Nighthaunt (Warhammer Age of Sigmar)

Nighthaunt are the ghost army of Warhammer Age of Sigmar: tormented spirits that drift across the battlefield in large, ethereal hordes. They suit collectors who like a gothic look, painters who enjoy glowing translucent effects, and players who want a themed horde army. A good first purchase is the Spearhead: Nighthaunt – Cursed Shacklehorde box, together with the Death Battletome: Nighthaunt.

What are the Nighthaunt in Age of Sigmar?

Nighthaunt are the restless dead of the Mortal Realms, spirits bound to suffering and misery rather than rebuilt skeletons or shambling corpses. They belong to the Death grand alliance and are closely tied to the realm of Shyish and to the necromantic power of Nagash. Their best-known leader is Lady Olynder, the Mortarch of Grief.

The miniatures are a big part of the appeal. Tattered shrouds, chains, spectral blades and wailing faces give the range a distinctive look, and the models are easy to tell apart on the table. If you are new to the game itself, our Warhammer Age of Sigmar guide explains how the setting and the game fit together.

How do Nighthaunt play?

In general terms, Nighthaunt are a durable, spectral army that relies on numbers, mobility and an uncanny ability to shrug off damage. Many units can pass over obstacles and are hard to pin down. The army tends to reward careful positioning, support from characters and a willingness to commit large units to the fight.

That makes the faction a good fit for players who enjoy tactical movement and a sense of relentless pressure. The specific abilities, spells and army options change with each edition and each battletome, so always check the current book before you build a list.

Where should I start a Nighthaunt army?

The simplest route is to begin with a small, complete force and grow from there.

1. Start with the Spearhead box. The Spearhead: Nighthaunt – Cursed Shacklehorde is a compact force built for smaller games, which makes it a gentle way to learn both the faction and the hobby.
2. Add a battletome. The Death Battletome: Nighthaunt (English) covers the army's background, rules and painting inspiration.
3. Build up your core. Add a second troop kit such as Chainrasp Hordes before reaching for the larger models.
4. Choose a leader you like. Pick a hero whose model you enjoy painting, then build the rest of the army around it.

If you are comparing Nighthaunt with other factions, the complete Warhammer buying guide is a useful companion.

Which Nighthaunt troops should I buy?

Core infantry

The Chainrasp Hordes push-fit kit is the classic rank-and-file unit. It is quick to assemble, so it is a good first build and a good way to fill out an army. Spirit Hosts add a more haunting, swarming feel, with ghostly figures that look excellent in a large group.

Fast and elite units

Bladegheist Revenants bring speed and a sharper silhouette to the force. Dreadblade Harrows are the mounted option for players who want a more imposing cavalry-style unit. Craventhrone Guard suit anyone who wants a more regal, elite look. Myrmourn Banshees add some of the faction's most memorable, eerie character models.

Centrepiece models

The Black Coach is the army's showpiece vehicle and a rewarding project for experienced builders and painters. It makes a strong focal point in any collection.

Which Nighthaunt heroes are worth collecting?

Heroes give your army a face, and the Nighthaunt range has plenty to choose from:

• Lady Olynder, Mortarch of Grief is the faction's iconic leader and a natural centrepiece.
• Kurdoss Valentian, The Craven King is a regal figure for players who like the faction's aristocratic side.
• Krulghast Cruciator is a spellcasting-flavoured character that blends well into most collections.
• Reikenor the Grimhailer is a dramatic, ghostly character model.
• Lord Vitriolic is another distinctive hero with plenty of visual personality.
• Awlrach the Drowner is a striking, watery horror that stands out on the table.

For a truly monumental centrepiece, Nagash, Supreme Lord of the Undead is the towering figure behind much of the Death alliance. It is a large undertaking, so most people add it later in their collection.

How do I paint Nighthaunt?

Nighthaunt are a good choice if you like paint effects. The usual approach is a cool, pale palette in which robes fade from darker tones near the base to bright highlights near the top, giving a translucent, ghostly look. Blue, green and grey-white schemes are all common, and glowing details such as eyes and chains offer a nice contrast.

Beginners can get a convincing result with a simple basecoat, a wash and a few layers of highlighting. If you have not painted before, start with how to start painting Warhammer miniatures. For help choosing colours, see the Citadel and Warhammer Colour paints guide.

It is worth practising on a single Chainrasp before painting a whole unit. Once you have a recipe you like, the rest of the horde is quick to repeat.

What terrain suits a Nighthaunt army?

The Cursed Sepulchre / Nexus of Grief terrain piece fits the theme well. Ruined, haunted scenery gives your ghosts a fitting stage and makes photos of your army look far more atmospheric.

Nighthaunt FAQ

Are Nighthaunt good for beginners?

Yes, particularly if you enjoy painting and collecting. The Spearhead box keeps the initial investment small, and the troops are straightforward to assemble. As with any army, the game takes a few matches to learn.

What is the best first Nighthaunt box?

The Spearhead: Nighthaunt – Cursed Shacklehorde is the most complete starting point, because it gives you a playable force in one purchase. Pair it with the battletome to see where you can take the army next.

Do I need the battletome?

It is strongly recommended. It collects the army's background, rules and painting inspiration in one place. Check that you are using the version that matches the current edition of the game.

Can I use Nagash with Nighthaunt?

Nagash is a Death character who has long been connected to the Nighthaunt in the setting. Whether he fits into a particular army depends on the current rules, so check the latest books before you buy him for a specific list.

Are Nighthaunt hard to paint?

Not especially. The models have lots of smooth cloth and clear details, which suits washes and layering. The ghostly gradient effect is the main technique to learn, and it can be mastered with a little practice.

Which faction is similar to Nighthaunt?

If you like undead themes, Ossiarch Bonereapers are another Death army with a very different, more constructed look.

Related guides

• Warhammer at Universe TCG: the complete buying guide
• Warhammer Age of Sigmar
• Ossiarch Bonereapers (Warhammer Age of Sigmar)
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• Citadel and Warhammer Colour paints: the complete guide
• How to start painting Warhammer miniatures