Imagine a universe where colossal armies clash under burning skies, where brave soldiers fight aliens and demons, and where mighty heroes lead the charge. That’s the grim darkness of Warhammer 40,000, and at its heart are the incredible miniatures that bring this epic story to life. But staring at rows and rows of plastic figures can feel overwhelming, right? Where do you even begin when you want to build your own army?
Choosing your first Warhammer 40,000 miniatures is like picking your first starship in a vast galaxy – there are so many cool options! It’s easy to feel lost, unsure which faction fits your style or which units will make your army strong. You want to pick models that you’ll love painting and playing with, but the sheer variety can make your head spin.
Don’t worry, fellow commander! This guide is here to help you navigate the exciting world of Warhammer 40,000 miniatures. We’ll break down the different armies, talk about what makes each one unique, and give you the knowledge to choose the perfect force to lead into battle. Get ready to build an army that’s not only powerful on the tabletop but also a joy to behold!
Our Top 5 Warhammer 40K Miniatures Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Games Workshop – Warhammer 40 | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
 |
GAMES WORKSHOP Warhammer 40K: Space Marines: Infernus Marines & Paints Set | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
 |
Games Workshop – Warhammer 40 | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
 |
Games Workshop – Warhammer Age 14+ 40 | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
 |
Games Workshop – Warhammer 40 | 9.5/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Warhammer 40K Miniatures Detailed Reviews
1. Games Workshop – Warhammer 40
Rating: 8.7/10
Dive into the epic universe of Warhammer 40,000 with the Games Workshop – Warhammer 40,000: Introductory Set (10 Edition – 2023). This box is your perfect starting point for a thrilling hobby adventure. It gives you everything you need to jump into the action.
What We Like:
- It’s a fantastic way to start your Warhammer 40,000 journey.
- You get the basic rules to play the game right away.
- The set includes essential gaming tools like dice, a gaming mat, reference sheets, and a range ruler.
- You build and paint 16 cool push-fit models.
- These models form two balanced armies: mighty Space Marines and terrifying Tyranids.
- Hobby supplies are included to help you build and paint your forces.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s a great intro, some players might want more complex rules sooner.
- The selection of models is limited to two factions, so you might want more options down the line.
This set truly makes starting the Warhammer 40,000 hobby accessible and exciting. It’s an excellent gateway to a vast and engaging world.
2. GAMES WORKSHOP Warhammer 40K: Space Marines: Infernus Marines & Paints Set
Rating: 9.2/10
Ready to dive into the grim darkness of the 41st millennium? The GAMES WORKSHOP Warhammer 40K: Space Marines: Infernus Marines & Paints Set offers a fantastic entry point for anyone wanting to start their own Space Marine army. This set gives you everything you need to build and paint your first warriors.
What We Like:
- It’s a great way to begin a Space Marines collection.
- You get three cool Space Marine models that are easy to assemble.
- The set includes six essential paints to bring your models to life.
- A starter brush is also included, so you can start painting right away.
- The models have cool details like squad markings and Ultramarines symbols already molded on.
- The miniatures come with the correct bases.
What Could Be Improved:
- The miniatures need to be assembled and painted, which takes time.
- More paint colors would be even better.
This set is an excellent starting point for new hobbyists. It provides a solid foundation for building your first Space Marine force.
3. Games Workshop – Warhammer 40
Rating: 9.0/10
Ready to dive into the grim darkness of the 41st millennium? The Games Workshop – Warhammer 40,000: Paints + Tools Set (2023 Edition) is your all-in-one ticket to assembling, preparing, and painting your very own army of miniatures. This set equips you with everything you need to bring your warriors to life on the tabletop.
What We Like:
- Includes a great selection of essential base paints like Abaddon Black and Macragge Blue.
- Features specialized paints such as Thunderhawk Blue for layering and Magos Purple for vibrant contrast.
- Comes with a versatile Agrax Earthshade wash to add depth and weathering.
- The Armageddon Dust technical paint adds realistic battlefield textures.
- Provides crucial tools: a Citadel Starter Brush for detail work, Citadel Starter Clippers for clean assembly, and a Citadel Mouldline Scraper to prepare your models perfectly.
- It’s a fantastic starting point for new hobbyists.
What Could Be Improved:
- Experienced painters might want a wider range of specialized paints.
- The starter brush might wear out with heavy use.
This set offers a solid foundation for anyone looking to start their Warhammer 40,000 painting journey. It provides quality components that make the initial steps of the hobby enjoyable and rewarding.
4. Games Workshop – Warhammer Age 14+ 40
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready to dive into the grim darkness of the far future with the Games Workshop – Warhammer Age 14+ 40,000 – Kill Team: Nemesis Claw (2024-3rd Edition). This set lets you build and command a fearsome kill team of Nemesis Claw Chaos Space Marines. You’ll receive ten twisted and sadistic killers from the legendary Night Lords Legion, ready to bring terror to the battlefield. The kit also includes a sheet with 39 useful tokens for your games of Kill Team. Remember, these are plastic models, so you’ll need to assemble and paint them yourself!
What We Like:
- A complete, ready-to-assemble kill team of Night Lords Chaos Space Marines.
- Includes 39 tokens for enhanced gameplay in Kill Team.
- Perfect for fans of the Night Lords Legion and Chaos Space Marines.
- Offers a great entry point into Kill Team or a fantastic addition for existing players.
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires assembly and painting, which might be a barrier for some.
- Specific tactics for this team will need to be learned and practiced.
This Nemesis Claw set is a fantastic way to start your Kill Team journey or expand your existing forces with some truly menacing warriors. Prepare for thrilling skirmishes and embrace the darkness!
