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Hello I am new to the miniatures hobby. I got into it through the new 40k starter sets a few weeks ago. I know have a 5,000pt SM army lol

What I like about the new 40k edition are the smaller map sizes (44x30in) which I can play on my desk (combat patrol and incursion game modes.

I wanted to ask if AoS had something similar where you can play 500-1000pt for each army on a smaller map or is the 6x4 mat (what I saw in their latest rules https://ageofsigmar.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2018/06/AoS_Rules-ENG.pdf) the only option for this game?

I am willing to buy this AoS set

https://www.games-workshop.com/en-US/Age-Of-Sigmar-Soul-Wars-2018-eng

to get into that game but I wanted to know if AoS had the flexibility of the smaller games like the new 40k does.

I would love to be able to play this on my desk while leaving big games for the weekends on my dining room table

thanks

I think the listed table size in AoS is 4'x5'. I've seen that listed somewhere, I just dont recall where. (Generals Handbook 2020 maybe?)

But here's the thing - for either 40k or AoS ((or any other minis game really) - if your not in a tournament setting it doesn't matter what size of board you use.
Use whatever size of board you please/have available.

Yes, AoS can be played on smaller boards.

At the local shop? We've used 4x4, 4x5, 4x6, 4x7, & 4x8. And larger sizes a few times.
The tables are 4x6 & 4x8.

What size we use is not really based on points, rather how many players are in a game.
Pts wise we've put around 500-1500 on a 4x4 & been fine.
Likewise we've put 1500 on the 4x6/4×8 & been fine
Thats because how much room is required/comfortable/practicle has nothing to do with saying "this model costs x pts"


TLDR version: yes you can play AoS on any size of board.

ccs wrote:
I think the listed table size in AoS is 4'x5'. I've seen that listed somewhere, I just dont recall where. (Generals Handbook 2020 maybe?)

But here's the thing - for either 40k or AoS ((or any other minis game really) - if your not in a tournament setting it doesn't matter what size of board you use.
Use whatever size of board you please/have available.

Yes, AoS can be played on smaller boards.

At the local shop? We've used 4x4, 4x5, 4x6, 4x7, & 4x8. And larger sizes a few times.
The tables are 4x6 & 4x8.

What size we use is not really based on points, rather how many players are in a game.
Pts wise we've put around 500-1500 on a 4x4 & been fine.
Likewise we've put 1500 on the 4x6/4×8 & been fine
Thats because how much room is required/comfortable/practicle has nothing to do with saying "this model costs x pts"


TLDR version: yes you can play AoS on any size of board.

I am interested in the soul wars starter set and I already have tons of terrain and mats from 40k.

Although it looks like GW fumbled the launch of that game that was losing popularity. I can confidently find 40k stores and players in my area but it looks like AoS might just be a personal game which would be ok. I like both of those armies.

I was just concerned since the AoR mentioned nothing about different mat sizes or smaller armies.

I confidently went all in 40k since they had all that and now I have enough to run 2 2,000pt armies.

I just dont want to get a boxset of AoS if its dying when I could get the new codexes of 40 k next month

What they said, if you really wanted, you could play on 1x1ft table, it'd be jank as hell though. 1k is the lowest I'd consider for AoS game though, and 4x4 might work for that. 500pts is going to be 2-3 units and a hero, not enough for a fun game IMO. You could try Path To Glory, it's best way to experience small size points and the rules are in every battletome.

Cronch wrote:
What they said, if you really wanted, you could play on 1x1ft table, it'd be jank as hell though. 1k is the lowest I'd consider for AoS game though, and 4x4 might work for that. 500pts is going to be 2-3 units and a hero, not enough for a fun game IMO. You could try Path To Glory, it's best way to experience small size points and the rules are in every battletome.

My plan is probably to play 1k armies on a 44"by 30" map which is the same size as the combat patrol/incursion mat size




Automatically Appended Next Post:

gundam wrote:

Cronch wrote:
What they said, if you really wanted, you could play on 1x1ft table, it'd be jank as hell though. 1k is the lowest I'd consider for AoS game though, and 4x4 might work for that. 500pts is going to be 2-3 units and a hero, not enough for a fun game IMO. You could try Path To Glory, it's best way to experience small size points and the rules are in every battletome.

My plan is probably to play 1k armies on a 44"by 30" map which is the same size as the combat patrol/incursion mat size

Automatically Appended Next Post:
Update:

Just bought THE SOUL WARS STARTER SET price was only $140 so I figure it was worth it alone for the minis.

