Warhammer 40,000 Armies – Beginners Guide
The galaxy is a vast, turbulent expanse where humanity clings to survival amidst the chaos of war and decay.
The Imperium of Man, a sprawling empire forged in blood and sacrifice, stands as humanity’s last hope against countless foes.
From the towering spires of hive cities to the desolate battlefields of forgotten worlds, the echoes of conflict resonate through the ages.
Xenos races, heretical cults, and the insidious forces of Chaos threaten to engulf all in darkness.
The Emperor, long entombed upon the Golden Throne, watches over his fractured realm as his loyal servants wage ceaseless war against the encroaching tide of despair.
Warhammer 40k Factions
Each faction within this universe — be it the fearsome Adeptus Astartes or the unyielding Astra Militarum — embodies the relentless struggle for survival and dominance. In this age of relentless strife, only the strong endure, and the price of failure is utter annihilation.
The various factions and armies playable within the Milky Way galaxy of the grim-dark future are listed below:
- Chaos: Chaos represents malevolent forces in the Milky Way, driven by the four Chaos Gods. They corrupt mortals, spawning daemons, cults, and Chaos Space Marines, seeking to undermine the Imperium.
- Imperium: The Imperium of Man is a vast authoritarian empire uniting humanity under the God-Emperor’s rule. It faces constant threats from aliens, heretics, and Chaos, emphasizing loyalty and sacrifice.
- Space Marines: Space Marines are genetically enhanced super-soldiers serving the Imperium of Man. Organized into chapters, they are elite warriors dedicated to protecting humanity from alien threats and heresy.
- Xenos: Xenos refers to alien species in Warhammer 40K, including races like Eldar, Orks, and Tyranids. Often seen as threats, they embody the diversity and danger of the galaxy.
Painting Warhammer 40,000 For Beginners
Painting Warhammer 40k is an engaging hobby that combines artistry with strategy.
Unlike Age of Sigmar, which often features brighter, fantastical themes, 40k embraces a grimdark aesthetic, focusing on dystopian elements and war-torn settings.
Beginners should start by gathering essential tools: paints, brushes, and a reliable workspace. Familiarizing yourself with layering, dry brushing, and washes is key to achieving the intricate details of armored Space Marines or the chaotic elements of Chaos factions.
Each model tells a story, reflecting the brutal narratives of the Warhammer 40K universe, making painting not just a task, but a creative journey into a dark future.
For more information, see our Warhammer Painting Guide for Beginners.
Playing Warhammer 40,000 For Beginners
Playing Warhammer 40k offers an immersive experience of tactical warfare and storytelling in a grimdark future. Unlike Age of Sigmar, which focuses on fantasy battles, 40k pits futuristic armies against one another in a dystopian universe filled with complex lore.
Beginners should start by learning the rules of gameplay, which emphasize strategy, unit positioning, and resource management. Each game is a blend of dice rolling, tactical decision-making, and narrative-driven scenarios, where players can embody the grim struggle for survival.
Best Warhammer 40,000 Books For Beginners
Reading Warhammer 40k literature opens a gateway to a vast, immersive universe filled with rich lore and complex characters. The Black Library, Games Workshop’s publishing arm, offers a diverse range of novels and anthologies that explore the grimdark future of the 40k setting.
From the heroic tales of Space Marines to the treachery of Chaos and the resilience of the Imperium, these stories deepen your understanding of the factions and their motivations.
For beginners, starting with key series like “Gaunt’s Ghosts” or “Eisenhorn” can provide engaging narratives that illuminate the intricacies of the 40K universe, enhancing your overall experience.
Here are the five best places to start for 40k beginners:
- Eisenhorn: Xenos (Dan Abnett): This novel introduces Inquisitor Gregor Eisenhorn and his battle against heresy and chaos. It blends action, mystery, and deep lore, making it a compelling entry point into the 40K universe.
- Gaunt’s Ghosts: First and Only (Dan Abnett): This book follows Colonel Commissar Ibram Gaunt and his regiment, the Tanith First-and-Only. It provides a human perspective on the grimdark setting, emphasizing camaraderie and sacrifice, ideal for understanding the Imperium.
- Horus Rising (Dan Abnett): The first book in the Horus Heresy series, it explores the events leading up to the galaxy-wide conflict. It’s essential for understanding the backdrop of the 40K universe and the lore of the Space Marines.
- Hero of the Imperium (Sandy Mitchell): Part of the “Ciaphas Cain” series, this novel offers a lighter, more humorous take on the 40K universe. Following the cowardly hero Ciaphas Cain, it provides an engaging mix of action and wit, making the lore accessible.
- Space Marine (Ian Watson): This novel dives into the perspective of a Space Marine, exploring their experiences in battle. It’s an excellent way to understand the mindset of these iconic warriors and the grim realities they face.
