in by the stunning miniatures, the rich lore, or the strategic gameplay, having the right products from the beginning will set you up for success and maximize your enjoyment of the hobby.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the ten essential products every new Warhammer Age of Sigmar player needs to begin their adventure. From the fundamental starter sets to the specialized tools that will bring your miniatures to life, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to make informed purchases and avoid common beginner mistakes. Each product on this list has been carefully selected based on its value, versatility, and importance to your Warhammer Age of Sigmar experience.
1. A Starter Set or Start Collecting Box
Your journey into Warhammer Age of Sigmar begins with choosing your first miniatures, and there's no better value than a starter set or Start Collecting box. These carefully curated collections provide everything you need to field your first small army while offering significant savings compared to buying individual units. The current Warhammer Age of Sigmar starter sets typically include two small forces, allowing you to learn the game with a friend or giving you variety in your collection from day one.
When selecting your first box, consider which faction appeals to you most. The Stormcast Eternals, with their gleaming armor and heroic aesthetic, make an excellent choice for beginners due to their straightforward playstyle and forgiving rules. Alternatively, the savage Orruk Warclans or the death-defying Soulblight Gravelords each offer unique gameplay experiences and modeling opportunities. These starter sets are available at MOD Shop (https://modshop.fun), where you can browse the full range of options and find the perfect entry point for your playstyle.
The beauty of starting with these boxes lies not just in their value proposition but in their thoughtful design for newcomers. Each set includes easy-to-build miniatures that snap together without glue, making them perfect for those still developing their modeling skills. Additionally, most starter sets come with dice, range rulers, and simplified rules to help you learn the basics of Warhammer Age of Sigmar without feeling overwhelmed by the full complexity of the game. This graduated approach to learning ensures you'll understand the core mechanics before diving into the deeper strategic elements that make the game so engaging.
2. The Core Rulebook
While starter sets include basic rules to get you playing immediately, the Core Rulebook is an essential purchase for anyone serious about Warhammer Age of Sigmar. This comprehensive tome contains not only the complete rules for the game but also extensive background lore that brings the Mortal Realms to life. Understanding the narrative context of your battles adds immeasurable depth to your gaming experience, transforming simple dice rolls into epic moments of storytelling.
The Core Rulebook serves as your primary reference throughout your Warhammer Age of Sigmar journey. Beyond the basic movement, shooting, and combat phases, it explains advanced concepts like command abilities, heroic actions, and monstrous rampages that add tactical depth to your games. The book also includes multiple battleplans (scenarios) that go beyond simple pitched battles, introducing objectives and special rules that create varied and exciting gameplay experiences. You can find the latest edition at MOD Shop (https://modshop.fun), ensuring you have the most up-to-date rules for competitive play.
Perhaps most importantly, the Core Rulebook contains the matched play rules and points values that form the foundation of balanced competitive games. These systems ensure fair battles regardless of which factions are facing off, making it possible to enjoy games against any opponent. The book also includes narrative and open play formats, offering different ways to enjoy Warhammer Age of Sigmar based on your preferences. Whether you're interested in tournament-style competitions, story-driven campaigns, or casual games with friends, the Core Rulebook provides the framework for all these experiences.
3. Essential Hobby Tools
Building and preparing your Warhammer Age of Sigmar miniatures requires a specific set of tools that will serve you throughout your hobby journey. The most critical tool is a pair of flush cutters or sprue clippers, designed specifically for removing plastic parts from their frames cleanly. Using proper clippers rather than twisting parts off prevents damage and reduces the cleanup work needed before assembly. A sharp hobby knife with replaceable blades is equally essential for removing mold lines and making precise cuts when customizing your models.
Beyond cutting tools, you'll need plastic cement for permanent assembly and super glue for attaching different materials or creating temporary bonds during painting. A set of small files and fine-grit sandpaper helps smooth rough edges and perfect the fit between parts. These preparation steps might seem tedious initially, but they make an enormous difference in the final appearance of your painted miniatures. MOD Shop (https://modshop.fun) offers complete tool sets specifically designed for Warhammer Age of Sigmar hobbyists, taking the guesswork out of selecting the right equipment.
Don't overlook the importance of a cutting mat to protect your work surface and a good lamp to illuminate your workspace. Poor lighting leads to mistakes and eye strain, while a self-healing cutting mat will last for years and protect both your tools and table. Some hobbyists also find a pin vise with small drill bits invaluable for creating holes for pinning joints or adding magnets to weapon options. While not immediately necessary for beginners, these tools become increasingly useful as you tackle more complex projects and conversions in your Warhammer Age of Sigmar collection.
4. Quality Brushes for Painting
Painting breathes life into your Warhammer Age of Sigmar miniatures, and quality brushes make this process both easier and more enjoyable. While it's tempting to buy the cheapest brushes available, investing in at least a few good brushes will improve your results dramatically and actually save money in the long run as they last much longer. You'll need a range of sizes for different tasks: a size 0 or 1 for details, a size 2 for general work, and a larger brush for basecoating and dry brushing techniques.
