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Age of Sigmar: Spearheads

Master the Art of War in the Mortal Realms with Specialized Spearhead Formations

What Are Spearheads?

Spearheads are specialized army formations in Warhammer Age of Sigmar that allow you to build thematic, focused armies around specific playstyles. Unlike generic detachments, each Spearhead has its own unique characteristics, abilities, and restrictions that encourage you to build your army around a particular approach to warfare.

Think of Spearheads as tactical doctrines: the Anvil holds the line, the Hammer delivers devastating blows, and the Blade strikes swiftly from unexpected angles. Mastering these formations will give you a significant tactical advantage on the tabletop.

Why Use Spearheads?

Benefits of Spearhead Formations:

  • Thematic Play: Build armies that feel distinct and have character
  • Tactical Focus: Double down on what your army does best
  • Synergistic Bonuses: Unique abilities that reward specific playstyles
  • Objective Control: Many Spearheads excel at holding or contesting objectives
  • Beginner-Friendly: Clear guidelines help new players build coherent armies

Considerations:

  • Restrictions: Each Spearhead has limitations on what units you can include
  • Single Focus: A pure Anvil army may struggle to deal damage
  • Combining Formations: Many players mix Spearheads for flexibility

The Three Main Spearhead Types

🗡️ The Anvil Spearhead

The Anvil is all about durability and holding ground. These formations excel at absorbing punishment while maintaining control of objectives.

Key Characteristics:

  • High Toughness/Saves: Units that are hard to kill
  • Objective Control: Units with Objective Secured or similar abilities
  • Defensive Buffs: Abilities that improve saves or reduce incoming damage
  • Tar Pit Units: Units that can hold enemies in combat indefinitely

How to Play an Anvil:

  1. Deploy Forward: Position your durable units to claim objectives early
  2. Use Terrain: Place your units in cover to maximize their durability
  3. Layer Your Defense: Have multiple lines of units so if one breaks, another is ready
  4. Bide Your Time: Let the enemy throw themselves at your lines, then counter-attack
  5. Score Objectives: Win by holding more objectives than your opponent

🔨 The Hammer Spearhead

The Hammer is the offensive powerhouse. These formations are built to deliver devastating blows and break through enemy lines.

Key Characteristics:

  • High Damage Output: Units that excel at dealing damage
  • Combat Focus: Many Hammer units are melee specialists
  • Charge Bonuses: Abilities that improve when charging
  • Elite Units: Often uses elite, hard-hitting units

How to Play a Hammer:

  1. Focus Your Force: Don't spread your Hammer units thin - concentrate them
  2. Pick Your Targets: Identify the enemy's most valuable units and eliminate them
  3. Time Your Assault: Wait for the right moment to commit your Hammer
  4. Break the Enemy Line: Create gaps in their formation and exploit them
  5. Follow Through: After breaking through, continue advancing to claim objectives

🗡️ The Blade Spearhead

The Blade is the swift, precise striking force. These formations rely on speed, mobility, and striking where the enemy is weakest.

Key Characteristics:

  • High Mobility: Fast units with good movement characteristics
  • Deep Strike/Outflank: Units that can arrive from unexpected directions
  • Precision Damage: Ability to target specific enemy units
  • Objective Raiding: Good at grabbing undefended objectives

How to Play a Blade:

  1. Stay Mobile: Don't get bogged down - keep your units moving
  2. Identify Weak Points: Look for gaps in the enemy formation
  3. Use Speed to Your Advantage: Get to objectives before the enemy can react
  4. Hit and Run: Strike, then redeploy to threaten another area
  5. Control Multiple Objectives: Use your speed to contest or hold multiple objectives

Combining Spearheads

While you can build an army around a single Spearhead type, many players find success by combining multiple formations to create a more balanced force.

Popular Combinations:

Anvil + Hammer (The Classic "Anvil and Hammer" Strategy)

Concept: The Anvil holds the enemy in place while the Hammer delivers the killing blow.

How it works:

  • Anvil units advance to claim objectives and engage the enemy
  • The enemy commits to fighting your durable Anvil units
  • Your Hammer units counter-attack, hitting the engaged enemy
  • The combination of pinned enemies and devastating attacks is deadly
Anvil + Blade (Hold and Flank)

Concept: The Anvil holds the center while the Blade flanks and raids objectives.

How it works:

  • Anvil units anchor your line and hold central objectives
  • The enemy focuses on your Anvil, thinking it's your main force
  • Your Blade units speed around the flanks
  • Blade units grab undefended objectives and threaten the enemy rear
  • The enemy must split their forces to respond, weakening their attack on your Anvil
Hammer + Blade (Mobile Strike Force)

Concept: A highly aggressive army that uses speed and power to overwhelm the enemy.

How it works:

  • Blade units scout ahead and identify weak points
  • Hammer units follow through, delivering devastating attacks
  • The combination of speed and power keeps the enemy off-balance
  • Great for players who prefer an aggressive, proactive playstyle

Tips for Playing Spearheads Effectively

  • Know Your Role: If you're playing an Anvil, don't try to be a Hammer. Focus on what your formation does best.
  • Communicate Your Intent: If playing with teammates (in multiplayer games), let them know what your Spearhead is designed to do.
  • Identify Your Win Condition: How will your Spearhead win the game? Is it by holding objectives? By tabling the enemy? By scoring specific points?
  • Use Terrain to Your Advantage:
    • Anvils: Place your units in cover to maximize durability
    • Hammers: Use terrain to hide your approach until you're ready to strike
    • Blades: Use terrain to create movement lanes and block enemy line of sight
  • Adapt to Your Opponent: While your Spearhead has a preferred playstyle, be flexible. If your opponent is also playing an Anvil, you may need to be more aggressive than usual.
  • Practice Makes Perfect: The more you play with a particular Spearhead type, the better you'll understand its strengths and weaknesses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Mistake: Forcing Your Spearhead to Do Everything
    Solution: Accept that your formation has limitations. If you're playing an Anvil, don't expect to table your opponent quickly. Focus on objectives.
  • Mistake: Overcommitting Too Early
    Solution: Especially with Hammer and Blade formations, timing is everything. Wait for the right moment to commit your forces.
  • Mistake: Neglecting Objectives
    Solution: Age of Sigmar is often won by holding objectives. Even Hammer formations need to think about how they'll claim and hold objectives after breaking the enemy.
  • Mistake: Poor Unit Selection
    Solution: Make sure your units actually support your Spearhead's playstyle. An Anvil shouldn't be filled with fast but fragile units.
  • Mistake: Ignoring Your Opponent's Formation
    Solution: If your opponent is playing a Hammer, you need to prepare for their assault. If they're playing a Blade, you need to protect your objectives.

Ready to See Spearheads in Action?

Check out our battle report featuring a clash between Hammer and Blade Spearheads!

View AoS Battle Report Back to AoS Guides