How to Start with Warhammer
Warhammer: a world you can fall into
At first it sounds innocent: “a tabletop game with miniatures.” But Warhammer isn’t just a game. It’s a world with its own history, legends, heroes, and wars — and you get to choose your side.
Imagine holding your first model. It’s a small miniature, just a few pieces of plastic. But the moment you build and paint it, it stops being plastic. It becomes your warrior. Your unit. The beginning of a story that continues in battles on the tabletop.
Warhammer combines creativity (building and painting) with strategy (playing battles). Some people fall in love with painting, others with the lore, and some with that moment when the dice roll and the fate of the entire battle is decided.
If you're starting from absolute zero, don’t worry — we’ll guide you the same way we do at PlasticWargaming when a newcomer walks in for the first time.
Why is Warhammer so addictive?
- Your army is unique – you paint it your way, no two are the same.
- Every game is different – different mission, terrain, and decisions.
- You always have room to grow – from your first miniature to epic battles.
- Community – the hobby often leads to meeting fellow enthusiasts.
You don’t need to know everything. All you need is your first box and the desire to start.
1) First, choose a game world
Warhammer exists in several “worlds.” These aren’t just different products — they’re different stories, atmospheres, and often even different play styles.
Don’t worry about rules yet. Choose what excites you most.
Tip: Visit our store and we’ll help you choose in person.
Store Ask by email2) Get your first box
Here are safe beginner choices.
Mini Armies – the easiest start
If you don’t want a big army right away, these smaller boxes are affordable and beginner-friendly.
- Start Now Bundles – Models, paints, and tools in one package.
- Combat Patrol – Small ready-to-play 40K army.
- Vanguard – Small Age of Sigmar army.
- Kill Team Starter Set – Two teams and terrain.
- Underworlds Core Set – Complete two-player game.
Rules – what you actually need
You don’t need to study huge books at the beginning.
Most starter sets include simplified rules and Games Workshop provides many materials for free.
3) Learn to paint
Start at home
- Clippers
- Plastic glue
- Basic paints
- Starter brush
4) Common beginner mistakes
- Don’t buy a huge army immediately
- You don’t need 20 paints
- Don’t glue everything before painting
- Don’t aim for perfection
- Ask for help anytime
Extra beginner guides
- Citadel paint guide
- Brush guide
- Modeling tools guide