Introduction
Skaven are the ratmen hordes – an army combining massive numbers of cheap troops with insane war machines and treacherous sorcerers. They are the scum of chaos, always scheming and constantly hungry for more power.
On the battlefield, Skaven are a horde army relying on vast numbers of models, unpredictable magic, and weapons as dangerous to themselves as they are to the enemy. Perfect for players who enjoy humor, chaos, and overwhelming numbers.
Lore – Who are the Skaven?
Skaven live in the hidden tunnels beneath the Mortal Realms, where they worship the Great Horned Rat – a god of treachery, disease, and chaos. They are split into clans, each with its own specialities:
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Clans Skryre – engineers who build deadly (and unstable) weapons.
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Clans Pestilens – disease-spreading fanatics.
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Clans Verminus – massive rat hordes.
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Clans Moulder – mad alchemists who create monstrous beasts.
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Clans Eshin – assassins and spies.
Despite their division, they are always a threat – when gathered in numbers, they can overwhelm even the strongest enemies.
Playstyle on the table
Skaven are a chaotic and unpredictable army:
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Masses of models – swarms of cheap rats.
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War machines – Warp Lightning Cannons, Doomwheels, and Warpfire Throwers.
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Powerful but risky magic – Warpstone magic is potent but can harm the user.
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Synergy between clans – players can build lists focused on one clan or mix several.
They are unpredictable, but that's also their charm.
Iconic units
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Clanrats – basic troops, hordes of rats.
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Stormvermin – elite infantry with better weapons and armor.
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Warp Lightning Cannon – iconic machine spitting deadly energy.
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Doomwheel – a gigantic wheel powered by screaming rats and warp energy.
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Hell Pit Abomination – a grotesque beast created by Clans Moulder.
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Grey Seer – rat sorcerers filled with warpstone madness.
Explore our range of Skaven at RGBKingz.
Painting & hobby tips
Skaven offer great freedom in painting:
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Brown, grey, and dirty fur for the rats.
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Rusty metals and green warpstone effects for weapons and machines.
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Diseased colors (green, purple, yellow) for Pestilens units.
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Individual details – as there are so many, you can quickly paint hordes with simple techniques like drybrush and washes.
Tip: use glow effects on warpstone to make your models stand out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are Skaven a good beginner army?
They can be challenging due to large model counts and unpredictable rules. But for hobbyists who love hordes and humor, they are fantastic.
Are they competitive?
Yes, properly built lists can be strong, especially thanks to their machines and magic. But they are always a bit unpredictable.
What makes them unique?
No other army in AoS combines masses of models, insane machines, and so much chaos in the same way as Skaven.
Summary
Skaven are the realm of ratmen – an army filled with hordes, treachery, and mad inventions. On the table, they are unpredictable but deadly, and for those who love chaos, they offer a gaming experience like no other.
Are you ready to let the great rat hordes swarm the battlefield?
Check out our selection of Skaven at RGBKingz.