The Best Starter Army for Warhammer 40k: Your Gateway to the Grim Darkness of the Far Future
So, you’re ready to get into the universe of Warhammer 40K? A good start, young one.
But what are you feeling drawn to? Do you want to have the cookie cutter superhuman Space Marines?
Perhaps the endless green tide of the Orks is what you are looking for?
Instead maybe even you feel like making some metallic robots that can piece themesleves back together using the ancient technologic pathways of the Necrons?
there’s a perfect army out there waiting for you, and it can be very difficult to decide on where to go from here, but that’s why you are here, isn’t it?
Choosing Your First Army
Getting started in Warhammer 40k is a ridiculous and massive undertaking that will lead you into an amazing journey, but with over 20 unique factions to choose from, it can feel a bit overwhelming at first, this is often the area where new players simply can’t get past to get into the actual lore and universe. Don’t worry though – we’ll help you find your perfect match.
What Makes a Good Starter Army?
The best first army should tick these boxes:
Forgiving to Play: You want an army that can take a few hits while you learn the ropes
Straightforward Strategy: Clear gameplay mechanics that help you understand the core rules
Reasonable Cost: A competitive force without breaking the bank
Fun to Build and Paint: Models that inspire you to get creative
Divine Warfare: Choosing Your Sacred Path
How will you as a player choose to meet the Emperor’s foes in glorious melee combat, rain His divine wrath upon them from afar, or channel the very powers of the Warp to vanquish the unbelievers?
All of these fantasy factors are important to think about and hold close to your idea of what you want in an army, as corny as they might sound the power fantasy is often key to choosing what you want.
The green-skinned beasts known as Orks revel in the profane joy of close combat, they are made after English football hooligans of the 80’s, meaning they are often the butt of many jokes but absoloutley brilliant to play. Our favorite thing about the Orks is that whatever they believe will come to pass, even if your tank has no tracks/wheels, if the Ork belives it does, it moves.
Or maybe you prefer the technology-worshipping T’au Empire, they rely on long-range warfare without the need to ever get close in melee combat. Choose an army that answers what you want with your experince of playing Warhammer 40k on tabletop.
From Neophyte to Veteran: The Path of Enlightenment
Some armies, like the Emperor’s own Angels of Death, the Space Marines, offer straightforward tactics perfect for those new player looking to simply dip their feet into Warhammer 40k.
Others, such as the very cool, yet under utilized Genestealer Cults, require a more seasoned touch, their more complex strategies can be difficult to use as a new player.
As a new acolyte in the Emperor’s grand crusade, consider starting with a faction that allows you to focus on core tenets of warfare before delving into the intricate dance of more complex armies.
Building Your Crusade: From Squad to Legion
Will you command an elite cadre of the Emperor’s finest warriors, or lead vast hordes of His faithful to overwhelm the enemies of mankind?
The brave souls of the Imperial Guard march forth in their hundreds, while a force of the Emperor’s own Adeptus Custodes may number only a dozen warriors, each a demigod in his own right.
Consider both the time you can devote to assembling and anointing your army with sacred pigments, as well as the tithe required to build your force to a size worthy of tournament crusades.
The 5 Best Starter Armies for Warhammer 40k Beginners
#1. Space Marines
Of all the Warhammer 40k armies, I believe Space Marines are the best starter army for beginners. As the poster boys of 40k, Space Marines have a huge range of high quality plastic kits covering a variety of exciting chapters like Ultramarines, Blood Angels, Space Wolves and more.
Space Marines are very beginner friendly as they have straightforward tactics and great flexibility to handle both shooting and combat. This allows you to experiment to find a play style you enjoy without being punished for mistakes.
They also aren’t too expensive compared to other armies.
Best Starter Army for Space Marines: Warhammer 40,000: Space Marines Primaris Intercessors
Build your Space Marine Chapter with the mighty Primaris Intercessors, the backbone of any Adeptus Astartes force. This versatile kit provides you with 10 of these formidable warriors, ready to stand against the enemies of the Imperium!
