Ever looked at a shelf overflowing with tiny, fierce warriors and wondered where to even begin? If the world of Warhammer Miniatures feels a bit overwhelming, you’re not alone. It’s a galaxy packed with incredible armies, each with its own unique look and story, and picking your first force can feel like a daunting mission.
The sheer variety is amazing, but it can also be a roadblock. Do you want brave Space Marines defending humanity, or cunning Orks ready for a good fight? Maybe you prefer the shadowy whispers of Chaos, or the ancient might of the Eldar? Each army has its own playstyle and painting challenges, and finding the perfect fit for you can be tough.
But don’t let that stop you! By the end of this post, you’ll have a clearer idea of what makes each faction tick. We’ll break down some of the most popular choices, so you can start building your dream army with confidence. Get ready to dive in!
Our Top 5 Warhammer Miniatures Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Warhammer Miniatures Detailed Reviews
1. 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 build their own Space Marine army. This set gives you everything you need to assemble and paint your first few warriors.
What We Like:
- It’s a great way to start collecting Space Marines.
- You get three cool Space Marine models that are easy to put together.
- The set includes six essential paints and a starter brush.
- The models have cool details like squad markings and Ultramarines symbols.
- Everything you need to get started is in one box.
What Could Be Improved:
- The miniatures arrive unassembled and unpainted, requiring your time and effort.
- While the included paints are good for starting, dedicated hobbyists might want a wider range later.
This set is an excellent starting point for new hobbyists. It makes assembling and painting your first Space Marines an enjoyable experience.
2. Games Workshop – Warhammer 40
Rating: 9.2/10
Ready to dive into the grim darkness of the far future? The Games Workshop – Warhammer 40,000: Introductory Set (10th Edition – 2023) is your perfect starting point for the epic tabletop wargame. This set gives you everything you need to begin your Warhammer 40,000 adventure. It’s designed to be super easy for beginners.
What We Like:
- It’s a fantastic way to start the Warhammer 40,000 hobby.
- You get the basic rules to play the game.
- It includes dice, a gaming mat, and all the tools you need.
- You build and paint 16 cool push-fit models.
- The models make two equal starter armies: brave Space Marines and scary Tyranids.
- Hobby supplies like glue and paints are included so you can start right away.
What Could Be Improved:
- The included paint pots are quite small, so you might need more colors later.
- While balanced, the starter forces are basic and won’t win any major tournaments.
This set truly simplifies getting into the hobby. It’s an excellent value for anyone wanting to experience the thrill of Warhammer 40,000.
3. Warhammer White Dwarf Issue 514
Rating: 9.5/10
Warhammer White Dwarf Issue 514 arrives, wrapping up the four-part series on the Ruinous Powers with a deep dive into the ever-changing Lord of Change, Tzeentch. This packed 128-page issue is a must-have for fans of the warp’s most intricate god, bringing you exciting new ways to play and inspiring content.
What We Like:
- It’s the final issue focusing on the Ruinous Powers, offering a complete look at these forces.
- You get detailed Grey Knights’ reports about Tzeentch’s followers.
- The magazine includes a summary of Tzeentch’s long-standing rivalry with Nurgle.
- It features a stunning visual display of Tzeentchian armies and miniatures.
- Warhammer 40,000 players get rules for a new Combat Patrol: Warptongue’s Hex-Pact.
- Warhammer Age of Sigmar fans can field a new Pyrofane Cult Legends Army of Renown.
- There’s an on-site report from the Grand Narrative event at Warhammer World.
- It includes a showcase of an award-winning Ynnari army.
What Could Be Improved:
- The focus on Tzeentch might be too specific for players who prefer other factions.
- The “eye searing and brain bending” visual descriptions might be overwhelming for some readers.
This issue delivers a wealth of content for Tzeentch enthusiasts and offers exciting new gameplay options for both Warhammer 40,000 and Age of Sigmar players.
4. Warhammer Horus Heresy Age of Darkness: Saturnine Box Set
Rating: 9.1/10
The Warhammer Horus Heresy Age of Darkness: Saturnine Box Set is a massive collection for fans of the Horus Heresy. It brings a huge army of detailed miniatures to your tabletop. You get everything you need to start a new force or expand an existing one. This set is designed for serious hobbyists and gamers.
What We Like:
- You get a huge number of miniatures, over 50 in total.
- Includes powerful Saturnine Terminators and a giant Saturnine Dreadnought.
- The box offers great variety with Legionaries and upgrade options.
- It’s a fantastic value for the amount of plastic you receive.
- The detail on the miniatures is amazing.
What Could Be Improved:
- The miniatures come unpainted and require assembly.
- You will need to buy Citadel Plastic Glue and Citadel Paints separately.
- This is a big project, so it requires a lot of time and effort.
This box set is an incredible starting point for anyone wanting to dive into the Horus Heresy. Prepare for a rewarding build and paint experience!
5. Games Workshop Warhammer 40k: Space Wolves – Wolf Guard Headtakers
Rating: 9.5/10
Unleash the fury of the Fenrisian wolves upon your enemies with the Games Workshop Warhammer 40,000: Space Wolves – Wolf Guard Headtakers! These elite warriors are the pride of the Space Wolves, known for their ferocity and skill in close combat. They are the hunters, the trackers, and the ultimate champions of the Great Wolf.
What We Like:
- These miniatures let you add powerful melee specialists to your Space Wolves army.
