Warhammer 40,000 is one of the most iconic tabletop wargames ever made — a grimdark science fantasy universe where space marines, alien hordes, and ancient gods clash across a dying galaxy. If you've been curious about getting into 40K but aren't sure where to start, this guide is for you.
Choose Your Faction
With over 20 factions to choose from, picking your first army can feel overwhelming — so here's a shortlist of the best starting points, based on playstyle and painting style:
| Faction | Best for |
|---|---|
| Space Marines | All-round beginners; huge model variety and forgiving to learn |
| Necrons | Clean, striking paint schemes; great if you want fast, satisfying results |
| Orks | Creative hobbyists who love converting and expressive painting |
| Death Guard | Characterful, grimy models that reward washes and texture techniques |
| Astra Militarum | Fans of horde armies, tanks, and classic military aesthetics |
| Tyranids | Alien lovers and horde players; highly customisable colour schemes |
| Tau Empire | Sci-fi aesthetic fans; strong ranged gameplay |
| Chaos Space Marines | Those drawn to dark themes and heavily customisable models |
The most important rule: pick the faction that excites you visually. You'll be assembling and painting these models for a long time — enthusiasm goes a long way.
What Do You Need to Start?
A basic 40K setup includes:
- A starter set or Combat Patrol box for your chosen faction
- Plastic glue and clippers for assembly
- A set of paints and tools (Citadel or equivalent)
- Brushes — a base brush and a detail brush to start
- The 40K Core Rules — download free from Games Workshop
You don't need a full army on day one. Start small, build and paint a handful of models, then expand from there.
Assembly Tips for Beginners
- Dry fit parts before gluing — make sure everything lines up
- Remove mould lines with a hobby knife before painting
- Prime your models before applying any paint; it helps paint adhere and gives a consistent base
Painting Your First Models
Don't aim for perfection — aim for done. A fully painted army on the table always looks better than unpainted grey plastic. A simple approach:
- Prime (black or grey works for most 40K factions)
- Base coat your main armour colour
- Apply a wash (like Citadel Nuln Oil or Agrax Earthshade) to add instant depth
- Drybrush edges to bring out highlights
- Pick out details — eyes, weapons, insignia
Ready to Start Your Collection?
Browse our range of paints, tools, and hobby supplies to get your first Warhammer 40,000 army on the table.