ASOIAF Beginner Factions – Starks, Lannisters, Night’s Watch, Free Folk (2025 Guide)
ASOIAF Beginner Factions – Starks, Lannisters, Night’s Watch, Free Folk (2025 Guide)
A Song of Ice and Fire: The Miniatures Game brings George R. R. Martin’s world to life through large-scale battles filled with strategy, heroes, and iconic armies. If you’re new to the system, choosing your first faction can be daunting—each plays differently and rewards a distinct tactical mindset. This 2025 guide breaks down the best ASOIAF factions for beginners—Starks, Lannisters, Night’s Watch, and Free Folk—helping you pick the army that fits your playstyle and story preference.
Internal Link: Explore all factions and starter sets here: A Song of Ice and Fire Miniatures at Tistaminis
Quick Summary
- Game Style: Tactical rank-and-file combat with unit cards, objectives, and powerful commanders.
- Player Focus: Accessible core rules but deep strategic decision-making.
- Starter Tip: Begin with a two-player starter box to learn both major houses at once.
Why Start with a Major Faction?
Each faction in ASOIAF has a complete ecosystem of units, attachments, and non-combat characters (NCUs). The major factions—Starks, Lannisters, Night’s Watch, and Free Folk—offer robust beginner support, well-rounded core sets, and easy access to expansions. Starting here ensures you learn the fundamentals before branching into more complex or specialized armies like the Targaryens or Baratheons.
1) House Stark – Aggression and Mobility
Playstyle: Fast, aggressive, and momentum-driven.
Theme: Honor, loyalty, and counterattack tactics led by heroes like Robb Stark, Eddard, and Greatjon Umber.
Starks favor movement and decisive strikes. Their units inspire one another through morale bonuses and counter-charge effects, making them ideal for players who prefer direct combat and fluid maneuvering.
Strengths:
- Fast cavalry and strong infantry synergy.
- Powerful morale and healing options.
- Simple, rewarding playstyle with clear objectives.
Starter Units to Try:
- Sworn Swords – Reliable frontline fighters with strong offense.
- Umber Berserkers – Devastating in melee once they take casualties.
- Direwolves – Free, mobile units perfect for flanking or blocking.
Perfect For:
Players who enjoy fast-paced, aggressive armies that reward bold decisions and teamwork.
2) House Lannister – Control and Wealth
Playstyle: Defensive manipulation and political dominance.
Theme: Deception, discipline, and tactical attrition through cunning and coin.
Lannisters excel at control—both on and off the battlefield. They punish failed morale tests, use NCUs to disrupt enemy plans, and grind opponents down through political and psychological pressure. This faction rewards careful positioning and resource management.
Strengths:
- Exceptional morale debuffs and enemy disruption.
- Powerful NCUs like Cersei Lannister and Tyrion for control of the Tactics Board.
- Durable infantry backed by gold-fueled upgrades.
Starter Units to Try:
- Lannister Guardsmen – Shield wall specialists with morale-based counterplay.
- Halberdiers – Versatile midline troops with counter-charge synergy.
- Knights of Casterly Rock – Heavy cavalry with devastating charges.
Perfect For:
Players who enjoy patient, defensive play and subtle control mechanics that punish reckless opponents.