Warhammer 40,000

Start Your Warhammer 40,000 Journey

In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war. Welcome to Warhammer 40,000 — the iconic sci-fi miniatures game set in the war-ravaged universe of the 41st Millennium, where humanity teeters on the brink of annihilation and epic battles are fought across the stars.

Whether you're brand new to tabletop gaming or looking for your next great hobby, this is where it begins.

What Is Warhammer 40,000?

Warhammer 40,000 (commonly known as Warhammer 40K or 40K) is a tabletop miniatures game by Games Workshop, set in a dystopian far future where the Human Imperium is besieged on all sides by alien races, corrupt gods, and heretical forces. With no peace to be found between the stars, war is the only constant.

But 40K is far more than just a game. It's a complete hobby built around five core activities:

Collect — Choose your army from a vast range of superbly detailed plastic miniatures. From the iconic armoured Space Marines to the swarming Tyranids, there's a faction to suit every taste and playstyle. Build your collection at your own pace.

Build & Paint — Assemble your miniatures and bring them to life with paint. Painting 40K models is one of the most satisfying creative skills you can develop — beginners can achieve great results quickly, and there's always a new technique to master. Every army you paint is uniquely yours.

Play — Command your forces on the tabletop in tactical battles against friends, family, or fellow hobbyists. Games can be played at home, in store, or at clubs and tournaments worldwide. The core rules are free to download and learn.

Read — The 40K universe has one of the richest bodies of fiction in sci-fi. Black Library publishes hundreds of novels, audio dramas, and short stories that bring the 41st Millennium to life in vivid, gripping detail.

Community — Join millions of hobbyists worldwide. Local clubs, in-store events, online communities, and global tournaments mean there's always someone to share the hobby with, no matter where you are.

Why Warhammer 40,000? (Perfect for New Players)

40K is one of the most popular tabletop games in the world — and for good reason. Here's why beginners love getting into it:

Free core rules — Download the core rules at no cost, so you can learn the game before spending a penny.

Purpose-built starter sets — Beginner boxes include miniatures, simplified rules, dice, measuring tools, and paints — everything you need in one box.

Free first experience — Official Warhammer stores offer free introductory sessions where you can build a miniature, paint it, and play your first game, entirely free of charge.

No experience needed — Our friendly team can walk you through everything from clipping your first model off the sprue to rolling your first dice in battle.

A universe unlike any other — The 40K setting is one of the most expansive and imaginative in all of science fiction, with decades of lore, novels, video games, and animated series to explore.

Play your way — Whether you're focused on the hobby side (building and painting) or the competitive side (tactical gameplay and tournaments), 40K has a path for you.

Choose Your Army — The Factions of the 41st Millennium

One of the most exciting parts of starting Warhammer 40,000 is picking your army. The galaxy is full of warring factions, each with their own unique playstyle, aesthetic, and lore. Here's a quick overview:

Space Marines — The superhuman defenders of humanity. Clad in power armour and armed with devastating weapons, Space Marines are the most iconic force in 40K. A great choice for beginners, with straightforward rules and spectacular miniatures. Dozens of sub-factions to choose from, including Blood Angels, Space Wolves, Dark Angels, and Black Templars.

Astra Militarum (Imperial Guard) — The vast, ordinary human armies of the Imperium. Millions of soldiers, tanks, and artillery holding back the darkness through sheer willpower and overwhelming numbers. Perfect for players who love massed infantry and armoured warfare.

Adeptus Mechanicus — The tech-priests and cyborg warriors of Mars, wielding arcane technology and esoteric weaponry. Ideal for players drawn to a sinister, machine-obsessed aesthetic.

Chaos Space Marines — Traitor warriors fallen to the corrupting power of the Chaos gods. Dark, dramatic, and full of variety — four major Chaos legions (Death Guard, Thousand Sons, World Eaters, and the core Chaos Space Marines) each offer a radically different playstyle and look.

Tyranids — A terrifying alien swarm driven by a single consuming instinct: to devour all life in the galaxy. Tyranid armies are fast-moving biological hordes that overwhelm opponents with numbers and ferocity.

Necrons — Ancient, deathless warriors of living metal, awakening after millions of years of slumber. Necrons are resilient, eerie, and incredibly cool-looking — a great choice for players who love the idea of an undying army.

Orks — The most enthusiastically violent race in the galaxy, Orks live for nothing but the thrill of battle. Ramshackle, unpredictable, and endlessly fun to paint in bright, clashing colours.

Aeldari — Ancient, psychically gifted space elves fighting to preserve their dying civilisation. Fast, precise, and deadly, with stunning miniatures.

T'au Empire — A young, technologically advanced empire that fights with pulse weaponry, battlesuits, and drone swarms. A great entry point for players who prefer a more futuristic, sci-fi aesthetic.

...and many more, including Drukhari, Grey Knights, Adeptus Custodes, Adepta Sororitas, Leagues of Votann, Genestealer Cults, and Chaos Daemons. Ask us in store and we'll help you find the perfect fit.

What's in the Box? Your First Warhammer 40,000 Purchase

Not sure where to begin? Here are the best starter options for new players:

Getting Started with Warhammer 40,000 — The ideal first purchase for the curious. Includes two miniatures and an 88-page introductory magazine covering the setting, factions, and every aspect of the hobby. Perfect for getting a feel for the universe before committing to an army.

Warhammer 40,000: Introductory Set — A comprehensive first step into the full hobby experience. Includes 16 miniatures, a 48-page book, five Citadel Colour paints, a brush, clippers, dice, ruler, and a gaming mat — everything you need to build, paint, and play straight away.

Warhammer 40,000: Starter Set — Ready for the next level? The Starter Set includes a larger force of miniatures, a deeper rulebook, and expanded hobby content — ideal for players who want to dive straight into the full game.

Paints & Tools — Not included in every set, but essential for bringing your models to life. Ask us about our starter paint sets and brush kits, and we'll point you to the perfect bundle.

Your Next Steps — How to Get Started Today

Shop our Warhammer 40,000 Starter Range Browse our hand-picked selection of beginner-friendly 40K products below. We've curated the best starter sets, paints, and tools to get you up and running quickly.

Visit Us In Store Our team are passionate hobbyists. Pop in and we'll help you choose the right army and starting set for your budget, interests, and playstyle — no pressure, just enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions — Warhammer 40,000 for Beginners

How to get started with Warhammer 40,000? The introductory magazine is available for just a few Euro and includes two miniatures. A full Introductory Set — with everything you need to build, paint, and play — is available also. We also stock individual starter armies for every faction.

Do I need to paint my miniatures to play? No — you can play straight from the box. But painting is one of the most rewarding parts of the hobby, and you don't need prior experience. We stock beginner-friendly paints and guides that make the process enjoyable right from the start.

Is Warhammer 40,000 complicated? The game has depth, but it's designed to be learned gradually. Starter sets come with simplified introductory rules, and most players pick up the basics in a single session. The core rules are also free to download, so you can read them before you even buy anything.

How long does a game take? A beginner intro game can be played in 30–60 minutes. Standard competitive games typically take 2–3 hours, but you build up to those in your own time.

How many miniatures do I need to start? Very few — the Introductory Set gives you enough to play your first game right away. You grow your collection at whatever pace suits you.

What's the difference between Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer Age of Sigmar? Warhammer 40,000 is set in a dystopian sci-fi future — power armour, spaceships, alien invasions, and interstellar war. Warhammer Age of Sigmar is a high-fantasy universe of magic, monsters, and gods. Both are fantastic — the choice comes down to which universe appeals to you more.