How to Start Playing, Collecting, and Painting Your Warhammer 40K Army

Warhammer 40,000 (also known as 40k) is a tabletop miniature wargame that combines elements of strategy and luck. It is set in a dystopian future where players take on the role of powerful armies vying for control of the galaxy. Each army has its own unique units, abilities, and playstyle, and players must build armies of miniatures and use them to battle against their opponents.

Getting started with Warhammer 40,000:

Learn the basic rules: The first step to playing Warhammer 40,000 is to familiarize yourself with the basic rules of the game. You can find a comprehensive rulebook on the official Warhammer 40,000 website, or you can watch tutorial videos or join a local community to learn from experienced players.

Choose an army: Warhammer 40,000 offers a wide variety of armies to choose from, each with their own unique units and abilities. Consider the playstyle and theme of each army to determine which one is right for you. You can also consult with a local game store or online community for advice on which army is best for beginners.

Collect miniatures: Once you have chosen an army, you'll need to collect miniatures to use in your games. You can purchase miniatures individually or in pre-made units, or you can assemble and paint your own miniatures from kits. You can also trade with other players to acquire the miniatures you need.

Build an army: Building an effective army in Warhammer 40,000 requires strategy and planning. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of each unit and how they can work together to achieve your goals. You'll also need to consider your army's composition, including the number of units and their equipment and abilities. You can seek advice from other players or consult online resources for help with army building.

Practice and improve: As with any competitive game, the more you play and practice, the better you will become. Try out different army compositions and strategies, and pay attention to what works and what doesn't. Don't be afraid to ask for help or advice from more experienced players, and remember to have fun!

Here is a list of the main factions in Warhammer 40,000:

Adeptus Astartes (Space Marines): 

Adeptus Astartes (Space Marines)

The Space Marines are genetically enhanced soldiers who serve as the Emperor's most elite warriors. They are known for their heavy armor, powerful weapons, and fanatical loyalty. In gameplay, Space Marines excel at close combat and have access to a wide range of powerful units and abilities.

Astra Militarum (Imperial Guard)

Astra Militarum (Imperial Guard)

The Astra Militarum, also known as the Imperial Guard, is the primary military force of the Imperium of Man in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Comprised of countless regiments from all corners of the Imperium, the Astra Militarum is a vast and diverse force that is known for its sheer numbers and relentless determination.

The Astra Militarum is renowned for its heavy firepower, with regiments specializing in a wide range of weapons and tactics. From the armor-piercing lascannons of the Tank Commanders to the devastating artillery of the Basilisk and the lethal volleys of the Guard's many infantry regiments, the Astra Militarum is a formidable force on the battlefield.

Adepta Sororitas (Sisters of Battle)

Adepta Sororitas (Sisters of Battle)

The Adepta Sororitas, also known as the Sisters of Battle, are the martial arm of the Ecclesiarchy in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Composed of fanatic female warriors who have dedicated their lives to the worship of the Emperor, the Sisters of Battle are among the most devout and zealous soldiers in the Imperium.

The Adepta Sororitas are renowned for their martial prowess and unrelenting faith, and they are feared by their enemies for their brutal and merciless tactics. Armed with a variety of holy relics and blessed weapons, the Sisters of Battle are formidable close combat fighters, capable of standing toe-to-toe with some of the galaxy's most formidable foes.

Adeptus Mechanicus:

Adeptus Mechanicus

The Adeptus Mechanicus is a faction of tech-priests who worship the Machine God and seek to uncover lost knowledge and technology. They are known for their advanced weapons and machines, and often use robots and drones in their armies. In gameplay, Adeptus Mechanicus armies rely on long-range firepower and have access to a wide range of powerful technology.

Chaos Space Marines: 

Chaos Space Marines

The Chaos Space Marines are former Space Marines who have turned to worship the Dark Gods and embrace chaos. They are known for their brutal tactics and mutated units, and often use psychological warfare to demoralize their opponents. In gameplay, Chaos Space Marines excel at close combat and have access to a wide range of powerful units and abilities.

Necrons: 

Necrons

The Necrons are a race of ancient robotic warriors who have awoken from a long slumber to reclaim their lost empire. They are known for their advanced technology, immortality, and ability to resurrect fallen units. In gameplay, Necron armies rely on durability and have access to a wide range of powerful abilities and units.

Orks: 

Orks

The Orks are a barbaric race of green-skinned aliens who thrive on war and destruction. They are known for their brute strength and crude weapons, and often use hordes of low-cost units to overwhelm their opponents. In gameplay, Ork armies rely on sheer numbers and brute force, and have access to a wide range of powerful units and abilities.

Eldar: 

Eldar

The Eldar are a race of ancient and advanced aliens who seek to preserve their civilization and avoid destruction. They are known for their advanced technology, psychic abilities, and fast-moving units. In gameplay, Eldar armies rely on mobility and have access to a wide range of powerful units and abilities.

Dark Eldar: 

Dark Eldar

The Dark Eldar are a twisted and depraved faction of Eldar who embrace their darker desires and seek to inflict suffering on others. They are known for their fast-moving units, advanced weaponry, and ruthless tactics. In gameplay, Dark Eldar armies rely on speed and have access to a wide range of powerful units and abilities.

