It’s funny, isn’t it? How a hobby can evolve. I remember when Age of Sigmar first burst onto the scene, a bit of a… well, a controversial arrival, shall we say. For those of us who’d poured years into Warhammer Fantasy Battle, the sudden end of that world felt like a gut punch. But then, things smoothed out. The second edition really found its footing, turning a somewhat simplified concept into something faster, more engaging, and yes, more competitive. And now, with the third edition kicking off with the Dominion box, it feels like the game is really hitting its stride.
Now, the Dominion box itself is a fantastic entry point. You get a whole host of shiny new miniatures – 58 of them, to be precise – enough to get two starter armies onto the table. The Stormcast Eternals, those divine warriors in their gleaming armour, look better than ever. The poses are so much more dynamic than some of the older sculpts, and Yndrasta, their leader, is just magnificent. Facing them are the Kruelboyz, a new flavour of 'orruk' that really leans into that classic, snarling orc aesthetic, but with all the modern detail and dynamism we’ve come to expect. Honestly, they’re a real treat to look at, though I have to admit, the hobgrotz in the box are a bit of an odd bunch, proportion-wise.
But here’s the thing. While these starter boxes are incredible value, and the core rules are free, the real magic of Age of Sigmar, for many, lies in the sheer breadth of choice. You can buy whatever figures you want for your army, and that’s where the world of alternative models truly shines.
Why Look Beyond the Official Range?
It’s not about disliking Games Workshop’s offerings – they’re generally top-notch. But sometimes, you just want something… different. Maybe you’re looking for a specific aesthetic that isn’t quite captured by the official range. Perhaps you’ve got a particular character concept in mind for your army leader, or you want a unit that feels truly unique to your personal narrative. Or, let’s be honest, sometimes you just want to explore the incredible creativity of independent sculptors and manufacturers.
This is where the ‘alternative model’ scene really comes into its own. It’s a vibrant ecosystem of artists and companies who pour their passion into creating stunning miniatures that can complement, enhance, or even form the core of your Age of Sigmar army. You’ll find everything from incredibly detailed heroes and monsters to entire unit lines that offer a fresh take on existing factions or even introduce entirely new concepts.
Where to Find These Gems
Navigating this world can feel a bit like an adventure in itself. Websites like Etsy are a treasure trove, often featuring independent artists selling their own designs or licensed prints. Then there are dedicated third-party manufacturers who specialize in creating ranges specifically designed to fit into the Age of Sigmar universe, often with a distinct artistic flair. Some focus on specific factions, offering alternatives for Stormcast Eternals, for example, with a more gothic or grimdark twist, while others might offer entirely new factions that can be adapted to fit the game’s mechanics.
When you’re building your army, it’s not just about having a cool-looking model; it’s about how it fits into the game. Most of these alternative models are designed with games like Age of Sigmar in mind, meaning they’ll be roughly the same scale and can often be used as proxies for existing units. The key is to communicate with your gaming group. Most players are incredibly understanding and appreciate the effort and creativity that goes into sourcing and painting unique models. It often leads to some of the most interesting conversations and the most visually striking armies on the tabletop.
So, while the Dominion box is a brilliant starting point, don't feel limited by it. The world of Age of Sigmar is vast, and the community of creators who contribute to it is even vaster. Exploring alternative models is a fantastic way to inject your personality, your creativity, and a whole lot of unique flair into your miniature wargaming experience. It’s about making the game truly your own, one unique miniature at a time.
