Age of Sigmar takes place across eight magical realms, each with its own distinct character and terrain. From the volcanic landscapes of Aqshy to the verdant forests of Ghyran, your battlefield terrain can tell a story and enhance the narrative of your battles.
Terrain in Age of Sigmar Rules
Age of Sigmar's terrain rules add strategic depth to every game. Terrain features provide cover, block line of sight, and many pieces have special rules that affect nearby units. The Pitched Battle terrain setup guidelines ensure balanced, competitive games whilst still allowing for narrative creativity.
Essential Terrain for the Mortal Realms
Mystical Forests and Woodlands
Forests are staples of fantasy battlefields. In Age of Sigmar, woods provide cover and can have special rules like the Awakened Wyldwood. Use realistic trees, flock, and undergrowth to create atmospheric woodland terrain that works for Sylvaneth armies or any realm.
Ruins and Ancient Structures
Crumbling temples, fallen statues, and ruined archways evoke the deep history of the Mortal Realms. These pieces work brilliantly as objectives or line-of-sight blocking terrain. Gothic and classical ruins suit most armies and settings.
Rocky Terrain and Hills
Hills provide tactical elevation whilst rocky outcrops and cliff faces add visual interest. These pieces are essential for creating varied battlefields and work particularly well for mountainous realms or Fyreslayer territories.
Realm-Specific Terrain
Each Mortal Realm has unique characteristics. Consider lava flows and volcanic rock for Aqshy, ice formations for Shyish's frozen wastes, or crystalline structures for Chamon. Themed terrain immerses players in the setting and creates memorable battles.
Building a Balanced AoS Table
For a standard 44" × 60" table, the Pitched Battle rules recommend specific terrain quantities. A good starting collection includes:
- 1-2 large terrain features (forests, ruins)
- 2-3 medium pieces (hills, rock formations)
- 4-6 small scatter pieces (walls, debris, mystical features)
Painting Fantasy Terrain
Fantasy terrain offers wonderful opportunities for creative painting. Don't be afraid to use vibrant colours, magical effects, and dramatic contrasts. Techniques like drybrushing, washes, and simple OSL (object source lighting) can make your terrain truly spectacular.
Narrative and Matched Play
Whether you're playing narrative campaigns in a specific realm or competitive matched play, terrain sets the scene. Consistent theming across your terrain collection creates a cohesive visual experience that enhances every game.
Explore our terrain and scenery collection for trees, rocks, ruins, and scenic materials to build your own Mortal Realms battlefield.