Tau Empire: 

Tau Empire

The Tau Empire is a young and expanding alien civilization that seeks to spread their ideals of unity and enlightenment to other worlds. They are known for their advanced technology, ranged weaponry, and skilled pilots. In gameplay, Tau Empire armies rely on ranged firepower and have a variety of cool technology you can use on the battlefield.

Tyranids: 

Tyranids

The Tyranids are a race of alien creatures that seek to consume all life in the galaxy and assimilate their biological traits. They are known for their massive size, relentless assault, and ability to adapt to their enemies. In gameplay, Tyranid armies rely on sheer numbers and have access to a wide range of powerful units and abilities.

Genestealer Cults: 

Genestealer Cults

The Genestealer Cults are a secretive and insidious organization that seeks to spread their alien genes throughout the galaxy and subvert entire civilizations. They are known for their covert operations, infiltration tactics, and hybrid units. In gameplay, Genestealer Cult armies rely on stealth and have access to a wide range of powerful units and abilities.

Collecting Warhammer 40,000:

In addition to playing the game, many Warhammer 40,000 players also enjoy collecting and painting the various miniatures and armies available. Here are a few tips for building and maintaining a collection:

Set a budget: Collecting miniature wargames can be expensive, so it's important to set a budget for your collection and stick to it. Decide how much you are willing to spend each month on miniatures, paints, and other supplies, and make sure you don't overspend.

Organize your collection: As your collection grows, it's important to keep it organized so you can easily find the miniatures you need. Consider purchasing storage boxes or shelving units to keep your miniatures safe and organized.

Protect your miniatures: To ensure that your miniatures remain in good condition, it's important to handle and store them properly. Use foam padding or protective cases to protect your miniatures from damage, and keep them away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Paint your miniatures: Many Warhammer 40,000 players enjoy painting their miniatures to bring them to life and add personality to their armies. There are many resources available for learning how to paint miniatures, including online tutorials and local hobby groups. You can find out more about painting in the section down below but it’s a good idea to use a matte varnish to prevent chipping.

Stay up to date: The Warhammer 40,000 metagame is constantly changing as new units and armies are released. Keep an eye on the official Warhammer 40,000 website and social media channels to stay up to date on the latest releases and metagame trends.

Finding others to play with:

One of the best ways to enjoy Warhammer 40,000 is by finding others to play with. Here are a few ways to find opponents:

Join our local community: We’ve got a vibrant community of 40K that you can meetup with and play some games. Come on down to Vortex Games and find out more!

Play online: If you prefer to play remotely, you can find opponents online through platforms like Tabletop Simulator. These programs allow you to play with others from around the world and also offer a variety of tools for organizing and managing your collection.

Attend tournaments: Warhammer 40,000 holds official tournaments throughout the year, both online and in-person. Attending a tournament is a great way to meet other players and test your skills against a wider range of opponents.

Host your own games: If you have a group of friends who are interested in playing Warhammer 40,000, consider hosting your own games or tournaments. You can use social media or local meetup groups to find others who are interested in joining.

Painting and Modeling in Warhammer 40,000:

Many Warhammer 40,000 players enjoy painting and modeling their miniatures to bring them to life and add personality to their armies. Here are a few tips for getting started with painting and modeling:

Gather supplies: You'll need a few basic supplies to get started with painting and modeling, including miniatures, paints, brushes, and glue. You can find these supplies at most hobby stores or online retailers.

Choose a paint scheme: Before you start painting, it's important to decide on a paint scheme for your miniatures. Consider the theme and color palette of your army, as well as any specific details or markings you want to include.

Practice on smaller models: If you're new to painting, it's a good idea to start with smaller models or models with fewer details. This will allow you to get a feel for the paints and brushes, and you can work your way up to more complex models as you improve.

Use washes and shading: One of the keys to successful miniature painting is using washes and shading to add depth and detail to your models. You can use washes to highlight the recesses of a model, and you can use shading to add contrast and definition.

Take your time: Painting and modeling miniatures can be a time-consuming process, but it's important to take your time and do it right. Don't rush the process, and don't be afraid to go back and make corrections or touch-ups as needed.

Learn from others: There are many resources available for learning how to paint and model miniatures, including online tutorials, local hobby groups, and YouTube channels. Consider seeking advice from more experienced painters or joining a community group to share tips and techniques.

Have fun: Above all, remember to have fun with painting and modeling. It's a creative outlet that allows you to express your artistic side and bring your miniatures to life. Don't worry about making mistakes or producing perfect results – just enjoy the process and see where it takes you.

warhammer 40k

Warhammer 40,000 is a dynamic and exciting tabletop miniature wargame that offers endless possibilities for strategy and customization. Whether you're just starting out or are a seasoned player, there are many ways to get involved and have fun with the game. By learning the rules, building your collection, practicing and improving your skills, and participating in the community, you can fully enjoy all that Warhammer 40,000 has to offer.

Check out our awesome selection of Warhammer 40,000 products and start your epic journey into the grim dark of the 40K universe!