Quick Answer
Warhammer factions are the different armies players can collect, build, and use in tabletop battles. Each faction has its own lore, units, playstyle, and visual design. Beginners often choose a faction based on the models they enjoy painting or the story behind the army.
For example, Chaos Space Marine factions include powerful units like the Thousand Sons Rubric Marines, known for their psychic abilities and arcane armour.
What Are Warhammer Factions?
In Warhammer, a faction is an army that players collect and use during tabletop battles. Each faction represents a group within the fictional Warhammer universe, such as Space Marines, alien races, fantasy kingdoms, or chaotic forces.
Every faction has its own characteristics:
- Unique units and miniatures
- Distinct gameplay strategies
- Individual lore and backstory
- Specific painting styles and colour schemes
Choosing a faction is one of the most exciting parts of starting the Warhammer hobby.
If you are completely new to the hobby, our guide How to Start Warhammer explains how beginners begin collecting their first army.
The Two Main Warhammer Universes
Warhammer includes multiple game systems set in different universes. The two most popular are Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer Age of Sigmar.
Warhammer 40,000
Warhammer 40,000 is a science fiction setting set in a dark and dystopian future where humanity fights against alien species and chaotic forces.
The universe is famous for its dramatic lore and powerful armies.
Warhammer Age of Sigmar
Warhammer Age of Sigmar is a fantasy setting where magical realms are fought over by gods, monsters, and heroic warriors.
This universe focuses on epic fantasy battles and mythological armies.
Beginners interested in fantasy settings often start with the Warhammer Age of Sigmar Introductory Set, which introduces the Age of Sigmar universe and basic gameplay.
Major Warhammer 40,000 Factions
Space Marines
Space Marines are genetically enhanced super soldiers and one of the most iconic factions in Warhammer 40,000.
They are known for their powerful armour, advanced weapons, and heroic lore.
Many beginner armies include units such as the Space Marines Terminator Squad, which represents elite warriors in heavy armour.
Chaos Space Marines
Chaos Space Marines are corrupted warriors who serve dark gods of chaos. Their armies often feature twisted armour designs and supernatural powers.
The Thousand Sons faction is a popular Chaos army known for psychic abilities. Units such as the Thousand Sons Rubric Marines are central to this faction.
Tyranids
Tyranids are an alien swarm faction that devours entire planets. Their armies consist of monstrous creatures controlled by a hive mind.
Large models such as the Tyranids Winged Hive Tyrant represent powerful leaders within Tyranid armies.
Tau Empire
The Tau Empire is a technologically advanced faction that focuses heavily on ranged combat.
Units like the Tau Empire Broadside Battlesuit are powerful long-range units used in many Tau armies.
World Eaters
The World Eaters are a Chaos faction dedicated to the blood god Khorne. Their armies specialise in aggressive melee combat.
Units such as the World Eaters Khorne Berzerkers represent elite close-combat warriors.
Major Warhammer Age of Sigmar Factions
Stormcast Eternals
Stormcast Eternals are divine warriors created by the god Sigmar. They are often compared to fantasy versions of Space Marines.
Starter sets such as the Age of Sigmar Introductory Set often include Stormcast miniatures.
Chaos Warriors
Chaos factions also appear in Age of Sigmar, representing armies dedicated to dark gods and destructive forces.
Death Armies
Death factions include undead warriors, vampires, skeletons, and other supernatural creatures.
Destruction Armies
Destruction factions include brutal armies of orruks, giants, and other monstrous creatures.
How to Choose Your First Warhammer Faction
Choose Models You Like
The most important factor when choosing a faction is whether you enjoy the appearance of the miniatures.
Consider Playstyle
Some factions specialise in ranged combat, while others focus on melee battles or powerful monsters.
Start with a Beginner Box
Starter sets make it easier to begin the hobby because they include miniatures and simplified rules.
For example, the Warhammer 40,000 Introductory Set teaches new players the fundamentals of the game.
Expanding Your Army
Once you have chosen a faction, you can gradually expand your army by adding new units.
Players often begin with a small collection and build their army over time.
If you want to understand the best starter boxes for different factions, our guide Best Warhammer Starter Sets explains beginner-friendly options.
How Much Does a Warhammer Army Cost?
The cost of building an army depends on how large you want your collection to be.
Many players expand their army gradually over time.
If you want a detailed breakdown of typical costs, read Is Warhammer Expensive.
FAQ
What is the most popular Warhammer faction?
Space Marines are often considered the most popular Warhammer faction due to their iconic design and central role in the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
What is the best faction for beginners?
Many beginners choose factions with straightforward playstyles and widely available starter sets.
Can you mix factions in Warhammer?
In most Warhammer games, armies are built around a single faction, although some factions can include allied units.
Do factions affect gameplay?
Yes. Each faction has unique rules, units, and strategies that influence how the army performs on the battlefield.
Do you have to follow official colour schemes?
No. Players can paint their miniatures in any colours they like.
Conclusion
Warhammer factions are the foundation of the Warhammer hobby. Each faction represents a unique army with its own story, units, and gameplay style.
Choosing a faction based on the models you enjoy and the lore that interests you is usually the best way to begin the hobby.
Once you choose your first army, you can start building and painting miniatures, learning the rules, and expanding your collection over time.
Warhammer offers a huge range of factions and armies, ensuring that every player can find an army that matches their interests and playstyle.
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