Introduction: How Many Miniatures Do You Need for Warhammer?
One of the first questions new players ask is: how many miniatures are in a Warhammer army? The answer depends on the type of game, the size of your army, and the faction you choose.
Warhammer is flexible, which means your army can be as small or as large as you want. Beginners often start with a small number of miniatures and gradually expand over time.
This guide explains exactly how many miniatures you need, what affects army size, and how to build your first army step by step.
What Is a Warhammer Army?
A Warhammer army is a collection of miniatures that you use together in tabletop battles.
Each army is made up of different units, including basic troops, elite units, and characters. The total number of miniatures varies depending on your army composition.
Key Components of an Army
- Battleline units (core troops)
- Characters (leaders)
- Special or elite units
- Large units or vehicles
Simple explanation: Your army is the group of models you control during a game.
How Many Miniatures Are in a Warhammer Army?
A typical Warhammer army contains anywhere from 10 to 100+ miniatures, depending on the size of the game.
Quick Breakdown
- Small beginner army: 10–20 models
- Medium army: 20–50 models
- Large army: 50–100+ models
Quick summary: Beginners start small, while experienced players often build larger armies.
What Determines Army Size?
1. Game Size (Points System)
Warhammer uses a points system to balance armies.
- Small games: fewer points, fewer models
- Large games: more points, more models
2. Faction Choice
Different factions use different numbers of models.
- Elite armies: fewer, stronger units
- Horde armies: many smaller units
3. Unit Types
Larger models take up more points, meaning fewer miniatures overall.
4. Playstyle
Your preferred strategy affects how many models you use.
Warhammer 40K vs Age of Sigmar Army Sizes
Warhammer 40K
- Wide range of army sizes
- Mix of infantry and vehicles
- Typically 20–60 models
Age of Sigmar
- Often slightly fewer models
- Focus on heroes and monsters
- Typically 15–50 models
Both systems allow flexibility, making them beginner-friendly.
Learn more in How to Start Warhammer.
How Many Miniatures Do Beginners Need?
Beginners should start with a small, manageable army.
- Start with 10–20 models
- Focus on learning the game
- Expand gradually
Starter sets are designed for this purpose.
These sets include a balanced number of models for beginners.
Example Army Sizes by Type
Elite Army (Low Model Count)
- 10–25 models
- Stronger individual units
- Easier to manage
Example units:
Balanced Army
- 20–40 models
- Mix of unit types
- Good for beginners
Example:
Horde Army (High Model Count)
- 50–100+ models
- Large groups of units
- More complex to manage
How Army Size Affects Gameplay
- More models = longer turns
- Fewer models = faster gameplay
- Large armies require more strategy
Quick summary: Smaller armies are easier for beginners, while larger armies offer more depth.
How Army Size Affects Painting Time
Small Armies
- Quick to complete
- Great for beginners
Large Armies
- Take longer to paint
- Require more planning
Beginner-friendly tools include the Warhammer 40K Paints and Tools Set.
Learn more in How to Paint Warhammer Miniatures.
How to Build Your First Army Step-by-Step
1. Start With a Starter Set
Starter sets provide a ready-made army.
2. Build and Paint Your Models
Focus on completing your first units before expanding.
3. Play Small Games
Use your initial models to learn gameplay.
4. Expand Gradually
Add new units over time.
Quick summary: Start small and grow your army step by step.
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Buying too many models at once
- Choosing overly complex armies
- Ignoring painting time
- Building a full army too quickly
Key advice: Focus on quality and learning rather than quantity.
Beginner Tips for Managing Army Size
- Start with 10–20 models
- Choose a balanced army
- Build and paint before expanding
- Keep games small at first
Quick summary: A smaller army is easier to learn and manage.
How Much Does Army Size Affect Cost?
The number of miniatures directly affects cost.
- Small army: £50–£150
- Medium army: £150–£300
- Large army: £300+
Learn more in Is Warhammer Expensive?.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many miniatures are in a typical Warhammer army?
Most armies contain between 20 and 50 miniatures, but this can vary widely.
What is the minimum number of models to play?
You can start with as few as 10–20 models for beginner games.
Do all armies have the same number of miniatures?
No, some armies use fewer elite units while others use large numbers of smaller models.
Is it better to have more miniatures?
Not necessarily—smaller armies are easier to manage and learn with.
Can I build my army slowly?
Yes, most players build their armies gradually over time.
Conclusion: Start Small and Build Your Army Over Time
Warhammer armies can vary greatly in size, but beginners should always start small. A manageable number of miniatures makes it easier to learn the game, build models, and enjoy the hobby.
As you gain experience, you can expand your army and explore more complex strategies.
The key is to take your time, focus on learning, and enjoy the process of building your collection.
Start with a beginner set, build your first models, and grow your Warhammer army step by step.
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