How to Get Into Warhammer: Everything You Need To Know To Start Playing
Warhammer. It's more than just a game—it's a universe, a lifestyle and, for some, a minor obsession (okay, a major obsession). Whether you're drawn to the intricate miniature figures, the idea of commanding an army of space marines, or you just love the smell of acrylic paints in the morning—Warhammer has something for everyone.
In fact, the total global player base is estimated to be between 3.5 to 5 million. And you're in pretty good company, too. Celebrities like Ed Sheeran, Ansel Elgort and even the Witcher himself, Henry Cavill, have all publicly geeked out about their passion for Warhammer 40,000.
But, when you're just getting started with Warhammer, it can feel overwhelming, to say the least—especially when there are so many factions, rules and kits. That's why we're here to help.
We'll cover all the basics you need to get started, helping to demystify the world of Warhammer step by step and get you painting and battling your minis with confidence. From learning how to get into Warhammer 40,000 games to sourcing premium display cases to keep your miniatures safe, by the time we're done, you'll wonder why you didn't start sooner.
Understanding Warhammer: The basics
Warhammer began in the 1980s as a miniature fantasy tabletop game created by Bryan Ansell, Richard Halliwell and Rick Priestly.
First published in 1983 by the Games Workshop, it quickly expanded into something much bigger. Today, it includes two major universes: Warhammer 40,000, the flagship tabletop wargame, and Warhammer Age of Sigmar.
Both games are played with miniatures that you've built and painted yourself and are packed with epic lore, complex strategies and the kind of gritty battles that make you feel like a battlefield general.
Warhammer 40,000 takes place in a dystopian sci-fi future in the 41st millennium, where humanity has spread across the galaxy and fights for survival against numerous alien and supernatural threats. So, if you like massive space battles and neo-gothic aesthetics, this is your jam.
On the other side, you have Age of Sigmar, which brings you into a high-fantasy world filled with gods, monsters and mighty warriors. Essentially, it's a mix of heroic fantasy with high magic. Whatever your preference, both universes offer rich, sprawling lore—whether you're diving into 40,000s endless war or Age of Sigmar's mortal realms.
A game of strategy, Warhammer revolves around two or more players competing against each other with their army of miniatures. Players use dice to engage in battles, and their factions' unique rules describe how to move their armies around the tabletop surface and simulate combat to best their opponents.
But what really makes Warhammer so unique is the hobby aspect. You don't just play—you build, paint and customise your miniatures, making the game as creative as it is competitive.
Where to start with Warhammer: choosing your faction
Limited Edition Display Case for Warhammer 40,000 Dark Angels Lion El’Jonson £39.99
If you’re getting started with Warhammer 40,000, factions range from the stalwart Space Marines, with their flexible and straightforward playstyle, to the swarming, adaptable Tyranids—monsters who devour worlds.
If you love strategy and overwhelming firepower, as the largest fighting force in the galaxy, the Astra Militarum may suit you, while fans of magic and mysticism might prefer aggressive Chaos Daemons.
For Age of Sigmar, the Stormcast Eternals offer an elite, superhuman army, while the ethereal Nighthaunt is excellent for catching opponents unawares.
Choosing a faction comes down to your personal playstyle—whether you prefer brute force, magic or complex strategies—and will evolve over time, as well as your connection to the faction’s lore and aesthetics.
Which Warhammer is best for beginners? Warhammer starter kits explained
Oversized Miniature Display case for Warhammer with Endless War Background £34.99
Choosing the right starter kit can literally make a world of difference when you’re first starting your Warhammer journey. For getting started with Warhammer 40,000, the Space Marines are a fantastic choice for their flexibility in handling both combat and shooting.
There’s also the Introductory Box Set for complete beginners. This Warhammer 40,000 starter comes with only a handful of miniatures, but it contains everything you’d need to get started with Warhammer 40,000.
It comes with 16 models that make up two balanced starter forces (Space Marines and Tyranids), paints and a paintbrush, as well as dice, a gaming mat and a handbook to walk you through the game.
When it comes to Warhammer Age of Sigmar, the Warrior Starter Set is one of the most beginner-friendly. It includes 18 Stormcast Eternals and Orruk Kruleboyz miniatures, a core rule and lore book, a terrain feature and a gaming mat, although tools and paints are sold separately.
If you want more variety and a slightly bigger force, the Harbinger Starter Set offers a few more miniatures and an even deeper gameplay experience. Plus, it’s specially designed for new players who’ve never tried Age of Sigmar but want to get into Warhammer’s fantasy world.
Once you've started collecting, you’ll need to store and show off your new army. Enter Wicked Brick’s sleek, custom display cases—perfect for showcasing your miniatures. With custom-fit solutions for your armies and limited edition display cases, these storage and display options will keep your collection safe and looking sharp.
Getting your supplies: Paints, tools and accessories
Before you dive headfirst into building your army, you'll need some essential supplies to bring your miniatures to life. First, you'll need acrylic paints (Citadel paints are a go-to for Warhammer), a variety of brushes (fine detail and base coating brushes are another must) and plastic glue or super glue to assemble your models.
Clippers and a mould line remover are also essential for cleaning your miniatures. And don't forget a good primer—either spray or brush-on—to prepare your models for painting.
When buying your supplies, don't feel pressured to get everything top-of-the-line. Starter brush sets and basic paints can still get great results without draining your wallet. Look for paint bundles in a wide range of colours or starter tool kits to save money.
Setting up your workspace
Your new hobby deserves a well-organised and comfortable workspace—trust us, your back will thank you for it. Amplify your Warhammer experience with a sturdy desk and ensure adequate lighting—natural light is great, but an adjustable desk lamp with daylight bulbs is ideal for seeing those tiny details clearly.