This multi-part plastic kit is designed to give you a customizable squad of Primaris Intercessors, perfect for new commanders or veteran Chapter Masters looking to bolster their forces. Here’s what you’ll find inside this set:
Primaris Intercessors
Build a squad of 10 Primaris Intercessors, each clad in Mark X Tacticus Armour. These adaptable troops can be armed with one of three deadly bolt rifle variants:
- Standard bolt rifle with sickle magazine
- Auto bolt rifle with overcharger and box magazine
- Stalker bolt rifle with longer-range sight and straight magazine
Sergeant Options
The kit allows you to assemble either a 10-man squad, a 9-man squad with a Sergeant, or two separate 5-man squads each led by a Sergeant. Sergeants feature unique heads and tilting plates to help them stand out on the battlefield.
Customization Options
Personalize your Intercessors with an array of additional components:
- 24 different head options, including helmeted and bare heads
- 16 right-hand shoulder pads with Intercessor iconography
- Various arm poses, including gesturing, knife-wielding, and pistol-firing options
- Numerous pouches, holsters, and scabbards for added detail
Each highly detailed plastic miniature in this set showcases the heroic proportions and advanced wargear of the Primaris Space Marines. From the sleek lines of their Mk X armor to the potent bolt rifles they wield, every model offers painters the opportunity to bring the Emperor’s finest warriors to life on the tabletop.
This kit provides you with a solid core unit for your Space Marine army, offering a mix of firepower, durability, and tactical flexibility. Whether you’re starting a new Space Marine force or expanding an existing one, these Intercessors give you the tools to start defending the Imperium across war-torn battlefields!
#2. Necrons
If you prefer a more elite, high resilience play style focused on ranged firepower, Necrons are an excellent pick as a starter Warhammer 40k army. Their self-repair abilities let them withstand damage while their Gauss weapons decimate enemies at range. This makes them very forgiving to use.
Necron kits are also some of the easiest to assemble with crisp details and their metallic color scheme keeps the painting relatively simple as well compared to other armies. Their Combat Patrol box provides fantastic value, instantly giving you a fun starter army.
Best Starter Army For Warhammer 40k: Combat Patrol – Necrons
In the cold depths of space, ancient tomb worlds stir to life as the Necrons awaken from their sixty-million-year slumber. Once mortal beings of flesh and blood, the Necrons traded their humanity for immortality, their bodies and souls bound to living metal by the insidious C’tan.
Now, as the silent stars grow old, these soulless warriors rise to reclaim a galaxy they view as rightfully theirs, their advanced technology rendering them nigh unstoppable.
The combat patrols of the Necron dynasties are the vanguard of their conquest, led by calculating Overlords whose tactical acumen has been honed over millennia. These forces combine the tireless march of Necron Warriors with the skittering horror of Canoptek constructs and the devastating firepower of ancient weaponry.
As green gauss flayers strip flesh from bone and reanimation protocols bring the fallen back to unlife, the Necrons advance with a cold, implacable purpose that chills the souls of those who stand against them.
This Combat Patrol box contains:
- 1x Overlord, armed with a tachyon arrow
- 1x Canoptek Doomstalker
- 3x Skorpekh Destroyers
- 1x Plasmacyte
- 10x Necron Warriors
- 3x Canoptek Scarab Swarms
All models come with their appropriate bases. These miniatures are supplied unpainted and require assembly, allowing you to customize your force to bear the colors and sigils of your chosen Necron dynasty.
Necrons are your poison? Perfect, need some tools now to get that neon green on? Check out our guide for The Best brushes for Painting Miniatures
#3. Astra Militarum
For beginners interested in learning how to leverage weight of numbers and heavy firepower, Astra Militarum, also known as Imperial Guard, are a great starting Warhammer 40k army. Their recently updated model range brings lots of character and battlefield role diversity at a reasonable cost.
Astra Militarum may lack the flexibility of Space Marines but they have very straightforward tactics. Focus fire on targets and let loose the artillery! Just be wary of getting caught in close combat and protect your squishier units. Overall they make a wonderful starter army for new players.
