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Age of Sigmar: How to Play Sylvaneth

4 Minute Read
Jul 21 2023

Today we look at how to play Sylvaneth in Age of Sigmar. Make your opponents fear the forest again!

For anyone who has ever wanted to watch nature get back at all the corporations of the world…I can’t really help you, but this is a good start. The Sylvaneth bring all the angry power of life and the woodlands to the battlefield in terrifying fashion, showing how scary the forest can be when it’s mad. If you like trees, like nature, or really liked watching the Ents wreck Saruman in Lord of the Rings, this is an army to check out.

Who are the Sylvaneth?

After the fall of the World that Was, powerful elven heroes were transported to the Realms where they became the gods. One such hero was Alarielle the Everqueen, who manifested as the embodiment of Ghyran, the Realm of Life. When she pulled her share of the aelven souls out of Slaanesh, she bound their spirits to trees and bestowed them with the ancestral memories of the Wood Elves of Athel Loren. Some took to this well, while others were consumed by bitterness and anger, twisting into horrifying creatures with long claws and screeching voices. She also roused the trees to battle, then retreated into her own realm. If any should stray into a glade protected by these spirits, they are likely never to be seen again.

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Why Play Sylvaneth?

Sylvaneth offers a lot of versatility of playstyle, and has some of the best positioning manipulation in the game. Their faction scenery is incredible, limiting enemy LoS while empowering all your troops and giving them paths around the board. Whether you like ranged supremacy, focused melee, or magical onslaughts, you’ll find something in the army for you.

Strengths

  • Some of the best ambushing in the game.
  • Incredible faction scenery.
  • Kurnoth Hunters can be kitted to fit any role.

Weaknesses

  • A strong casting or anti-magic army can really gum up your army.
  • Your primary battleline isn’t very durable (but you have lots of Conditional!).

Signature Sylvaneth Rules

  • Seasons of War – one of four powerful army-wide buffs which represent the time of year you battle during.
  • From the Woodland Depths – Allows your units to teleport through Wyldwoods andĀ Overgrown pieces.
  • Place of Power – Allows the Sylvaneth player to mark any three pieces of terrain outside of enemy territory as Overgrown – which gives it some of the utility of a Wyldwood.

Five Key Sylvaneth Units

While the Warglade (or lack thereof) will determine your build, these are five units you’ll always want to consider.

1. Arch-Revenant


A strong, fast, and durable support lord, especially alongside Kurnoth Hunters. She will turn a small unit of Greatsword Hunters into a delete button.

2. Kurnoth Hunters (any type)


An incredible and versatile monstrous infantry piece. You can select the high damage of scythes, the range of Greatbows, or the volley of attacks from swords. Each are good in their own way and finding the one that fits your army best is just a matter of experimentation.

3. Warsong Revenant


A newer addition to Alarielle’s arsenal and honestly ridiculously powerful. Two spells a turn plus a damage shrug and heavy weight of attacks make this a mixed-combat hero that can easily carry a squad or stand on its own.

4. Tree-Revenants


Battleline in a Sylvaneth army and a pretty phenomenal one at that. Can re-roll a single dice once per phase and teleport anywhere on the battlefield. Great for setting up bomb charges.

5. Treelord Ancient


A massive monster hero that is equal parts caster, fighter, and support piece. Once per game can throw out a Wyldwood with no roll required, which can stop a dangerous charge setup in its tracks.

Sample Sylvaneth. Army (2K)

Allegiance: Sylvaneth
– Glade: Heartwood

Leaders
Arch-Revenant
– General
– Command Trait: Warsinger
– Artefact: Acorn of the Ages

Alarielle the Everqueen

Battleline
6 x Kurnoth Hunters with Kurnoth Scythes
– Reinforced x 1
3 x Kurnoth Hunters with Kurnoth Greatbows
3 x Kurnoth Hunters with Kurnoth Greatbows

Endless SpellsĀ 
Spiteswarm Hive

How to Play Sylvaneth

Keep your enemy’s lanes locked down with your Wyldwoods and pepper them with magic while dancing circles around them. Be conservative and lure the enemy into your clutches.

~The forest is angry

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Author: Allen Campbell
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