You’ll also want to keep your tools and paints within arm’s reach, using organisers or small trays to avoid clutter. Keep your miniatures neat and tidy before and after painting with stackable display cases. These are perfect for showing off your completed models and safely storing projects that are a work in progress.
How to get into Warhammer games: Learning the rules
Learning the rules of Warhammer might seem daunting at first, but it’s easier than it looks once you know where to start. Both Warhammer 40,000 and Age of Sigmar have core rulebooks that are the best place to begin and outline everything you need to know. That includes basic unit movement as well as advanced combat strategies!
You can find free rule PDFs on the official Warhammer Community website, which can be a great resource for getting started with Warhammer without spending any extra cash.
For Warhammer beginners, online guides are an absolute goldmine, and YouTube channels, such as Tabletop Tactics and Official Warhammer offer plenty of in-depth tutorials that are easy to follow. Community forums, like Reddit’s Warhammer sub, are also great for asking questions and learning from veteran players.
But at the end of the day, having a friend who’s a Warhammer pro or joining a local gaming group or club is the best way to learn quickly. Those in the community are often more than willing to teach new players and welcome newbies with open arms.
Plus, you know what they say—the best way to learn something is to dive into the deep end, and other players will quickly push you to test your skills in real-world matches.
You’ll also want to check out what’s happening around your local area, as many groups host weekly meetups or tournaments. So get involved in your local Warhammer scene and pick up on faction-specific strategies, whether you’re diving into the grimdark future of Warhammer 40,000 or the fantasy battles of Age of Sigmar.
Building and painting your army
Display Case for Warhammer Army with Endless War Background
Building your first Warhammer miniatures is a bit like assembling an army of tiny heroes—exciting but a little fiddly. Start by clipping your models from the sprue (those plastic frames) using clippers, then use a file or mould line remover to smooth out any rough edges.
Once you've prepped your pieces, carefully glue them together with plastic or super glue. Just remember to take your time, as precision is key here.
When it comes to painting, don’t stress about becoming the next Rembrandt right away. Start with a good primer to give your paint something to grip. Then, use base coats to apply your main colours and washes to add depth and shadows.
The “base, wash, highlight” technique is simple but effective for beginners. After the wash dries, add lighter colours to raised areas to make your models pop on the battlefield and in the display case.
Remember, painting isn’t a race. Take your time and enjoy the process—it’s all part of the hobby, and many players find the painting aspect incredibly relaxing and rewarding. With each brushstroke, you’re bringing your army to life! So, keep practising, and you'll have a force to be reckoned with before you know it.
Displaying and storing your collection
Display Case for Warhammer Army with Eternal Conflict Background
After all the effort of spending countless hours building and painting your new armies, it's no surprise that you want to display them with pride and protect them from dust and damage.
Proper storage and display solutions don't just have to be about keeping your army safe. More than just a box, the best display case will transform your collection into a head-turner no matter where you choose to place it, whether that’s on your desk, on your bookcase or in a dedicated Warhammer game room.
At Wicked Brick, we offer premium display cases specifically designed for Warhammer collections of all shapes and sizes—we don’t discriminate! They’re ideal for showing off your favourite models while keeping them organised and ready to go, making them a handy 2-in-1 display and storage option.
Made from crystal clear acrylic, our cases are available in army- and individual-sized UV-proof cases. With officially licensed artwork and limited edition options, our cases not only look great but also give you peace of mind while letting your minis take centre stage.
Warhammer for beginners: Tips for new players
Starting Warhammer can feel like stepping onto a literal battlefield without a map, but avoiding a few common mistakes can make a big difference. One big pitfall is overlooking the rules. We get it—you’re excited, and it’s tempting to jump into a game without fully understanding the core rulebook but taking the time to read it will help you avoid confusion.
Another common pitfall is poor army composition. Due to a lack of experience, new players often create unbalanced armies that lack synergy. So, pick your units based on how they work together strategically instead of based on popularity and aesthetics.
Finally, remember to enjoy the process, not just the outcome. It’s easy to get fixated on winning, but Warhammer for beginners is as much about learning, experimenting and having fun as it is about victory.
Focus on improving with each game, and you’ll find your skills—and enjoyment—will grow and grow. Plus, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help. The Warhammer community is full of like-minded and experienced players ready to share tips and advice.
Ready to start your Warhammer journey?
You’ve got the basics of how to get into Warhammer, so it’s time to get started! Now that you’ve learned the rules, know what the best Warhammer starter kits for beginners are and even know how to build and paint your army, you’re well on your way to becoming a seasoned player.
But as you make your transformation from beginner into an expert, don’t forget to store and display your hard work with pride.
At Wicked Brick, we know how much love goes into your Warhammer collection. Our display cases and decorative plaques are designed to protect and show off your miniatures in the best way possible.
Whether you’re starting with a small force or looking to expand, our cases are ideal for keeping your whole armies and individual models safe and your display looking chef’s kiss.
So what are you waiting for? Check out our full range of Warhammer display products and start your Warhammer journey with the best storage and display solutions around!
FAQs
What is the best way to start Warhammer?
One of the best ways to start Warhammer is by picking up a beginner-friendly starter kit. They often include miniatures, rulebooks and tools, like paint and brushes, allowing you to start building and playing right away. Joining a local community or gaming group can also speed up the learning process as well as the enjoyment factor.
How hard is it to get into 40,000?
Getting into Warhammer 40,000 can feel a bit overwhelming at first due to its rich lore and many rules, but like most games, it’s beginner-friendly once you get the basics. Starter kits, free rule PDFs, and online tutorials are all effective tools to help make the learning process much easier, and the supportive community is always willing to help new players get started.