Cygnar are presented as the protagonists of the Warmachine setting, though not without some moral ambiguity. They are one of the most technologically advanced factions and were the first human nation to create warjacks. In terms of gameplay, Cygnar is one of the best ranged factions in the game. For backstory, refer to Lore - Cygnar.

Cygnar for Beginners

Faction Aesthetic & Playstyle

Battlegroup Starter Set

Trencher Theme Force

Aesthetically the models are "modern steampunk". While other Factions might utilize occult relics or the faith of their god, Cygnar uses advanced technology to field state-of-the-art equipment. Cygnarians are transitioning from steam power to voltaic energy, giving them a more sophisticated look than most other Factions. Cygnar's signature element is lightning and they use lots of electricity-based attacks that are excellent for clearing out opposing infantry. Cygnar also has access to a lot of Disruption effects, which can be handy to 'short circuit' the superior warjacks from other Factions.

Cygnar's playstyle is predominately shooting-orientated, they have a ranged advantage over most other Factions except Crucible Guard. Cygnar models are definitely among the weaker factions in melee, although strong melee forces can be fielded. Cygnarian armies prefer to whittle down the enemy with shooting before entering melee.

Cygnar warcasters have a lot of variety, as some are melee assassins, others are ranged powerhouses, some are support specialists and there are even some dedicated spell slingers. Casters that boosts armor and/or ranged attacks are common, but there are casters which have access to debuffs and movement related spells. With the wide variety of casters available, one can find a caster to suit most any style of play.

Cygnar warjacks have high offensive stats, good ranged capabilities, above-average defense and average armor. In comparison to newer releases & updates for other Factions, Cygnar warjacks are a point or two overpriced, but many remain strong in the right hands.

Cygnar troops are almost all single-wound infantry and most of them rely on guns. They tend to be more elite and capable, rather than cheap and numerous.

Boxed Cygnar Sets

2016 Mk3 Battlegroup Set

Contents: Maddox warcaster, Lancer light warjack, Firefly light warjack, and an Ironclad heavy warjack. Included is a bunch of peripheral stuff too (see picture).

This one is good for the so-called "0 pts battles", when only the caster and his/her battlegroup fights. In this case you get Beth Maddox, along with three decent warjacks. While Maddox isn't the best caster in the world, it's a great deal for beginners.

2017 Cygnar Trencher Theme Force

Contents: A unit of Trencher Infantry along with their command and weapon attachments, a Trencher Cannon Crew unit, Trencher Master Gunner solo, Patrol Dog solo, and Commander Anson Hitch solo. This one is designed to add on to one of the other starter sets, rather than be one all by itself. Note: it doesn't include a warcaster or any warjacks.

Other good early purchases

The Mk3 battlebox described above is decent first buy, but not essential. Otherwise, newbie-friendly models include:

Warcasters
- Stryker1 - A very straightforward, all-round playstyle.
- Siege1 - A very active caster on a turn-to-turn basis thanks to Ground Pounder. He also has decent defensive stats.

Warjacks -
- Chargers - Focus efficient, versatile and cheap.
- Hunters - A great gun. Unusually RAT7 for a non-character light jack.
- Stormclad or Centurion/Hammersmith for melee output.

Solos
- Squire, Journeyman Warcaster, Arlan Strangewayes, Jakes1, and Gabriel Throne. These are some of the most versatile solos in Cygnar's army.
- External article: Cygnar non-character solos - how many to buy (2019.04)

After that, what you should buy first really depends on which theme force you like the look of - for example Storm Lances are a good pick in the Storm Division theme, but cannot be used in any other Cygnar theme. Regardless of theme, you should aim to get a unit or two and some solos to supplement your caster and warjacks.

Line of Sight article : Brawlmachine List Building - Cygnar
In 2020.09 Phillip Melvin, one of the LOS authors, wrote an excellent article for how to start Cygnar. It is based on the newbie-friendly Brawlmachine format (25 point limit).
The article contains a different list for each Cygnar theme, and advice on how to expand those lists beyond 25 points.

Starting a Theme Force

Players can use the Theme Force rules to construct their army list once the game size reaches 25 points. Themes restrict which models from your Faction you have access to, with different models being "locked" into different themes. In return, playing a theme force gives you multiple benefits in return. Also, models in a theme force normally have natural synergies with each other - synergies they can't use if they're paired with models from outside the theme.

Themes are considered the default way to play Warmachine and Hordes (although technically they're optional).

Regardless of whether you're starting at 25 points or lower, as a new player you have two options:

Ignore themes to begin with, buy a couple of things you like the look of, and later on figure out if they work together in the same theme.
With this approach you run the risk of buying models from a hodge podge of different themes. At some point you'll end up choosing one theme to use and expand, and shelving your models that don't fit the theme.
Figure out which theme contains models you like the look of, and limit yourself to just buying models from that theme.
This approach has the benefit of not shelving any of your purchases and you're more likely to have models that have natural synergies with each other (even if you buy things completely at random).

