Building a Warhammer 40k army list means choosing the models you’ll actually field in a game, usually within an agreed points limit. It’s where your collection, your faction’s rules, and your tabletop plan all meet, and getting it right is the difference between a fun force and a pile of random cool-looking models.
What an army list actually is
An army list is a structured selection of units that fits a points limit and shares a common faction keyword. Every unit in your detachment has to belong to the same faction, so you can’t just mix and match whatever you like.
It’s not the same as your collection. You might own thirty models and only field fifteen of them in a given game. The list is the plan for that specific battle, not a permanent record of everything you’ve painted.
- Your faction or army choice
- Units: characters, infantry, vehicles, and so on
- Points cost for each unit
- Wargear, upgrades, and special rules
Start with a faction you actually like
The strongest advice for beginners is to pick a faction you genuinely enjoy, more than the one topping tournament rankings. Balance changes constantly, but your models don’t. If you love how they look and their lore, you’ll stay motivated through painting and losing games.
Space Marines are the usual starting point because they’re forgiving, well-supported, and easy to learn. But plenty of players start with Orks, Necrons, or whatever caught their eye, and that’s fine too.
Pick a points limit, then fill roles
Points are how 40k keeps games fair. Each unit costs a set number, and both players agree on a limit before the game. Start small: 500 points is enough to learn the ropes, 1000 is a comfortable beginner size, and 2000 is the standard for most pick-up games and events.
Once you’ve got your limit, build around roles rather than individual shiny units. A leader to buff your force, some core troops to hold objectives, and a couple of support or elite units to add punch. That skeleton works at any points level.
| Points level | Best for |
|---|---|
| 500 | Learning the game, small skirmishes |
| 1000 | Balanced beginner games |
| 2000 | Standard matched play and tournaments |
Synergy beats raw power
A list full of individually powerful units often loses to a list where everything supports everything else. Buffs, auras, and faction abilities are what turn a decent unit into a great one. Read your codex or index carefully, especially the abilities and keywords, because that’s where the real combos hide.
Keywords matter more than new players expect. A psychic power that only targets Infantry won’t help your tank, and a stratagem that needs a specific keyword won’t fire unless the right unit is on the table. Check these before you commit to a purchase.
Common mistakes and how to grow
The classic beginner error is buying random cool models first and trying to make a list out of them later. It usually leaves you with no objective holders, no anti-tank, and no clear plan. Buy with a list in mind, not the other way around.
As you play more, refine rather than rebuild. Swap one unit at a time, see how it feels, and keep what works. Turning a casual collection into a competitive force is a gradual process, not a single shopping spree.
- Buying models before deciding on a faction or plan
- Ignoring objectives in favour of pure damage
- Skipping the codex and missing key abilities
- Changing the whole list after every loss instead of tweaking
Key facts
- An army list is a points-limited selection of units sharing a common faction keyword.
- Common points levels are 500 (learning), 1000 (beginner), and 2000 (standard matched play).
- Faction choice should come from what you enjoy, more than current tournament strength.
- Synergy and keywords matter more than stacking individually powerful units.
- Buying models before planning a list is the most common beginner mistake.
FAQ
How many points should a beginner army be?
Start at 500 points to learn the basics, then move up to 1000 once you’re comfortable. 2000 points is the standard size for most organised play.
Do all units in my army need the same faction keyword?
Yes. Every unit in a detachment must share a common faction keyword, so you can’t freely mix factions in a single list.
Should I buy models before writing a list?
It’s better to plan the list first. Buying random models often leaves you without objective holders or the right support units, which makes the army awkward to play.