Few factions capture the spirit of classic Warhammer Fantasy quite like the Empire of Man.
Following on from our previous Warhammer: The Old World faction guides covering Bretonnia, Tomb Kings of Khemri, Beastmen Brayherds, and the Dwarfen Mountain Holds, we are now taking a closer look at one of the most iconic and versatile armies in the setting.
The Empire of Man represents humanity standing firm against the horrors of the Old World. Surrounded by Chaos warbands, rampaging Orcs, undead legions, Beastmen raids and naturally a few darker threats… the Empire survives through discipline, faith, blackpowder weaponry and true grit on the battlefield.
What makes the Empire so compelling is its flexibility. Unlike many factions that specialise in one style of warfare or another, the Empire can do almost everything. Massive infantry blocks, devastating artillery, elite cavalry, battle wizards, fanatical priests, bizarre war machines – the empires armies have it covered!
For players who enjoy combined-arms tactics, huge variety in army building and classic fantasy aesthetics, the Empire of Man is one of the most rewarding factions in Warhammer: The Old World.
Who Are the Empire of Man?
The Empire is the largest and most powerful human civilisation in the Old World. Founded centuries ago by Sigmar Heldenhammer, it is divided into numerous provinces ruled by Elector Counts, each with their own armies, heraldry, traditions and naturally.. rivalries.
Despite the endless internal politics and disputes, the Empire always unites when threatened by enemies beyond its borders.
The faction blends:
- Renaissance-inspired aesthetics
- Blackpowder warfare
- Heavy cavalry
- Religious zealotry
- Classical fantasy heroism
On the tabletop, the Empire excels through co-operation and combined arms tactics rather than relying on individual overpowered units.
A well-built Empire army uses:
- Infantry to hold the line
- Artillery to weaken enemies
- Cavalry to flank
- Characters to provide buffs and leadership
- Magic and prayers to support the army
The result is a faction that rewards tactical play and battlefield coordination.
Why Play the Empire of Man in Warhammer: The Old World?
The Empire is one of the most versatile armies in the game.
If you enjoy adapting your strategy, experimenting with different unit combinations and building thematic armies, there is almost limitless potential here.
You can create:
- Gunpowder-heavy armies
- Knightly cavalry forces
- Infantry-focused state armies
- Religious crusades
- Wizard-led magical forces
- Artillery gunlines
- Combined-arms balanced lists
From a hobby perspective, the Empire is fantastic because every province can be painted differently. This gives collectors loads of opportunities to personalise their army with unique heraldry, colour schemes and of course banners…. This is the Old World after all!
The range includes some of the most iconic miniatures in Warhammer history.
Core Units of the Empire of Man
State Troops – The Backbone of the Empire
Every Empire army relies on disciplined State Troops to form the core of its battleline.
Spearmen, Halberdiers and Swordsmen may not be individually powerful compared to elite warriors from other factions, but they win through in sheer numbers, support from their leadership and coordinated tactics.
These units are excellent for:
- Holding objectives
- Supporting artillery
- Pinning enemy units in place
- Setting up countercharges
They embody the Empire’s identity – ordinary humans standing firm against a vast array of terrifying enemies.
The Empire of Man State Troops kits are an ideal starting point for building a thematic Empire force.
Handgunners and Crossbowmen – Blackpowder and Ranged Support
The Empire is famous for its use of blackpowder weaponry and Handgunners are one of the faction’s most recognisable units.
Handgunners provide armour-piercing firepower capable of softening enemy elites before they reach your lines, while Crossbowmen offer longer-range support.
Combined with artillery and infantry blocks these ranged units can control huge areas of the battlefield.
For players who enjoy gunline tactics, Empire shooting armies are incredibly satisfying to play.
You can expand your ranged forces with the Empire Missile Troops range available at here Bomran.
Empire Knights and Demigryph Knights – Shock Cavalry of the Empire
The Empire’s cavalry remain one of its greatest strengths.
Empire Knights provide much needed fast-moving armoured support that can protect flanks, pressure objectives and deliver devastating charges into weakened enemies.
Demigryph Knights, however, are on another level entirely.
Mounted atop savage Demigryph beasts, these elite cavalry units hit incredibly hard and are among the most dangerous shock troops available to the Empire of Man.
They are especially effective at:
- Breaking infantry formations
- Countercharging enemy elites
- Hunting monsters
- Supporting infantry engagements
The Empire Knights and Demigryph Knights are fantastic centrepiece units for any Empire army.
Great Cannons and Helblasters – Devastating Empire Artillery
Empire artillery is one of the faction’s defining features.
Great Cannons are capable of destroying monsters, heavy cavalry and elite infantry from across the battlefield, while the infamous Helblaster Volley Gun can unleash horrifying amounts of close-range firepower.
