Learning
FAQ: things I got wrong at first
By the end of this page you'll have answers to the questions I actually had as a beginner — not the ones veteran hobbyists assume you have.
Rules checked against the
Do I need to own the full Age of Sigmar rulebook to play Spearhead?
No. Each player needs a Spearhead box. Beyond that, most of the essentials are free: the rules from Warhammer Community (the core rules, the Spearhead rules and the Fire and Jade battleplan), plus your army's own Spearhead rules. The one thing the free download doesn't include is the battleplan's card decks: a twist deck and a battle tactic deck for each player. Add those, some dice, a tape measure and a table and you're ready. The books are nice extras, not essentials.
Do I need to paint my models before I can play?
No — plenty of people play with unpainted or partly-painted models while they're learning. It's worth it eventually for how much better a painted army looks and feels, but it's not a barrier to your first game.
What happens if I glue something on wrong?
It happens to everyone. See Common mistakes for how to avoid and fix the usual ones.
Do I need an opponent who already knows the rules?
It helps, but it's not required — two total beginners can absolutely learn together. See Finding people to play with for ways to find either.
How long does a game actually take?
A first game will likely run longer than the "official" estimate while you're both looking things up. Budget more time than you think, and don't rush it.
Is it normal to lose your first game badly?
Yes. I've lost plenty while learning, including one by a single point.
I've seen "battleshock" and "Bravery" mentioned online. Do I need them?
No. Those come from the previous edition of the rules. In 4th edition they're gone, and a unit's Control characteristic does a different job — deciding who holds objectives.