“Sigmar’s light guides us, and with faith, steel, and black powder, we shall cleanse this land of evil!”
The Empire stands tall as the bulwark of humanity, a proud, defiant realm of men who hold the line against darkness with grit, determination, and the roar of cannon fire. Whether facing bloodthirsty vampires, rampaging orcs, or daemonic horrors, the soldiers of the Empire plant their feet, raise their banners, and fight back with courage, cunning, and good old-fashioned firepower.
If you’re looking for a faction that balances discipline and diversity, strategy and spectacle, the Empire might just be your perfect Warhammer Fantasy army. It’s a faction for generals who want it all: knights, wizards, cannons, and righteous fury.
A Realm in Turmoil: The Empire’s History
The Empire was forged in blood and fire by Sigmar Heldenhammer, a warrior-king who united the warring tribes of men and became a god in the process. Now, centuries later, the Empire remains the most powerful human nation in the Old World, but it is constantly beset by enemies within and without.
Divided into fractious provinces ruled by Elector Counts, the Empire is held together by the divine authority of the Emperor, most famously Karl Franz, wielder of the warhammer Ghal Maraz and one of the greatest leaders the Empire has ever known.
Though noble in spirit, the Empire is not without its flaws: political intrigue, superstition, corruption, and fear of the arcane simmer beneath its proud surface. But when darkness falls, the people rally behind their banners, ready to die for faith, family, and fatherland.
Play Style: Combined Arms and Tactical Mastery
Playing the Empire is like commanding a Renaissance-era army with a fantasy twist. You’ve got access to a bit of everything: stalwart infantry, devastating artillery, magical support, elite cavalry, and even steam-powered tanks. Victory comes from flexibility, coordination, and making every part of your army work together.
• Balanced Army Lists: No gimmicks here, just solid units that excel in synergy.
• Gunpowder and Cannons: Empire artillery can tear through monsters and enemy lines long before they reach your troops.
• Magic and the Colleges: Take a Battle Wizard from any of the eight Lores of Magic for maximum tactical variety.
• Leadership and Buffs: Empire characters boost troops and keep your battle line strong under pressure.
• Combined Arms Strategy: You won’t win by rushing in, you’ll win by creating traps, firing volleys, and picking the perfect moment to strike.
It’s all about thoughtful positioning, combined force, and striking the right balance between offense and defense.
Key Units: The Backbone of the Empire
The Empire doesn’t rely on monstrous hordes or supernatural horrors. Its power lies in discipline, numbers, and firepower.
• State Troops: Halberdiers, swordsmen, spearmen, and crossbowmen form your core, they are solid, dependable, and cost-efficient.
• Handgunners and Greatswords: Precise shooting and elite melee troops ready to deliver a hammer blow when needed.
• Reiksguard and Demigryph Knights: Noble cavalry that combine shock power with durability.
• Artillery: Great Cannons, Mortars, and Hellblaster Volley Guns lay waste to advancing foes.
• Steam Tank: A one-of-a-kind, armoured war machine that lumbers into battle belching steam and crushing everything in its path.
The Empire isn’t about overwhelming power, it’s about using the right power in the right place at the right time.
Legendary Characters of the Empire
Karl Franz – The Emperor Ascendant
Karl Franz is the ideal ruler: wise, noble, and devastating in battle. With the legendary hammer Ghal Maraz in hand and riding the mighty griffon Deathclaw, he leads by example. He’s more than just a figurehead, he’s a warrior-king whose leadership can turn the tide of any battle.
Volkmar the Grim – Grand Theogonist of Sigmar
A fanatical priest of Sigmar, Volkmar marches to war in a towering war altar, blasting enemies with divine wrath. His hatred of Chaos is legendary, and he brings both spiritual power and battlefield presence to any army.
Balthasar Gelt – Supreme Patriarch of the Colleges of Magic
Clad in golden armour and master of the Lore of Metal, Balthasar is a powerful sorcerer and political genius. He’s as dangerous with a spell as any knight is with a blade. His alchemical spells can melt steel and cripple enemy units before they reach your lines.
Why Collect The Empire?
The Empire is the quintessential human faction: noble yet flawed, versatile yet vulnerable, grounded yet glorious. Collecting them means building an army that looks like it stepped straight out of a medieval and early renaissance tapestry with colourful banners, gleaming armour, and thunderous artillery.
They’re a painter’s dream, with endless heraldry and diverse unit styles. They’re a general’s playground, offering strategic depth and combined-arms synergy. And they’re a storyteller’s delight as every Empire army feels like the tale of a proud province standing tall against impossible odds.
Whether you see yourself as a pious knight, a cunning engineer, a flame-hurling wizard, or a humble soldier defending his homeland, the Empire welcomes you.
“By hammer and faith, we shall not fall!”
Ready to defend humanity? Then rally your troops, light the forge, and march to war for the Empire!
