Warhammer 40k (short for Warhammer 40,000) is a tabletop wargame from Games Workshop, set in the grimdark far future, where you build, paint and battle with armies of miniatures. It's currently on 11th Edition, and it's one of the friendliest ways into the miniatures hobby once you know where to start.
Have you ever wanted to escape into a world where creativity, strategy and adventure collide? That's what first drew me to Warhammer 40k — the thrill of commanding armies, painting miniatures and diving into an epic universe.
It may appear overwhelming at first — with so much to learn and so many pieces to collect — but that's why we created Loaded Dice. With same-day dispatch on in-stock orders placed by 3pm on weekdays and 10,000+ products in stock, we make it easy for you to begin your Warhammer 40k journey.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to get started, including:
What Warhammer 40k is & why it's so popular.
How to choose your first Warhammer 40k starter set.
Beginner tips on painting & building your miniatures.
A step-by-step guide on how to play Warhammer 40k & understand the rules.
How to join the Warhammer community & make the most of your hobby.
Ready to dive into the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40k? Let's begin!
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Get started with your Warhammer 40k journey today & enjoy the flexibility to pay later. With Klarna, you can split your payments into 3 easy instalments, with no interest & no hidden fees. |
What Is Warhammer 40k and Why Is It So Popular?
Warhammer 40k is more than just a tabletop wargame. What sets it apart is its blend of tactical battles with the creative joy of building and painting miniatures.
The appeal lies in its depth — whether you're immersed in the grimdark universe through lore or strategising your next move on the battlefield, Warhammer 40k offers endless opportunities for personal expression and connection.
Here's why it's become a worldwide phenomenon:
Immersive Universe: Set in a dystopian future where humanity is in constant war with aliens, demons, and traitors.
Creative Freedom: Design and paint your army to make it truly your own.
Strategic Gameplay: Every decision on the battlefield is key to your victory.
Global Community: Players around the world share the same passion, making it easy to find a community whether you're playing online or in person.
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At Loaded Dice, we make it easy for you to start your Warhammer 40k journey. Check out our Warhammer 40k Starter Sets & Paints & Tools Set and kickstart your adventure. |
When Was Warhammer 40k Created?
Warhammer 40k launched in 1987 as Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader from Games Workshop, and what started as a niche tabletop game quickly grew into one of the most influential wargames of all time. Its uniqueness lies in the combination of miniature modelling, strategic gameplay and immersive storytelling.
Since then it has evolved through multiple editions, each refining the rules and expanding the world. The current one is Warhammer 40,000 11th Edition, which launched in June 2026. The lore deepens with each new release, offering players an endless number of stories to explore.
The game also introduced miniature customisation, allowing players to paint and personalise their armies — a hobby that continues to be a huge part of the appeal.
Warhammer 40k vs Age of Sigmar — What's the Difference?
Both are Games Workshop wargames, but they exist in separate universes with distinct settings and themes. The old "Warhammer Fantasy" setting was replaced by Age of Sigmar, and the original world lives on in The Old World:
Feature |
Age of Sigmar / The Old World |
Warhammer 40k |
Setting |
Fantasy realms of magic and mythical creatures (Age of Sigmar); a medieval-style fantasy world (The Old World). |
A dystopian far future filled with galactic warfare. |
Tone |
Heroic battles and magic. |
Dark, gritty, with humanity at war for survival. |
Example factions |
Stormcast Eternals, Skaven, Sylvaneth, Orruk Warclans. |
Space Marines, Tyranids, Necrons, Chaos Daemons. |
Miniatures |
Fantasy creatures, warriors and wizards. |
Futuristic soldiers, aliens and war machines. |
Core focus |
Magical warfare, fantasy races, ancient legends. |
Technology, survival and war across the galaxy. |
The games share similar foundations — miniature battles, strategy and painting — but the tone and theme are very different. Warhammer 40k offers a darker, more futuristic setting, while Age of Sigmar brings a high-fantasy world to life. Still undecided? Our Warhammer 40k vs Age of Sigmar guide will help you pick.
What Scale Is Warhammer 40k?
Warhammer 40k miniatures are generally described as 28mm "heroic" scale, measured from foot to eye, with the proportions exaggerated on purpose so the details read across the table. In practice, modern infantry such as Primaris Space Marines runs closer to 32mm, and vehicles, monsters and Orks are bigger still — so don't worry about exact millimetres, just buy the models you like the look of.
Warhammer 40k Lore for Beginners — The Grimdark Universe
The Warhammer 40k universe is vast, gritty and immersive. Set in a grimdark future, it's a place where hope is scarce, and war is endless. Here's a quick overview of what makes this universe so compelling:
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Every army has its own rich backstory, making it easy to choose one that resonates with you. Whether you prefer the noble Space Marines or the horrifying Tyranids, there's a faction for every kind of player — compare them all in our Warhammer 40k factions guide.
How to Play Warhammer 40k for Beginners
Don't worry if you're feeling a little confused — Warhammer 40k for beginners is a journey that's both exciting and rewarding. While it may seem complex at first, you'll quickly find that with the right resources, learning how to play Warhammer 40k is easier than you think.
Here's our step-by-step guide on how to get into Warhammer 40k:
1. Understand the Basics of the Game
Warhammer 40k is a tabletop wargame where players command armies of miniatures and engage in tactical battles. The rules revolve around:
Movement: How your army positions itself on the battlefield.
Combat: Rolling dice to determine the success of attacks and defences.
Victory Points: Completing objectives to win the game.
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Pro Tip: Browse our Warhammer 40k Starter Sets, designed to give you a smooth learning curve from the start. |
2. Choose Your Faction
Warhammer 40k offers an incredible variety of armies, each with unique strengths and lore. From the noble Space Marines to the menacing Tyranids, there's an army for everyone.
