Learning how to play tomb kings reveals a deep faction with layered mechanics and narrative weight in Age of Sigmar. This guide walks you through army design, command traits, and battlefield tactics that respect the lore while remaining competitive.
The table below summarizes core capacities of a typical tomb kings roster, helping you compare units, roles, and strategic value at a glance.
| Unit | Role | Key Strength | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomb King | Battleline Commander | Versatile spellcasting and leadership | Central command anchor |
| Liche Priests | Magic & Buffing Core | Powerful spells and artifact support | Magic phase control |
| Ushabti Warriors | Affordable Infantry | Cheap, disposable units | Screen and garrison tasks |
| Tomb Sceptre Bearers | Damage & Shooting | Ranged pressure and command burst | Flank harassment |
| Khepri Warriors | Mobile Melee | Speed and rerollable charges | Exploiting gaps |
| Tomb Guard | Core Battleline | High defense and steadfast presence | Primary combat anchor |
Understanding Command Traits and Hero Choices
Command traits define how your tomb kings army performs across turns, buffing weapons, granting rerolls, or enhancing magic. Align these traits with your chosen hero loadout to maintain consistency.
For hero selection, prioritize a Tomb King who can cast key support spells and a Liche Priest who specializes in destructive or protective magic. This duo anchors your ability to respond to varied opposition.
Building a Balanced Army Core
Build a balanced core around durable Tomb Guard and versatile Tomb Sceptre Bearers to stabilize your battleline while providing ranged and melee flexibility. Use Ushabti as cost-efficient fillers for garrisons and screen tasks.
Consider mixing Khepri Warriors for mobile pressure, especially when expecting aggressive enemies that try to outflank or overrun your static anchors. Adjust ratios based on points limits and expected enemy profiles.
Deployment and Turn One Objectives
Deployment is central to how to play tomb kings effectively, since you often want key heroes within safe zones while screening units contest objectives. Plan your march paths to bring reserves into useful positions without exposing fragile casters.
Establish simple turn one objectives, such as holding a forward position with Ushabti or using Tomb Sceptre Bearers to contest from range. This early activity can shape the entire pace of the game.
Advanced Tactics and Magic Optimization
Magic optimization separates average tomb kings players from strong ones, especially through efficient use of Lore of Nehekhara and strategic use of pyramid relics. Coordinate spell turns with key charges or defensive stands to maximize impact.
Advanced tactics also include sequencing charges with Khepri Warriors, using their speed to exploit weaknesses created by shooting and spells. Coordinate leadership abilities so that buffs arrive just before critical combats.
Refining Your Tomb Kings Playstyle Over Time
Mastering how to play tomb kings is iterative, shaped by repeated games, list tweaks, and adapting to opponent habits. Track which units consistently underperform and replace them with options that better fit emerging metagames.
- Clarify your army identity, choosing between durable frontline pressure or mobile objective control
- Align command traits and hero choices to support that identity consistently
- Use deployment and movement phases to maximize tactical flexibility
- Optimize spell and relic usage to control the pace of the game
- Review each game, noting adjustments that increase reliability and resilience
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I keep my Tomb King safe while allowing him to cast freely?
Position your Tomb King behind Tomb Guard or terrain, using units with high defense to screen him. Plan spell turns so that key buffs or summons happen when he is within safe arcs but still effective.
Are Ushabti worth using outside of garrison roles?
Yes, Ushabti can serve as mobile screens, objective holders, and even distraction fodder, letting your heavier units advance or reposition. Their low cost makes them flexible for adapting to unexpected threats.
What is the best way to use Khepri Warriors in a competitive list?
Deploy Khepri Warriors to rapidly secure flanks, charge exposed casters, or contest scattered objectives. Their rerollable charges make them reliable for closing gaps when other units are tied up in combat.