Age of Sigmar: How To Play Stormcast Eternals
Today we check out the basics of Stormcast Eternals, and how to play the chosen of Sigmar.
In Age of Sigmar, there is no army more iconic than the Stormcast Eternals. The poster boys and girls of the whole game since its inception, the Stormcast are the fantasy answer to the Space marines, and they are just as varied. They are strong, forgiving, and an optimal choice for a beginner.
What Are Stormcast Eternals?
The Stormcast Eternals are the God-King Sigmar‘s answer to the myriad threats facing the Mortal Realms. Heroes of old or brave warriors of the Realms reforged into warriors of Sigmarite and Living Lightning, they are even free from conventional death, instead returning to the halls of Azyr in a bolt of lightning to be reforged again. However, they are not immortal, and some factions have found ways to contain that escaping spark, chiefly the Nighthaunt. Such foes are especially hated by the Stormcast and wiped out with extreme prejudice whenever they are encountered. The Stormcast are further divided into Chambers, representing their focus, and Stormhosts, to represent different approaches to warfare. They favor all forms of combat, from maces, swords, and magical staves to crossbows, javelins, and even arcane firearms. In the defense of Order, there is no greater might than the armies of Sigmar.
Why Play Stormcast Eternals?
As a beginner army, there’s really no force better than the Stormcast Eternals. There is nothing they can’t do and do well, and they have one of the most solid defensive lines in the game. If you want a well-balanced force that still leaves room for hyper focus, this is the army for you.
Strengths
- One of the largest unit rosters in the game, matched only by Cities of Sigmar and Slaves to Darkness.
- Units that can do a bit of everything without sacrificing focus.
- Some of the most powerful shooting in the game.
- A good mix of speed, power, magic, and defense.
Weaknesses
- So many units that it can be overwhelming for new players, and many aren’t great choices.
- The unit interactions can be a little daunting.
- Elite (low) numbers.
Signature Stormcast Rules
Scions of the Storm – Half your army can set up in the Celestial Realm during deployment, to arrive via lightning bolt. At the end of any movement phase, you can deploy as many of them as you want anywhere on the battlefield, outside of 9″ of any enemy units. Any units you drop that close to the enemy will be a threat, but especially some of the insane shooting Stormcast can bring. This is also helpful for gauging how your opponent sets up or moves their army in the first turn, and you can react as needed.
Blaze of Glory – Whenever a Stormcast model is slain they explode in a lightning ball- roll a number of dice equal to their wounds, and deal a Mortal Wound for each ‘6’.
Key Stormcast Eternals Units
The Stormcast have an enormous selection of units, and that can be pretty overwhelming for new players. Below are a few units that stand out above the others and should always be at least considered in a Stormcast army.
1. Lord-Relictor
The Relictor is a masterful Priest and Stormcast have some amazing Prayers. Using Relocation on a two plus is one of this heroes biggest utilities. Want the ultimate buff piece? Make him a High Priest general and give him an Arcane Tome- now he’s an even better Priest and a Wizard!
2. Lord Imperitant
The Lord-Imperatant takes Stormcast teleportation and enhances it. Your golden guys will be able to ride the lightning just a skosh closer. Makes it easier to hit things with hammers!
3. Vanguard-Raptors w/ Longstrike Crossbows
Hoooooo boy, are these guys nasty. They have a crossbow that shoots 30″ if they don’t move, hits on a 2+, has a Rend of -2, and deals 2 damage. If any of those shots roll an unmodified 6, then instead you dish out 2 mortal wounds as these snipers plink their target right between the eyes.
4. Vindictors
These Battleline bring a lot to the table- a native three plus save and attacks that can generate mortal wounds being foremost important.
5. Stormdrake Guard
Here’s the main show and arguably the most exciting unit Stormcast have on offer. Fast, tough, and devastating- but you pay for it. The only thing these guys lack is low points cost and numerical supremacy! However, if you are feeling spicy- a Knight-Draconis makes them Battleline and you can fill your whole roster with them!
6. Stormstrike Chariot
A reasonable cost for a tough bucket of wounds that can inflict a bucket of Mortal Wounds on your foes. Great for holding or taking a flank.
7. Annihilators
Heavily armoured and armed, Annihilators make a great compliment to the Lord-Imperatant and the Scions of the Storm rule in general.
8. Dracothian Guard Fulminators
Wingless Dragons still want to have fun! With high Rend and (super) high damage on the charge, Fulminators may be your premiere scalpel/damage-dealer. Usually an army will either have Dragons or these guys in there somewhere.
9. Lord-Arcanum on Gryph-charger
The Lord-Arcanum is a great Leader, even more so mounted on his ‘bamf-bird’ err, uh, Gryph-Charger. Able to get spells right where you want them and then Teleport out of dodge, this model has huge utility.
10. Sequitors
Sequitors are the mystical Paladin Battleline choice available to the Stormcast, from the Sacrosanct chamber. They can switch between offense and defense with their Aetheric Channeling.
11. Protectors
The premiere unit when it comes to save-stacking. Start with Shield of the Storm, add a couple Lord-Castellant Warding Lanterns, maybe even a Mystic Shield or some Cover. Then sit back and watch anything that isn’t a Mortal Wound bounce.
Sample Army (2K)
Allegiance: Stormcast Eternals
– Stormhost: Knights Excelsior (Scions of the Storm)
Leaders
Lord-Arcanum on Gryph-Charger
– General
– Spell: Celestial Blades
Knight-Zephyros
Lord-Relictor
– Prayer: Translocation
Battleline
9 x Annihilators with Meteoric Grandhammers
– Reinforced x 2
3 x Annihilators
3 x Annihilators with Meteoric Grandhammers
5 x Vindictors
Units
4 x Dracothian Guard Fulminators
– Reinforced x 1
How to Play Stormcast Eternals
Stormcast are a great, well-rounded army that can adapt to any sort of playstyle. They do favor a sort of hammer and anvil style of play, using your tough defensive line units to hold your enemy still while your punisher units slam into their flank or rear. You can quickly reposition, you have access to a ton of spells, and you can toss out prayers that your opponent can’t counter. Set your shields, don’t back down, meet aggression with aggression, and you’ll find success.
For Sigmar!
