Which The Old World army fits you? Discover the factions and their playstyles
Warhammer: The Old World is not just a strategy game with miniatures on a table. Every army represents a different way of understanding war, with its own history, aesthetics, and combat philosophy.
Choosing a faction should not depend only on which one is strongest at a given moment. You will spend many hours assembling, painting, and playing with those miniatures, so finding an army that fits you can be the difference between a collection that grows for years and one that ends up forgotten on a shelf.
Below we take a simple look at the available factions and what kind of experience they offer in both lore and gameplay.
Bretonnia: the honour of a perfect charge
The knights of Bretonnia represent an idealised vision of medieval warfare, where honour, nobility, and the pursuit of personal glory come before everything else. Their armies are made up of mounted knights, peasants who serve their lords, and warriors eager to prove their worth in the name of the Lady and their realm.
On the table, Bretonnia is an army that lives off the initial impact. Its cavalry charges can decide a battle in a single turn if timed correctly, rewarding players who know how to measure distances and find the enemy’s weak point.
Tomb Kings of Khemri: the armies that never die
From the ancient sands of Nehekhara come the Tomb Kings, a millennia-old civilisation that keeps fighting wars long after death. Their armies are made up of undead legions, great magical constructs, and creatures that recall the lost grandeur of a forgotten empire.
Their playstyle revolves around discipline and magic. They are not a force built on speed, but on advancing steadily and relentlessly while their spells, monsters, and troops keep the pressure on the opponent.
The Empire: humanity against the Old World
The Empire is the most classic representation of humanity in The Old World: a nation of soldiers, engineers, nobles, and generals who must face threats far greater than themselves. Their strength comes from combining different peoples and resources.
In battle they stand out for their versatility. They can field balanced armies with infantry, cavalry, artillery, and shooting units, making them a perfect choice for players who enjoy a playstyle that can adapt to every situation.
Dwarfs: resilience under the mountain
Dwarfs are an ancient race marked by tradition, pride, and a memory that stores every grudge and every victory. Their underground strongholds hide expert warriors, weapons of great power, and a culture where discipline is a way of life.
On the table they are a force that is very hard to intimidate. They often control the battle from defensive positions, weathering enemy attacks while their heavy weapons punish any mistake. Speed is not the Dwarfs’ strong suit, so a strong initial deployment is vital.
Orcs and Goblins: chaos made into an army
The Greenskins do not follow the traditional rules of war. For them, battle is a chance to prove their strength, earn glory, and enjoy the fight. Their armies mix enormous creatures, brutal warriors, and hordes of Goblins who are far craftier than many enemies care to admit.
Their style is unpredictable and full of… let’s say… memorable moments. A game with Orcs and Goblins can turn completely on an unexpected charge, a rampaging creature, or an absurd situation that ends up being decisive (and enormously fun).
High Elves: precision and perfection
High Elves represent one of the oldest and most refined civilisations in the world. Their warriors combine centuries of training with a deep connection to magic and an extremely developed military tradition.
In play they stand out for the quality of their units and the importance of making good decisions. They rarely rely on brute force; instead they exploit the right position and use each unit at exactly the right moment.
Wood Elves: war from the shadows of the forest
Wood Elves protect their ancient forests and maintain a unique relationship with nature. They are warriors skilled at moving through difficult terrain, striking from unexpected positions, and vanishing before the enemy can respond.
Their style rewards mobility and battlefield control. They are ideal for players who enjoy manipulating distances, avoiding unfavourable fights, and forcing the opponent to play on their terms.
Warriors of Chaos: power and destruction
Warriors of Chaos are champions corrupted by the Ruinous Powers, warriors who seek eternal glory through conquest and destruction. Their ranks are filled with extremely dangerous fighters, monsters, and followers who have given everything to gain more power.
On the table they are an offensive force centred on the quality of their troops. Every warrior is a serious threat, and their units can break enemy lines through strength, resilience, and brutality.
Grand Cathay: discipline on the other side of the world
Grand Cathay is one of the oldest and most organised civilisations in the known world. Its army combines a military structure based on harmony and balance with powerful magical creatures and a millennia-old strategic tradition.
Their way of playing mixes different tools: disciplined units, shooting, magic, and monsters. It is an interesting option for anyone looking for a flexible army with a very clear identity.
Beastmen: the fury of the woods
Beastmen represent the wildest and most untamed side of the world. They are creatures born of Chaos who reject civilisation and strike from hidden places to destroy everything they see as a threat.
Their playstyle is aggressive and direct. They work especially well for players who enjoy bringing large numbers of troops, pressing from the start, and creating unusual combat situations.
Choosing an army: a personal decision more than a strategic one
The Old World offers a huge variety of experiences. Some armies chase the perfect strike, others absolute defence, and others simply the greatest chaos possible on the table.
If you are just starting out, a good tip is to picture which army you would like to see deployed in front of you after spending hours assembling and painting it. The connection to aesthetics and lore usually lasts much longer than any rules change.
Our take
One of The Old World’s greatest strengths is that there is no single correct way to play. Every army has a very defined personality, and that makes choosing a faction feel more like choosing a story you want to live.
Our recommendation is not to chase only the “strongest” army, but the one that inspires you to build a gaming table, paint new miniatures, and tell your own battles. In a system where campaigns, characters, and unexpected moments carry so much weight, your army should feel like part of your own adventure.
