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Getting Started with Warhammer

A Complete Beginner's Guide to Warhammer 40,000 and Age of Sigmar

Welcome to the Hobby!

So you're interested in getting into Warhammer? Excellent choice! Warhammer is more than just a tabletop wargame - it's a hobby that combines creativity, strategy, and community.

There are two main Warhammer game systems:

Warhammer 40,000

"In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war."

  • Grimdark sci-fi setting
  • Space Marines, Orks, Eldar, Tyranids, and more
  • Larger model count games typically
  • Focus on vehicle combat and elite infantry

Age of Sigmar

"The Mortal Realms burn with the fires of war."

  • High fantasy setting
  • Stormcast Eternals, Orruks, Seraphon, and more
  • Magic and monsters play a larger role
  • Spearhead formations for focused playstyles

Both games are excellent, and you can't go wrong with either. Many players enjoy both!

Step 1: Choose Your First Faction

This is the most important decision you'll make as a new player. Choose a faction that:

  1. Looks cool to you: You'll be building, painting, and looking at these models for a long time. Pick something that makes you go "wow!"
  2. Fits your playstyle: Do you like hordes of cheap units? Elite hard-hitters? Sneaky tricks? Long-range firepower?
  3. Has accessible start points: Some factions have great starter sets or easy-to-build armies.

My Recommended Factions for Beginners (40k):

🥇 Orks (Most Beginner-Friendly)

Why:

  • Forgiving: With 80+ Boyz, losing a few models doesn't matter as much
  • Simple Playstyle: Move forward, shoot, charge. Not too many complex rules
  • Model Availability: Lots of cheap kits, easy to expand
  • Fun: Yelling "WAAAGH!" never gets old

Drawback: Poor accuracy (BS 5+), but you make up for it with volume of fire.

→ Complete Orks Guide

🥈 Space Marines (Classic Choice)

Why:

  • Excellent Starter Sets: Multiple box sets available
  • Versatile: Can do shooting, melee, or a mix
  • Good Stats: BS 3+, 3+ save - reliable
  • Lots of Options: Many different Chapters and playstyles

Drawback: Models can be expensive in points, so you'll have fewer of them.

(Dark Angels are a great Space Marine Chapter for beginners - Dark Angels Guide)

🥉 Astra Militarum (Horde & Firepower)

Why:

  • Lots of Models: Great if you like big armies
  • Devastating Firepower: Artillery, tanks, and massed lasguns
  • Simple Core: Basic infantry are easy to understand
  • Orders System: Fun mechanic that rewards tactical thinking

Drawback: Individual guardsmen are weak (T3, 5+ save). You'll lose a lot of models.

→ Complete Astra Militarum Guide

Factions to Maybe Avoid as Your FIRST Army:

These factions are fun but have steeper learning curves:

  • Thousand Sons: Psychic-heavy, requires managing multiple psykers and spells
  • Adeptus Custodes: Very elite (few models), one mistake can lose you the game
  • Harlequins: Very complex movement and rules
  • Tyranids: Can be horde or elite, but has many complex synapse rules

That said, if you LOVE the look of one of these, go for it! Passion goes a long way. Just be prepared for a steeper learning curve.

Step 2: Get Your First Models

Option 1: Starter Sets (RECOMMENDED FOR BEGINNERS)

Games Workshop produces excellent starter sets that give you everything you need for your first game:

What Starter Sets Include:

  • 2 small armies (usually 500-750 pts total)
  • A getting started rulebook
  • Dice, measuring tools, templates
  • Sometimes paint and brushes!
  • Excellent value compared to buying separately

Current Starter Sets (As of 2026):

  • 40k: Check for the latest "Command Edition" or "Starter Set"
  • AoS: Similar starter sets available
  • Used Markets: eBay, Facebook Marketplace - you can often find used starter sets cheap!

Option 2: Build Your Own First 500-1000 Point Army

If you've chosen a specific faction, here's what to get:

Essentials for Any Army:

  1. 1 HQ Unit: Your leader (Captain, Warboss, Sorcerer, etc.)
  2. 2+ Troop Units: Your basic soldiers (Tactical Marines, Boyz, Guardsmen)
  3. 1 Heavy Support or Fast Attack: Something with punch (Tank, Artillery, Bikes)
  4. The Rules: Core Rulebook + Codex for your faction

What Size Game to Start With?

500-1000 points is perfect for beginners:

  • Easier to learn the rules with fewer units
  • Games take 1-2 hours instead of 3-4
  • Less financial investment upfront
  • Easier to transport to your local game store

Most competitive tournaments are 2000 points, but work your way up!

Step 3: The Hobby Side - Building & Painting

Warhammer is as much a hobby as it is a game. Don't skip this part - there's something deeply satisfying about playing with an army you built and painted yourself.

Building Your Models

Tools You'll Need:

  • Plastic Cutters/Nippers: To remove parts from the sprue
  • X-Acto Knife/Hobby Knife: To clean up mold lines
  • Plastic Glue: NOT super glue! Plastic cement melts the plastic together for a strong bond
  • File Set: Optional but helpful for smoothing rough edges
  • Magnets (Optional): If you want to make weapon options swappable

Building Tips for Beginners:

  1. Read the Instructions: They seem obvious, but GW kits have specific assembly order
  2. Clean Mold Lines: Those thin lines on the plastic? Scrape them off with your knife before painting
  3. Test Fit First: Dry fit pieces without glue to make sure they fit
  4. Less Glue is More: A tiny bead of plastic glue is enough. Too much makes a mess.
  5. Subassemblies: Paint arms/weapons separately before attaching to the body

Painting Your Models

Painting seems intimidating at first, but it's actually very relaxing once you get the hang of it. And remember: tabletop standard is good enough. Your models don't need to be Golden Demon winners to look great on the table!