Theme Forces

Flame in the Darkness

The enemy of my enemy is my ally. This is understood as the salvation of humanity among the forces of the Church of Morrow that have come together to halt the Infernal procession descending upon the Iron Kingdoms. Driven by the common bond of their religion, forces that might otherwise turn on one another find they are stronger together, and by setting aside their differences, they can save one another alongside everyone else in the path of evil.

This theme represents the Thamarite and Morrowan forces putting aside their ideological differences to teaming up against the Infernal invasion. This theme is "blended" with two other Factions, Khador and Mercenaries, and it has some interesting list-building options. You don't get access to Khador/Mercenary warcasters, but you do get access to some of their units, solos, and warjacks - and everyone in the theme count as friendly Faction to each other, making it easier to apply buffs.

Important Note: Unlike most themes, there is severe limits on which Cygnar warcasters can go in this theme.

The models allowed in Flame in the Darkness are: [Show/Hide]

This list was last updated: 2020.12 (Edit)

Warcasters - For Mercenary players

Warcasters - For Cygnar players

Blaize1
Jakes2
Stryker (1), (2), or (3)
Maddox1

Warcasters - For Khador players

Zerkova (1) or (2)

Warjacks
Note: All warcasters get the same warjacks to choose from, regardless of their original Faction:

All non-character Mercenary warjacks (except the Rhulic ones)
Up to two non-character Cygnar or Khador warjacks (one of each is legal).
Gallant
Other character warjacks can be taken, but only if they have a bond and they're in their bonded model's battlegroup.

Units

Solos

Gravediggers

Trenchers are men and women of grit found at the forefront of every battlefield. The first on the field and the last to leave, it is the trenchers’ duty to form the vanguard of Cygnar’s military might and seize the battlefield against all opposition. Trenchers dig in and hold the line, proud to spill their blood for their countrymen and seeing the battlefield as the only proper gravesite.

World War 1 style trench warfare is reflected in the Gravediggers.

Trenchers form the tough-as-nails vanguard infantry for Cygnar.

This theme features lots of Tough infantry that boasts a good mix of melee and ranged capabilities.

Trencher Infantry, Trencher Commandos and Trencher Long Gunners are the staple units of the theme.

The models allowed in Gravediggers are: [Show/Hide]

This list was last updated: 2020.02 (Edit)

Warcasters

All Cygnar warcasters

Warjacks

All non-character warjacks
Triumph
Other character warjacks can be taken, but only if they're in their bonded model's battlegroup.

Units

Solos

Captain Maxwell Finn
Commander Anson Hitch
('Jack Marshal)
Major Harrison Gibbs (★)
Patrol Dog
Trench Buster
Trencher Master Gunner
Trencher Warcaster Lieutenant
("Junior" Warcaster)

Structures

Trencher Blockhouse

Mercenaries

Up to one unit
- They can have Captain Jonas Murdoch
Up to one solo

(★) Because Gibbs is specifically allowed in this theme, he doesn't use your "Up to one Mercenary" slot.

Heavy Metal

Although Cygnar generally prefers a combined-arms approach to conflict, when its advanced warjacks are massed on the field under the control of a skilled warcaster, they are a match for any enemy. Such large, selfsufficient battlegroups are typically deployed to besiege fixed positions or to meet concentrations of enemy armor and heavy infantry on the battlefield. Where Cygnar faces deeply entrenched or armored foes, the tread of its mighty machines shakes the earth and its storm technology blackens the sky.

This is Cygnar's warjack-centric theme coupled with a few more Mercenary and/or Morrowan options available than most other themes.

Your unit choices are Precursor Knights, Mechanik units, Long Gunner Infantry, and Sword Knights as your unit choices.

It lets you run Morrowan solos outside of Flame in the Darkness, leading to some interesting combos.

The models allowed in Heavy Metal are: [Show/Hide]

This list was last updated: 2020.02 (Edit)

Warcasters

All Cygnar warcasters

Warjacks

All non-character warjacks
Ol' Rowdy
Thorn
Thunderhead
Other character warjacks can be taken, but only if they have a bond and they're in their bonded model's battlegroup.

Battle Engines

Nemo4 ("Junior Warcaster") (★)
Storm Strider

Units

Solos

Caine0 ("Junior Warcaster")
Captain Arlan Strangewayes ('Jack Marshal)
Glyn Cormier, Illuminated One (★)
Grand Master Gabriel Throne (★)
Harlan Versh (★)
Jakes1 ("Junior Warcaster")
Journeyman Warcaster ("Junior Warcaster")
Major Harrison Gibbs (★)
Morrowan Archon (★)
Runewood1 ('Jack Marshal)
Savio Montero Acosta (★)
Squire (Warcaster Attachment)
Trencher Warcaster Lieutenant ("Junior Warcaster")
Viktor Pendrake (★)

Mercenaries

Up to one solo
Up to one unit
Up to one battle engine

(★) Because these partisans are specifically allowed in this theme, they don't use your "Up to one Mercenary" slot.

