Warhammer Beginner Guide: What to Buy First
Start Warhammer by choosing the setting and the part of the hobby you enjoy: collecting, building, painting or playing. One small kit can be a sensible first purchase. A large army or launch box can wait until you know which models and game you want.
Which Warhammer game should I choose?
- Warhammer 40,000: science-fiction armies in the far future. Browse Warhammer 40,000 models and supplies.
- Warhammer Age of Sigmar: fantasy battles in the Mortal Realms. Browse Age of Sigmar miniatures and accessories.
- Kill Team: a separate skirmish game in the 40K setting, using smaller teams and its own rules. A model's suitability depends on its team rules; do not assume every 40K box makes a complete Kill Team.
Ask the people you plan to play with which game and rules they use. You can also collect and paint models without committing to tabletop games.
What is a sensible first purchase?
For painting, choose a model or small unit whose appearance interests you and the supplies needed to build it. For learning with another person, compare introductory sets that include models and guided learning material. Read each contents list: paints, tools, dice, terrain and full game rules are not included in every box.
The Age of Sigmar Introductory Set is one route to explore for a fantasy start. Check the current listing for its models, supplies and introductory material before adding anything separately.
The Warhammer 40,000 Introductory Set in our catalogue is an older Space Marines and Tyranids set. Its included tutorials come from the previous edition. It can be a building and painting introduction, but check current rules before using its learning material for games with a group.
When does a larger box make sense?
The Warhammer 40K Armageddon Launch Box belongs to the 11th edition and brings together Space Marines, Orks, core rules and game cards. It is a larger commitment than a small first kit. Consider it if those factions interest you and you want its included gaming material; check the full listing and any supplies you still need.
Choose models you will enjoy building and painting. A bigger box is not automatically the most useful first purchase, particularly if you only want one faction or to try painting.
Which paints and tools do I need?
Check the kit's assembly instructions first. Depending on the model, you may need suitable cutters, cleanup tools and adhesive. Push-fit and glue-required kits differ. For painting, plan for suitable primer, brushes, a few colours, water and a palette. Follow the product instructions and age guidance for tools, paints and adhesives.
Compare the Warhammer 40K Paints + Tools set and Age of Sigmar Paints and Tools set. Check their exact contents rather than assuming primer or glue is included. You can add individual colours from our Citadel paints range when your chosen scheme needs them.
Where do I find the right rules?
Start with the official Warhammer downloads for your chosen game. Check the edition, current updates, army or team rules and the play format you intend to use. Miniature boxes and older printed books may remain on sale after rules change; their presence in a catalogue does not make every included rule current.
Warhammer Community's 11th-edition core rules announcement points to free 40K core rules. Core rules explain the game framework; check what additional unit, faction and mission material your games require.
Learn before expanding your collection
Warhammer Academy offers official learning routes for collecting, building and painting, and gaming. Use the relevant lessons and your kit instructions, finish a manageable first project, then decide what to buy next.
- Choose your setting, game and faction.
- Set a budget that includes any missing supplies.
- Read the box contents and assembly requirements.
- Check current rules with your intended opponent.
- Build and paint a small project before expanding.
Shop Warhammer in Christchurch and online
Explore Warhammer at HobbiXchange for models and hobby supplies. Visit Shop 8/121 Brighton Mall, New Brighton, entering via Beresford Street. Check individual listings for current availability, delivery and pickup eligibility; supplier-dispatched products are not available for pickup.
For the launch box details, see the official Armageddon contents overview.