Looking for the full Warhammer 40k factions list? Under 11th Edition, the Warhammer 40k galaxy is split into three great groups – the Imperium, Chaos and the Xenos – with over 20 armies to choose from once you count each one separately. Your faction defines the models you collect, the tactics you play and the story you tell, so it is the first big decision in the hobby.
At Loaded Dice we stock every one of them, and this hub lists each army with a link to its shop range, its gameplay guide and its lore file. Let’s dive in.
What Are Warhammer 40k Factions?
In Warhammer 40k, factions are the different armies you can collect and play. Each has its own lore, playstyle and range of miniatures. From the noble Imperium of Man to the terrifying forces of Chaos and the cunning Xenos species, every faction offers something different.
A faction’s backstory shapes how its units behave on the battlefield. Some, like the Space Marines, are elite and resilient, while others, like the Tyranids, are all about overwhelming your enemy with numbers. Not sure where to start? Our Warhammer 40k starter sets guide compares every entry-level box, or browse the Warhammer 40k starter sets directly.
Warhammer 40k Factions List: Imperium, Chaos and Xenos
How many factions are there in Warhammer 40k? It depends how you count. Counting each Space Marine Chapter separately there are more than 30 armies; counting Space Marines as one, there are just over 20. Here is the overview:
- Imperium: the vast human empire, fighting for survival. Includes the Space Marines, Astra Militarum (Imperial Guard), Adepta Sororitas, Adeptus Mechanicus, Adeptus Custodes, Imperial Knights and Imperial Agents.
- Chaos: forces of darkness and corruption, including Chaos Space Marines, Chaos Daemons and Chaos Knights, plus the traitor legions.
- Xenos: alien races that threaten humanity, like the Tyranids, Orks and Necrons.
| Faction type | Description | Factions |
| Imperium | The human empire, fighting for survival against all threats. | Space Marines (and the Chapters), Astra Militarum, Adepta Sororitas, Adeptus Mechanicus, Adeptus Custodes, Imperial Knights, Imperial Agents |
| Chaos | Forces of darkness and corruption, fighting to bring ruin. | Chaos Space Marines, Chaos Daemons, Chaos Knights, Thousand Sons, Death Guard, World Eaters, Emperor’s Children |
| Xenos | Alien species that threaten humanity or one another. | Tyranids, Orks, Necrons, Aeldari, Drukhari, T’au Empire, Genestealer Cults, Leagues of Votann |
Older names still cause confusion: “Eldar” is now Aeldari (with Harlequins and Ynnari folded into that range), and the Inquisition lives on as Imperial Agents.
Deep-Dive Faction Guides
Want the full breakdown on a specific army? For every faction below, choose the gameplay guide (playstyle, strengths, weaknesses and what to buy first), the lore file (Faction Files) or the shop range. This index grows as new guides go live.
The Imperium
- Space Marines: Army Analysis · Shop the range
- Ultramarines: Army Analysis · Ultramarines lore · Shop the range
- Blood Angels: Army Analysis · Shop the range
- Dark Angels: Army Analysis · Dark Angels lore · Shop the range
- Black Templars: Army Analysis · Black Templars lore · Shop the range
- White Scars: Army Analysis · White Scars lore · Shop the range
- Space Wolves: Army Analysis · Space Wolves lore · Shop the range
- Imperial Fists: Army Analysis · Imperial Fists lore · Shop the range
- Iron Hands: Army Analysis · Iron Hands lore · Shop the range
- Salamanders: Army Analysis · Salamanders lore · Shop the range
- Raven Guard: Army Analysis · Raven Guard lore · Shop the range
- Adepta Sororitas: Army Analysis · Sisters of Battle lore · Shop the range
- Astra Militarum: Army Analysis · Astra Militarum lore · Shop the range
- Adeptus Custodes: Army Analysis · Adeptus Custodes lore · Shop the range
- Adeptus Mechanicus: Army Analysis · Shop the range
- Grey Knights: Army Analysis · Shop the range
- Imperial Knights: Army Analysis · Imperial Knights lore · Shop the range
- Imperial Agents: Army Analysis · Imperial Agents lore · Shop the range
- Deathwatch (army analysis coming soon) · Shop the range
Chaos
- Chaos Space Marines: Army Analysis · Chaos Space Marines lore · Shop the range
- World Eaters: Army Analysis · World Eaters lore · Shop the range
- Thousand Sons: Army Analysis · Thousand Sons lore · Shop the range
- Emperor's Children: Army Analysis · Shop the range
- Death Guard: Army Analysis · Death Guard lore · Shop the range
- Chaos Daemons lore (army analysis coming soon) · Shop the range
- Chaos Knights: Army Analysis · Shop the range
Xenos
- Necrons: Army Analysis · Necrons lore · Shop the range
- Tyranids: Army Analysis · Tyranids lore · Shop the range
- Orks: Army Analysis · Orks lore · Shop the range
- Aeldari: Army Analysis · Aeldari lore · Shop the range
- Drukhari (army analysis coming soon) · Shop the range
- T'au Empire: Army Analysis · T'au Empire lore · Shop the range
- Genestealer Cults: Army Analysis · Shop the range
- Leagues of Votann: Army Analysis · Leagues of Votann lore · Shop the range
Best Warhammer 40k Faction for Beginners: Space Marines
Space Marines are often the best place to start. These genetically enhanced super-soldiers serve the Emperor of Mankind, and their resilience and versatile playstyle make them forgiving for new players. Each Chapter has its own flavour: the Ultramarines are known for discipline and tactical genius, while the Blood Angels are famous for speed and close combat prowess. Read our beginner’s guide to Space Marines for more.
Why Factions Matter to New Players
Your faction is about more than rules; it is about your story. Each has a narrative that ties into the wider 40k universe, and choosing one means picking a piece of that story to inspire your battles and your painting. Whether you are drawn to the stoic heroism of the Adeptus Astartes or the eerie power of the Necrons, the themes of each faction make for a deeper, more immersive hobby.
Tips for Beginners
- Picking your first faction: choose the army whose models and lore excite you. That keeps you painting and playing.
- Building your first army: start small with a Combat Patrol or starter set. See how to build and paint your first Warhammer 40k army.
- Learning the rules: our Warhammer 40k rules guide covers turns, movement and combat.
Frequently asked questions
How many factions are there in Warhammer 40k?
Counting each Space Marine Chapter separately there are more than 30 armies; counting Space Marines as one there are just over 20. They fall into three groups: the Imperium, Chaos and the Xenos.
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.
What are the three main faction groups in 40k?
The Imperium (Space Marines, Astra Militarum, Adepta Sororitas and more), Chaos (Chaos Space Marines, Chaos Daemons, Chaos Knights and the traitor legions) and the Xenos (Tyranids, Orks, Necrons, Aeldari, T'au and others).
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.
Where can I read about a specific 40k army?
Use the deep-dive index above: nearly every faction has an army analysis for gameplay and a Faction Files entry for lore.
