In the current edition of Warhammer Age of Sigmar, army composition follows specific guidelines, requiring at least one Leader unit and a minimum of three Battleline units (or two for smaller games). Additionally, various restrictions apply to Behemoths, reinforcements, and other elements. Players can organize their units into battalions to gain bonuses, such as the Battle Regiment, allowing for the deployment of up to nine units simultaneously. The first player to finish setting up is rewarded with the option to take the first turn, creating a strategic balance between list-building flexibility and the tactical advantage of seizing the initiative.
In the upcoming edition, while maintaining the essence of risk and reward, a new approach to army composition emphasizes flavor and flexibility. Each army now consists of one or more regiments, with a maximum limit of five. Each regiment is led by a HERO and can include up to three other units, or four if it’s the general’s regiment. Regiments represent the retinues, warbands, and chosen warriors accompanying a leader into battle, with HERO profiles specifying which units can be included in their regiment.
For example, a Vanari Bannerblade of the Lumineth Realm-lords can include any VANARI units in their regiment, while an Alarith Stonemage can be accompanied by ALARITH units. This thematic approach results in armies that reflect the expected composition of troops for each HERO. Every unit within a regiment deploys together as a single drop, offering a more cohesive deployment strategy.
The restrictions of the current edition, such as Battlefield roles (Battleline, Behemoths, Artillery), are eliminated. Players have greater flexibility in roster building, with the ability to include auxiliary units outside of regiments. However, auxiliary units are deployed individually, and the player with the fewest auxiliaries receives an extra command point each battle round. Command points are a valuable resource in this edition, with no inherent ability granting additional points.
Furthermore, players select battle formations, which have been refocused around an army’s fighting style rather than its specific background. Artefacts of Power, Heroic Traits (formerly Command Traits), Spell Lores, Prayer Lores, and Manifestation Lores continue to be important aspects of army building. Heroic Traits can now be assigned to any hero, not just the general, offering greater customization options.
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