Your First Month in Warhammer 40k
Week 1 — Choose and Buy: Pick a faction that excites you visually and thematically. Buy a starter set or Combat Patrol box and a basic set of paints and brushes. Read through the core rules (available free online) to get a feel for the game’s flow.
Week 2 — Build and Prime: Assemble your models following the instructions included in the box. Once built, apply a spray primer — grey seer or chaos black are versatile choices. While the primer dries, watch a few tutorial videos on basic painting techniques to build your confidence.
Week 3 — Paint: Start painting your first unit. Focus on getting a base coat on every surface, then apply a wash to add depth and shading. Do not worry about perfection — you can always go back and improve later. Aim to finish one unit completely before moving on.
Week 4 — Play: Get your first game in, even if your army is not fully painted. Use the introductory missions in the core rules to learn the basics. Playing with real models on a table — even a kitchen table with improvised terrain — is the best way to learn and the fastest route to falling in love with the hobby.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Buying too much at once: It is tempting to plan a massive army from day one, but unbuilt boxes stacking up on a shelf is the fastest road to hobby burnout. Start small, finish what you have, and then expand.
Chasing the meta: Competitive tier lists change with every balance update. Choose your army based on the models and lore you love, not what won the last Grand Tournament — rules change, but your emotional connection to your army does not.
Skipping primer: Paint does not adhere well to bare plastic. Always prime your models before painting. A can of spray primer costs a few pounds and makes everything that follows dramatically easier.
Resources and Community
The Warhammer community is one of the most welcoming in tabletop gaming, and there are resources everywhere to help you get started. The official Warhammer app provides free access to core rules and datasheets. YouTube channels like Warhammer TV, Midwinter Minis, and countless hobbyists offer painting tutorials for every skill level. Reddit communities like r/Warhammer40k and r/Warhammer are great for advice, inspiration, and showcasing your work.
Your local Warhammer store or independent game shop is also an invaluable resource. Many stores run introductory games, painting workshops, and beginner leagues specifically designed to help new players learn. Do not be afraid to walk in, ask questions, and get a demo game — it is literally what the store staff are there for. The friends you make at your local store will become your regular opponents and hobby companions for years to come.
Your First 30 Days in Warhammer 40,000
Starting Warhammer 40,000 can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into a structured timeline makes the process manageable and enjoyable. Here is what your first month in the hobby might look like.
Week 1: Research and Choose
Spend your first week exploring. Browse the Games Workshop website and look at every faction’s model range. Watch beginner-oriented YouTube channels like Midwinter Minis, Ninjon, or Warhammer’s official channel. Read our faction overviews on this site. By the end of the week, you should have a shortlist of two or three factions that excite you visually and thematically. Visit a local Warhammer store if possible — seeing models in person often clinches the decision.
Week 2: Purchase and Assemble
Buy your first box. A starter set is ideal if you have a friend who also wants to start — you each take one army. Otherwise, a Combat Patrol box for your chosen faction provides a complete, playable force in a single purchase. Add a basic hobby tool set (cutters, craft knife, plastic glue) and a starter paint set. Spend the week assembling your models. Take your time — clean mould lines carefully, test-fit parts before gluing, and enjoy the meditative process of building.
Week 3: Prime and Paint
Prime your assembled models with a spray primer. If this is your first time painting, start with a single model rather than the whole box. Follow a painting tutorial — our beginner painting guide walks you through every step. Paint at your own pace. The goal is not perfection but progress. A fully base-coated and washed model looks great on the tabletop, and you can always go back and add details later.
Week 4: Play Your First Game
By week four, you should have enough models assembled and at least partially painted for a small game. Read through the core rules — they are available free on the Warhammer Community website. Play a Combat Patrol game, either with a friend or at a local store’s gaming night. Your first game will be slow and full of rules lookups — that is completely normal. Focus on having fun and learning the basic flow of a turn. After the game, reflect on what you enjoyed and what you want to learn more about. Congratulations — you are a Warhammer player.
Essential Purchases for New 40k Players
Here is a prioritised shopping list for players starting Warhammer 40,000 on a budget.
Must-have: A Combat Patrol box or starter set for your chosen faction. Plastic glue and a pair of flush cutters. A basic paint set with primer. These essentials get you from zero to playing your first game.
Strongly recommended: A craft knife for cleaning mould lines. A wet palette for better paint consistency. A wash pot (Agrax Earthshade or Nuln Oil). A desk lamp with a daylight bulb. These quality-of-life additions make the hobby significantly more enjoyable.
Nice to have: A codex for your faction (though free datasheets are available in the official app). A hobby mat or cutting mat to protect your desk. Storage containers or a carry case for transporting models. An additional unit or hero to expand your army. These can wait until you are sure you enjoy the hobby.
Finding Your Local Warhammer 40k Community
One of the greatest strengths of the Warhammer hobby is its community. Finding local players transforms your experience from a solitary hobby into a rich social activity.
