Quick Answer
The easiest way to start Warhammer is by buying a beginner-friendly starter set, assembling your first miniatures, learning the basic rules, and gradually expanding your collection. Starter boxes such as the Warhammer 40,000 Introductory Set provide miniatures and simplified rules designed specifically for beginners.
What Is the Warhammer Hobby?
Warhammer is a tabletop miniature hobby where players collect, build, paint, and battle armies of detailed miniature models. Created by Games Workshop, Warhammer combines strategy gaming, model building, painting, and deep fictional universes.
Instead of playing with pre-made pieces like a traditional board game, players assemble plastic miniatures and customise them with paint schemes and army choices.
The hobby includes several different activities:
- Collecting miniature models
- Building and assembling miniatures
- Painting models
- Playing tabletop battles
- Exploring Warhammer lore and stories
If you are completely new to the hobby, you may also want to read our guide Warhammer Beginner FAQ which answers common beginner questions.
Step 1: Choose a Warhammer Universe
The first step in starting Warhammer is choosing which version of the game you want to explore. The two main systems are Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer Age of Sigmar.
Warhammer 40,000
Warhammer 40,000 is a science fiction universe set in a distant future where powerful armies battle across the galaxy. Popular factions include Space Marines, Chaos forces, alien races, and advanced technological empires.
Many beginners start with the Warhammer 40,000 Introductory Set because it teaches the basic rules while providing miniatures to practise assembling and playing.
Warhammer Age of Sigmar
Warhammer Age of Sigmar is a fantasy setting featuring magical realms, powerful heroes, mythical creatures, and armies inspired by fantasy lore.
A beginner-friendly entry point into this universe is the Warhammer Age of Sigmar Introductory Set, which introduces players to the core mechanics of the fantasy game.
Step 2: Start with a Warhammer Starter Set
The easiest way to begin Warhammer is by purchasing a starter set. These boxed products include miniatures and simplified rules that allow beginners to learn the game step by step.
Starter sets typically include:
- A small number of miniatures
- Introductory rules
- Tutorial missions
- Everything needed to learn the basics
You can read a full comparison of beginner boxes in our guide Best Warhammer Starter Sets.
Step 3: Build Your First Miniatures
Once you have chosen a starter set, the next step is assembling your miniatures.
Warhammer miniatures come on plastic frames called sprues. Each model must be carefully cut out and assembled before it can be used in a game.
Basic hobby tools make this process easier. For example, the Warhammer 40,000 Paints and Tools Set includes clippers, paints, and other beginner-friendly tools.
Step 4: Paint Your Warhammer Miniatures
Painting miniatures is one of the most enjoyable parts of the Warhammer hobby. Many players spend as much time painting their models as they do playing the game.
Starter paint kits allow beginners to practise painting techniques without needing to buy dozens of paints immediately.
The Stormcast Eternals Paint Set is designed specifically for beginners learning how to paint their first miniature.
If you want to improve your painting skills, our guide How to Paint Warhammer Miniatures explains beginner-friendly painting techniques.
Step 5: Learn the Basic Rules
After assembling and painting your miniatures, the next step is learning the core rules of the game.
Warhammer games are played on tabletop battlefields using dice, measuring tools, and rulebooks. Each miniature represents a unit in your army and has statistics that determine how it moves, attacks, and defends.
Starter sets include simplified rules designed to teach the fundamentals of the game.
Step 6: Expand Your Army Gradually
Once you are comfortable with the basics, you can begin expanding your army by adding new units.
Many players gradually build their army over time rather than buying a large collection immediately.
Examples of units that can expand a Warhammer army include:
- Space Marines Terminator Squad
- Tau Empire Broadside Battlesuit
- World Eaters Khorne Berzerkers
- Thousand Sons Rubric Marines
Expanding gradually allows beginners to learn the hobby while building a collection at their own pace.
How Much Does It Cost to Start Warhammer?
The cost of starting Warhammer varies depending on how many miniatures and hobby supplies you purchase.
Most beginners start with a starter set, a few paints, and a small number of additional miniatures.
If you want to understand typical hobby costs, read our guide Is Warhammer Expensive.
Tips for Beginners Starting Warhammer
Start Small
Many new players feel pressured to build large armies immediately. In reality, starting with a small collection is often the best way to learn the hobby.
Focus on Enjoying the Hobby
Warhammer is not just a competitive game. It is also a creative hobby that includes painting, modelling, and storytelling.
Learn from Other Players
Local hobby stores, online communities, and Warhammer clubs are great places to meet other players and learn more about the hobby.
Explore Different Factions
Choosing an army based on the models you enjoy painting is often more important than focusing on gameplay strength.
If you want to explore the different factions in more detail, our guide Warhammer Factions Explained explains the major armies.
FAQ
What do you need to start Warhammer?
To start Warhammer you typically need a starter set, basic hobby tools, paints, and a few miniatures. Starter sets are designed to provide everything needed for beginners.
Is Warhammer hard for beginners?
Warhammer may seem complex at first, but starter sets and beginner guides make the learning process much easier.
How long does it take to build a Warhammer army?
Building an army usually happens gradually over time. Many players expand their collection over months or even years.
Do you have to paint Warhammer miniatures?
No. Painting is optional, but many players enjoy it because it adds personality and creativity to their armies.
What is the best way to learn Warhammer?
The best way to learn Warhammer is by starting with a beginner-friendly starter set and playing small games while gradually learning the rules.
Conclusion
Starting Warhammer may feel overwhelming at first, but the hobby becomes much easier when approached step by step. By choosing a starter set, assembling your first miniatures, and learning the basic rules, you can quickly begin exploring the Warhammer universe.
Over time you will develop painting skills, build a larger army, and discover the strategic depth that makes Warhammer one of the most popular tabletop hobbies in the world.
Whether you are interested in collecting miniatures, painting detailed models, or playing tabletop battles, Warhammer offers a creative and rewarding hobby for beginners and experienced players alike.
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