Few things in Warhammer are more satisfying than watching a perfectly placed cannon shot punch straight through an enemy battleline.
Artillery is particularly important for the Empire because it forces opponents to advance aggressively, allowing your infantry and cavalry to dictate the flow of battle.
The Empire Great Cannon and Helblaster Volley Gun remain iconic additions to Empire armies.
Steam Tanks – One of Warhammer’s Most Iconic War Machines
The Steam Tank is the stuff of legends.
Part armoured vehicle, part artillery platform, part rolling fortress, this bizarre invention could only be found on an Old World battlefield. It captures the Empire’s blend of engineering brilliance and reckless experimentation.
On the tabletop, Steam Tanks are incredibly durable and can:
- Hold enemy units in place
- Support infantry lines
- Absorb huge amounts of damage
- Threaten both infantry and monsters
It is also one of the most recognisable miniatures in the entire Warhammer range.
The Empire Steam Tank is a brilliant centrepiece model for collectors and players alike.
Empire Characters and Wizards
Generals, Captains, and Warrior Priests
Empire armies thrive on leadership and co-ordination between units.
Generals and Captains will provide vital leadership bonuses, while Warrior Priests inspire nearby troops through religious fervour and battlefield prayers dedicated to Sigmar.
These characters help turn otherwise ordinary troops into dependable fighting forces.
Empire armies often feel strongest when every unit is supporting another part of the army, and characters are central to making that happen. Find your commanders HERE.
Battle Wizards – Masters of the Colleges of Magic
Unlike Dwarfs, the Empire embraces magic through the Colleges of Magic founded in Altdorf.
Empire Battle Wizards can wield a variety of magical lores depending on your preferred playstyle, giving the faction enormous tactical flexibility.
Magic can provide:
- Damage spells
- Defensive buffs
- Battlefield control
- Movement manipulation
- Leadership support
This versatility makes Empire lists highly adaptable.
The Empire Battle Wizards are excellent additions for players wanting to lean into the magical side of the faction.
Is the Empire of Man Good for Beginners?
Absolutely.
The Empire is one of the best factions for learning Warhammer: The Old World because it teaches nearly every core mechanic in the game.
You learn how to:
- Position infantry
- Use cavalry effectively
- Coordinate shooting
- Manage artillery
- Support units with characters
- Utilise magic
The faction also gives players enormous freedom to experiment with different army styles as they grow more experienced.
If you are unsure what kind of army you ultimately want to play, the Empire is a fantastic starting point.
Building an Empire of Man Army
If you are starting an Empire of Man force, there are plenty of excellent units available here at Bomran.
Some of the best starting points include:
- Empire of Man Battalion
- State Troops
- Handgunners and Crossbowmen
- Empire Knights
- Demigryph Knights
- Great Cannons
- Helblaster Volley Guns
- Steam Tanks
- Battle Wizards
Mixing infantry, artillery, cavalry, and characters together creates the classic Empire battlefield experience that makes the faction so enjoyable to play.
You can also expand your collection with books and supplements for Warhammer: The Old World to further develop your armies and campaigns.
Final Thoughts on the Empire of Man
The Empire of Man remains one of the greatest factions in Warhammer Fantasy because it represents ordinary people fighting against impossible odds.
There are no immortal elves here. No ancient undead kings. No unstoppable Chaos gods.
Just soldiers, knights, engineers, priests, and wizards standing together against the darkness.
That classic fantasy identity makes the Empire endlessly appealing.
Whether you enjoy tactical gameplay, blackpowder weaponry, elite cavalry, or huge combined-arms battles, the Empire of Man offers one of the richest and most rewarding experiences in Warhammer: The Old World.
And honestly, few things feel more Warhammer than an Empire battleline holding firm while cannons roar and banners fly above the battlefield.
FAQ – Empire of Man in Warhammer: The Old World
Is the Empire of Man good in Warhammer: The Old World?
Yes. The Empire is one of the most versatile factions in the game and performs well thanks to its balanced combination of infantry, artillery, cavalry, and magic.
What is the best Empire unit for beginners?
State Troops are one of the best starting units because they teach core gameplay mechanics and form the backbone of most Empire armies.
Are Steam Tanks strong in Warhammer: The Old World?
Steam Tanks are extremely durable and provide both offensive and defensive utility, making them one of the Empire’s most iconic and effective units.
Does the Empire use magic?
Yes. The Empire has access to powerful Battle Wizards from the Colleges of Magic, giving players access to a wide variety of magical abilities.
Where can I buy Empire of Man models in the UK?
You can find a growing range of Empire of Man miniatures and Warhammer: The Old World products here at Bomran.co.uk. Based in the South East and want to come down and take a look for yourself? Why not pop down and visit our store in Corringham, essex?
