How to Start Warhammer 40k
Stepping into the world of Warhammer 40k means entering a universe of endless battles, rich lore, and stunning miniatures that bring science fiction to life on your tabletop.
It’s not just another game - it’s a hobby that combines strategy, storytelling, and creativity in a way few pastimes can match. It’ll hook you in faster than you could have ever imagined. But here’s the most commonly asked question about Warhammer 40k: where to start!
Whether you’re drawn to the epic armies, the tactical depth, or the hobby of building and painting your models, we’re going to show you how to start Warhammer 40k below. Here’s a quick start guide:
- Pick a faction that excites you.
- Grab a starter set or Combat Patrol box.
- Learn the rules through the core guide or free resources.
- Start painting and assembling your first army.
- Join local games or online communities to play and learn.
Danireon has you covered as you embark on this journey as the #1 Warhammer 40k shop in Canada and the US. Set yourself up for success on this adventure with our Warhammer 40k miniatures and Warhammer 40k paints today!
What is Warhammer 40k?
This tabletop miniature wargame takes place in the grimdark universe of the 41st millennium. It’s a setting where massive armies clash across war-torn galaxies.
At its core, though, Warhammer 40k is a game that combines strategic battles with hands-on hobby work. Players build and paint their own armies of miniatures, then bring them to the table to fight using dice, measuring tools, and a rich set of rules.
It’s this balance of creativity and competition that makes Warhammer 40k so captivating. Sure, you’re controlling the gameplay through dice. But what you’re really doing with each dice roll is commanding Space Marines, Orks, Eldar, and countless other factions.
Each of these factions has its own lore, playstyle, and aesthetic.Some players dive deep into the storytelling side, while others chase the thrill of tactical victories. Together, the lore, the models, and the game itself create a hobby that’s immersive and fulfilling.
Is Warhammer 40k Beginner-Friendly?
It sounds so daunting when you hear about all that goes into starting warhammer 40k. Is it really beginner-friendly? We think it CAN be when you take the right approach! Everyone that plays the game started from scratch, so why can’t you do the same?
The Learning Curve: Rules, Dice, and Strategy
There is a learning curve, but we’ll walk you through how to start Warhammer 40k so you can make your way through it as quickly as possible. It’s actually pretty simple. You’ll roll dice to determine hits, wounds, and saves while moving miniatures around the battlefield.
The rules have depth, but they’re designed to be learned step by step. Most communities are welcoming to beginners, and many stores host demo games to help new players get comfortable. That’s something we’ll talk about very shortly.
How Expensive is it to Start Playing Warhammer 40K?
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room…cost! The truth is, Warhammer 40K can be as affordable or as big an investment as you want.
A Combat Patrol box, paints, and brushes are enough to get started. That’s usually not more than a few hundred dollars. You can grow your army at your own pace from there.
Unlike some hobbies, every purchase contributes directly to your collection, so you’re always building toward something tangible. For what it’s worth, we also have the lowest prices online here at Danireon to help you start your Warhammer 40k journey on the right foot!
What’s the Best Way to Start Warhammer 40K?
Starting Warhammer 40k feels like standing at the edge of a galaxy. There are countless paths you could take. The good news, though, is you don’t need to dive into everything at once.
Our advice on how to start Warhammer 40k is to start step by step, building confidence while keeping the game fun and approachable. So, let’s get started by choosing your faction.
Start Small By Choosing a Faction You’ll Actually Enjoy
The first decision you’ll make is which army you’re going to command. One mistake we see beginners make is picking a faction just because it’s considered “strong” in the competitive scene. That’s not the point. You want to choose one that genuinely excites you.
Do you like the gothic, armored might of the Space Marines? The swarming alien Tyranids? The trickster Eldar? Every faction has its own story and aesthetic, and since you’ll be painting and playing with these models, it’s important to pick one you’ll stay motivated with.
Many beginners find it helpful to read the lore blurbs or watch faction overview videos. Once you’ve narrowed it down, grab a small entry product for that faction so you can test the waters.
Set Yourself Up For Success With Starter Boxes, Combat Patrols, and Paint Sets
Warhammer 40k is more approachable than ever thanks to beginner-friendly products. Starter boxes give you two small forces, a mini rulebook, dice, and even a play mat. That’s everything you need for your first battles.
We typically suggest newcomers start with a Combat Patrol box after narrowing it down to a faction. These boxes have a balanced force of around 500 points, perfect for learning games. We have quite a few of these in our collection here at Danireon.
You’ll want to pick up a beginner paint set alongside your miniatures as well. These usually come with a handful of Citadel paints, a brush, and sometimes a miniature to practice on. Painting can be intimidating, but having a curated starter kit makes it easier.
Learning the Rules: Core Rulebook, Free PDFs, and Online Resources
You can’t learn how to start Warhammer 40k without diving deep into the rules. We know the rulebook can look a little daunting at first, but you don’t have to memorize it all right away.
You can find free basic rules PDFs online. That’s more than enough to get your models on the table. You can graduate to the full Core Rulebook for more depth from there.
As for other online resources, you can look through YouTube tutorials, community blogs, and even fan-made quick-reference sheets to get up to speed faster. Many beginners start with simplified “house rules” in their first games to focus on movement and combat before tackling advanced mechanics.
Painting, Building, and Customizing Your Models
In our opinion, the hobby side of Warhammer 40k is where the real fun is. Assembling your miniatures is quick and easy, and painting brings them to life.
Don’t worry about perfection; everyone starts somewhere. Just a simple basecoat, a wash for shading, and a drybrush highlight is all you need to make your models look battle-ready.
As you get more comfortable, you can experiment with different techniques or even customize your models with kitbashing (mixing parts from different kits). This is where Warhammer 40k becomes deeply personal - no two collections are exactly alike.
Finding Your Community in Local Game Stores, Clubs, and Online Forums
You can’t play Warhammer 40k by yourself. Local game stores often host demo nights, painting workshops, and casual tournaments that are beginner-friendly. Join one of these communities to get hands-on practice and a group of people who can answer questions in real time.
Now, local options can be limited in super rural areas. Don’t sweat it. Online forums and Discord groups are thriving! You’ll find players eager to share painting tips, list-building advice, and even battle reports.
Balancing Fun, Budget, and Time Commitment
This hobby can grow with you. Some players go all-in, building massive armies and competing in tournaments. Others stick to small skirmishes and enjoy the painting side more than the gaming. What matters most is you’re balancing enjoyment with your budget and available time.
Start with one Combat Patrol, paint it at your own pace, and play smaller games. You don’t need thousands of points’ worth of models to enjoy yourself. Think of your collection as something you build over time, not overnight.
What Now?
There you have it, how to start Warhammer 40k! Once you’ve played your first few games and painted your first models, you’ll know whether you want to expand your army, try another faction, or dive deeper into the competitive scene.
From there, the galaxy is open to you - campaigns, narrative play, tournaments, and more. But you have to take your first step before you can get to that.
Wrapping Up Our Guide on How to Start Warhammer 40k
Warhammer 40k is a hobby that blends strategy, creativity, and community. Getting started doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. As we wrap up our guide on how to start Warhammer 40k, remember that it’s as simple as beginning with a faction you love, picking a starter box or Combat Patrol, learning the rules step by step, and enjoying the process of painting and playing.
Just like with how to get into Magic the Gathering, you can go about this at whatever pace you see fit. From Warhammer 40k paint brushes to Combat Patrol boxes, Danireon has everything you need to take the leap.
Start your Warhammer 40k journey today with trusted products from Danireon!
