Warhammer: a world you’ll fall into

At first, it sounds innocent: “a tabletop game with miniatures.” But Warhammer is not just a game. It’s a world with its own history, legends, heroes, and wars — and you choose your side in it.

Imagine holding your first model. It’s a small figure, just a few pieces of plastic. But the moment you build and paint it, it’s no longer plastic. It’s your warrior. Your unit. The beginning of a story that will continue on the battlefield.

And that’s the magic: 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 you roll the dice and the fate of the entire battle is decided.

If you’re starting from scratch, don’t worry — we’ll guide you the 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, decisions.
• You always have room to grow – from your first model to epic battles.
• Community – the game often becomes a reason to meet other enthusiasts.

And most importantly: you don’t need to “know everything”. Just your first box and the desire to start.

1) First, choose your game world (this is the foundation)

Warhammer exists in several “worlds.” These aren’t just different products — they are different stories, atmospheres, and often different play styles.

Don’t worry about rules. Choose what excites you: sci-fi, fantasy, or small skirmishes.

Warhammer 40,000

Dark sci-fi. A galaxy in flames. Space Marines, aliens, and demons. The most common choice for beginners.

View 40K

Age of Sigmar

A fantasy world of magic and gods. Knights, dragons, demons, and epic legends. Great if you prefer fantasy over sci-fi.

View AoS

Kill Team

Fast games with a small number of models. Ideal if you want to start with a “small team.”

View Kill Team

Underworlds

A mix of board game and miniatures. Compact, fast-paced, perfect for home play.

View Underworlds

Tip: If you’re unsure, visit Petr in the store — he’ll show you the differences in person and recommend the easiest start.

2) Get your first box (this decides if you’ll get hooked)

Beginners often make one mistake: they buy something “cool,” but it’s not a good start. Here are three types of boxes that are proven for beginners.

Starter Set is best if you want to try the game from scratch and have everything in one box.
Combat Patrol / Vanguard is ideal if you want your first small army.
Start Now is best if you also want paints and tools without overthinking.

Mini armies – the easiest start

If you don’t want to buy a large army right away, there are small boxes that are simple, affordable, and playable. Perfect for beginners.

• Our Start Now bundles
  Everything you need – models, paints, tools. Open and go.
  Start Now
• Warhammer 40,000 – Combat Patrol
  A small army ready to play. There are also simplified rules specifically for Combat Patrol.
  Combat Patrol
• Age of Sigmar – Vanguard
  A ready-made small army for AoS (fantasy). Great if you like magic and monsters.
  Vanguard boxes
• Kill Team – Starter Set
  Two small squads, rules, terrain — a fast way to your first game.
  Kill Team start
• Underworlds – Core Set
  A complete game for two players with a board game feel.
  Underworlds Core

Rules – what you actually need

The biggest myth at the start is this: “I have to study books.” You don’t. Most things are available for free today, and starter boxes guide you through.

• Warhammer 40,000
  Basic rules + datasheets are available for free, Combat Patrol has its own simplified mode.
  Short introductory guide Warhammer 40k – CZ
  Warhammer 40k Core Rules – ENG
• Age of Sigmar
  Basic rules are free, units have their own online profiles.
  Age of Sigmar Core Rules – ENG
• Kill Team
  Starter Set usually includes rules and everything needed for the first game.
  Kill Team Rules – ENG
• Underworlds
  Core Set includes complete rules and components for play.
  Underworlds Rules – ENG

Codexes / Battletomes should be bought later. They’re not necessary for your first games.

3) Learn to paint (this is where a “model” becomes your army)

4) What to watch out for (and avoid disappointment)

• Don’t buy a large army right away – start with Combat Patrol or Vanguard.
• You don’t need 20 paints – 5–8 basics are enough.
• Don’t glue everything at once – some parts are better painted separately.
• Don’t aim for perfection – your first model should be fun.
• Ask questions – that’s what we’re here for.

Additional beginner guides (paints, brushes, tools)

Besides choosing your army, it helps a lot to quickly understand paints, brushes, and basic tools. We’ve prepared clear guides and categories for this:

• How to understand Citadel paints
  Explanation of Base, Layer, Shade, Dry, Contrast, Technical, and Spray – where to start and how to use them.
  Article: Citadel paints
• Brushes for beginners
  Which brush for what, why to have a “better” detail brush and a simpler one for dry brushing.
  Article: Citadel brushes
• Basic modeling tools
  Clippers, knives, glue, files – what you really need and what can wait.
  Article: Tools and accessories

5) Recommended step-by-step process