Maggotkin of Nurgle (Warhammer Age of Sigmar)

Maggotkin of Nurgle are the durable, attritional army of Warhammer Age of Sigmar. They are devoted servants of the Plague God, and they suit collectors who like characterful, grotesque miniatures and an army that is hard to shift. A good first purchase is the Spearhead: Maggotkin of Nurgle – Bubonic Cell, backed by the Chaos Battletome: Maggotkin of Nurgle.

What are the Maggotkin of Nurgle?

The Maggotkin are the followers of Nurgle, the Chaos God of disease, decay and, oddly, a kind of grim generosity. Their warriors are mortals and daemons who see rot as a gift rather than a curse. The result is an army that looks bloated, mossy and weathered, with a great deal of sculpted detail to enjoy.

It is one of the Chaos factions of Age of Sigmar. If you are new to the wider game, our Warhammer Age of Sigmar guide explains the setting and how armies are built, and the complete Warhammer buying guide covers the whole hobby.

How do Maggotkin of Nurgle play?

Nurgle armies are known for resilience. They advance steadily, absorb punishment and wear opponents down rather than relying on speed or tricks. If you enjoy holding the middle of the board and making the other player work for every kill, this is a natural fit.

• Tough and patient: the army is built around staying power, so it rewards steady, deliberate play.
• Character-led: heroes and sorcerers support the units around them, so it is worth choosing your leaders with care.
• Forgiving for newcomers: an army that is hard to remove gives you room to learn the game.

Nurgle is rarely the fastest army on the table. Players who prefer quick strikes may find it slow, but patient commanders tend to love it.

Where should I start a Maggotkin of Nurgle army?

There are three sensible routes, depending on how you like to buy.

1. A Spearhead box. The Bubonic Cell is a compact, ready-to-play force for the smaller Spearhead format. It gives you a complete small army to build, paint and play with, which is a good way to find out whether you enjoy the faction.
2. A leader and a core unit. Pick one hero such as the Lord of Plagues and one troop kit such as the Maggotkin of Nurgle: Rotswords. This is a good route if you want to paint at a relaxed pace.
3. A centrepiece first. If a large, dramatic model is what drew you in, start with The Glottkin and build around it.

Whichever you choose, add the battletome early so you know how your models fit together.

Which Maggotkin of Nurgle kits are worth knowing?

Heroes and leaders

Heroes give the army its direction and are often the most enjoyable models to paint.

• Lord of Plagues: a mortal champion of the faith, a strong general for a first army.
• Lord of Blights: another armoured leader, useful if you want a second hero with a different look.
• Rotbringer Sorcerer: the army's spellcaster, a good support piece with plenty of character in the sculpt.
• Festus the Leechlord: a named Daemon Prince and a fine centrepiece for the painter who wants something special.

Infantry and core troops

These kits make up the body of the army.

• Maggotkin of Nurgle: Rotswords: a dependable infantry kit that suits a first unit.
• Putrid Blightkings: large, heavily mutated warriors that make striking display models.
• Pestigors: horned, beast-headed warriors that add a different silhouette to the battle line.

Cavalry and centrepieces

• Sloven Knights: the cavalry kit, for collectors who want mounted units in a mostly foot-bound army.
• The Glottkin: a large multi-part centrepiece that doubles as a painting project in its own right.

How do I paint Maggotkin of Nurgle?

Nurgle models are forgiving. Decay, grime and uneven colour are part of the look, so you do not need perfect blends. Dirty greens, sickly bone tones, rust and weathered metal all work, and a wash or two settles the sculpt's detail.

If you have never painted before, begin with our guide on how to start painting Warhammer miniatures. When you are ready to choose colours, the Citadel and Warhammer Colour paints guide explains the ranges and what each type of paint does.

A practical approach is to paint a single model from a Spearhead box, such as one of the troops, and settle on your colour recipe before painting the rest. That keeps the army consistent.

Which book do I need for Maggotkin of Nurgle?

The Chaos Battletome: Maggotkin of Nurgle is the army book for the faction. It holds the rules for your units, the army's special abilities and background material about the Plague God's followers. This listing is the English edition. Check that the battletome you use matches the current version of the game, as rules are updated from time to time.

Frequently asked questions

Are Maggotkin of Nurgle good for beginners?

Yes, for most people. The army's emphasis on staying power gives new players room to make mistakes, and the models are forgiving to paint. A Spearhead box is a gentle way in.

What is the best first Maggotkin of Nurgle purchase?

For most collectors it is the Bubonic Cell Spearhead box, because it gives you a complete small force. If you would rather buy piece by piece, start with a hero and one infantry unit.

Do I need the battletome to play?

You need the rules for the units you field, and the battletome is the main source for this faction. It also gives you the background to help you decide how to build and paint your army.

Is Nurgle a slow army?

Generally it is more patient than fast. It aims to last and to grind opponents down. Players who want a quicker, more mobile army may prefer a different faction.

What other Age of Sigmar factions should I compare?

If you like the idea of a different kind of resilience, look at the spectral Nighthaunt. For hard-hitting brutes, try the Ogor Mawtribes or the Orruk Warclans. For armies of a very different style, there are the Lumineth Realm-lords and the Kharadron Overlords.

Related guides

• Warhammer at Universe TCG: the complete buying guide
• Warhammer Age of Sigmar
• Nighthaunt (Warhammer Age of Sigmar)
• Ogor Mawtribes (Warhammer Age of Sigmar)
• Orruk Warclans (Warhammer Age of Sigmar)
• Lumineth Realm-lords (Warhammer Age of Sigmar)
• Kharadron Overlords (Warhammer Age of Sigmar)
• Citadel and Warhammer Colour paints: the complete guide
• How to start painting Warhammer miniatures