At Last, Games Workshop Has Made Stormcast Appealing

Adult fans of Warhammer do not gather Stormcast Eternals. For the most part, that is how people perceive Games Workshop’s fantasy poster boys: as the goofy beginner army for children and inexperienced individuals.

They stand for the departure from the Old World of Warhammer Fantasy Battle and the transition to the Age of Sigmar. Games Workshop wanted to change its fantasy setting drastically since WFB wasn’t selling, but the way the corporation handled its elimination devastated thousands of gamers.

Warhammer Fantasy was methodically destroyed, disassembled, and its components burned in the name of Nagash. It was not given a grace period in a Legends section for die-hard fans to continue playing. Although it has since been revived as Warhammer: The Old World, many consider Stormcast to be the pinnacle of the new path Workshop has taken their cherished game in. It was an undignified finale for the traditional game system.

Why Did Age of Sigmar Go Wrong?


Not everyone is suited for Age of Sigmar. I myself preferred the simpler, more skirmish-based approach over the intricate, rank-and-flank style of Fantasy, although I’m sure historical wargamers will disagree. Although I’m happy that both groups of players can now play however and whatever they choose, it’s unfortunate that decades’ worth of lore has been lost.

The Old World was an elaborate and colorful fantasy world created over many years by a group of writers who shared their knowledge and skills with the following generation, hopefully leaving behind some handwritten, scribbled notes explaining what they planned to happen next. The End Times were not envisioned by anyone.

In addition to this mechanical divergence, Games Workshop’s transition to Age of Sigmar resulted in a drastic shift in design aesthetic. What was formerly somewhat generic high fantasy—albeit beautiful—became distinct, easily copyrightable races. Fyreslayers and then Kharadron Overlords took the place of the dwarfs. Elves evolved into Aelves, and their factions became the likes of the classic High Elves known as Lumineth Realm-lords and the Sea Elves known as Idoneth Deepkin, who rode sharks and turtles. Both Wood Elves and Dark Elves have vanished, the latter having gone Full Ent in the Sylvaneth.



Though we all have a fondness for the old favorites, I won’t deny that Age of Sigmar has some unique elements. For example, sea elves and steampunk dwarfs in flying ships are uncommon in fantasy literature. You’re out of luck if you want your dwarfs to remain dwarfs.

On this side of things, too, the Stormcast play a role. They have no roots in traditional fantasy literature and are a completely made-up faction. Angelic beings, embodying the reforged souls of fallen warriors in robust, golden armor, represent the latest, replicable knowledge. However, they resemble Space Marines too much and have the demeanor of a brick wall to be truly classified as fantasy.

Since the game’s release, Games Workshop has been working to repair Age of Sigmar. The firm has never quite gotten the new Stormcast models that go along with each new edition right, even though the rules have gradually improved. Consider the innumerable Stormcast models that are being eliminated from the game only a few years after it was released, effectively nullifying whole armies, as evidence of that.

Are The New Stormcast All of a Sudden?


But it looks like things are starting to change as the new Stormcast models for Age of Sigmar 4th Edition have been released. These models will likely be available on store shelves in July as normal.

The legend came first: the god who brought the Stormcast back to life has angered and hurt them. Although Sigmar promised salvation, his troops feel as though they are losing their humanity as a result of having their souls repeatedly reshaped in the service of a battle they did not choose to participate in. At last, the Stormcast have some advantage.

You’ll have a winner if you update the new models and include some spicily new lore. Compared to the heavy, hulking bois of the past, the new designs are leaner and have more intriguing detailing and dynamic stances. These days, they resemble intriguing Roman legionnaires more than fantastical Astartes.


Consider the recent Prosecutors. The wings are tattered with holy fire when they used to be flawless and pure. He wears a helmet with a spiked plume on top, and he carries a trident, which is an unquestionably amazing weapon. The fact that you can see their faces—complete face-covering helmet variants are also available—is particularly crucial, in my opinion, since it finally lends the Stormcast a distinct personality to match their gritty new look. Although faces have been assigned to characters previously, endowing regular troops with a semblance of the humanity they are fast losing will greatly increase player support for the army.

The Prosecutors appear fantastic, and this might be a turning point for the flagship fantasy game from Games Workshop. Age of Sigmar 4th Edition is looking good, with the diehard wargaming enthusiasts presumably being satisfied by Warhammer: The Old World, the poster boys for the game finally feeling cool, and even the beloved faction Skaven getting a much-needed update.