The Dark Ages typically cover the 5th to 11th centuries, a time when former Roman territories fragmented into new kingdoms and cultures. It includes famous groups like the Vikings, Anglo-Saxons, Normans, Franks, and Goths, all vying for dominance across Europe and beyond.

Popular armies include Vikings, Anglo-Saxons, Normans, Franks, Goths, Lombards, and Byzantines. Each faction features distinct troop types—heavy infantry, berserkers, cavalry, skirmishers, and siege units—allowing for a variety of tactical styles on the tabletop.

Shield wall formations, sudden raids, ambushes, and heavy cavalry charges dominate this period. Infantry forms the backbone of most armies, but cavalry and skirmishers add speed and flexibility. Aggressive play, flanking, and maintaining cohesion are vital for success.

Yes! Many Dark Ages armies rely on a solid core of infantry and straightforward tactics, making them great for beginners. They are easy to collect, with low model counts needed to field effective forces, and they offer lots of opportunities for colorful painting projects.

Warlord Games and other manufacturers produce extensive plastic and metal ranges for Vikings, Saxons, Normans, and other Dark Ages forces. Starter sets, warband bundles, and shieldwall boxes offer great value for beginning or expanding armies.

Absolutely. You can recreate legendary battles like Hastings (Normans vs. Anglo-Saxons), Stamford Bridge (Vikings vs. English), and battles from the Crusader era for Byzantines and early medieval factions. Scenario rules help bring these historic clashes to life.

Dark Ages forces often start with a few blocks of infantry supported by skirmishers or cavalry. Starter armies typically field 3-5 main units, making it easy to build and paint a force quickly. As your collection grows, you can add elite units, cavalry contingents, or siege engines.