Beginner’s Guide to Warhammer: How to Start Playing and Building Your Army

admin |
Northman,figuring,army,wargaming,miniatures

Warhammer, an intricate and immersive tabletop game, combines strategy, creativity, and storytelling. With a rich lore, endless customization options, and thrilling battles, it can seem daunting to newcomers. This guide will walk you through the basics, helping you understand how to get started and begin building your first army.

Understanding the Warhammer Universe

Warhammer offers two major worlds to dive into: Warhammer 40,000 (40k) and Warhammer: Age of Sigmar.

Warhammer 40,000 (40k)

Set in a dystopian sci-fi universe, Warhammer 40k features massive space battles, religious zealotry, and factions ranging from armored super-soldiers (the Space Marines) to nefarious alien forces (like the Tyranids or Necrons).

Warhammer: Age of Sigmar

Age of Sigmar focuses on a fantasy setting, filled with gods, demigods, elves, dwarves, and powerful wizards. If you enjoy high fantasy and mythical beings, this setting might appeal to you.

Before starting, decide which universe interests you more, as this will guide your army choices and the models you purchase.

Choose Your Faction

Once you’ve selected a universe, the next step is choosing a faction or army. Factions in Warhammer come with unique aesthetics, strengths, weaknesses, and lore.

Key Factors to Consider:

  • Aesthetic Appeal: Do you love the medieval knightly aesthetic of Space Marines or the horror-inspired Tyranids?
  • Play Style: Do you prefer a defensive army, a fast-moving force, or one that dominates with psychic abilities?
  • Budget: Some factions are more affordable or beginner-friendly due to fewer required models.

Research the lore and background of each faction. Watching battle reports on YouTube or reading through the official Warhammer site can help you narrow your choice.

Acquiring Your First Models

When you’ve picked your faction, it’s time to buy your first miniatures.

Starter Sets

Warhammer offers starter sets that are perfect for beginners. These sets typically include:

  • A small force of models (for two factions)
  • Dice, rulers, and a rulebook
  • Scenery pieces for added immersion

Popular starter sets include Warhammer 40k’s Combat Patrols and Age of Sigmar’s Vanguard Boxes. These sets offer a balanced way to start without feeling overwhelmed.

Individual Model Kits

If you want to customize your collection right away, you can purchase individual model kits instead of a starter set. Start small to avoid overspending before you understand your preferences.

Essential Tools and Supplies

To build your miniatures, you’ll need a few essential tools and supplies.

Tools:

  • Plastic Clippers: For cutting pieces from the sprue.
  • Hobby Knife: To remove mold lines and trim excess plastic.
  • Glue: Plastic cement is ideal for permanent bonds, while super glue works for faster applications.

Painting Supplies:

  • Paints: Warhammer models look best with Citadel paints, though there are many high-quality alternatives.
  • Brushes: Start with a variety, including a fine detail brush, a standard base brush, and a dry brush.
  • Primer: Primer creates an even surface for your paint to adhere to.

A hobby mat is also recommended to keep your workspace organized and protect your table.

Assembling Your Miniatures

Once you have your models and tools, it’s time to assemble.

Step-by-Step Assembly:

  1. Clip the Parts: Use the clippers to carefully remove the pieces from the sprue.
  2. Clean the Edges: Use a hobby knife to remove any mold lines or rough edges.
  3. Dry Fit: Before gluing, dry fit the pieces together to ensure they align properly.
  4. Apply Glue: Apply a small amount of glue to one surface and press the pieces together.
  5. Let Dry: Allow the glue to dry for several minutes before handling.

Avoid using too much glue, as excess can seep out and obscure details.

Painting Your Army

Painting is one of the most rewarding parts of the Warhammer hobby, turning your gray miniatures into vibrant warriors ready for battle.

Basic Steps for Painting:

  1. Prime Your Model: Spray or brush on a thin, even coat of primer (black, white, or gray).
  2. Basecoat: Apply the main colors of each section (e.g., armor, weapons, skin).
  3. Wash/Shade: Add a wash to enhance shadows and bring out the details.
  4. Highlighting: Use a lighter shade to highlight the edges for a more realistic effect.
  5. Details: Paint finer details such as eyes, insignias, and accessories.
  6. Sealing: Apply a matte or gloss varnish to protect your paint job.

Take your time, and don’t be afraid to experiment. There are also plenty of online tutorials and guides for specific painting techniques.

Learning the Rules of the Game

Understanding how to play Warhammer is crucial to enjoying your new army on the battlefield.

Start with the Core Rules

Both Warhammer 40k and Age of Sigmar have free core rules available on the official Games Workshop website. Read through these to understand the basics, including how movement, shooting, and melee work.

Battle Sizes and Game Types

Warhammer games can range from small skirmishes to massive battles. Common game types include:

  • Combat Patrol (40k)/Vanguard (AoS): Small-scale battles with minimal models.
  • Incursion/Battlehost: Medium-sized battles for intermediate players.
  • Strike Force/Warhost: Large, complex battles for experienced players.

Find a Local Community

Local hobby shops often host game nights, tournaments, and beginner events. Joining a community is a great way to learn the rules, improve your skills, and make friends.

Tips for Building a Competitive Army List

As you become more familiar with the rules and your faction, you’ll want to build a stronger army list.

Key Considerations:

  • Synergy: Include units that complement each other’s strengths.
  • Point Allocation: Stick to the point limits for your chosen game size.
  • Balance: Ensure you have a good mix of melee, ranged, and support units.
  • Faction Bonuses: Take advantage of any special rules or buffs your faction provides.

Army-building apps like Battlescribe or official Warhammer companion apps can simplify the process.

Expanding Your Collection

Once you’ve played a few games, you may want to expand your collection.

Considerations for Expanding:

  • Unit Variety: Add different types of units to cover weaknesses.
  • Elite Units: Include powerful models like heroes or vehicles for added punch.
  • Allies: Some armies allow for allied units to add flexibility.

Stay within your budget and take your time. Warhammer is a marathon, not a sprint.

Conclusion

Warhammer is more than just a game—it’s an engaging hobby that combines strategy, creativity, and community. By understanding the basics, choosing a faction that excites you, and taking your time to learn and grow, you’ll find endless enjoyment in building and commanding your army. Whether you dream of leading legions of Space Marines or summoning hordes of Chaos demons, your Warhammer journey starts today.

Happy wargaming, and may your dice always roll in your favor!

Need Tabletop Games Near You?

Imperial Outpost Games is your one-stop shop for all things tabletop gaming. With a wide selection of board games, miniatures, and hobby supplies, we cater to all types of gamers. Our family-friendly store features games for children, families, and parties, making it the perfect spot for game night. As a locally owned business, we also offer a large game room for customers to come in and play their favorite games with friends and other members of the community. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!