Warhammer: The Old World – Getting Started in 2025

Warhammer: The Old World marks the return of the classic rank-and-file strategy game that laid the foundation for the entire Warhammer universe.
After almost ten years of absence, Games Workshop reintroduced the beloved world of Warhammer Fantasy Battles in 2024 – now updated with new rules, factions, and models, but still true to the original's tactics, feel, and aesthetics.

If you want to start playing Warhammer: The Old World in 2025 but don't know where to begin – here is the complete guide: how the game works, what you need, what factions are available, and how to build your first army.

What is Warhammer: The Old World?

Warhammer: The Old World (ToW) is a miniatures tabletop game where players command armies in large-scale battles on battlefields filled with knights, orcs, mages, and dragons.
Unlike Warhammer: Age of Sigmar, The Old World focuses on formations, strategic movement, and line warfare, where units stand in ranks rather than scattered groups.

Characteristics of The Old World

• Square bases (back from the Warhammer Fantasy era)

• Rank-and-file combat where positioning and tactics determine the outcome

• Greater focus on maneuver and planning than randomness

• Rulebooks emphasizing classic armies: Bretonnia, Tomb Kings, Empire, Orcs & Goblins, High Elves, etc.

• Ability to use old models from Fantasy Battles

What you need to get started

To start playing Warhammer: The Old World, you need three things:

1. The Rulebook (The Old World Core Rulebook)
   Contains basic rules, army building, and the combat system. Available in both physical and digital versions via Games Workshop.

2. Your Army's Rulebook (Arcane Journal)
   Each faction has its own Arcane Journal with unique rules, units, and magic.
   Example: Arcane Journal: Tomb Kings of Khemri or Arcane Journal: Kingdom of Bretonnia.

3. Miniatures and Dice
   You can buy starter boxes or build your own army.
   Standard dice (D6) are used, as well as tape measures for movement and range.

Tip:
Games Workshop also sells "The Old World Starter Set" – perfect for beginners, with models, rulebook, and accessories in one package.

Armies in The Old World 2025

Upon launch, several classic factions returned, with more continuously being added.
Here are the main armies you can choose from in 2025:

How a Battle Works

The game uses a turn-based system and dice to determine the outcome of battles, shooting, and magic.
Each round is divided into phases:

1. Strategy Phase – plan orders, control zones, and morale.

2. Movement Phase – maneuver troops in formations.

3. Shooting Phase – archers and artillery attack.

4. Magic & Prayers Phase – powerful spells affect the battlefield.

5. Combat Phase – units in close combat resolve duels with dice rolls.

Tactical positioning and charge direction are crucial – flank attacks and morale tests can turn the entire battle.

How to build your first army

Armies in The Old World are built using a point system (usually 1,000–3,000 points per side).
Each model or unit costs points based on strength, equipment, and role.

For beginners, it's recommended to start small:

Example of a beginner's army (Bretonnia, 1,000 points):

• Lord on horseback – 200 pts

• 8 Knights of the Realm – 300 pts

• 20 Men-at-Arms – 160 pts

• 10 Peasant Bowmen – 100 pts

• Damsel (magic) – 150 pts

• Trebuchet – 90 pts

Total: ~1,000 points
Provides a balanced start with magic, shooting, cavalry, and infantry.

How to reuse old models

Games Workshop deliberately designed The Old World to be backward compatible.
If you have models from Warhammer Fantasy Battles (6th–8th edition), you can often:

• Reuse them directly

• Convert to the correct base size (new “Base Size Guide” available on Warhammer Community)

• Repaint and reuse old units

This means you can get started without buying everything new, making ToW an affordable re-entry into the hobby.

Painting and basing – bringing your army to life

Since The Old World is about large formations, consistency becomes especially important.
Here are some tips:

• Paint in groups of 5–10 models to maintain motivation.

• Use contrast paints for quick painting (e.g., Citadel Contrast Paints).

• Base models with sand, grit, and static grass – simple but effective.

• For undead, use light bone colors and dark basing for contrast.

If you want to delve deeper: see your upcoming article “Painting and Basing for Old World Models – A Beginner's Guide.”

What does it cost to get started? (2025)

Total: around 3,000 SEK to get properly started – roughly the same as a gaming chassis or a new graphics card, but with a completely different experience.

Digital support and community

Warhammer: The Old World has quickly gained strong community support.
You can find resources, tournament lists, and painting tips on:

• Warhammer Community – The Old World Hub

• Wargamer.com – Rules & Guides

• Reddit: r/WarhammerTheOldWorld

Many local clubs in Sweden (e.g. Fantasia North, Dragons Lair and Alphaspel) also offer ToW evenings for beginners.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What differentiates The Old World from Age of Sigmar?
The Old World uses square bases and formations. AoS has round-based units and freer movement.

2. Can I use my old Warhammer Fantasy models?
Yes! Most work directly, you just need to adjust the base size.

3. How long does a game take?
Smaller matches (~1,000 points) take 1–2 hours. Full-scale battles (~3,000 pts) can take 3–5 hours.

4. Are there digital rules?
Games Workshop offers Arcane Journals and the rulebook in PDF via their web store.

5. Which army is best for beginners?
Bretonnia (easy to play, strong cavalry) and Empire (balanced, easy to learn).

6. Is The Old World here to stay?
Yes – GW has confirmed more expansions, new factions, and campaign books for 2025–2026.

Conclusion:
Warhammer: The Old World is both a return and a new beginning.
It combines the nostalgia of classic Warhammer with more modern rules and design – perfect for both veterans and beginners.

With a reasonable starting cost, clear rules and a strong community, 2025 is the right time to step into The Old World.
Build, paint, play – and relive the wars that shaped the Warhammer world.