Choose an Age of Sigmar starter by the first game you want to play and the material you already own. A larger miniature count matters less than whether the box supplies the complete supported format you intend to use.
Compare the named boxes
The official starter page distinguishes a Starter Set with thirty-five push-fit miniatures from an Ultimate Starter Set with thirty-seven miniatures and two complete Spearhead armies, Stormcast Eternals and Skaven. The Ultimate listing also includes terrain, a Spearhead book and cards. Both lists identify a gaming area of approximately thirty by 22.4 inches. These facts refer to those specific named products, not every Age of Sigmar launch box.
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Supported first game | Teaching scenarios and Spearhead play are different targets. |
| Both opposing forces | A faction collection is not automatically a two-player game. |
| Rules and cards | Confirm the required mode’s book and accessories. |
| Terrain | Miniatures and a printed mat do not necessarily cover scenery needs. |
| Hobby materials | Inspect paint, brush and tool contents separately. |
Decide whether Spearhead is the goal
If two newcomers want to begin with the included opposing Spearheads, the Ultimate inventory is a direct basis for a complete checklist. If someone already owns rules and terrain, duplicating those components may be less useful. If the objective is simply to try building and painting a few figures, a full game package may exceed the desired first project.
Check the exact box and current official rules before assuming an army’s usual game profile is the same as its Spearhead profile. The format name is part of the product-fit decision, not a decorative subtitle.
Plan beyond the first photograph
Measure the play surface and room for dice, cards and removed models. Decide where assembled figures and terrain will live. Compare the work to prepare the contents as well as the price. Allow time for assembly and learning, and compare the exact contents and required extras before treating a larger box as a saving.
Sources and method
This is a researched decision guide. Product facts were checked against the primary sources below on November 2, 2026. Selection advice and worked examples are editorial reasoning. This guide does not include hands-on testing.