Sons of the Tempest

Mobile and versatile, the Arcane Tempest are called upon to deal with situations beyond the capacity of standard military forces, particularly arcane threats that are warded against conventional firepower. Coordinated by experienced gun mages to fight in conjunction with traditional battlegroups, these strike teams can operate in any theater of war. As their ranked guns tear apart the enemy with fusillades of deadly firepower, lone marksmen pick off high-priority targets with speed and accuracy.

Do you like pistols? Do you like magical bullets?

Gun Mages are a unique breed of soldier-sorcerers who can weave devastating arcane power into their unerring magelock pistols.

The core units in this theme are squishy, so this theme tends to be played as a warjack-heavy force with Gun Mages in support.

The models allowed in Sons of the Tempest are: [Show/Hide]

This list was last updated: 2021.10 (Edit)

Warcasters

All Cygnar warcasters

Warjacks

All non-character warjacks
Ace
Other character warjacks can be taken, but only if they have a bond and they're in their bonded model's battlegroup.

Units

Solos

Arcane Tempest Rifleman
Caine0 -; ("Junior Warcaster")
Captain Arlan Strangewayes - ('Jack Marshal)
Gun Mage Captain Adept
Journeyman Warcaster - ("Junior Warcaster")
Lieutenant Bastian Falk
Squire - (Warcaster Attachment)

Mercenaries

Up to one unit
Up to one solo

Storm Division

Cygnar’s Storm Division is an autonomous military force that delivers the flash of lightning and the roll of thunder to the battlefields of Immoren. The division couples the latest voltaic weaponry and hardware produced by the Cygnaran Armory with the service of skilled soldiers. More Storm Knights fight with the Storm Division than with any other force in Cygnar, and with the aid of accomplished stormsmiths these elite warriors make up a highly mobile army capable of bringing the fury of the storm to Cygnar’s enemies.

The Storm Division is armed with Cygnar's latest technological improvements; or in other words, Lightning!

This theme offers armored knights with lightning swords or halberds, mad scientists shooting lightning atop of a giant walker, and 'jacks that shoot electricity!

Basically, if you like lightning, this is the theme for you. Staples of the theme are units of Stormblade Infantry and Storm Lances.

The models allowed in Storm Division are: [Show/Hide]

This list was last updated: 2020.02 (Edit)

Warcasters

All Cygnar warcasters

Warjacks

All non-character warjacks
Brickhouse
Dynamo
Thunderhead
Other character warjacks can be taken, but only if they're in their bonded model's battlegroup.

Units

Solos

Captain Arlan Strangewayes
('Jack Marshal)
Lieutenant Gwen Keller
Major Katherine Laddermore
Sir Dreyfus the Storm Knight
Stormblade Captain
('Jack Marshal)
Stormsmith Stormcallers
Journeyman Warcaster
("Junior Warcaster")
Jakes1
("Junior Warcaster")
Savio Montero Acosta (★)
Squire
(Warcaster Attachment)

Battle Engines

Storm Strider
Nemo4 (★)
("Junior Warcaster")

Mercenaries

Up to one unit
Up to one solo

(★) Because these models are specifically allowed in this theme, they don't use up your Mercenary slot.

Models

Model Gallery

Colonel Markus "Siege2" Brisbane

Refer to Cygnar Gallery

Warcasters

Captain Kara Sloan1

Captain E. Dominic Darius and Halfjacks

Blaize1	Constance Blaize, Knight of the Prophet (Partisan)

Brisbane1	Major Markus ‘Siege’ Brisbane
Brisbane2	Colonel Markus ‘Siege’ Brisbane

Caine0	Refer to Cygnar solos, below
Caine1	Lieutenant Allister Caine
Caine2	Captain Allister Caine
Caine3	Caine's Hellslingers (Partisan)

Darius1	Captain E. Dominic Darius & Halfjacks

Haley1	Captain Victoria Haley
Haley2	Major Victoria Haley
Haley3	Major Prime Victoria Haley

Jakes1	Refer to Cygnar solos, below
Jakes2	Captain Allison Jakes

Kraye1	Captain Jeremiah Kraye

Maddox1	Major Beth Maddox

Nemo1	Commander Adept Nemo
Nemo2	General Adept Nemo
Nemo3	Artificer General Nemo & Storm Chaser Adept Caitlin Finch
Nemo4	Refer to Cygnar battle engines, below

Sloan1	Captain Kara Sloan

Stryker1	Commander Coleman Stryker
Stryker2	Lord Commander Stryker
Stryker3	Lord General Coleman Stryker

Sturgis1	Commander Dalin Sturgis
Sturgis2	Refer to Cryx warcasters

Vinter-1	Vinter the Undefeated (Not tournament legal)