Warhammer 40,000, often abbreviated as Warhammer 40K or WH40K, is one of the most iconic tabletop wargames ever created. With decades of lore, thousands of miniatures, dozens of factions, and a massive fanbase worldwide, it’s no surprise that newcomers often ask: Where do I start in the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40K?
This comprehensive guide is tailored for beginners and aims to demystify the world of Warhammer 40K, breaking down its key components, helping you choose your first army, and guiding you through the initial steps of hobby involvement.
What is Warhammer 40K?
Warhammer 40,000 is a tabletop miniature wargame created by Games Workshop, set in a dystopian sci-fi future over 38,000 years from now. In this universe, there is only war — between humans, aliens, chaos gods, and ancient machines.
It’s a hybrid of storytelling, model-building, painting, and strategic gameplay, allowing players to collect armies and pit them against one another in battle.
The game is also supported by a vast narrative universe, encompassing novels, video games, animations, and more, with an iconic phrase that sets the tone:
“In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war.”
Why Is Warhammer 40K So Popular?
- Rich Lore: Over 30 years of deep, interconnected storytelling across books, games, and codices.
- Creative Hobby: Model-building, painting, and customizing miniatures is a major draw for hobbyists.
- Strategic Gameplay: Offers deep tactical and strategic experiences, both in casual and competitive formats.
- Massive Community: Worldwide community with local clubs, online forums, and competitive tournaments.
The Core Pillars of Warhammer 40K
To understand where to start, you need to know the four key elements of the hobby:
- The Lore (Fluff): The stories, background, and factions.
- Collecting: Buying and assembling miniatures.
- Painting: Personalizing your army with your unique paint schemes.
- Gaming: Playing battles using models and rulebooks.
You can focus on one area or enjoy all four — there’s no wrong way to enjoy Warhammer 40K.
Step 1: Learn the Lore — Immerse in the Grimdark
If you love stories, this is the perfect place to start. The Warhammer 40K universe is a galaxy-spanning dystopia filled with Space Marines, alien invasions, daemonic incursions, and ancient secrets.
Recommended Lore Entry Points:
- The Horus Heresy Novels – Start with Horus Rising by Dan Abnett. It begins the tale of how the Imperium of Man began to fall.
- The Eisenhorn Trilogy – A great series following an Imperial Inquisitor. Also by Dan Abnett.
- Warhammer+ – Games Workshop’s streaming service with animations and short series set in the 40K universe.
Reading some lore will help you pick a faction that aligns with your interests.
Step 2: Choose Your First Faction
There are dozens of factions in Warhammer 40K, each with unique lore, playstyle, and aesthetics. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular and beginner-friendly ones.
Best Starter Armies:
1. Space Marines
- Who They Are: Superhuman warriors of the Imperium of Man.
- Playstyle: Balanced — good in shooting and melee.
- Why Beginners Love Them: Easy to collect, great model range, loads of support material.
- Subfactions to Explore: Ultramarines, Blood Angels, Dark Angels.
2. Necrons
- Who They Are: Undead-like, ancient machine race.
- Playstyle: Durable, straightforward, great for slow, methodical gameplay.
- Appeal: Easy to paint, rich sci-fi lore.
3. Adeptus Mechanicus
- Who They Are: Tech-worshiping cyborgs of Mars.
- Playstyle: Strong shooting, complex synergy.
- For Whom: Ideal for tech lovers and strategists.
4. Tyranids
- Who They Are: Alien hive-minded organisms bent on consuming all biomass.
- Playstyle: Swarm tactics, aggressive melee.
- Appeal: Unique aesthetic and monstrous units.
5. T’au Empire
- Who They Are: Technologically advanced aliens promoting “The Greater Good.”
- Playstyle: Ranged combat specialists.
- Beginner-Friendly?: Somewhat — fragile but effective in shooting.
Tips for Choosing:
- Do you like their look? You’ll be building and painting them.
- Does their story appeal to you? Lore immersion helps with motivation.
- How do they play? Some armies are more forgiving than others.
Step 3: Start Small — Combat Patrol Boxes
Combat Patrols are the best way to start collecting. These boxed sets are curated small forces, ideal for beginners, usually costing less than buying models individually.
Benefits:
- Around 500 points of units (good for small games).
- Well-balanced starting forces.
- Cheaper than buying separately.
- Often include a mix of unit types (HQ, troops, elite).
Look for the Combat Patrol of your chosen faction and start from there.
Step 4: Learn the Rules — But Keep It Simple
The Warhammer 40K core rules are available for free on the Games Workshop website. However, the full experience comes from using:
- Core Rulebook – For full rules, terrain interactions, missions.
- Codex (Faction Book) – Detailed rules and lore for your chosen army.
- Datasheets – Stats and abilities of individual units.
Recommended Reading Order for Rules:
- Start with the free core rules PDF.
- Watch YouTube tutorials — channels like Tabletop Tactics, PlayOn Tabletop, and Goobertown Hobbies are beginner-friendly.
- Play a small test game (maybe 500 points).
Don’t worry about memorizing everything. Start with simple skirmishes, and learn as you go.
Step 5: Assemble and Paint Your Models
This is where Warhammer becomes a true hobby.
What You’ll Need:
- Plastic glue or super glue
- Sprue cutters
- Craft knife
- Paints – Citadel paints are standard, but Vallejo and Army Painter are great too.
- Brushes
- Primer spray
Painting Tips for Beginners:
- Start with base coating, shading, and highlighting.
- Use Citadel Contrast Paints for fast results.
- Don’t worry about perfection — improvement comes with time.
- Watch beginner tutorials (e.g., Duncan Rhodes Painting Academy).
Painting your first army is deeply satisfying — your own force, in your own colors.
Step 6: Play Your First Game
Once you have a small painted force, it’s time to play.
Where to Play:
- Local Game Stores (LGS): Great for learning the ropes and meeting players.
- Warhammer Stores: Offer beginner tutorials and “start collecting” nights.
- Online Platforms: Use Tabletop Simulator or Battlescribe for test builds.
- Play With Friends: The best way to learn in a relaxed environment.
Game Formats:
- Combat Patrol (500 pts): Great for beginners.
- Incursion (1000 pts): Intermediate size.
- Strike Force (2000 pts): Standard tournament size.
Start small, expand as you gain confidence.
Optional Add-ons: Warhammer+ and Digital Tools
To deepen your involvement:
- Warhammer+ – Offers battle reports, animations, digital rules, and painting guides.
- Warhammer 40K App – Useful for list-building, rules references.
- Battlescribe (Unofficial) – Fan-favorite for building army lists.
These tools enhance your learning and gameplay experience.
Final Tips for Beginners
- Don’t try to learn everything at once. Focus on one aspect — lore, collecting, or gaming — and expand from there.
- Budget accordingly. Start small. Combat Patrols and second-hand models are great options.
- Join communities. Reddit’s r/Warhammer40K, Facebook groups, and Discord servers offer help and inspiration.
- Be patient with painting and rules. Mastery takes time, and the journey is part of the joy.
- Have fun! It’s your hobby. Enjoy it your way.
Conclusion: Your First Step into the 41st Millennium
Warhammer 40K can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s one of the most rewarding and creative hobbies you can undertake. Whether you’re drawn in by the rich lore, the painting and modeling, or the tactical battles, there’s a place for you in the grimdark future.
So pick a faction, grab a brush, and take your first step into the eternal war of the 41st millennium. The Emperor protects — but only if you roll a 6.