5. Games Workshop – Warhammer 40
Rating: 9.5/10
The Games Workshop – Warhammer 40,000 – Space Marines: Company Heroes (2023 Edition) in Blue is a fantastic addition for any Space Marine player. This set lets you create a powerful command unit for your army. You get a skilled Captain who can lead the charge. He comes with a tough Champion, a brave Ancient, and two skilled Veterans. These heroes are ready to inspire your troops and crush your enemies. You can even customize your Captain with different weapons and heads to make him unique.
What We Like:
- Creates a strong, thematic command squad for your Space Marines.
- The Captain has multiple weapon and head options for customization.
- Includes iconic hero units like the Champion and Ancient.
- Adds a significant leadership presence to your army.
What Could Be Improved:
- The miniatures come unpainted and require assembly, which takes time and extra supplies.
- The “Blue” edition might limit customization options compared to a standard release, though this is not explicitly stated as a con, it’s a consideration for some hobbyists.
This set is an excellent way to bolster your Space Marine forces with some of their most iconic heroes. It’s a rewarding build and a visually impressive centerpiece for your army.
Your First Step into the Grim Darkness: A Warhammer 40,000 Miniature Buying Guide
So, you’re thinking about diving into the massive universe of Warhammer 40,000? That’s awesome! It’s a world full of epic battles, cool armies, and amazing models. Picking your first miniatures can feel a bit overwhelming, but don’t worry, this guide will help you make a great choice.
What to Look For: Key Features of Warhammer 40,000 Miniatures
When you start looking at the boxes, you’ll see lots of different armies and models. Here’s what’s important:
- Your Favorite Army: This is the most important thing! Do you like the brave Space Marines, the sneaky Orks, the creepy Tyranids, or something else? Pick an army that looks cool to you. You’ll be spending a lot of time with these models.
- Ease of Assembly: Some kits are easier to build than others. If you’re new, look for “Easy to Build” kits or starter sets. These often have fewer parts and sometimes snap together.
- Number of Models: Starter sets usually give you a good number of models to start a small army. If you’re buying a single unit, check how many miniatures are in the box.
- Playability: Some miniatures are designed for beginners to learn the game with. These are often in starter sets or specific introductory boxes.
What Are They Made Of? Important Materials
Most Warhammer 40,000 miniatures are made from one of two main materials:
- Plastic: This is the most common material. Plastic miniatures are usually easy to cut from the sprue (the frame they come on), glue together, and paint. They are also quite durable.
- Finecast Resin: Some older or more detailed models are made from resin. Resin can be more brittle and sometimes requires a bit more care to clean and assemble. It can also have small air bubbles or mold lines that need cleaning.
What Makes a Miniature Great (or Not So Great)? Quality Factors
Several things can make a miniature kit better or worse:
- Detail: Higher quality kits have sharper, more defined details. This makes them look really good when painted. Cheaper kits might have softer details.
- Fit: Good kits have parts that fit together nicely. This means less filling and sanding needed during assembly. Poorly fitting parts can be frustrating.
- Mold Lines: Almost all miniatures have small lines from the molding process. Higher quality kits have less noticeable mold lines that are easier to remove.
- Ease of Painting: Some models are designed with painting in mind. They might have fewer hard-to-reach areas, making it simpler to get paint onto all the parts.
How You’ll Use Them: User Experience and Use Cases
Warhammer 40,000 miniatures are used for a few main things:
- Playing the Game: The primary use is to play the Warhammer 40,000 tabletop wargame. You move your models around the board, roll dice, and battle it out. Different miniatures have different roles and abilities in the game.
- Hobbying and Painting: Many people love collecting and painting miniatures. It’s a relaxing and creative hobby. You can spend hours making your models look unique and awesome.
- Collecting: Some people just enjoy collecting miniatures from their favorite armies or lore. They might display them or just admire them.
Starting with a starter set is a fantastic way to get a feel for the game and the hobby. You get miniatures, rules, and often dice and a game mat. It’s a complete package to begin your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Warhammer 40,000 Miniatures
Q: What’s the best way to start with Warhammer 40,000 miniatures?
A: The best way to start is with a starter set. These boxes give you everything you need to play a small game and usually include two armies, making them great for playing with a friend.
Q: Do I need special tools to build Warhammer 40,000 miniatures?
A: Yes, you will need a few basic tools. These include clippers to remove parts from the sprue, a hobby knife or file to clean up mold lines, and plastic glue to stick the parts together.
Q: How long does it take to assemble and paint a miniature?
A: This really depends on the complexity of the miniature and your skill level. A simple miniature might take 30 minutes to assemble and a few hours to paint. More complex models can take much longer.
Q: Where can I buy Warhammer 40,000 miniatures?
A: You can buy them from Games Workshop stores, their official website, and many independent local game stores. Online retailers also carry them.
Q: Are Warhammer 40,000 miniatures expensive?
A: They can be. The price varies depending on the kit. Starter sets offer good value. Buying individual units can add up, but it’s a hobby that can be enjoyed at different spending levels.
Q: Can I use miniatures from different armies together?
A: In the game, you can only use miniatures from the same army or faction. This helps keep the game balanced and thematic.
Q: What if I make a mistake while assembling or painting?
A: Don’t worry! Mistakes happen. Plastic glue can be carefully removed if you catch it quickly. Paint can often be stripped from miniatures if you need to start over.
Q: Are there any “beginner-friendly” armies?
A: Yes! Space Marines are often considered very beginner-friendly. Their kits are usually well-designed, and they have a lot of different units to choose from.
Q: Do I need to paint my miniatures?
A: You don’t *have* to paint them to play the game, but it’s highly recommended! Painted miniatures look much better on the tabletop and make the game more immersive.
Q: Can I customize my miniatures?
A: Absolutely! Customization is a big part of the hobby. You can swap out parts, add accessories, and paint them in unique color schemes to make them your own.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!