Warhammer 40k tournaments are organised events where players bring their armies and battle over several rounds to see who comes out on top. They’re the competitive side of the hobby, and they’re more welcoming than you might think.
What happens at a tournament
Most events run over a day or a weekend, with players matched against each other in a set number of rounds. Each round uses a standard mission from the current edition, and you’ll usually play on pre-set terrain boards.
You bring your own army, dice, tape measure, and a copy of your army list. Organisers pair players based on their results, so you’ll face people of similar skill as the day goes on.
Building a tournament army
Tournaments use a fixed points limit, often 2,000 points, and your army must follow the force organisation rules from the core book. You’ll need to submit your list before the event, sometimes weeks in advance.
Most events use the latest points updates and errata, so check the tournament pack for any restrictions. Some events allow only one detachment, while others let you take allies or multiple detachments.
- Points limit: commonly 1,000 to 2,000 points, set by the organiser.
- List submission: usually required before the event, often by email or an app.
- Legality: your list must be battle-forged and match the event’s rules pack.
- Proxies: check first, many events don’t allow them.
How games are scored
You earn points during each game by completing objectives and holding ground, more than by killing enemy units. At the end of the round, you and your opponent record your scores, and the organiser logs them.
Winning a game usually gives you more tournament points, but close games still earn you something. Some events use a Swiss system, where players with similar records are paired each round.
| Result | Typical tournament points |
|---|---|
| Win | 3 |
| Draw | 1 |
| Loss | 0 |
Etiquette and what to bring
Tournaments are friendly but competitive, so play fair and keep things moving. Measure carefully, explain what your units do, and don’t rush your opponent.
Bring your army, dice, templates, tape measure, rules, and a way to track wounds and objectives. A tray for moving models helps, and a copy of your list for your opponent is polite.
Key facts
- Tournaments use a fixed points limit, commonly 2,000 points.
- You must submit a legal army list before the event.
- Games are scored on objectives as well as kills.
- Rounds are timed, usually 2-3 hours each.
- Painting requirements vary, so check the rules pack.
FAQ
Do I need a fully painted army to play in a tournament?
Not always. Many events require at least three colours, but some are more relaxed. Check the tournament pack, as painting requirements vary.
How long does a tournament game last?
Most rounds are timed, often around two to three hours. You’ll need to manage your time and keep an eye on the clock.
Can I use proxies or conversions?
Some events allow conversions if they’re clearly the right unit and roughly the right size. Proxies are often banned, so ask the organiser first.