Natural hair brushes, particularly those made from Kolinsky sable, remain the gold standard for miniature painting due to their excellent point retention and paint-carrying capacity. However, high-quality synthetic brushes have improved tremendously and offer excellent performance at a lower price point. The key is maintaining a good point for precise work and having enough belly to hold adequate paint for smooth application. Look for brushes specifically designed for miniature painting, available at MOD Shop (https://modshop.fun), as these have the right characteristics for working on small-scale models.
Proper brush care extends their lifespan significantly and maintains their performance. Never let paint dry in your brushes, avoid getting paint in the ferrule (the metal part), and clean them thoroughly after each session. Using a brush soap or conditioner periodically helps maintain the brush shape and removes stubborn paint residue. Consider keeping separate brushes for metallic paints, as the metallic particles can contaminate regular colors and damage brush tips over time. With proper care, a good set of brushes can last months or even years of regular painting.
5. A Comprehensive Paint Set
Starting your paint collection for Warhammer Age of Sigmar can seem overwhelming with hundreds of colors available, but a well-chosen starter set provides everything needed for your first projects. Look for sets that include the essential colors: black and white for mixing, primary colors for creating custom shades, and metallic paints for weapons and armor. Many manufacturers offer faction-specific paint sets that include exactly the colors needed to match the official schemes for popular Warhammer Age of Sigmar armies.
Beyond basic colors, you'll want to invest in specialized paints that speed up your painting process and improve your results. Shade paints or washes flow into recesses to create instant shadows and definition, while contrast paints combine base color and shading in one application. Technical paints create special effects like rust, blood, or crackling earth for bases. These specialized formulations might seem like luxuries initially, but they dramatically reduce painting time while producing professional-looking results. The full range of Citadel paints designed specifically for Warhammer Age of Sigmar is available at MOD Shop (https://modshop.fun).
Building your paint collection strategically saves both money and storage space. Start with colors for your chosen army, then gradually add paints as you expand your collection or want to try new techniques. Keep notes on which colors you use for different parts of your models to ensure consistency across your army. Many painters create recipe cards for their paint schemes, listing the exact sequence of basecoat, wash, and highlight colors used. This systematic approach ensures your hundredth model matches your first, maintaining the cohesive appearance that makes Warhammer Age of Sigmar armies so visually striking on the tabletop.
6. Dice and Measuring Tools
While Warhammer Age of Sigmar is a game of strategy and tactics, dice ultimately determine the outcome of your carefully laid plans. You'll need a substantial collection of six-sided dice, as some attacks require rolling dozens at once. Having enough dice to roll all your attacks simultaneously speeds up gameplay and adds to the excitement of crucial combat phases. Consider getting dice in different colors to distinguish between different types of rolls or to match your army's aesthetic.
Accurate measurement is equally crucial in Warhammer Age of Sigmar, where precise positioning can mean the difference between victory and defeat. A retractable tape measure marked in inches is essential, though many players prefer multiple measuring tools for convenience. Range rulers and combat gauges help quickly check common distances without constantly reaching for the tape measure. These tools are particularly helpful for new players still learning to judge distances on the tabletop. MOD Shop (https://modshop.fun) stocks a variety of measuring tools designed specifically for wargaming.
Beyond basic measuring tools, consider accessories that enhance your gaming experience. Wound markers and objective tokens help track game state clearly, while custom dice with faction symbols add personality to your collection. Some players invest in laser line tools for checking line of sight or determining charge paths through complex terrain. While these aren't strictly necessary, they eliminate arguments about measurements and make games flow more smoothly. As you become more experienced with Warhammer Age of Sigmar, you'll develop preferences for specific gaming accessories that match your playstyle.
7. Storage and Transport Solutions
Protecting your investment in Warhammer Age of Sigmar miniatures requires proper storage and transport solutions. These models represent hours of assembly and painting work, not to mention their monetary value. A good storage system prevents damage from handling, dust, and accidents while making it easy to transport your army to game stores or friends' houses. Foam cases remain the most popular option, with customizable foam inserts that can be configured to fit your specific models.
When choosing storage, consider both your current collection and future expansion plans. A case that seems perfectly sized today might be overflowing within months as you add new units to your Warhammer Age of Sigmar army. Modular systems allow you to add additional foam trays as your collection grows. For particularly delicate or expensive models, consider magnetized storage solutions where models attach to metal sheets, eliminating pressure on delicate parts. These systems work especially well for models with spindly bits like spears, banners, or wing membranes.
Home storage deserves equal consideration to transport cases. Display cabinets with glass doors showcase your painted armies while protecting them from dust and curious hands. For work-in-progress models, compartmented storage boxes keep parts organized and prevent loss. Many hobbyists dedicate a specific area to their Warhammer Age of Sigmar collection, creating an organized workspace where everything has its place. MOD Shop (https://modshop.fun) offers various storage solutions tailored to different collection sizes and transportation needs.
