Next weekend’s After Dark is shaping up to be a strong one for Age of Sigmar players. This drop leans heavily into two factions that couldn’t feel more different on the table, but both get meaningful updates, new entry points, and some solid value boxes. If you’re playing either of these armies, or looking to start, there’s a lot here worth paying attention to.
Daughters of Khaine – Fast, Violent, and Refined
The new Battletome: Daughters of Khaine looks like a proper refresh rather than just a light update. You’re getting new Path to Glory content, Anvil of Apotheosis support, and updated battle traits, which should give the army more flexibility in both narrative and matched play.
From a gameplay perspective, this is exactly what DoK needed. The army has always had a clear identity, but it could feel a bit one-dimensional. This looks like an attempt to open up more builds without losing that hyper-aggressive playstyle.
The Blood Hags are a nice addition. Elite infantry with a defensive role tied to protecting key pieces fits well with how DoK tends to operate around buffs and positioning.
The Shrine of Dark Tribute is a standout. Faction terrain that actually feels thematic and impactful is always a win, and having build options depending on allegiance is a nice touch.
The Melusai Ironscale finally getting a standalone release is long overdue. Locking key heroes behind bundle boxes always feels bad, so this is a quiet but important quality-of-life improvement for the faction.
The Crimson Lash Regiment of Renown is solid for flexibility. Being usable across Order armies gives it more value than a typical boxed set, especially if you’re already dabbling in multiple factions.
Spearhead & Battleforce
The Khainite Shadow Coven Spearhead is one of the better entry points we’ve seen. It centers around a Cauldron of Blood, which is both visually impressive and functionally important. You’re not just getting filler units, you’re getting the core of how the army actually plays.
The Scáthborn Coven Battleforce is the big one. Morathi leading a monster-heavy force is exactly what people want out of this army. If you’re starting fresh or expanding into the snake side of the range, this is probably the best value in the entire release.
Sylvaneth – Durable, Tactical, and Expanding Options
On the other side, Sylvaneth are getting a similarly strong refresh with their new battletome. Expect updated warscrolls, new prayer lore, and more narrative tools.
Sylvaneth has always been a finesse army built around positioning and recursion, and this looks like it leans further into that identity rather than trying to reinvent it.
The Grove Guardian is a great addition. It reinforces the army’s healing and regeneration mechanics while adding another support piece that feels both thematic and useful.
The Branchwych getting a standalone kit is another welcome change. Again, breaking units out of bundled boxes makes the army easier to build properly without unnecessary duplication.
The Twisted Branch Regiment of Renown is interesting. It leans into the corrupted Sylvaneth angle, which gives the faction a bit more narrative depth and opens up some different visual and gameplay themes.
Spearhead & Battleforce
The Spitewing Flight Spearhead is very different from the DoK one. It’s mobility-focused, with flying units and ranged pressure. If you like fast, reactive gameplay, this one’s going to feel great.
The Strongroot Grove Battleforce is easily one of the strongest boxes in this release. Multiple Treelords plus Kurnoth Hunters gives you a durable, elite core that can anchor a full army. It’s not flashy, but it’s extremely effective.
Final Thoughts
This is a very clean release wave. Both factions get:
- Meaningful battletome updates
- Strong entry points via Spearheads
- High-value Battleforces
- Previously locked models released standalone
Daughters of Khaine feels like it’s gaining flexibility without losing identity. Sylvaneth feels like it’s doubling down on what already works while smoothing out the edges.
If there’s any downside, it’s availability. Between dual battletomes, Spearheads, and Battleforces, demand is likely to be spread out but still strong. The Battleforces in particular are almost always limited, so those are the ones to watch.
Preorder Reminder
These go live 03/28 at Midnight EST during After Dark.
If you’re targeting Battleforces don't wait around on these as they are limited run items. Please note that Warscroll cards and dice will not be available during the After Dark and will be available for backorder reserve after their release date.
