Defining Your Playstyle in Warhammer Age of Sigmar
So, you’ve got your models, your battletome, and maybe a few games under your belt—but something still feels off. Your army isn’t quite clicking, or maybe you’re not sure how to approach the game. Sound familiar?
Today, let’s tackle that together. We'll explore what a playstyle is, why it matters, and how mastering it can transform your games. Whether you’re charging headlong into battle, holding the line, or outwitting opponents with clever tricks, understanding your playstyle will make your games more strategic, enjoyable, and uniquely yours.
With countless games behind me, I’ve learned that aligning your playstyle with your army is crucial. Let’s dive into the details so you can unlock your potential on the battlefield!
What Is a Playstyle?
At its core, playstyle is how you like to play the game and how your army is designed to function. These two elements need to align for your army to feel natural and effective.
Many players struggle because they’re trying to force an army into a style it’s not suited for. By understanding both your preferences and the natural strengths of your army, you can avoid frustration and instead enjoy a cohesive, powerful force on the table.
Let’s look at the three primary playstyles in Age of Sigmar to help you define your own approach.
The Three Core Playstyles
Aggressive Playstyle
If you love fast tempo and high-impact moves, this style is for you. Aggressive armies aim to hit hard and early, shifting the odds in their favour by eliminating threats quickly.Examples of Aggressive Armies:
Alpha-strike forces focus on dealing maximum damage in the first turn, while "monster mash" armies rely on a few powerful models to dismantle opponents over several turns.Key Traits:
High damage output, mobility, and abilities like strike-first or fight-twice. Success hinges on precise deployment and targeting the right matchups.Example Army:
An Ossiarch Bonereapers list featuring three reinforced units of Kavalos Deathriders. These units race across the board, charge into combat, and dictate engagements by picking favourable matchups early.
Defensive Playstyle
Prefer to weather the storm and grind out a win? Defensive armies focus on durability and long-term strategy.Examples of Defensive Armies:
Castle Builds: Tight formations that protect key units while maximising buffs.
Objective Holders: Distributed forces designed to secure and defend key points.
Key Traits:
Strong saves, wards, and health pools. These armies rely on forcing opponents into mistakes while holding critical positions.Example Army:
A castle build centred around a core of durable units supported by synergistic force multipliers. Screening units can delay enemy advances and maintain control.
Control Playstyle
For those who enjoy disrupting opponents and dictating the flow of the game, control is the ultimate test of strategy.Examples of Control Armies:
Armies that use zoning, deep strikes, or debuffs to manipulate the battlefield and scoring.Key Traits:
Flexibility and complexity. These armies excel at disrupting opponent plans and forcing them into suboptimal positions.Example Army:
A force that uses deep-strike units to zone objectives and deny enemy scoring, creating pressure across multiple fronts.
Defining Your Playstyle
Take a moment to reflect on what you enjoy most in your games. Do you love charging across the board and smashing into your opponent? Or do you prefer to hold back, let them commit, and grind them down?
At its heart, playstyle boils down to the tempo you want to play at:
Aggressive: Shift the game in your favour early, ideally in the first two turns.
Defensive: Build momentum over time, aiming for late-game dominance.
Control: Force advantageous matchups while denying your opponent scoring opportunities.
It’s worth noting that even within these styles, there’s nuance. For example:
Aggressive playstyles demand perfect deployment and adaptability. A misplaced unit can turn the tide against you.
Defensive playstyles require careful positioning to avoid being boxed into a corner.
Mastery comes with experience, but aligning your playstyle with your preferences is the first step toward success.
Matching Your Army to Your Playstyle
Identifying how an army wants to play isn’t always straightforward. Most armies have a mix of units suited to different roles. To match your army to your playstyle:
Evaluate Unit Roles:
Aggressive units prioritise damage and speed over defence. Look for abilities like strike-first, fight-twice, or buffs to combat stats.
Defensive units focus on durability, with high saves, wards, and health pools.
Support units enhance your army through buffs, debuffs, or strategic abilities.
Build Synergy:
Combine units and abilities that complement your preferred playstyle. For example:Aggressive armies might focus on stacking offensive buffs.
Defensive armies might prioritise force multipliers that enhance durability.
By analysing warscrolls and identifying key abilities, you can create a list that feels natural and effective for your playstyle.
Conclusion
Defining your playstyle is about understanding how you like to play and aligning that with the natural strengths of your army.
Aggressive: Fast, high-impact strategies that aim to dominate early.
Defensive: Durable, methodical approaches focused on long-term gains.
Control: Strategic disruption and manipulation of the battlefield.
Once you’ve identified your playstyle, you’ll find that your games feel smoother, more strategic, and much more enjoyable.
Remember, Age of Sigmar is a complex and rewarding game, but it’s meant to be fun. By matching your army to your playstyle, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the battlefield.
Let me know in the comments if this guide helped you, or if you need advice on aligning your playstyle with an army. I’m always happy to help.
Until next time, happy wargaming!
