Picking your first Warhammer 40,000 faction is a big deal, and with over 20 armies, it can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, there’s no wrong choice, and this guide will help you find the one that fits you best.
Why your first faction matters
Your faction shapes everything: how much you’ll spend, how many models you’ll paint, how your army plays on the table, and how much you’ll enjoy the hobby long-term. Get it right and you’ll love every part of building and battling with your army. Get it wrong and you might end up with a pile of unpainted models you don’t enjoy using.
The five key factors
When you’re choosing a faction, these are the things that matter most, roughly in order of importance. Cost comes first because some armies are way more expensive than others. Then playstyle, because you’ll spend hours playing and want something that fits how you like to win. The ‘rule of cool’ is huge: if you love how an army looks and its lore, you’ll stay motivated. Hobby requirements matter too, like whether you want a small elite force or a massive horde to paint. Finally, competitiveness, though for beginners it’s usually less important than the other factors.
- Cost: Elite armies like Adeptus Custodes can cost $300-$600 for 2000 points, while horde armies like Imperial Guard can exceed $1,000.
- Playstyle: Do you like shooting, melee, objective control, or tricky movement?
- Cool factor: Pick an army you think looks awesome and has lore you love.
- Hobby requirements: Some armies need more models and painting time than others.
- Competitiveness: If you want to win tournaments, check the current meta, but for casual play, pick what you enjoy.
Major factions at a glance
Warhammer 40k factions fall into three big groups: the Imperium of Man, the Forces of Chaos, and the Xenos races. Here are some popular choices for beginners.
| Faction | Group | Playstyle | Cost | Beginner friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Space Marines | Imperium | Balanced all-rounders | Mid-range | Yes |
| Adeptus Custodes | Imperium | Elite melee | Low | Yes |
| Imperial Guard | Imperium | Shooting, horde | High | Moderate |
| Chaos Space Marines | Chaos | Balanced | Mid-range | Yes |
| Death Guard | Chaos | Resilient, slow | Mid-range | Yes |
| Orks | Xenos | Melee, horde | High | Moderate |
| Necrons | Xenos | Resilient shooting | Mid-range | Yes |
| Aeldari | Xenos | Fast, tricky | Mid-range | Moderate |
| Tyranids | Xenos | Horde, melee | High | Moderate |
How to decide
Start by thinking about your budget and how much time you want to spend painting. If you’re on a tight budget or short on time, an elite army like Custodes or Grey Knights is a great choice. If you love the idea of a huge swarm, go for a horde army but be ready for the cost and painting commitment.
Next, consider playstyle. Do you want to charge in and smash things? Look at World Eaters or Orks. Prefer to sit back and shoot? T’au Empire or Imperial Guard might be your thing. If you like being clever and outmaneuvering, Aeldari or Drukhari are fun.
Finally, follow the rule of cool. If you think a faction looks amazing and you love their story, you’ll enjoy building and playing them even if they’re not top-tier competitively. Remember, you can always collect more armies later.
Key facts
- There are over 20 playable factions in Warhammer 40k, grouped into Imperium, Chaos, and Xenos.
- Cost varies widely: elite armies can cost $300-$600 for 2000 points, while horde armies can exceed $1,000.
- Playstyle archetypes include shooting, melee, objective control, and balanced all-rounders.
- The ‘rule of cool’ is a valid reason to pick a faction: if you love the models and lore, you’ll stay motivated.
- Space Marines are the most beginner-friendly faction due to their flexibility and huge model range.
FAQ
What is the cheapest Warhammer 40k army for beginners?
Elite armies like Adeptus Custodes or Grey Knights are generally the cheapest because they need fewer models. You can often build a 2000-point army for around $300-$600.
What is the best faction for a beginner?
Space Marines are often recommended because they’re versatile, forgiving, and have a huge range. But any faction can work if you love it and it fits your budget and playstyle.
How many models do I need to start playing?
You can start with a small skirmish force, like a Combat Patrol box, which gives you a playable army right away. You don’t need a full 2000-point army to begin.