Warhammer stores: Official Games Workshop stores are the most reliable place to find games. They host regular gaming nights, painting workshops, and introductory events. Staff members are trained to teach new players and will happily walk you through your first game.
Friendly local game stores (FLGS): Independent game stores often have vibrant Warhammer communities. Check their event calendars for gaming nights and tournaments. Many FLGS offer table space for open play and run league seasons that provide structured gaming schedules.
Online communities: Reddit (r/Warhammer40k), Discord servers, and Facebook groups connect players globally. These platforms are excellent for finding local gaming groups, sharing your work, asking rules questions, and staying current with the meta. Many areas have dedicated local Discord servers for organising pick-up games.
Clubs and groups: Warhammer gaming clubs exist in most cities and many smaller towns. They often meet weekly in community spaces, pubs, or members’ homes. A quick online search for your area plus Warhammer club usually turns up results. Clubs offer the most consistent gaming experience and are where many hobbyists form their strongest friendships.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I learn the rules?
The core rules for Warhammer 40,000 are available free online from the Warhammer Community website. Start with these — they cover movement, shooting, fighting, and morale. Your faction’s specific rules (datasheets, detachment abilities, stratagems) are available in the official app or your codex. Learning through playing is far more effective than trying to memorise rules from reading alone. Play small games and look up rules as situations arise.
What size games should I start with?
Start with Combat Patrol (approximately 500 points). These small games take 45 to 60 minutes, use fewer rules, and let you focus on learning core mechanics. Once comfortable, move to Incursion (1,000 points) and eventually Strike Force (2,000 points). Each step up adds complexity and tactical depth gradually.
Do I need the codex for my faction?
Not immediately. Free datasheets are available through the official Warhammer app, providing the basic rules for every unit. However, codexes contain detachment rules, stratagems, relics, and lore that significantly enhance your gaming experience. We recommend picking up your codex once you have played a few games and are committed to the faction.
Is it too late to start 40k?
Absolutely not. New players join the hobby every day, and the community is overwhelmingly welcoming to beginners. Games Workshop regularly releases new editions and starter products specifically designed for newcomers. The best time to start is whenever you feel inspired — and the fact that you are reading this guide suggests that time is now.
What is the easiest Warhammer 40k army to paint?
Necrons are often called the easiest 40k army to paint, because a silver basecoat, a dark wash, a quick drybrush and some glowing green details look great at tabletop distance. Death Guard and Orks are also forgiving, since grime and weathering hide mistakes, and Contrast paints make most armies far quicker to finish than they used to be.
What is the best starter army for Warhammer 40k?
There is no single best choice, but Space Marines are the most common starter army because they have the widest range, straightforward rules and appear in almost every starter set. Whatever you pick, a Combat Patrol box is the easiest way in, giving you a ready-made, playable force for one faction. Choose the army whose models and lore you like most.
How do I build a Warhammer 40k army?
Pick a faction, agree a points limit with your opponent and choose your Detachment rules. Then fill the list with a Character to lead as your Warlord, Battleline units to hold objectives and other units for anti-tank and support, staying within the points limit. The official Warhammer app shows points and options for every unit and checks your list.
What is Warhammer 40k in simple terms?
Warhammer 40,000 is a tabletop wargame in which players build and paint armies of miniatures, then battle them on a table using dice, tape measures and rules. It is set in a grim far-future galaxy where the Imperium of Man fights Chaos and alien races. Many people enjoy it as much for the painting and lore as for the games themselves.
Common Mistakes New 40k Players Make
Learning from others’ errors can save you time, money, and frustration. Here are the most common pitfalls we see new 40k players fall into, and how to avoid them.
Buying too much too fast: The excitement of starting a new army often leads to purchasing far more kits than you can reasonably assemble and paint. This creates the dreaded pile of shame — a mountain of unbuilt grey plastic that becomes a source of guilt rather than joy. Buy one box, build and paint it, play some games, then buy the next. Patience protects both your wallet and your motivation.
Chasing the meta: Competitive tier lists change with every balance update. The faction that dominates today may be mid-tier in six months. Building an army solely because it is currently strong often leads to disappointment when the inevitable nerf arrives. Choose your army based on aesthetics and enjoyment, not win rates.
Ignoring the hobby side: Some players focus exclusively on gaming and view building and painting as tedious obligations. While this approach is valid, investing time in the hobby side dramatically enhances your overall experience. A painted army on a themed battlefield creates an atmosphere that unpainted models on a bare table simply cannot match.
Playing too large too soon: Jumping straight to 2,000-point games means tracking dozens of units, hundreds of rules interactions, and complex stratagem timing. Start at 500 points and scale up gradually. Each step teaches you new concepts at a manageable pace and prevents the frustration of feeling lost during larger games.