Basic Painting Supplies:

  • Paints: Start with the basics for your faction. Games Workshop's Citadel paints are designed for their models.
  • Brushes: A small detail brush, a medium base brush, and a large drybrush is enough to start
  • Primer: Essential! Paint doesn't stick to bare plastic well. Use spray primer or brush-on primer.
  • Water Cup: For cleaning brushes
  • Paper Towel: For drying brushes
  • Palette: Something to mix paints on (a wet palette is great but optional)

The "Battle Ready" Painting Method (Fast & Looks Great):

  1. Prime: Spray your model with primer (matching your base color or neutral like black/white/gray)
  2. Base Coat: Paint the main colors of your model. Don't worry about being neat yet.
  3. Shade (Wash): Apply a wash (like Nuln Oil or Agrax Earthshade) to the entire model. This flows into the crevices and creates instant shadows.
  4. Highlight (Optional but Recommended): Drybrush or edge highlight the raised areas with a lighter version of your base color.
  5. Details: Paint eyes, gems, weapon details, etc.
  6. Base: Paint the base and add some texture (sand, static grass, etc.)

This method will get your army looking good on the table quickly. You can always go back and add more detail later!

💡 Most Important Painting Tip for Beginners:

You don't have to paint every model before you play!

Many stores and groups are fine with unpainted or partially painted armies. Paint a few models, play a game, paint a few more. This keeps the hobby fun and prevents "painting burnout."

Step 4: Learning the Rules

Warhammer rules can seem complex, but you don't need to know everything at once. Here's how to learn:

What to Learn First:

  1. Turn Structure: Movement → Psychic → Shooting → Charge → Fight → Morale
  2. Basic Dice Mechanics: Hit rolls, wound rolls, save rolls
  3. Movement: How far units move, advancing, falling back
  4. Objectives: How to win the game (hint: it's usually about holding objectives!)
  5. Your Faction's Special Rules: Every faction has unique mechanics (Orders for Guard, Faith for Sisters, WAAAGH! for Orks)

Resources for Learning:

  • Starter Set Rulebooks: Simplified rules perfect for learning
  • YouTube Tutorials: Search for "Warhammer 40k beginners guide" or "Age of Sigmar how to play"
  • Local Game Store: Most stores have demo nights or veteran players happy to teach
  • Core Rulebook: The official source - but start with the simplified version first
  • Battle Reports: Watch or read battle reports (like the ones on this site!) to see rules in action

💡 Rules Tip for Beginners:

It's okay to not know all the rules! Even veteran players look things up during games. The important thing is:

  1. Communicate with your opponent - "I'm new, bear with me"
  2. If there's a rules disagreement, look it up or roll off to keep the game moving
  3. You'll learn more from playing than from reading the rulebook

Step 5: Your First Game - What to Expect

Your first game will be messy. You'll forget rules. You'll make mistakes. That's completely normal! Here's what to expect:

Before the Game:

  • Introduce yourself: "I'm new to this, please be patient"
  • Agree on points size and mission
  • Set up terrain
  • Roll off for who goes first
  • Deploy your armies

During the Game:

  • Take it one phase at a time
  • Ask questions - "Can I do this?" "How does this rule work?"
  • Focus on objectives, not just killing models
  • Don't get discouraged if you're losing - you're learning!
  • Have fun!

After the Game:

  • Thank your opponent for the game
  • Ask: "What could I have done better?"
  • Think about what you learned
  • Plan what to add to your army next
  • Schedule your next game!

🎯 The Most Important Tip for Your First Games:

OBJECTIVES WIN GAMES, NOT KILL COUNT

This is the #1 mistake new players make. They see enemy models and want to kill them. But most Warhammer missions are won by holding objectives, not by tabling your opponent.

Ask yourself: "How does this move help me hold or contest an objective?" If the answer is "it doesn't," reconsider.

Step 6: Finding Your Community

Warhammer is at its best when played with others. Here's how to find people to play with:

Where to Find Games:

  • Local Game Stores (LGS): The best place. Most have dedicated gaming tables and community nights.
  • Facebook Groups: Search for "[Your City] Warhammer 40k" or "[Your City] Age of Sigmar"
  • Discord: Many local communities have Discord servers for organizing games
  • Tournaments: Even if you don't win, tournaments are great for meeting people and learning
  • Friends: Introduce a friend to the hobby! Having a regular opponent is the best way to improve.

💡 Community Etiquette:

  • Bring your own dice, measuring tape, and rules
  • Be on time or communicate if you're running late
  • Win graciously, lose gracefully
  • Help new players - we were all new once
  • Have fun! This is a game, after all

Quick Reference: Beginner Checklist

  1. â–¡ Choose a faction that looks cool to you (not just what's "meta")
  2. â–¡ Start with 500-1000 points, not 2000
  3. â–¡ Get the essential tools: cutters, knife, plastic glue, paints, brushes
  4. â–¡ Learn the basic turn structure and dice mechanics
  5. â–¡ Paint a few models, then play a game - don't wait for a "perfect" army
  6. â–¡ Find your local game store and community
  7. â–¡ Focus on objectives, not just killing models
  8. â–¡ Don't be afraid to say "I'm new" - most players love helping beginners
  9. â–¡ After each game, ask: "What did I learn?"
  10. â–¡ Have fun! This is supposed to be enjoyable

Ready to Dive Deeper?

Now that you understand the basics, check out our detailed faction guides, battle reports, and tactical tips!

40k Faction Guides AoS Spearheads Guide Battle Reports More Tips

Welcome to the hobby. In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war... but also friendship, creativity, and a lot of fun.

See you on the tabletop!