Warhammer 40,000 is one of the most immersive tabletop wargames in the world, combining rich lore, strategic gameplay, and creative modeling. But for newcomers, the perceived cost can be intimidating. Miniatures, paints, rulebooks, and terrain don’t come cheap—at least not if you go all-in from day one. The good news? You absolutely can get into Warhammer 40k without draining your bank account. With smart planning, resourcefulness, and community support, you can enjoy the hobby at a fraction of the expected cost.
Start with What’s Free (or Nearly Free)
The first step to entering the hobby affordably is understanding what resources are already available at no cost. Games Workshop, the company behind Warhammer 40k, offers several free tools that provide full access to essential game mechanics and rules.
The Warhammer 40,000 Rules Manual is available as a free PDF download from the official website. This includes core rules, mission types, and explanations of game phases. Additionally, each faction has a free Codex Supplement that outlines unit profiles, wargear options, and special abilities. These are updated regularly and are fully legal for tournament and casual play.
Don’t overlook the Games Workshop App, which features digital versions of the rules, an army painter tool, and even a matchmaker to find nearby players. It also includes interactive battle reports and tutorials to help you learn the game visually.
Choose a Budget-Friendly Faction
Your choice of army has a major impact on upfront costs. Some factions are notoriously expensive due to large model counts or complex kits. Others offer great value for beginners.
Imperial Guard (now Astra Militarum) is often recommended for new players on a budget. Their infantry models are inexpensive, sold in large squads, and easy to assemble. You can build a playable army of 500–1000 points for under $100 if you buy carefully.
Necrons have seen price reductions in recent years and benefit from durable metal-like resin models that require minimal glue and cleanup. Many units come in multipart boxes that allow for customization without extra purchases.
Avoid starting with armies like Tyranids or Space Marines unless you’re prepared for higher costs. Tyranid swarms require many models, and Space Marines, while iconic, are individually priced higher than most infantry units.
| Faction | Starter Cost (500pts) | Model Complexity | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astra Militarum (Imperial Guard) | $70–$90 | Low | Yes |
| Necrons | $80–$100 | Medium | Yes |
| Orks | $90–$110 | High (but fun) | Moderate |
| Space Marines | $120+ | Medium | No (expensive start) |
| Tyranids | $130+ | High | No |
“Starting with a low-cost, high-model-count army teaches new players about unit roles, positioning, and army composition without the pressure of protecting expensive miniatures.” — Daniel Reyes, Longtime Tournament Player & Hobby Coach
Build Your Army Gradually with Secondhand Sources
You don’t need to buy everything new. The Warhammer community is filled with players upgrading, switching armies, or leaving the hobby altogether—creating a steady supply of used models.
Check local Facebook groups, Reddit (r/wardrobe), eBay, and specialized sites like CoolStuffInc Marketplace or LCGS (Lancaster Game Storage). Many sellers offer “bulk lots” of unpainted models at steep discounts—sometimes up to 60% off retail.
When buying secondhand, focus on complete sets with minimal damage. Avoid painted models unless you’re okay with stripping paint, which adds time and effort. Look for bundles labeled “for parts or repair” if you’re willing to do conversions or kitbash.
Also consider visiting your local game store’s trade wall or community board. Many stores allow players to list used items for sale or trade, often at lower prices than online markets due to avoided shipping fees.
Step-by-Step: Building a 500-Point Army on a $100 Budget
Here’s a realistic timeline and shopping plan to assemble a functional, competitive starter army within three months and under $100.
- Week 1–2: Research & Planning
Select your faction and download its free Codex Supplement. Decide on a 500-point force that balances offense, defense, and mobility. - Week 3–4: Acquire Core Infantry
Buy a box of basic troops—e.g., two boxes of Imperial Guardsmen (30 models total) for ~$50 new, or ~$30 used. - Month 2: Add Support Units
Pick up one affordable heavy weapon team (e.g., Heavy Weapons Team for $20) or a cheap transport (Sentinel for $25). - Month 3: Include a HQ Choice
Add a commander like a Commissar or Colonel (~$25 new, ~$15 used). This fulfills army requirements and gives leadership benefits. - Ongoing: Collect Basics
Borrow dice and tape measures from friends, use a phone app for measuring, and save for a $10 foam tray later.
