The Warhammer 40k universe is vast, thrilling, and full of possibilities. Whether you’re new to the hobby or you’ve already dipped your toes into the world of miniature wargaming, one of the first things you’ll encounter is the factions of Warhammer 40k. These factions define everything about the game, from the armies you collect to the tactics you employ, and even the stories you tell.
At Loaded Dice, we’re passionate about helping you find the perfect faction to start with, providing everything from miniatures and paints to expert advice. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of Warhammer 40k factions and help you choose your first (or next) army. Let’s dive in!
What Are Warhammer 40k Factions?
In the world of Warhammer 40k, factions are the different armies or groups you can play as. Each faction has its own unique lore, playstyle, and set of miniatures. From the noble Imperium of Man to the terrifying Chaos forces and the cunning Xenos species, every faction offers something different for players to explore.
Each faction has its own rich backstory, which influences how its units and characters behave on the battlefield. Some factions, like the Space Marines, are known for their elite warriors and strong resilience, while others, like the Tyranids, are all about overwhelming your enemy with numbers.
Tips for Beginners
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Picking Your First Faction: Choose a faction that speaks to you personally. Are you drawn to the stoic and heroic nature of the Space Marines? Or do you love the idea of commanding an endless swarm of Tyranids? Your choice will affect the way you play and even the way you paint your miniatures.
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Building Your First Army: Start small with a combat patrol or start collecting a set. These are great entry points to the game and provide you with all the models you need to begin playing — our starter sets guide compares every option.
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Painting Tips: Don’t worry about perfecting every detail right away. Focus on learning the basics and improving your skills over time. The more you paint, the better you’ll get — see how to build and paint your first army.
How Many Factions Are There in Warhammer 40k?
How many factions are there in Warhammer 40k? Well, the answer depends on how you count! As of the 11th edition, there are over 20 major factions to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics.
Here’s a quick overview of the main categories of factions:
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Imperium: The vast human empire in the galaxy. Includes the Space Marines, Astra Militarum (Imperial Guard), Adepta Sororitas, and many more.
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Chaos: Forces of darkness and corruption, including Chaos Space Marines, Chaos Daemons, and the Chaos Knights.
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Xenos: Alien races that pose a threat to humanity, like the Tyranids, Orks and Necrons.
Each faction has sub-factions and special characters, allowing for a wide variety of army builds. The great thing about Warhammer 40k is that no two factions play the same way. The choice is yours!
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Faction Type |
Description |
Notable Factions |
|
Imperium |
The human empire, fighting for survival against all threats. |
Space Marines, Astra Militarum (Imperial Guard), Adepta Sororitas, Adeptus Mechanicus, Imperial Knights |
|
Chaos |
Forces of darkness and corruption, fighting to bring ruin. |
Chaos Space Marines, Chaos Daemons, Chaos Knights, Thousand Sons, Death Guard |
|
Xenos |
Alien species that threaten humanity or other races. |
Tyranids, Orks, Eldar, Necrons, Aeldari, T’au Empire, Genestealer Cults |
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Unaligned |
Factions that do not fully align with the main three groups. |
Harlequins, Inquisition, Ynnari |
Deep-Dive Faction Guides
Want the full breakdown on a specific army — playstyle, strengths, weaknesses and what to buy first? Every major faction below has its own collection in the shop, and we’re publishing a dedicated army analysis for each one. This index grows as new guides go live.
The Imperium
Grey Knights (army analysis coming soon) · Shop the range
Deathwatch (army analysis coming soon) · Shop the range
Imperial Knights (army analysis coming soon) · Shop the range
Imperial Agents (army analysis coming soon) · Shop the range
Chaos
Death Guard (army analysis coming soon) · Shop the range
Chaos Daemons (army analysis coming soon) · Shop the range
Chaos Knights (army analysis coming soon) · Shop the range
Xenos
Drukhari (army analysis coming soon) · Shop the range
Spotlight: Warhammer 40k Space Marines
Let’s talk about one of the most iconic factions in Warhammer 40k, the Space Marines. If you are just starting, Space Marines are often one of the best factions to begin with.
Space Marines are genetically enhanced super-soldiers who serve the Emperor of Mankind. Their strength, resilience, and versatile playstyle make them a popular choice for beginners. There are several sub-chapters within the Space Marines, each with its own unique flavour and tactics. For example, the Ultramarines are known for their discipline and tactical genius, while the Blood Angels are famous for their speed and close combat prowess.
Why Factions Matter to New Players
Your choice of faction is about more than just the rules and gameplay; it’s about creating your story. Each faction has a unique narrative that ties into the broader Warhammer 40k universe. When you choose a faction, you are not just picking an army; you are picking a piece of the story that will inspire your battles, your painting, and your overall hobby experience.
Whether you are fascinated by the stoic heroism of the Adeptus Astartes or the mysterious power of the Necrons, the stories and themes of each faction help create a deeper, more immersive experience for hobbyists.
Frequently asked questions
How many factions are there in Warhammer 40k?
As of 11th Edition there are over 20 major factions. They broadly fall into three groups: the Imperium (humanity's empire), Chaos (the corrupted forces), and Xenos (alien races), plus a few unaligned factions.
What is the best Warhammer 40k faction for beginners?
Space Marines are the classic beginner choice — resilient, flexible and well-supported with starter products. The best faction for you, though, is usually the one whose models and lore you find most exciting, since that keeps you painting and playing.
What are the three main faction groups in 40k?
The Imperium (including Space Marines, Astra Militarum and Adepta Sororitas), Chaos (such as Chaos Space Marines, Chaos Daemons and Chaos Knights), and the Xenos alien races (like Tyranids, Orks, Necrons, Aeldari and T'au).
Does my choice of faction change how I play?
Yes. Each faction has its own units, rules and tactical identity — some overwhelm with numbers, others rely on elite warriors or ranged firepower — so your faction shapes both how you play and how you paint.
Where can I read about a specific 40k army?
We've written a dedicated army analysis for every major faction, covering playstyle, strengths, weaknesses and what to buy first. The factions hub links out to each one so you can dig into whichever army catches your eye.