AoS might might wax/wane in popularity in your area, but seems to be doing just fine overall.
All the factions now have a 2.0 Tome, this month sees the rest of the Luminoth arrive, & soon there'll be a Giant based army.

ccs wrote:
AoS might might wax/wane in popularity in your area, but seems to be doing just fine overall.
All the factions now have a 2.0 Tome, this month sees the rest of the Luminoth arrive, & soon there'll be a Giant based army.

I have no idea how popular is in my area since I just got into miniatures like two weeks ago with 40k. Someone mentioned WFB which I then saw it became AoS. I live in a big city so I know I can find 40k games np and probably AoS as well.

From what I read I saw it had a decent amount of backlash from long time players on the new update. Some of the bigger WH YTers stopped posting AoS videos a while back and now just mostly focus on 40k since AoS looked to be dying in the WH universe.

The price of the soul wars box was great at $140 for all those models, books, etc. It wasn't too much money to take a chance on this regardless of what I saw on the internet about its waning popularity.

Cheers

Aos 1.0 was an insult they destroyed the old world and replaced it with a hollow shell.

No decent background, no points system and people came up with broken combos on the first day.

Aos 2.0 has fixed pretty much all the issues.

You know where and why you are fighting, the points system while not perfect is a massive improvement and the allies system has stopped anything abusive.

hobojebus wrote:
Aos 1.0 was an insult they destroyed the old world and replaced it with a hollow shell.

No decent background, no points system and people came up with broken combos on the first day.

Aos 2.0 has fixed pretty much all the issues.

You know where and why you are fighting, the points system while not perfect is a massive improvement and the allies system has stopped anything abusive.

it is what I gather from what I saw. Looked like they put in a single all-nighter putting it together before dropping AoS 1.0 lol

I am looking forward to playing AoS with the Soul Wars collection, I also ordered the nighthaunts battletome.

Narrative for smaller games they say 30-36" x 40-48".

EDIT: Match play is supposed to always be 4x6, but you can use the smaller size recommended in narrative and it'll work fine as the Core rules says the table sizes are only suggestions anyways.

gundam wrote:

ccs wrote:
AoS might might wax/wane in popularity in your area, but seems to be doing just fine overall.
All the factions now have a 2.0 Tome, this month sees the rest of the Luminoth arrive, & soon there'll be a Giant based army.

I have no idea how popular is in my area since I just got into miniatures like two weeks ago with 40k. Someone mentioned WFB which I then saw it became AoS. I live in a big city so I know I can find 40k games np and probably AoS as well.

From what I read I saw it had a decent amount of backlash from long time players on the new update. Some of the bigger WH YTers stopped posting AoS videos a while back and now just mostly focus on 40k since AoS looked to be dying in the WH universe.

Judging a games viability on wether or not people on YouTube are/were playing it & on info that's 5 years old seems like a bad way of making decisions.

Since your new to this? You need to know up front that GW releases a new edition of their games every 3-4 years. And (for better or worse) tinkers with them constantly via FAQs/Errata & annual pts adjustments (especially for 40k).
And thus the Sigmar of 2020 is a considerably better game than the Sigmar of 2015.

Do not confuse WHFB & AoS. They are two different games. It just happens that they use many of the same models.... Rules & play style are waaay different.
And yes, plenty of WHFB fans were (& still are) pissed that the game they love with all it's 30+ years of lore & models, & even whole armies got discontinued in favor of AoS. AoS being pretty awful at the start was just salt in the wound.
WHFB players fall into one of 3 categories:
1) Those who won't touch Sigmar, continue playing WHFB with whatever edition they prefer, & nurse a grudge any dwarf would be proud of.
2) Those who've switched & now just play AoS. sometimes grumbling & lamenting.
3) And some of us? We can enjoy both games. Just depends upon the day, the group, & what we're in the mood for.

Don't people here know there is the Encounter Battles format since the last General Handbook ? It is played on a smaller table (30-36'' x 40-48'') for games of 1000 points. So you can already play on smaller tables.

Otherwise, I expect something more in line with 40k for the next edition of AoS.

Sarouan wrote:
Don't people here know there is the Encounter Battles format since the last General Handbook ? It is played on a smaller table (30-36'' x 40-48'') for games of 1000 points. So you can already play on smaller tables.

Otherwise, I expect something more in line with 40k for the next edition of AoS.

I'm not expecting AOS to go to 40k table sizes. At least unless they release new boards but they dont' sell AOS boards for 40k sizes and 40k went there just because of kill team boards they want to sell more. Those don't work for AOS. So unless they release whole new line of mats kill team sized for AOS they don't change it.

