Building an army for Warhammer: The Old World is an exciting challenge, but figuring out where to start can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re returning to tabletop gaming or diving in for the first time, assembling a balanced, effective force is essential for both fun and victory.
Understanding how the army builder works is the key to unlocking countless strategic possibilities. In this article, we’ll break down how to use the Old World army builder, share useful tips, and guide you step-by-step through the process.
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Understanding the Old World Army Builder
Building an army for Warhammer: The Old World can be one of the most exciting—and sometimes daunting—aspects of the hobby. Whether you’re a veteran player or just getting started, using an army builder is a smart way to make the process easier, faster, and more enjoyable. But what exactly is an Old World army builder, how do you use one, and what do you need to know to get the most out of it? Let’s break it all down simply.
What is an Old World Army Builder?
An Old World army builder is a digital tool designed to help Warhammer: The Old World players create legal, balanced, and optimized army lists for their chosen factions. Instead of flipping through pages of rulebooks and doing manual calculations, you can quickly select units, heroes, and equipment—instantly seeing their point costs, restrictions, and synergies.
Key Functions of an Army Builder
- Unit Selection: Easily add or remove units according to your army’s needs and restrictions.
- Points Calculation: Track your total army points in real-time, making sure you stay within limits.
- Rules & Restrictions: The builder flags any errors or illegal selections, helping you create a compliant list.
- Export Options: Save, print, or share your army list for events or casual games.
Popular army builders used for Warhammer: The Old World include specialized browser-based tools and apps, often updated by the community for accuracy and new content.
Step-by-Step: How to Use an Old World Army Builder
Ready to start? Here’s how to effectively use one:
1. Choose Your Army Faction
Start by selecting the army you want to build. Common options for The Old World include:
- Empire of Man
- Orcs & Goblins
- Dwarfs
- High Elves
- And many others
The army builder will automatically load the available units and options specific to your chosen faction.
2. Set Your Points Limit
Tournaments and friendly games usually have a set limit (like 1,000, 2,000, or 3,000 points). Enter this number in the builder, which will help you track as you add units.
3. Add Units and Characters
- Core Units: Select the minimum required core units. These form the backbone of your army.
- Special & Rare Units: Add powerful or unique units, watching the builder’s restrictions (you can only have so many based on your total points).
- Characters: Add generals, wizards, or unique leaders.
- Equipment & Upgrades: Customize each unit with additional weapons, armor, or banners.
4. Monitor Points, Limits, and Validity
The tool will automatically:
- Tally your points as you add or remove units
- Warn you of illegal army selections (such as too many duplicate units)
- Ensure you have required leaders or minimum unit sizes
5. Review and Export Your List
Once you’re happy with your choices:
- Look over the summary to catch any potential mistakes.
- Save or print the list.
- Some builders let you export in various formats for sharing online or with a TO (tournament organizer).
Benefits of Using an Army Builder
Why use an army builder when you could do it on paper? Here’s why most players swear by these tools:
1. Speed and Efficiency
No more calculator mishaps or cross-referencing pages. Add, remove, or modify your army in seconds.
2. Error Reduction
Automatic rules checking means your army will be legal for play—no unfortunate surprises at the table.
3. Customization
Experiment with different unit combinations and strategies without manual rework.
4. Shareability
Quickly send your list to friends or event organizers, helping games start faster.
5. Updates
Most builders are kept current with the latest rules, FAQs, and errata, keeping your lists legit.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Even with army builders, you might encounter a few hurdles. Here’s how to overcome them:
1. Keeping Up with Updates
Army books and rules change. Use popular, actively updated builders—these usually include automatic updates to rules and points.
2. Data Input Errors
Sometimes units or options are missing. Double-check your list against the official army book, especially if a new update was released recently.
3. Export Compatibility
Make sure your exported lists are in a format tournament organizers accept—usually PDF, plain text, or the builder’s native format.
4. Learning Curve
If you’re new to digital army builders, spend some time exploring their interface. Most offer tooltips or help guides for each feature.
5. Limitations in Customization
No builder can perfectly capture homebrew units or unofficial rules. For narrative or campaign play, be prepared to make some manual adjustments.
Tips and Best Practices for Effective Army Building
To get the best results with your Old World army builder, keep these tips in mind:
1. Define Your Playstyle
- Do you like aggressive melee, ranged tactics, or magic?
- Build your army to support your preferred approach.
2. Learn Basic Synergies
Certain units work better when fielded together. Use the builder to experiment with combos like:
- Buffing units alongside infantry blocks
- Supporting artillery with spotters
- Magic users reinforcing frontline soldiers
3. Beware of Over-Spending on Heroes
While powerful, heroes can drain your points quickly. Keep a balanced mix to avoid a small, underpowered army.
4. Playtest and Iterate
Build a list, play some games, and tweak it. Use the army builder to adjust based on what works (or doesn’t) in actual matches.
5. Stay Within Tournament Restrictions
Check any event’s pack for special rules or list-building restrictions. Use the builder’s filters to stay compliant.
Cost Tips When Using Army Builders
Building a new army means considering both hobby and financial costs. Here are tips for managing your budget:
1. Prioritize Units
Start with core and essential units before splurging on expensive ones or rare models.
2. Buy Second-Hand
Check local groups, online forums, or marketplaces for deals on models, especially for older armies.
3. Maximize Multipurpose Kits
Many model kits can be assembled in more than one way. Plan your purchases for maximum flexibility.
4. Avoid Unnecessary Add-Ons
Builders may tempt you to fully equip each unit. Focus on what actually improves gameplay (and your enjoyment!) rather than just maxing upgrades.
5. Watch for Free Builder Tools
Most online army builders are free, but some may charge for premium features. Test several to find one that fits your needs without extra costs.
Using Specific Army Builders
There are several great digital army builder tools favored by Warhammer: The Old World players. Many are web-based, require no installation, and are kept up-to-date by passionate community members and developers.
When you use one:
- Look for straightforward navigation, options for adding units, and clear summaries.
- Prefer tools that let you export lists, save your progress, and switch armies easily.
- For advanced users, some builders even support custom entries, notes, or hyperlinks to rules explanations.
Concluding Summary
Using an Old World army builder is a game-changing experience for Warhammer: The Old World players. It simplifies creating your force, saves you time, and ensures your army is both competitive and compliant with the latest rules. With a few simple steps, a bit of experimentation, and the right digital tool, you’ll have your ultimate army ready for the battlefield in no time. Whether you’re prepping for tournaments or gearing up for friendly games, an army builder will quickly become your best companion in the hobby.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the main features of an Old World army builder?
An army builder lets you choose factions, add units, track points, check for legality, and export your finished list. Most offer real-time error checking, various customization options, and user-friendly interfaces.
2. Is using an army builder allowed in tournaments?
Yes! In fact, many tournaments prefer or require players to submit lists created with approved army builders. Always double-check specific rules, but these tools help ensure fair play.
3. Can I use an army builder for custom or homebrew armies?
Most builders focus on official armies, but some offer features for custom entries. For entirely homebrew content, you may need to supplement with manual edits or spreadsheets.
4. Do I need to pay to use these army builder tools?
The majority of online army builders for Warhammer: The Old World are free to use, though some offer optional paid features or ad-free versions. Shop around to find the best fit for your needs.
5. How do I keep my army list up to date with rule changes?
Actively maintained army builders are updated in line with new releases and FAQs. Check for announcements or version info in your builder of choice, and periodically re-import your army lists to stay current.