Whether you're interested in the lore of the Imperium of Man or the destructive forces of Chaos Space Marines, each faction provides a rich history and playstyle.
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Pro Tip: Don't just pick a faction based on strength — choose one that aligns with your playstyle, with lore that excites you. Explore our full range of Warhammer 40k miniatures for more! |
3. Start Small with a Beginner-Friendly Set
If you're wondering how to get into Warhammer 40k, our Warhammer 40k Starter Sets are the perfect way to begin. They include miniatures and the essentials to start playing, and our guide to which Warhammer 40k starter set is right for you walks through the options.
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Pro Tip: Want a bigger force from day one? Our Combat Patrol boxes sit in the same starter sets and Combat Patrols collection and give you a ready-made army for a single faction. |
4. Paint Your Miniatures
Painting miniatures is an essential part of the Warhammer 40k experience. Whether you're new to painting or experienced, the creative process will make your connection to your army even stronger. Our guides to building and painting your first Warhammer 40k army and Warhammer painting tips for beginners will get you started.
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Pro Tip: Invest in a decent set of hobby tools for better control & cleaner details. The right tools make a huge difference in how your miniatures turn out! |
5. Learn the Rules
How to play Warhammer 40k might seem confusing at first, but there are plenty of resources to help. For a plain-English overview, start with our guide to the basic rules of Warhammer 40,000. The more you play, the easier it gets!
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Pro Tip: Games Workshop makes the 11th Edition core rules available to download for free, so you can read the full rules before you buy a single model. Our 11th Edition beginner's guide shows you how to build, paint and play. |
Your Warhammer 40k Adventure Begins!
With the basics covered, you'll be well on your way to mastering Warhammer 40k for beginners. But learning doesn't stop with just the rules — it's about diving into the lore, exploring new strategies and getting to know your faction better with every play.
Warhammer 40k Starter Sets Explained (Introductory, Paints & Tools, Combat Patrols)
Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to expand your collection, there's a set for you. Each is designed to make your entry into the game as smooth and enjoyable as possible:
Set Type |
What's Included |
Where to Go Next |
Miniatures and an easy-to-follow introduction to basic gameplay. |
Perfect for beginners — explore our Warhammer 40k Starter Sets for more. |
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Brushes, paints & tools to start painting your miniatures. |
For more colours, try the Army Painter paint range. |
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A ready-to-play force for a single faction. |
For a more tactical, skirmish-based game, check out the Kill Team Starter Set. |
11th Edition arrived in June 2026 with the Armageddon launch box — Space Marines vs Orks — though Games Workshop only offers that box while stocks last. Our guide to Warhammer 40,000 11th Edition covers what changed. No matter which set you choose, we provide everything you need to begin your Warhammer 40k adventure, with over 10,000 products to choose from and same-day dispatch on in-stock orders placed by 3pm on weekdays.
Joining the Warhammer 40k Community in the UK
The best part of Warhammer 40k isn't just the game — it's the community. Whether you're new or experienced, there's always a place for you in the Warhammer 40k family. Here's how to get involved in the UK:
Visit Our Store in Barry, South Wales
Want to meet other players or get expert advice? Our Loaded Dice store in Barry is the perfect place to connect with fellow hobbyists.Join Local Events & Tournaments
We're proud to sponsor the Ministry of Dice, our local wargaming club, which offers a great way to connect with others who share your passion for Warhammer 40k.Join Online Communities
Engage with other players on Reddit, Facebook and forums. Share strategies, learn new techniques and get inspiration for your next project.Follow Our Blog & Get in Touch
Keep an eye on our blog for the latest updates in the Warhammer 40k world, and don't hesitate to contact us for any hobby-related queries.
Ready to Start Your Warhammer 40k Journey?
Whether you're just getting started or expanding your collection, Loaded Dice is here to support your Warhammer 40k journey every step of the way. From starter sets to paints and tools, we've got everything you need to create and command your own army. Looking for something more specific? Browse our full Games Workshop range.
Why Choose Loaded Dice?
Fast UK Delivery: Get your Warhammer 40k products delivered straight to your door quickly.
Free UK Shipping on Orders of £65 or More (spray paints excluded): Enjoy hassle-free shopping with no extra costs.
Expert Advice: Our dedicated customer support team is ready to help you, whether you're new to the hobby or need tips on your next build.
Physical & Online Store: Come visit us in person for hands-on support and community events.
Over 10,000 Products in Stock: Whatever you need for Warhammer 40k, we've got you covered, from miniatures to painting supplies.
Start your Warhammer 40k journey today — your army, your rules, your adventure.
Warhammer 40k for Beginners: FAQs
What edition is Warhammer 40k on?
Warhammer 40k is currently on 11th Edition, which launched in June 2026 with updated rules and new miniatures, making it easier than ever for both new players and veterans to enjoy the game.
How expensive is it to get into Warhammer 40k?
The cost depends on the starter set and accessories you choose. Our Introductory Set offers a cost-effective way to start, with miniatures and the basics, and our Paints & Tools Set covers what you need to start painting. For a full breakdown of what to buy, see what you need to start Warhammer 40k.
What are the best Warhammer 40k miniatures for beginners?
Space Marines are often recommended as a great entry point. They're versatile, have simple rules and are visually iconic. But each faction in Warhammer 40k has its own unique playstyle, so choose one that excites you.
What scale is Warhammer 40k?
Generally 28mm "heroic" scale, though modern infantry runs closer to 32mm and larger kits are bigger still. See the scale section above for more.
Do I need to paint my miniatures to play?
No — you can play with unpainted models. Most players come to enjoy painting as part of the hobby, and it makes your army feel truly yours, but there's no rush.
