Objective markers decide most Age of Sigmar games, but they’re also one of the most misunderstood parts of the table.
Players often mix up two very different things:
- The objective marker itself
- The area used to determine control
Once you separate those two concepts, Age of Sigmar objectives make a lot more sense.
The Short Answer
In Age of Sigmar, an objective marker is a flat, round 40mm marker.
That marker is the fixed reference point used to determine control. It does not change size, block movement, or block visibility.
If you want rules-accurate markers designed for real play, you can find them here: Age of Sigmar Objective Markers
Objective Marker vs Objective Control Area
This is where most confusion comes from.
The objective marker is always 40mm. That part is simple.
The objective control area is determined by whether models are within their combat range of that marker. This creates a much larger area of influence around the objective, even though the marker itself stays small.
Because control is checked repeatedly during the game, having a clear, consistent reference point matters far more than having a large physical token.
Why the Objective Marker Itself Stays Small
A small, flat marker keeps the game clean.
- Models can move over it
- Units can end movement on it
- It doesn’t interfere with placement
- It doesn’t block visibility
The marker exists purely to anchor measurements, not to define the entire scoring area.
Why Some Objective Templates Look Much Larger
You may see large circular templates, often several inches across, used alongside objective markers.
These templates do not replace the objective marker. Instead, they visualize the area where models are likely to contest or control the objective.
They’re a quality-of-life tool that helps players:
- Quickly see contested space
- Avoid repeated measuring
- Resolve control checks faster
Think of them as spill-resistant engineering for the tabletop. The game keeps flowing even when the table gets bumped or crowded.
Do Objective Markers Count as Terrain in Age of Sigmar?
No.
Objective markers are not terrain. They do not block movement, line of sight, or attacks.
Terrain features can sometimes be controlled in battleplans, but they follow different persistence rules than objectives.
If you want a broader understanding of how terrain fits into game balance, this guide pairs well here: How Much Terrain Do You Actually Need for Warhammer 40K?
Why Consistent Objective Markers Matter
Objective control is checked often in Age of Sigmar, including at the end of each turn.
Using consistent, flat markers:
- Makes control checks faster
- Reduces measurement disputes
- Keeps scoring predictable
- Holds up across multiple games
These are small details, but they make a big difference over the course of a full match.
How This Fits Into a Complete Game Setup
Objective markers are just one part of a smooth table setup.
If you’re newer to Age of Sigmar or still refining your setup, this guide ties everything together: What Do I Actually Need To Play Warhammer 40K?
And if you want a deeper look at why many players upgrade from improvised tokens, this article explains the benefits well: Why Custom Objective Markers Make Games Better
The Bottom Line
In Age of Sigmar, the objective marker itself is always a 40mm flat reference point.
Control is determined by models contesting space around that marker, not by the size of the marker itself.
Once you separate those two ideas, objectives become clearer, faster to resolve, and much easier to play consistently.
If you want objective markers built for real tables and real games, you can find them here: Shop Objective Markers