Age of Sigmar: Dominion Box Set Review, Factions, Models, and Value

If you’re a fan of tabletop wargaming, then you’ve likely heard the buzz around Age of Sigmar: Dominion. This box set marked a bold new chapter in the Warhammer Age of Sigmar franchise, serving as the launch product for the game’s third edition. Featuring two entirely new forces, stunning miniatures, and major lore developments, Dominion wasn’t just another starter box—it was a statement. Whether you’re a collector, a competitive player, or someone returning to the Mortal Realms after a break, Age of Sigmar: Dominion stands out as one of the most talked-about releases in Games Workshop history. But what exactly makes it so compelling? Let’s dive into what Dominion offers and why it continues to spark excitement in the hobby community.

What Is Age of Sigmar: Dominion?

Age of Sigmar: Dominion is the official launch box for Warhammer Age of Sigmar’s third edition, released by Games Workshop in July 2021. This massive set was designed to both celebrate and reinvigorate the Age of Sigmar system with new rules, new factions, and new stories.

The set introduces the next phase of the narrative within the Mortal Realms—this time focusing on the savage realm of Ghur, the Realm of Beasts. Ghur is a land of primal energy, raw magic, and constant conflict, and Dominion reflects that tone with more grounded and brutal aesthetics.

Dominion was never just a “starter” box in the traditional sense. Instead, it was a limited-edition collector’s item that included over 60 completely new, push-fit miniatures, a beautifully produced core rulebook, and a campaign book to set the tone for third edition’s narrative arc. The set’s contents were intended to appeal equally to veteran players and newcomers alike, making it a centerpiece release that pushed the game’s identity forward.

What’s Inside the Dominion Box?

The contents of the Age of Sigmar: Dominion box set are as impressive as they are extensive. It features two full armies—Stormcast Eternals and Kruleboyz Orruks—each with new, never-before-seen sculpts. The miniatures are designed as push-fit models, meaning they can be assembled without glue, though hobbyists may still choose to glue and paint for a more refined finish.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s included:

Stormcast Eternals:

• 1 Lord-Imperatant with Gryph-hound

• 3 Annihilators

• 1 Knight-Vexillor with Banner of Apotheosis

• 1 Knight-Arcanum

• 1 Lord-Relictor

• 10 Vindictors

• 3 Praetors

Kruleboyz Orruks:

• 1 Killaboss on Great Gnashtoof

• 1 Swampcalla Shaman with Pot-Grot

• 1 Killaboss with Stab-Grot

• 10 Gutrippaz

• 3 Man-Skewer Boltboyz

• 10 Hobgrot Slittaz

• 1 Murknob with Belcha-banna

In addition to the models, the box also includes:

• A hardback third edition Core Rulebook

• “The War at Amberstone Watch” narrative campaign booklet

• Instruction manuals for building both forces

The production value is top-tier, and the models are packed with detail. Each miniature is dynamic, filled with personality, and clearly represents the evolution of Age of Sigmar’s visual design language.

Stormcast Eternals: Reinvented Heroes

The Stormcast Eternals are the poster children of Age of Sigmar, but in Dominion, they received a complete redesign in the form of new Thunderstrike armor. Gone are the oversized pauldrons and statuesque proportions of earlier models. The new Stormcast feel leaner, more practical, and more grounded in the world they inhabit.

The Vindictors are the core troops—spearmen clad in sleek armor that mixes Roman aesthetics with divine energy. The Annihilators are hulking tanks who crash into enemy lines like living comets. Meanwhile, leaders like the Lord-Imperatant and Knight-Vexillor bring new command mechanics and visual flourishes, such as gryph-hounds and heroic banners.

Thematically, the Stormcast Eternals in Dominion are portrayed as evolving warriors. Their reforging process has become increasingly unstable, adding layers of psychological tension to their divine mission. In terms of gameplay, they remain elite warriors with high durability, but the addition of new units introduces fresh tactical roles that diversify their battlefield options.

Kruleboyz Orruks: Gritty, Swamp-Dwelling Villains

Dominion’s biggest surprise was the debut of the Kruleboyz—a sinister new breed of Orruks (or orcs) that feel more like scheming swamp goblins than the brutish greenskins of past editions. This wasn’t just a visual overhaul—it was the introduction of an entirely new subfaction with unique lore, playstyle, and aesthetics.

Kruleboyz are cruel, cunning, and dangerous. They don’t charge headfirst into battle like their Ironjaw cousins. Instead, they rely on ambushes, poisoned weapons, and dirty tricks. The models reflect this with jagged armor, creepy fetishes, and tribal motifs drawn from folklore and horror. Units like the Gutrippaz and Hobgrot Slittaz are low-tech but vicious, while the Man-Skewer Boltboyz offer ranged support that’s rare for Orruk factions.

The characters are especially memorable. The Swampcalla Shaman oozes toxic magic and comes with a Pot-Grot that stirs up poisons mid-battle. The Killaboss on Gnashtoof looks like something out of a dark fairy tale—regal, terrifying, and a little grotesque.

On the battlefield, Kruleboyz play differently than any previous destruction faction. They emphasize positioning, board control, and psychological pressure, making them ideal for players who enjoy deception and calculated aggression.

Gameplay Value and Beginner Accessibility

Age of Sigmar: Dominion isn’t just a box of miniatures—it’s also an excellent gateway into the third edition ruleset. The included core rulebook is a premium hardcover that outlines the updated game mechanics, command abilities, terrain interactions, and objectives.

For beginners, Dominion provides a great starting point. The push-fit models are beginner-friendly, the rules are well-presented, and the narrative campaign offers a guided path into the game. Even the design of the two factions supports learning: Stormcast Eternals are more forgiving and durable, while Kruleboyz challenge players to think tactically.

Veterans will also find value here. The exclusive models offer a strong foundation for expanding or starting a new army, and the units included remain relevant in matched play formats. The diversity in playstyle between the two forces ensures that Dominion holds up not just as a collectible, but as a practical launch pad for future expansion.

Beyond gameplay, the rulebook itself includes extensive lore sections, updated artwork, and stunning photography. It’s not just a rules document—it’s a gateway to the narrative heart of the Mortal Realms.

Collectibility, Lore Impact, and Narrative Hooks

One of Dominion’s greatest strengths is how it shapes the ongoing story of Age of Sigmar. Set in Ghur, the Realm of Beasts, the new edition pivots away from celestial warfare and dives into primal, untamed conflict. This tonal shift is echoed in every element of the box—from the brutal sculpts to the gritty campaign setting.

The introduction of Ghur sets the stage for future narrative arcs. It emphasizes the raw nature of survival, where the land itself resists civilization. Dominion’s campaign book, “The War at Amberstone Watch,” dives deep into this theme, detailing the clash between the God-King’s golden warriors and the rising tide of swamp-dwelling monstrosities.

This is also where Dominion’s collectibility becomes significant. As a limited-edition launch box, the full set with both armies and campaign materials is no longer in print, making it a coveted item among collectors. The exclusive miniatures—like the Lord-Imperatant or the Swampcalla Shaman—were not immediately released outside the box, which added to their appeal.

Even for those who missed the initial launch, Dominion remains important. Its narrative and model design continue to influence newer releases, and many of the units have since been made available in separate faction boxes. Still, owning the full Dominion box is seen as a badge of commitment and a celebration of Age of Sigmar’s evolution.