- You can track down and defeat enemy leaders and dangerous creatures.
- The models can be armed with a master-crafted power weapon and shield for a strong defense.
- Alternatively, you can give them two master-crafted power weapons for double the attacking power.
- They are made of plastic, which is good for building and painting.
What Could Be Improved:
- The miniatures need to be put together, which takes time.
- They also come unpainted, so you’ll need to spend extra time and effort to make them look their best on the battlefield.
The Wolf Guard Headtakers are a fantastic addition for any Space Wolves player. If you enjoy a challenge and love bringing down tough targets, these miniatures are a must-have for your collection.
Your First Steps into the Grim Darkness of Warhammer Miniatures
So, you’re thinking about diving into the exciting world of Warhammer miniatures? That’s awesome! Whether you want to build an army of brave Space Marines or command a horde of cunning Orcs, these little figures bring epic battles to life. This guide will help you pick the perfect miniatures for your adventures.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re choosing Warhammer miniatures, keep these things in mind:
- Faction: This is the most important thing! Warhammer has many different armies or “factions.” Each faction has its own unique look, story, and fighting style. Do you like futuristic knights (Space Marines), fierce aliens (Orks), or maybe something else entirely? Pick a faction that excites you!
- Unit Type: Miniatures come as different types of fighters. You’ll find basic soldiers, powerful heroes, giant monsters, and even flying machines. Think about what role you want each miniature to play in your battles.
- Scale: Most Warhammer miniatures are made for a specific game system. The most popular are Warhammer 40,000 (sci-fi) and Warhammer Age of Sigmar (fantasy). Make sure the miniatures you buy are for the game you want to play.
- Box Contents: Check what’s inside the box. Some boxes have just one or two figures, while others have many to start a whole army. Some also include building instructions and stickers.
Important Materials
Warhammer miniatures are usually made from two main materials:
- Plastic: Most modern kits are made of plastic. Plastic miniatures are usually easy to assemble and paint. They are also quite durable, meaning they can handle being moved around and used in games.
- Finecast Resin: Some older or more detailed miniatures are made from a material called Finecast resin. Resin can be a bit trickier to work with. It might need more cleaning and can be more fragile than plastic.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Detail Level: Higher quality miniatures have sharper details. You can see the muscles on a warrior or the scales on a dragon clearly. This makes them more fun to paint and look better on the battlefield.
- Ease of Assembly: Kits that fit together well and have clear instructions are a joy to build. Poorly made kits can have gaps or pieces that don’t align, which can be frustrating.
- Mold Lines: Sometimes, you’ll see faint lines on the miniatures from where they were made. These are called mold lines. Good quality miniatures have fewer and less noticeable mold lines, making them easier to clean up before painting.
- Material Quality: As mentioned, plastic is generally easier to work with. Resin can be more brittle, and sometimes the casting can have air bubbles or be warped, which lowers the quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
- Hobbyists: Many people enjoy collecting and painting Warhammer miniatures as a hobby. It’s a creative outlet that lets you bring your favorite characters and armies to life with color.
- Gamers: The main use for these miniatures is playing the Warhammer tabletop games. You move your figures around a board, roll dice, and battle it out against your friends.
- Display: Some people build and paint miniatures just to display them. They create amazing dioramas or showcase their painted armies.
Building and painting miniatures takes practice. Don’t worry if your first few figures aren’t perfect. The journey is part of the fun!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What’s the difference between Warhammer 40,000 and Age of Sigmar?
A: Warhammer 40,000 is a science-fiction game set in space. It features futuristic soldiers, aliens, and robots. Age of Sigmar is a fantasy game with knights, wizards, monsters, and magic.
Q: Do I need special tools to build Warhammer miniatures?
A: Yes, you’ll need a few basic tools. A hobby knife for cutting pieces from the sprue, plastic glue for sticking them together, and clippers for a clean cut are recommended. A file or sandpaper helps smooth out mold lines.
Q: Are Warhammer miniatures expensive?
A: The cost can vary. Small kits with a few figures are cheaper, while larger army boxes cost more. However, the price often reflects the quality and the number of miniatures you get.
Q: Can I use miniatures from one game in the other?
A: Generally, no. The scales and rules are different. Miniatures from Warhammer 40,000 are for 40K games, and Age of Sigmar miniatures are for AoS games.
Q: What if I don’t like the color scheme of a miniature?
A: That’s the best part! You can paint them however you want. There are tons of paints and techniques to make your miniatures unique.
Q: How long does it take to assemble and paint a miniature?
A: It depends on the complexity of the miniature and your skill level. A simple figure might take an hour or two to assemble and paint. A more detailed hero or monster could take many hours or even days.
Q: Where can I buy Warhammer miniatures?
A: You can buy them directly from the Games Workshop website, local game stores, or online retailers.
Q: Do I need to play the game to enjoy the miniatures?
A: Not at all! Many people collect and paint miniatures just for the hobby aspect, without ever playing the game.
Q: What is a “starter set”?
A: A starter set is a great way to begin. It usually includes a few miniatures, dice, a measuring tool, and basic rules or a small game board. It’s designed for new players.
Q: Are there beginner-friendly miniatures?
A: Yes! Many starter sets and “easy to build” kits are designed for beginners. These kits often have fewer parts and sometimes use push-fit assembly, meaning you don’t need glue.
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!