Conquest: Best Armies for New Players

Conquest: Best Armies for New Players

Starting Conquest: The Last Argument of Kings can feel overwhelming with multiple factions, each offering distinct playstyles, mechanics, and model ranges. Choosing the right army early makes learning the game smoother — and far more enjoyable.

This guide breaks down every faction's starter set, what makes each one beginner-friendly (or not), and which army is the best fit for your playstyle.

What Makes a Conquest Army Beginner-Friendly?

The best starting armies share a few key traits: straightforward core mechanics that don't require deep rules knowledge to execute, balanced units that perform well in multiple situations, a forgiving playstyle that doesn't punish early mistakes too harshly, and a clear expansion path as your collection grows. Armies that tick all four boxes are where new players thrive.

Best Beginner Armies in Conquest

The Hundred Kingdoms — Best Overall for Beginners

The Hundred Kingdoms are the most straightforward army in Conquest and the natural starting point for new players. They offer a balanced mix of infantry, cavalry, and character options that adapt to different opponents and situations. Their mechanics are intuitive, their units are versatile, and their playstyle — disciplined, combined-arms warfare — teaches the core mechanics of Conquest better than any other faction.

The Hundred Kingdoms 1-Player Starter Set gives you a solid foundation to learn the game and expand from.

Best for: Players who want a reliable, versatile army that teaches the game well.

Dweghom — Best for Resilient, Durable Play

The Dweghom are one of the most durable factions in the game — heavily armoured, hard to shift, and capable of absorbing punishment that would break other armies. Their resilience makes them very forgiving for new players still learning positioning and threat assessment. They hit hard and hold ground, rewarding a steady, methodical playstyle.

The Dweghom 2026 Supercharged Starter Set is the premium entry point — more models and more value than the standard box. The Dweghom 5th Anniversary Supercharged Starter Set is a solid alternative if you want a more focused starting force.

Best for: Players who prefer a slow, resilient, hard-hitting playstyle.

Nords — Best for Aggressive Players

The Nords are a fast, aggressive faction built around applying early pressure and winning through momentum. Their playstyle is intuitive — advance, engage, overwhelm — making them easy to pick up for players who prefer action over deliberation. They're less forgiving than Hundred Kingdoms or Dweghom if you overextend, but their aggression makes games exciting and decisive.

Best for: Players who like fast, aggressive, forward-pressure playstyles.

W'adrhŭn — Best for Thematic, Creature-Heavy Play

The W'adrhŭn are a visually striking faction featuring dinosaur-riding warriors and powerful creature units. Their playstyle blends aggression with powerful individual models, and their unique aesthetic makes them one of the most eye-catching armies on the table. Slightly more complex than Hundred Kingdoms, but very rewarding once you understand their rhythm.

The W'adrhŭn 1-Player Starter Set is the best way to start this faction.

Best for: Players drawn to creature-heavy armies and a unique visual identity.

Old Dominion — Best for Undead Enthusiasts

The Old Dominion field the undead legions of a fallen empire — disciplined, numerous, and relentless. They play similarly to the Hundred Kingdoms in terms of structure, but with a darker theme and unique undead mechanics. A strong choice for players who love the undead aesthetic and want a faction with clear tactical depth.

The Old Dominion 2025 Supercharged Starter Set gives you a solid starting force with good unit variety.

Best for: Players who love undead armies and disciplined, structured play.

City States — Best for Tactical, Combined-Arms Play

The City States are a highly tactical faction inspired by ancient Greek city-states, featuring phalanx infantry, war machines, and powerful hero characters. They reward careful positioning and combined-arms thinking, making them slightly more demanding than Hundred Kingdoms — but very satisfying for players who enjoy tactical depth.

The City States 5th Anniversary Supercharged Starter Set is a strong entry point for players ready for a more strategic challenge.

Best for: Players who enjoy tactical, positioning-focused gameplay.

More Advanced Factions

The Spires — High Skill Ceiling

The Spires are a synergy-heavy faction where unit upgrades and interactions define the playstyle. They're capable of devastating combinations but require deeper rules knowledge to execute well. The Spires Conquest Starter Set and Spires 5th Anniversary Supercharged Starter Set are excellent products — but the faction is better approached after you've learned the game with a simpler army.

Sorcerer Kings — Magic-Heavy and Complex

The Sorcerer Kings are a magic-focused faction with powerful spells and unique mechanics that reward deep game knowledge. The Sorcerer Kings 5th Anniversary Supercharged Starter Set is a premium product, but the faction's complexity makes it better suited to experienced players.

Supercharged Starter Sets: Are They Worth It?

The Supercharged Starter Sets — like the Dweghom 2026 Supercharged and Sorcerer Kings 5th Anniversary Supercharged — offer significantly more models and value than the standard 1-player sets. If you're committed to a faction, the Supercharged version is almost always the better buy — more models means more list-building flexibility from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest Conquest army to start with?
The Hundred Kingdoms are the most beginner-friendly faction — balanced, versatile, and intuitive to play. They're the best choice if you're not sure which army to pick.

What's the difference between a standard and Supercharged Starter Set?
Supercharged Starter Sets include more models and greater value than standard 1-player sets. They're the better buy if you're committed to a faction and want a larger starting force.

Is Conquest good for beginners to rank-and-flank wargaming?
Yes — Conquest is one of the best entry points into rank-and-flank style wargaming. The rules are well-structured, the community is active, and the starter sets provide a clear path from first game to competitive play.

How many models do I need to start playing Conquest?
A standard 1-player starter set gives you enough models for introductory games. Most players expand to a full 2,000-point army over time, but you can start playing with just the starter set contents.

Shop Conquest at Tistaminis

Browse our full Conquest: The Last Argument of Kings collection, including starter sets for every faction:

• Hundred Kingdoms 1-Player Starter Set
• Dweghom 2026 Supercharged Starter Set
• Dweghom 5th Anniversary Supercharged Starter Set
• W'adrhŭn 1-Player Starter Set
• Old Dominion 2025 Supercharged Starter Set
• City States 5th Anniversary Supercharged Starter Set
• Spires Conquest Starter Set
• Spires 5th Anniversary Supercharged Starter Set
• Sorcerer Kings 5th Anniversary Supercharged Starter Set