Which Warhammer army suits a beginner?
For Warhammer 40,000, start with Space Marines or Orks. The 11th Edition Starter Set has both armies in one box, so you can try either.
For Age of Sigmar, buy a Spearhead box for the faction you'd most like to paint.
Choosing a first army
Start with the models you like the look of. Ask what your friends play, too: you need someone to play against. If you expect to keep going, check there's plenty more of the army to add later. In our shop, Space Marines have far more products than any other army in the table below.
Warhammer 40,000 armies to start with
Space Marines and Orks can begin with the Starter Set. For any other army below, start with its Combat Patrol (the army name links to it).
| Army | Painting them |
|---|---|
| Space Marines | Armour in one main colour, so the first squad comes together fast. |
| Orks | Big chunky models, and the green skin and metal armour hide wobbly brushwork. |
| Necrons | Metal bodies with a green glow, and a short paint list. |
| T'au Empire | Smooth shapes, few colours. |
| Astra Militarum | Soldiers in uniform. Blocks of colour repeat across big squads. |
| Adepta Sororitas | Bold armour with plenty of edges to pick out, which takes patience. |
| Death Guard | Rusty, grubby armour. A messy finish looks right. |
Combat Patrol boxes sell out, so the Combat Patrol guide shows what's in stock.
Age of Sigmar
Spearhead is Age of Sigmar's small-game format, played on a board about a quarter the size of a full battlefield. Each faction's Spearhead force comes from a single box.
If you'd rather have two small armies and a handbook in one box, the Age of Sigmar Introductory Set (£34.76) holds Stormcast Eternals and Skaven. For The Old World and Kill Team, see the game-by-game comparison.
Common questions
Which Warhammer 40k faction is best for beginners?
Space Marines or Orks: both are in the Starter Set. For any other army in the table above, buy its Combat Patrol.
Which Age of Sigmar army should a beginner start with?
Pick the Spearhead box whose models you'd most like to paint. If you want two armies, the Age of Sigmar Introductory Set (£34.76) has Stormcast Eternals and Skaven.
Are Space Marines a good first army?
Yes. Their armour is one main colour, so the first squad comes together fast. They're in the 11th Edition Starter Set, and we stock more Space Marines products than any other army in the table, so there's plenty to add later.
Does it matter which army I pick first?
Less than you'd think. Any Combat Patrol is a small army in one box, so get one built and painted. You can always switch later.
Starter Set and Spearhead descriptions: Games Workshop, via Warhammer Community. The painting notes are ours.