Best Starter Army for Imperial Guard: Combat Patrol – Astra Militarum
In the grim darkness of the far future, the Imperium of Man stands as a bastion of humanity amidst a galaxy of horrors. At the forefront of this endless war are the countless billions of the Astra Militarum, the Imperial Guard. These ordinary men and women, drawn from every corner of the Imperium, stand as the first and often last line of defense against the myriad threats that assail humanity.
Armed with little more than las-guns, faith in the Emperor, and unbreakable courage, they face down alien hordes, daemonic incursions, and traitorous rebels.
The combat patrols of the Astra Militarum are the tip of the spear in the Imperium’s never-ending crusade. Led by seasoned officers and bolstered by the inspirational presence of Commissars, these forces combine the tenacity of Cadian Shock Troops with the versatility of heavy weapons teams and the crushing might of armored support.
Whether holding the line against impossible odds or pushing forward in the name of the Emperor, these brave soldiers exemplify the Militarum’s creed: that the common man, united in purpose and armed with faith, can overcome any foe.
This Combat Patrol box contains:
- 1x Cadian Command Squad (5 models)
- 20x Cadian Shock Troops
- 1x Armoured Sentinel (can also be built as a Scout Sentinel)
- 2x Ordnance Teams
- 1x Cadian Infantry Transfer Sheet (featuring 597 transfers)
All models come with their appropriate bases. These miniatures are supplied unpainted and require assembly, allowing you to customize your force to represent any of the countless regiments that serve in the Emperor’s name across the galaxy.
Want to learn some more about paint brands before buying? Check out this guide here for The Best Paint Brands for Miniatures
#4. Orks
If you really want to embrace the fun side of Warhammer 40k, Orks are easily my top recommendation. Their play style encapsulates the Ork mentality perfectly – charge wildly at the enemy and get stuck in close combat! Nothing beats the feeling of overwhelming your opponent with a green tide of Ork infantry.
While Orks take a horde style approach, their rules are quite simple and they have high toughness to survive some mistakes. Their kits are also a blast to assemble and paint. Expect to hear many laughs when playing Orks! Just be prepared to paint lots of models as you build up your Waaagh!
Best Starter Army For Warhammer – Orks: Combat Patrol
Across the galaxy, the thunderous roar of “Waaagh!” strikes fear into the hearts of all who hear it.
The Orks, a race of green-skinned brutes, live for nothing but war and carnage. Born for battle and driven by an insatiable lust for combat, Orks spread through the stars like a virulent plague, turning thriving worlds into apocalyptic war zones.
Their crude technology, powered by little more than sheer belief and an inexplicable knack for destruction, somehow works in defiance of all logic and reason.
At the forefront of every Orky invasion are the combat patrols, the vanguard of the Waaagh! Led by fearsome Beastbosses astride their massive war-beasts, these patrols combine the raw might of Beast Snagga Boyz with the thundering charge of Squighog riders.
Together, they form a green tide of muscle, teeth, and scavenged weaponry that crashes into enemy lines with unmatched ferocity. In the chaotic melee that follows, the Orks are in their element, reveling in the visceral joy of close combat and the thrill of a good scrap.
This Combat Patrol box contains:
- 1x Beastboss
- 4x Squighog Boyz
- 1x Bomb Squig
- 20x Beast Snagga Boyz
All models come with their appropriate bases. These miniatures are supplied unpainted and require assembly, allowing you to customize your force with all the gubbins and war paint befitting your chosen Ork clan.
Decided on Orks but need some paints? No worries, check here for The Best Starter Paint Sets for Warhammer
5. T’au Empire
For players who enjoy controlling a technologically advanced force, the T’au Empire offers a unique and strategic gameplay experience.
They excel at ranged warfare, using superior firepower and tactical positioning to outmaneuver enemies from a distance.
A typical T’au force combines highly mobile battlesuits, advanced infantry, and supporting drones to create a flexible and devastating army. While individual T’au units may seem fragile, their Markerlight system and “For the Greater Good” rule allow for devastating coordinated attacks and defensive overwatch fire.
