I remember when the cities of sigmar army set first got announced, and the hype was honestly through the roof. It wasn't just another box launch; it felt like a total reimagining of how the "regular" people of the Mortal Realms were supposed to look and feel. For a long time, the Cities of Sigmar were kind of a weird mish-mash of old-school fantasy kits that didn't always play nice together visually. This set changed that overnight, bringing a gritty, grounded aesthetic to a universe that's usually dominated by literal gods and golden-armored super-soldiers.
If you've been on the fence about jumping into Age of Sigmar, or if you're a veteran player looking to start a new project, this box is usually the first thing people point toward. But let's be real—Warhammer is a big investment. It's not just the money; it's the hours of clipping, cleaning mold lines, and painting. So, let's break down what actually makes this set tick and whether it deserves a spot on your hobby desk.
What's Hiding Inside the Box?
When you crack open the cities of sigmar army set, the first thing that hits you is the sheer amount of plastic. You get a solid core for an army, which is exactly what you want from a starter box. It's headlined by the Freeguild Steelhelms, the Freeguild Cavaliers, and two very cool character models: the Freeguild Marshal (with his little relic-envoy buddy) and the Alchemite Warforger.
The Steelhelms are the backbone of the whole thing. You get twenty of them, and honestly, they're a blast to put together. They have this "tired but determined" look that I really love. They aren't legendary heroes; they're just folks in plate armor trying not to get eaten by an Orruk. The kit is pretty modular, too, so you don't end up with twenty guys standing in the exact same pose, which is a massive win for anyone who hates "clone" units.
Then you've got the five Cavaliers. These are the heavy hitters. The detail on the horses alone is a massive step up from the older cavalry kits. They look heavy and impactful, like they could actually do some damage on a charge. Plus, the Marshal and the Warforger give you the tactical and magical support you need to actually play a game.
The Aesthetic Shift to "Gritty Human"
One of the coolest things about the cities of sigmar army set is how it leans into "Renaissance punk" or whatever you want to call it. It's got this grim, muddy, lived-in feel that feels way more grounded than the high-fantasy vibes of the Stormcast Eternals or the Sylvaneth.
The designers really leaned into the "Dawnbringer Crusades" theme. You see it in the little details—the candles, the holy relics, the parchment tucked into armor plates. It tells a story of a civilization that is barely hanging on but refuses to quit. This aesthetic is a dream for painters who like using washes, pigments, and weathering effects. You can really go to town making these guys look like they've been marching through a swamp for three weeks.
It's also worth noting that this set marked a pretty big departure from the old "Empire" look from Warhammer Fantasy. Some people were sad to see the puffy sleeves and floppy hats go, but I think the new look fits the Age of Sigmar setting much better. It feels like these soldiers are actually equipped to survive in a world where the literal ground might try to eat them.
The Special Edition Battletome
Usually, these army sets come with a special edition of the faction's rulebook, and this one is no different. It's got a unique cover that you can't get anywhere else. If you're a collector, that's a pretty big deal. The art inside is fantastic, and it's packed with lore that explains exactly why these people are venturing out of their safe cities to reclaim the wilderness.
Having the book right there in the box means you can start building your list while your glue is drying. It also includes all the warscroll cards and tokens you need for the tabletop. It's basically a "hobby in a box" experience, which is great because there's nothing worse than buying models and then realizing you forgot to buy the rules to actually use them.
Building and Painting Experience
Let's talk about the actual hobby side of things for a second. If you're used to older kits, the assembly of the models in the cities of sigmar army set might feel a bit different. They use modern engineering, which means the seams are hidden better, but the pieces can be a bit more fiddly.
I've spent a good chunk of time on the Steelhelms, and I'll say this: keep an eye on the small parts. There are a lot of little pouches, daggers, and trinkets that really add character but can be a pain if you drop them into your carpet.
Painting-wise, these models are a "choose your own adventure" situation. You can go for a very clean, heraldic look with bright blues and whites, or you can go full "grimdark" with lots of browns, greys, and metallic chipping. The Alchemite Warforger is a personal favorite to paint because of the glowing effects you can do with his magical furnace. It's a great chance to practice your "object source lighting" (OSL) without it being too intimidating.
Is It Good for Actual Gaming?
From a gameplay perspective, the cities of sigmar army set is a really balanced starting point. You've got your "anvil" unit in the Steelhelms—they can sit on an objective and hold their ground. Then you've got your "hammer" in the Cavaliers, who can swing around the flanks and hit like a truck.
The Marshal is your tactical center, giving out "Orders" that can completely change how a turn goes. This "Orders" mechanic is really the heart of the army. It makes you feel like a commander on the field, reacting to the enemy's moves. If you need your guys to run faster or hit harder, the Marshal makes it happen.
The Warforger is also a bit of a hidden gem. His ability to buff the armor or the weapons of nearby units is huge. In a game where every little bonus counts, having a wizard who can make your cheap infantry actually hurt something is a game-changer.
Expanding Beyond the Box
The beauty of starting with this set is that it's incredibly easy to expand. Once you've finished these models, you can look into adding some artillery (the Ironweld Great Cannon is a must) or maybe some of the weirder stuff like the Fusil-Major on Ogor Warhulk.
Because the cities of sigmar army set focuses so heavily on the human element, you can also branch out into the more "elf" or "dwarf" (Aelves and Duardin) parts of the faction later on if you want. It's a very flexible army. You aren't locked into just one style of play, which keeps the hobby feeling fresh even after months of playing.
Final Thoughts on the Value
So, is it actually worth the price tag? If you're planning on playing Cities of Sigmar, the answer is almost definitely yes. When you add up the cost of the two units of infantry, the cavalry, the two characters, the limited edition book, and the cards, you're saving a significant amount compared to buying them all separately.
Beyond the money, there's something special about having a cohesive project to work on. It feels like a complete "slice" of an army. You get to see the color scheme work across different types of units all at once.
It's not just a box of plastic; it's basically an invitation to one of the most flavorful and "human" factions in the game. Whether you're a lore nerd, a painter, or a competitive player, the cities of sigmar army set really does check all the boxes. It's a great way to plant your flag in the Mortal Realms and start your own crusade. Just make sure you have plenty of brown paint—you're going to need it for all that leather and mud!