As it is the board they sell in GW site for AOS is 6'x4'. Unless they replace that on sale they aren't changing board size. It's all about what they sell on their own site.

ccs wrote:

gundam wrote:

ccs wrote:
AoS might might wax/wane in popularity in your area, but seems to be doing just fine overall.
All the factions now have a 2.0 Tome, this month sees the rest of the Luminoth arrive, & soon there'll be a Giant based army.

I have no idea how popular is in my area since I just got into miniatures like two weeks ago with 40k. Someone mentioned WFB which I then saw it became AoS. I live in a big city so I know I can find 40k games np and probably AoS as well.

From what I read I saw it had a decent amount of backlash from long time players on the new update. Some of the bigger WH YTers stopped posting AoS videos a while back and now just mostly focus on 40k since AoS looked to be dying in the WH universe.

Judging a games viability on wether or not people on YouTube are/were playing it & on info that's 5 years old seems like a bad way of making decisions.

I dont think you read the post well enough since I just pointed out that most miniature wargaming channels that have more than 20k followers dont post AoS videos anymore or if they did they are 6 months or older.

Since your new to this? You need to know up front that GW releases a new edition of their games every 3-4 years. And (for better or worse) tinkers with them constantly via FAQs/Errata & annual pts adjustments (especially for 40k).
And thus the Sigmar of 2020 is a considerably better game than the Sigmar of 2015.

ccs wrote:

Do not confuse WHFB & AoS. They are two different games. It just happens that they use many of the same models.... Rules & play style are waaay different.

I am not confusing them at all. If you go back and read I just said that GW replaced WHF with AoS, updating and changing different things in the newer version.

40k will be my main game but I just got the soulwars and storm strike boxes with the nighthaunt battletome. I wanted to get a diff game from 40k and AoS looked pretty good with some nice looking models.

Cheers



Automatically Appended Next Post:

Sarouan wrote:
Don't people here know there is the Encounter Battles format since the last General Handbook ? It is played on a smaller table (30-36'' x 40-48'') for games of 1000 points. So you can already play on smaller tables.

Otherwise, I expect something more in line with 40k for the next edition of AoS.

awesome, the soul wars box has the most recent handbook so I will be able to check that out tomorrow. I got the soul wars, strike force and the nighthaunt tabletome. I have EVERY sector sanctum terrain from 40k and the destroyed church look will look great with the nighthaunts and storm armies

Excited to get into AoS




Automatically Appended Next Post:

tneva82 wrote:

Sarouan wrote:
Don't people here know there is the Encounter Battles format since the last General Handbook ? It is played on a smaller table (30-36'' x 40-48'') for games of 1000 points. So you can already play on smaller tables.

Otherwise, I expect something more in line with 40k for the next edition of AoS.

I'm not expecting AOS to go to 40k table sizes. At least unless they release new boards but they dont' sell AOS boards for 40k sizes and 40k went there just because of kill team boards they want to sell more. Those don't work for AOS. So unless they release whole new line of mats kill team sized for AOS they don't change it.

As it is the board they sell in GW site for AOS is 6'x4'. Unless they replace that on sale they aren't changing board size. It's all about what they sell on their own site.

I would be curious to see that as well.

tneva82 wrote:

I'm not expecting AOS to go to 40k table sizes. At least unless they release new boards but they dont' sell AOS boards for 40k sizes and 40k went there just because of kill team boards they want to sell more. Those don't work for AOS. So unless they release whole new line of mats kill team sized for AOS they don't change it.

Actually, there are AoS boards with the format of Kill Team. They are the Warcry Ravaged Lands sets.

Warcry is basically AoS's skirmish game.

I expect GW using those for AoS "officially" for the next edition.

I expect fully that the table size will be mirroring 40k in the next edition to match those skirmish battle mats that they have.

 auticus wrote:
I expect fully that the table size will be mirroring 40k in the next edition to match those skirmish battle mats that they have.

yeah, that would be my guess as well.

Warcry mats are the same size as Kill team mats and that is what 40k is using. So I figure 3rd ed AoS will do the same.

Just a thought for the OP as you mention smaller battle sizes and table playing. For AoS do consider Warcry.

It's a companion game that uses the very same models, but its own rules set and operates on smaller board sizes with a smaller number of models, but quite a diverse range from each faction. It also has some neat "warbands" which are single purchases that give you a functional block of varied models - they also work in the main AoS armies.

Right now the only warbands are for Slaves to Darkness - other armies can take part, but they might need two or three boxes of models to put together a team. Daughters of Khaine are the first "regular" army to get a warband and that will be coming out in a few months (we don't have a date as yet) along with Scions of the Flame inside a new starter set.



