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So ive been thinking about giving AoS a try because 40k is really getting me down (damn you unkillable monstrous creatures) and I want to try something fresh. I intend to play in the points format (1000 is the goal to keep it simple) and possibly narrative play.

So in starting, are there any armies that are just plain bad or just some that are slightly better than others? The disparity between the good armies and the bad armies only seems to be getting worse in 40k and I don't want to necessarily get on board with an army that has major issues.

Ive always been partial to Skaven because they are quite comical while also being devious steam punk rat people. The Spire of Dawn seems to come with a lot of good models (and a spare Aelf army to boot) as well as the start collecting box. Are the Skaven in a good place to play right now? I understand death is lacking currently because of how summon rules work but I do not know how well hordes are doing when compared to the elite armies like Stormcast or Khorne.

I can't help you with what is good or bad, but what is your play style? You want lots of minis in a horde army or a few elite minis? Do you want large minis or creatures? Do you like shooty or more assaulty units. Maybe a mixture of everything?

I say go with what you like the look of. You will be spending lots of time modelling and maybe even painting them.

So I say first what is your play style. Second what kind of army you want. Horde, few elites, magic, etc. Then people can say if they are a good or not good rules army to play.

Id say just off Davor asked for playstyle, skavens can give you alittle bit of everything. shooting, magic, large creatures, gods. Combat may be difficult for you but who is to say you need to play fair. Id say use the age of sigmar app and research the skavens and you will find they have alot to offer. Just remember being sneaky and full of tricks are the key.

Davor wrote:
I can't help you with what is good or bad, but what is your play style? You want lots of minis in a horde army or a few elite minis? Do you want large minis or creatures? Do you like shooty or more assaulty units. Maybe a mixture of everything?

I say go with what you like the look of. You will be spending lots of time modelling and maybe even painting them.

So I say first what is your play style. Second what kind of army you want. Horde, few elites, magic, etc. Then people can say if they are a good or not good rules army to play.

As a long time guardsman I am a big fan of throw away horde units with big hammer units to support them. I actually looked long and hard at the Empire but their models are bit aged and not as cheap to get. I also want some versatility and I think Skaven seem to have that with a variety of casters and good synergy with other units.

im mostly looking to see if the Skaven are one of the armies that are "broken" or "not functioning as intended" or if those are even things in AoS.

If you want Skaven, see if you can still get ahold of the Isle of Blood set, it's a great deal. Then get yourself a start collecting box set along with the General's Handbook

If Guard are your style then skaven is a good choice.

AoS is not restricted to factions though. You can combine with anything in your grand alliance. Not that I think skaven really need to though.

 HunterEste wrote:
If you want Skaven, see if you can still get ahold of the Isle of Blood set, it's a great deal. Then get yourself a start collecting box set along with the General's Handbook

Isle of Blood was renamed to Spire of Dawn. Didn't want the OP to spend a lot of time looking for a product he/she already knows about.

 EnTyme wrote:

 HunterEste wrote:
If you want Skaven, see if you can still get ahold of the Isle of Blood set, it's a great deal. Then get yourself a start collecting box set along with the General's Handbook

Isle of Blood was renamed to Spire of Dawn. Didn't want the OP to spend a lot of time looking for a product he/she already knows about.

No Worries! that is one I am actually familiar with, I actually converted some DE Grotesques out of the Rat Orges back in the day. I am still looking at Spire of Dawn (which is stubbornly out of stock) so that I can have a ready access to point values without investing in the Generals Handbook before it becomes obsolete over the summer, (but it is cheap....) is there more than just point values in that book that would make it worthwhile beyond its update?

 generalchaos34 wrote:

 EnTyme wrote:

 HunterEste wrote:
If you want Skaven, see if you can still get ahold of the Isle of Blood set, it's a great deal. Then get yourself a start collecting box set along with the General's Handbook

Isle of Blood was renamed to Spire of Dawn. Didn't want the OP to spend a lot of time looking for a product he/she already knows about.

No Worries! that is one I am actually familiar with, I actually converted some DE Grotesques out of the Rat Orges back in the day. I am still looking at Spire of Dawn (which is stubbornly out of stock) so that I can have a ready access to point values without investing in the Generals Handbook before it becomes obsolete over the summer, (but it is cheap....) is there more than just point values in that book that would make it worthwhile beyond its update?

There's a path to glory system as well as several campaign systems and strategie. A few lore tidibits (love the battle of the blacksun). I'd say it is an okay investment. 20 euros is something you'll no dobut pay off in a few months and even then you may find utlitity in it, though it depends on how campaign rules evolve in the new book.

 generalchaos34 wrote:
No Worries! that is one I am actually familiar with, I actually converted some DE Grotesques out of the Rat Orges back in the day. I am still looking at Spire of Dawn (which is stubbornly out of stock) so that I can have a ready access to point values without investing in the Generals Handbook before it becomes obsolete over the summer, (but it is cheap....) is there more than just point values in that book that would make it worthwhile beyond its update?

Spire of Dawn on the US webstore says nothing about being out of stock and says it usually ships within 24 hours.