Warhammer 40,000: A Playful Guide to the Galaxy
Welcome, beginner, to a world where plastic turns into legends and paints into blood! Choosing your first army is like your first kiss – you’ll never forget it and you want it to be worth it. So let’s take a look together in a friendly spirit, so you don’t get lost in the galactic chaos.
Imperium of Man
Do you like it when everything has order, uniforms, and proper cannons? The Imperium is a galactic empire with super-soldiers, millions of infantry, and tanks. If you want to play the hero in shiny armor (or command massive tank formations), this is your choice.
🛡️ Space Marines
- Why choose them? They are the most famous faction and ideal for beginners. They are strong and versatile, so it’s easy to learn the rules with them.
- Playstyle: Powerful and durable killing machines. Whether you feel like close combat or ranged fighting in the morning, they can handle it.
- Key characters: Marneus Calgar, Dante, Roboute Guilliman.
💂 Astra Militarum (Imperial Guard)
- Why choose them? Because you’re a general, not a hero! While Space Marines save the galaxy, you win it all with an army of thousands of infantry and tanks. Quantity over quality!
- Playstyle: Tons of models, dozens of tanks, and lots of shooting. They fight at range and rely on firepower and artillery that crush everything in their path.
- Key characters: Lord Castellan Creed, Yarrick.
⚙️ Adeptus Mechanicus
- Why choose them? Are you drawn to robots, cyborgs, and technology that wouldn’t look out of place even in Star Wars? Then choose the cybernetic cult.
- Playstyle: Robots, special weapons, and technological superiority. They are clever and tactically demanding, capable of surprising the enemy.
- Key characters: Belisarius Cawl.
⚔️ Imperial Knights
- Why choose them? Do you want to win games with just three gigantic robots that can crush a car with every step? Then this is the obvious choice.
- Playstyle: A few enormous models, each incredibly strong and durable. They are played through dominance and shocking the opponent.
- Key characters: House Raven.
Chaos
So rules bore you and you want to enjoy some proper madness? Then join the dark gods! Here, if it’s insane, it’s good.
👿 Chaos Space Marines
- Why choose them? Want to be evil, but with style? These are corrupted super-soldiers with a demonic touch. Mutations, dark magic, aggressive style. What more could you want?
- Playstyle: Fast and assault-oriented units that throw themselves into close combat. They rely on surprise and aggressive tactics.
- Key characters: Abaddon the Despoiler, Ahriman.
👹 Chaos Daemons
- Why choose them? Don’t want to bother with plastic and paints? You are born from the emotions and desires of mortals! Send a horde of daemons at your enemy!
- Playstyle: Magic, speed, and devastating attacks. Daemons rely on numbers, but also on the power of their gods.
- Key characters: Skarbrand, Kairos Fateweaver.
💀 Death Guard
- Why choose them? Do you like slow but unstoppable advance? Plague, rot, and disease mean nothing to you? Then you’re wrong, because for the Death Guard that’s daily bread.
- Playstyle: Slow but nearly indestructible. Designed to endure massive damage and slowly spread suffering that weakens the enemy.
- Key characters: Mortarion.
Xenos (Aliens)
The Imperium doesn’t like them, Chaos hates them, and you want to play something no one expects. Then you’re in the right place in the Xenos section!
🤖 Necrons
- Why choose them? Millions of years of sleep and now they’re finally back. Robots that can repair themselves and look like something out of ancient Egypt. Sounds pretty good, right?
- Playstyle: Extremely durable units. They favor technology and regeneration. You play with robots that are very hard to destroy.
- Key characters: Szeras, Imotekh the Stormlord.
👽 Tyranids
- Why choose them? Want to play with overwhelming numbers and control dozens of models that devour everything in their path? These aliens are for you.
- Playstyle: Crushing numbers. You play a horde of creatures that are fast, aggressive, and more numerous on the battlefield than you’d expect.
- Key characters: The Swarmlord, Hive Tyrant.
⚔️ Aeldari (Eldar)
- Why choose them? If you like elegant, fast, and intelligent gameplay, Aeldari are the right choice. They are clever and tactical warriors who rely on precision.
- Playstyle: Speed, tactics, and psychic powers. Their units are fast but fragile, so you have to play smart.
- Key characters: Eldrad Ulthran, Yvraine.
🚀 T’au Empire
- Why choose them? Are you more of a strategist than a wild warrior? The T’au Empire with high-tech robots and long-range weapons is the faction for you.
- Playstyle: Focus on ranged combat and destroying enemies before they even reach you. You’re weaker in melee but strong in shooting.
- Key characters: Commander Shadowsun.
💚 Orks
- Why choose them? Orks are brutal, funny, and love fighting. If you want simple but action-packed gameplay with loads of models, Orks are ideal.
- Playstyle: You play with overwhelming numbers and rely on strength in close combat. Their improvised weapons and technology are a great bonus.
- Key characters: Ghazghkull Thraka.