It's worth considering since it fits smaller table sizes naturally and yet lets you get a good variety of models and terrain on the table. Best yet because its a companion game you can easily build a team for your Stormcast or Nighthaunt and use them in both formats of the game.

gundam wrote:

 auticus wrote:
I expect fully that the table size will be mirroring 40k in the next edition to match those skirmish battle mats that they have.

yeah, that would be my guess as well.

I would be quite surprised if it did not.

 Amishprn86 wrote:
Warcry mats are the same size as Kill team mats and that is what 40k is using. So I figure 3rd ed AoS will do the same.

Yeah im pretty sure that is what they are going to do with 3rd edition.

In addition to Soul Wars, I also got Storm Strike to round off a few more units for a cheap price.


The map included looks like it will be kill team size


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 Overread wrote:
Just a thought for the OP as you mention smaller battle sizes and table playing. For AoS do consider Warcry.

It's a companion game that uses the very same models, but its own rules set and operates on smaller board sizes with a smaller number of models, but quite a diverse range from each faction. It also has some neat "warbands" which are single purchases that give you a functional block of varied models - they also work in the main AoS armies.

Right now the only warbands are for Slaves to Darkness - other armies can take part, but they might need two or three boxes of models to put together a team. Daughters of Khaine are the first "regular" army to get a warband and that will be coming out in a few months (we don't have a date as yet) along with Scions of the Flame inside a new starter set.



It's worth considering since it fits smaller table sizes naturally and yet lets you get a good variety of models and terrain on the table. Best yet because its a companion game you can easily build a team for your Stormcast or Nighthaunt and use them in both formats of the game.

I looked into that game and for the price, game features, I rather just stick with the "main" game if I am still able to run smaller sized games. That was the reason I went with 40k instead of KT. I rather just play the "same" game but on a smaller scale.

I didn't like any of the armies for warcry so that made my choice even easier. I am getting the tabletome for nighthaunts delivered tomorrow with the two starter boxes. I am keeping the storm Eternals for now as a possible second army, I am just iffy on their design since they look like LORT space marines. Gryphons are cool but not my fav tbh.





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 NinthMusketeer wrote:

gundam wrote:

 auticus wrote:
I expect fully that the table size will be mirroring 40k in the next edition to match those skirmish battle mats that they have.

yeah, that would be my guess as well.

I would be quite surprised if it did not.

yeah I have 6 of those battle mats already so I can make a full size playing area.

While 6 by 4 is a good area, I hope they do match the 40k and make 60" by 40" the standard. I know some people probably wont like it but it would certainly will make the big games more accessible and grow the hobby.

All the moves they made in 40k is what got me into the hobby

The reason I don't like that size is because it further removes maneuver from the game by penning the game into a small box. Of course the game rules itself have done a good job at removing a lot of maneuver since many things can just charge you in turn 1 anyway, so that is probably a moot point.

To answer the OP, Pitched Battles are nominally on 72x48 while Meeting Engagements are on 30-36 x 40-48.

Scenarios will usually tell you the size of the area.

 judgedoug wrote:
To answer the OP, Pitched Battles are nominally on 72x48 while Meeting Engagements are on 30-36 x 40-48.

Scenarios will usually tell you the size of the area.

k thanks, the official pdf condensed rules didn't mention any of that. Kind of a mistake imo to not include that (like 40k did) if they are wanting to grow this new fantasy game.

I figure there was some AoS scenarios equivalent to 40k combat patrol/incursion


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 auticus wrote:
The reason I don't like that size is because it further removes maneuver from the game by penning the game into a small box. Of course the game rules itself have done a good job at removing a lot of maneuver since many things can just charge you in turn 1 anyway, so that is probably a moot point.

yeah from the 2.0 videos I saw, that was something I noticed. Mostly interested about playing small maps on my desk every night and saving big games for weekends.

I have all of my minis, and terrain on a large shelf above my work desk so set up and tear down would be minimal for small skirmishes

I think the general ability of forces to turn-1 charge is being overstated here, but it also seems off-topic(?) so I'll leave it at that.

Final list of stuff I got:
-Soul Wars Box
-Storm Strike Box
-Tempest Soul Box

I looked at individual prices for the units so it just made sense to get all 3 boxes to complement each other.


-Nighhaunt Battletome
-Stormcast Battletome

-Endless Spells Nighthaunt
-Endless Spells Stormcast

-3 Nighthaunt Spirit Host
-Myrmourn Banshees

Pretty excited to get it all pretty much tomorrow. Amazon Prime ftw lol

I love 40k and my large space marines legion. I didn't want to get a second 40k army since I didn't like the models or lore from any other army.