This approach lets you play real games while slowly expanding. Once you hit 1000 points, you’ll have a solid foundation without overspending.
Paint Smart: Affordable Tools That Deliver Results
Painting doesn’t require a professional setup. You can achieve clean, presentable models with a minimal kit.
- Brushes: One quality brush ($5–$8) like a Citadel Layer or Princeton Series 4850 works for basecoating and detailing.
- Paints: Start with six essential colors—black, white, grey, red, blue, and brown. Citadel paints are convenient but expensive; Vallejo Model Color or Army Painter are cheaper alternatives.
- Primers: Use a $5 can of black spray primer from any craft store. It saves hours of hand-painting base layers.
- Technique: Try “speed painting”—basecoat, wash, drybrush. Takes 10 minutes per model and looks great on the tabletop.
Many players never finish painting every model they own—and that’s fine. Focus on making them recognizable and fun to play with, not display-case perfect.
Real Example: How Sarah Built Her First Army for $92
Sarah, a university student, wanted to try Warhammer 40k after watching a friend play. She had a strict $100 limit and no prior modeling experience.
She chose Astra Militarum for their affordability and narrative appeal. Using a local Facebook group, she found:
- Two unopened boxes of Cadian Shock Troops: $40 (normally $60)
- A used Heavy Weapons Team with lascannon and mortar: $18
- A lightly used Commissar kit: $12
- A bundle of 10 plastic bases: $5
- Leftover funds: $17 spent on a starter paint set from Michaels and a hobby knife from Amazon.
Within six weeks, she had assembled and speed-painted a 500-point army. She borrowed dice and a measuring tape from her friend and played her first game at the local store’s free Friday night event. By month four, she’d joined a casual league and was saving for a Chimera transport.
Her secret? Patience, research, and using the community. “I didn’t need perfection,” she said. “I just needed enough to play and have fun.”
Join the Community—It’s Free and Welcoming
One of the best ways to save money is to connect with other players. Most game stores host free demo nights, open gaming sessions, or “learn to play” events. These are perfect for borrowing loaner armies, testing rules, and meeting potential opponents.
Clubs often share resources—extra dice, templates, terrain, even paint stations. Some run “paint-and-pray” nights where experienced hobbyists help beginners with assembly and technique at no cost.
Online communities like r/40k_Lore, r/Warhammer40k, and Discord servers such as Goonhammer’s or The Council 40k offer advice, trade opportunities, and virtual games via Tabletop Simulator (free weekends available).
“The fastest way to grow in this hobby isn’t buying more models—it’s finding your people. They’ll teach you, lend gear, and make the journey worth it.” — Marcus Tran, Organizer of the Midwest 40k Meetup Group
FAQ
Can I play Warhammer 40k without buying anything?
Yes. Attend a demo event at a local store and use their loaner armies, boards, and rules. Many stores welcome walk-ins and will teach you the basics for free.
Are older editions of Warhammer 40k cheaper to get into?
Older miniatures are often cheaper, but compatibility varies. Models from 8th and 9th editions (2017–present) are fully compatible with current rules. Older ones may need conversion or proxy use, but can still be viable.
Do I need to paint my army to play?
No. While painting enhances the experience, most casual games only require models to be based and identifiable. Many tournaments even allow unfinished armies in beginner divisions.
Final Checklist: Your No-Frills Starter Plan
- Download the free Warhammer 40k Rulebook and one Codex Supplement.
- Choose a budget-friendly faction (e.g., Astra Militarum, Necrons).
- Set a 500-point goal and plan your unit composition.
- Search local marketplaces and forums for used models.
- Buy core infantry and one support unit within your budget.
- Acquire basic painting supplies (primer, 6 colors, one brush).
- Attend a local game night with borrowed measuring tools.
- Play, learn, and expand slowly—one box at a time.
Conclusion
Getting into Warhammer 40k doesn’t require a massive financial commitment. With free rules, secondhand models, smart faction choices, and community support, you can dive into the grim darkness of the far future without breaking the bank. The key is to start small, prioritize play over perfection, and let your passion—not your wallet—guide your progress. Every expert player was once a beginner with a single box of infantry. Yours could be next.
浙公网安备
33010002000092号
浙B2-20120091-4
Comments
No comments yet. Why don't you start the discussion?