What to Consider When Planning to Attend Your First Warhammer Tournament
What to Consider When Planning to Attend Your First Warhammer Tournament
Attending your first Warhammer tournament can be an exciting step in your tabletop gaming journey, whether you play Warhammer 40,000, Age of Sigmar, or The Old World. Tournaments offer a structured environment to test your skills, meet other players, and experience the game at a faster, more focused pace than casual play. For new players, however, tournaments can also feel intimidating if you’re unsure what to expect or how to prepare.
The good news is that most Warhammer tournaments—especially local store events—are welcoming and beginner-friendly when you know what to plan for. From understanding the event format and army requirements to managing time, rules knowledge, and expectations, a little preparation goes a long way. This guide breaks down the most important things to consider before attending your first Warhammer tournament so you can focus on enjoying the experience rather than stressing over details.
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1. Understand the tournament format
Before signing up, read the event description carefully. Tournaments may use Swiss pairings, fixed rounds, or narrative formats. Knowing the number of games, points level, and round length helps you prepare both mentally and practically.
2. Confirm the game system and ruleset
Make sure you know whether the event is for Warhammer 40K, Age of Sigmar, or The Old World, and which edition or rules pack is being used. Some tournaments include house rules or FAQs that override core rules.
3. Check army list requirements
Most tournaments require army lists to meet specific points limits and construction rules. Some events require lists to be submitted in advance, so double-check deadlines and formatting requirements.
4. Make sure your army is legal and complete
Your army should match your submitted list exactly. Ensure base sizes are correct, units are clearly identifiable, and wargear options are easy for opponents to understand.
5. Know the missions and objectives
Tournaments usually use a fixed mission pack. Reviewing objectives, deployment maps, and scoring conditions ahead of time helps you plan strategies and avoid surprises during games.
6. Practice playing within time limits
Games at tournaments are timed. Practice playing efficiently, moving units decisively, and keeping track of scores so you don’t feel rushed during rounds.
7. Bring everything you need to play
Pack your models, dice, tape measure, tokens, rulebooks, FAQs, printed army list, and any accessories you regularly use. Being prepared avoids unnecessary stress between rounds.
8. Focus on learning, not winning
Your first tournament is about experience. Expect a mix of skill levels and view each game as a learning opportunity rather than a win-or-lose situation.
9. Be clear and respectful with opponents
Clear communication is essential. Explain your army rules, ask questions when unsure, and handle disagreements calmly. Good sportsmanship matters as much as gameplay.
10. Take care of yourself during the event
Tournaments can be long days. Bring water, snacks, and take breaks when possible. Staying comfortable helps you stay focused and enjoy the event.