So instead of getting a second 40k army I am looking more forward getting started with AoS.

 auticus wrote:
The reason I don't like that size is because it further removes maneuver from the game by penning the game into a small box. Of course the game rules itself have done a good job at removing a lot of maneuver since many things can just charge you in turn 1 anyway, so that is probably a moot point.

Smaller tables doesn't mean smaller No man zones, those will stay the same (18-24" apart). Its 4" less in the back and 6" less on each side, the sides are what is the big change. Really as long as terrain rules get a little better it will be completely fine. My only worry is table room for large footprint armies.

Ugh thjat was bad news. 40k got hit with movement　and deployment matters　less curse. Last thing aos needs is　reduction in tactics. Game turns even more of just roll dice to see who wins

Just like with 40k, if the smaller table size comes to AoS, I'm not going to freak out like I've seen people do, and start cutting up my play mats. I'll keep playing on 6'x4' space, cutting it down to a 4'x4' with some scenic fences or rocks for smaller games.

A reduction in depth of deployment will hardly make much of a difference.

However, a change in width of the deployment zones does have an impact. Like auticus was saying, it removes maneuvering, ploys and thinking from the game. In GHB 2020 I found a thoroughly unpleasant mission, where there are only two objectives on the board. This forces a deathball situation if you're playing armies with less-than-stellar movement abilities. Just a big dumb grindfest to push through eachother and get on an objective. When table sizes cut down in width (not depth of deployment zones) it will have much of the same impact. If GW does go the same route for AoS, expect sweeping point value increases to reduce the number of models on the table, to account of a smaller size.

Anecdotally, a shallow deployment zone did matter in one of my 40k games, and required a judge to be called to the table. The deployment zone was... 6 or so inches deep, and with terrain set-up, I was unable to place my Astraeus Super-heavy tank anywhere wholly within my deployment zone. The beast is 6 or 8 inches wide, and 12 inches long. Got a bit of a laugh from my opponent and I, and was resolved in a reasonable way by the TO, having it sit where it could as best as possible, still spilling out of deployment.

 Amishprn86 wrote:

 auticus wrote:
The reason I don't like that size is because it further removes maneuver from the game by penning the game into a small box. Of course the game rules itself have done a good job at removing a lot of maneuver since many things can just charge you in turn 1 anyway, so that is probably a moot point.

Smaller tables doesn't mean smaller No man zones, those will stay the same (18-24" apart). Its 4" less in the back and 6" less on each side, the sides are what is the big change. Really as long as terrain rules get a little better it will be completely fine. My only worry is table room for large footprint armies.

I will get the 2.0 core rules tomorrow but I was wondering what the 2.0 terrain rules were compared to current 40k rules?


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 Thadin wrote:
Just like with 40k, if the smaller table size comes to AoS, I'm not going to freak out like I've seen people do, and start cutting up my play mats. I'll keep playing on 6'x4' space, cutting it down to a 4'x4' with some scenic fences or rocks for smaller games.

A reduction in depth of deployment will hardly make much of a difference.

However, a change in width of the deployment zones does have an impact. Like auticus was saying, it removes maneuvering, ploys and thinking from the game. In GHB 2020 I found a thoroughly unpleasant mission, where there are only two objectives on the board. This forces a deathball situation if you're playing armies with less-than-stellar movement abilities. Just a big dumb grindfest to push through eachother and get on an objective. When table sizes cut down in width (not depth of deployment zones) it will have much of the same impact. If GW does go the same route for AoS, expect sweeping point value increases to reduce the number of models on the table, to account of a smaller size.

Anecdotally, a shallow deployment zone did matter in one of my 40k games, and required a judge to be called to the table. The deployment zone was... 6 or so inches deep, and with terrain set-up, I was unable to place my Astraeus Super-heavy tank anywhere wholly within my deployment zone. The beast is 6 or 8 inches wide, and 12 inches long. Got a bit of a laugh from my opponent and I, and was resolved in a reasonable way by the TO, having it sit where it could as best as possible, still spilling out of deployment.

was 2.0 released 4 years ago? it's their release cadence fora new AoS version every 4 years?

I have a big enough dining room table for a big game (80x48) but I would be ok to see some update on the number of units with a smaller map like the new 40k.

Smaller mats and less units required will bring in more people to the hobby. I was able to get 4 complete armies to play big games with but most of the people I know wouldn't want to spend a $450+ on units, some paints/terrain and books on a single army just to get started.