Template:Starting a Theme Force text

Theme Forces restrict which models from your Faction you have access to, but give you benefits in return. They are considered the default way to play Warmachine and Hordes because the benefits of playing in-theme are so great that most players never play out-of-theme. Don't overthink it, though. When you first start playing you can ignore theme forces and instead buy a few models you like the look of. Besides, you can't even use the Theme Force rules for games under 25 points.

That said, you should start looking into themes sooner rather than later to ensure the models you are buying will all end up fitting into one cohesive theme. If you don't, you'll end up with a hodge podge of models.