8. Terrain and Gaming Mat
While you can play Warhammer Age of Sigmar on any flat surface, proper terrain and a gaming mat transform your battles into cinematic experiences. Terrain pieces don't just look impressive; they're integral to gameplay, providing cover, blocking line of sight, and creating tactical challenges that make each battle unique. Start with a few key pieces like ruins, forests, and hills that work with any faction and gradually expand your terrain collection to create varied battlefields.
A gaming mat provides an attractive foundation for your battles while protecting the table surface underneath. These mats come in various designs representing different environments from the Mortal Realms, from verdant grasslands to volcanic wastelands. The textured surface also helps prevent models from sliding during play. Standard Warhammer Age of Sigmar games use a 44" x 60" playing area, though smaller mats work for introductory games or when space is limited. Quality gaming mats are available at MOD Shop (https://modshop.fun), offering durability and visual appeal for your battles.
Creating immersive battlefields enhances the narrative aspect of Warhammer Age of Sigmar significantly. Themed terrain that matches your gaming mat creates cohesive environments that tell a story. Consider how different terrain setups create different tactical situations: dense terrain favors melee armies, while open battlefields benefit shooting-focused forces. Many players enjoy crafting their own terrain pieces, adding personal touches to their gaming tables. Whether you buy pre-made terrain or build your own, having a variety of pieces ensures every game of Warhammer Age of Sigmar feels fresh and challenging.
9. Army Battletome
Once you've chosen your faction in Warhammer Age of Sigmar, their Battletome becomes an essential purchase. These comprehensive army books contain everything needed to field your chosen force, including detailed unit rules, allegiance abilities, spell lores, and battalions that unlock special bonuses. Beyond rules, Battletomes provide extensive background lore about your faction, helping you understand their motivations, fighting styles, and place within the Mortal Realms' ongoing narrative.
The strategic depth contained within each Battletome transforms a simple collection of models into a cohesive army with unique tactical options. Allegiance abilities reward you for fielding pure faction forces with powerful special rules that define how your army plays. Command traits and artifacts of power allow customization of your heroes to match your preferred tactics. Understanding these options thoroughly separates casual players from those who can leverage their army's full potential in Warhammer Age of Sigmar battles.
Battletomes also include multiple ways to build your army through different subfactions, each emphasizing different aspects of your chosen force. These subfactions often dramatically change how your army plays, effectively giving you multiple armies within one book. The latest Battletomes for all Warhammer Age of Sigmar factions are available at MOD Shop (https://modshop.fun), ensuring you have access to the most current rules and options for your army.
10. Reference Materials and Gaming Aids
Rounding out your essential Warhammer Age of Sigmar products are various reference materials and gaming aids that streamline gameplay and reduce rules disputes. Quick reference sheets summarizing common rules and your army's abilities speed up play significantly, especially while learning. Many players create or purchase combat tracking sheets to record damage on multi-wound models and ongoing effects. These tools become invaluable during complex battles with multiple units and overlapping abilities.
The Warhammer Age of Sigmar app provides digital access to rules and warscrolls, making it easy to reference unit statistics during games without carrying multiple books. While the basic app is free, a subscription unlocks additional features like list building tools and access to all Battletomes digitally. For players who prefer physical references, warscroll cards provide handy unit references that are easier to manage than flipping through books during games. These gaming aids are available at MOD Shop (https://modshop.fun), helping organize your games efficiently.
Consider also investing in tokens and markers that clearly indicate game states like ongoing spells, command abilities, or special effects. Clear communication of game state prevents confusion and ensures both players remain aware of all active effects. Some players create custom markers that match their army's aesthetic, adding visual flair while serving a practical purpose. As you become more experienced with Warhammer Age of Sigmar, you'll identify which gaming aids best support your playstyle and help you focus on strategy rather than bookkeeping.
Conclusion
Building your Warhammer Age of Sigmar collection is an exciting journey that combines strategic gameplay, creative hobby work, and immersive storytelling. These ten essential products provide the foundation for years of enjoyment in the Mortal Realms. Starting with the right tools and materials ensures you'll have positive experiences from your very first game while avoiding common frustrations that can discourage new players.
Remember that you don't need to purchase everything at once. Start with a starter set, basic tools, and paints, then gradually expand your collection as you discover which aspects of Warhammer Age of Sigmar you enjoy most. Whether you're drawn to the competitive matched play scene, narrative campaigns with friends, or the meditative process of painting beautiful miniatures, having the right products enhances every aspect of the hobby.
Visit MOD Shop at https://modshop.fun to find all these essential products and begin your Warhammer Age of Sigmar adventure with confidence. The Mortal Realms await, and with these foundational products, you're ready to forge your own legend in this incredible hobby that combines artistry, strategy, and storytelling in one epic package.