Painting T’au can be relatively straightforward, with their clean, smooth surfaces perfect for practicing edge highlighting techniques. Their iconic ochre armor scheme is achievable with base colors and washes, while Contrast paints work well for fabric areas on infantry
Get a perfect finish with an Airbrush, checkout our guide for the Best Airbrushes for Miniatures
Best Starter Army For Warhammer 40k: Combat Patrol – T’au Empire
In the eastern fringe of the galaxy, the T’au Empire stands as a beacon of progress and unity amidst the grim darkness of the far future. Guided by the philosophy of the Greater Good, the T’au have rapidly expanded their domain, incorporating numerous alien races into their coalition.
Their advanced technology and idealistic vision present a stark contrast to the xenophobic Imperium of Man and the savage hordes that threaten the galaxy.
At the forefront of the T’au’s expansion are their combat patrols, agile and well-equipped strike forces designed to secure new worlds for the Empire. Led by experienced Commanders in their devastating battlesuits, these patrols combine the firepower of Fire Warrior teams, the swift reconnaissance of Pathfinders, and the versatility of support drones.
Together, they embody the T’au’s mastery of ranged warfare and their commitment to unity in action, each element working in perfect harmony to achieve victory for the Greater Good.
This Combat Patrol box contains:
- 1x Commander in Enforcer Battlesuit (can alternatively be built as a Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit)
- 1x Devilfish
- 10x Breacher Fire Warriors (can alternatively be built as Strike Team Fire Warriors)
- 10x Pathfinders
- 7x Drone models for use as tokens, including 5x Tactical Drones, 1x Recon Drone, and 1x Support Turret
- 3x T’au Empire Infantry Decals transfer sheets
- 1x T’au Empire Vehicle Decals transfer sheet
All models come with their appropriate bases. These miniatures are supplied unpainted and require assembly, allowing you to customize your force in the sept colors of your choice.
If you’re interested in more T’au armies, checkout the Best T’au Starter Sets
Best Starter Army For Warhammer: Starter Tools, Paints & Glues
Now that you’ve chosen your preferred Warhammer 40k starter army, let’s look at some essential hobby tools, paints and glues that will be handy.
Clippers & Moldline Remover Tool – Carefully removing models from sprues and cleaning mold lines helps them look much nicer when painted.
Plastic Glue – Glues plastic kits firmly together. Avoid super glue which frosts clear plastic.
Primer Spray – Prime models before painting so acrylic paint adheres smoothly. Chaos Black or Mechanicus Grey are good neutral shades.
Essential Paint Colours – For starter armies, aim for paints like Abaddon Black, Eshin Grey, Leadbelcher and Mephiston Red which provide base coats.
Nuln Oil Wash – This shader adds instant contrast and definition to models via recesses when applied over base coats. Very beginner friendly way to get tabletop ready miniatures quickly.
Getting Started with Your Starter Army
Once you have assembled and painted your first starter army models, it’s time to play! But before throwing yourself into a matched play game, I’d recommend playing open or narrative games first until you grasp the core rules.
Practice moving, shooting and fighting against another rookie player or proxy some terrain and play solo controlling both starter armies to get comfortable.
Experiment and learn at your own pace! Then when you’re ready, play combat patrol sized games around 25 power level to put your new skills to the test before growing into bigger matches!
Most importantly though, remember this hobby is all about having fun so enjoy exploring the rich history and stories in the Warhammer 40k universe at your own pace. We all started out as beginners once too!
Over time you will continue improving your painted models and gaming skills so simply focus on enjoying the journey of building your force one squad at a time.
Wrapping Up
The key is choosing the army that most appeals to your playstyle and hobby interests rather than just what is “top tier”. By matching faction with preferences, you will enjoy painting and gaming with your starter force so much more! And of course don’t feel limited by just these two – explore all the unique playstyles and model ranges on offer as you continue your Warhammer 40k journey!
And as always, remember – no matter how small your painted model count becomes on the battlefield, just keep enjoying yourself out there!
Now get out there and experience the 40k universe – for the Emperor! And for our Youtube channel!
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