Never painted a mini. Never rolled a dice. Perfect.
Warhammer is three good hobbies rolled into one — building models, painting them however you like, and playing games with them on the table. You don't need to know the lore, own anything, or be any good yet. We'll get you started. We're a real shop in Barry, and we do this every day.
So… what actually is it?
Warhammer is a tabletop hobby made by Games Workshop. You buy little plastic models, clip them off a frame, glue them together, paint them, then use them to play games against a mate. Some people love the building. Some just paint and never play a single game. Some are all about the battles. There's no wrong way in — and no test at the door.
Three steps. That's the whole thing.
Snap it together
Clip the plastic models off their frame and glue them into shape. Loads of starter kits are “push-fit” — no glue needed at all. This bit is oddly relaxing.
Bring them to life
Paint them in any colours you fancy — there are no rules here. Your first model won't be perfect. Nobody's first model ever was, including ours.
Get them on the table
Line your models up and play. The rules look scary from outside and are far less daunting than they seem once you get stuck in — and there's a whole community around the game to help you find your feet.
Choose your world
There are two big ways in, and neither is “better”. It really comes down to which one makes you go “ooh, I want to paint that”.
Warhammer 40,000
“In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war.”
A grim, dramatic far future of power-armoured Space Marines, alien empires and endless war across the galaxy. Bold, iconic, and the most popular way into the hobby.
See 40K startersAge of Sigmar
“This is the time of turmoil. This is the era of war.”
Mortal realms of storm-forged warriors, undead legions, savage orruks and gods at war. Big, gorgeous fantasy — knights, monsters and magic on a grand scale.
See Age of Sigmar startersGenuinely can't decide? Come in and hold a few. That usually settles it in about thirty seconds.
What you actually need to start
Less than most people think. A starter set does most of the heavy lifting — it comes with the models and a way to learn. Add a few basics and you're properly away.
- 1A starter setComes with models and, usually, everything you need to learn the basics. The single best first purchase.
- 2ClippersTo free the models cleanly from their plastic frame. A cheap hobby pair does the job for years.
- 3Plastic glueFor kits that aren't push-fit. A single pot lasts a very long time.
- 4A few paints + a brushYou don't need the whole range. A handful of colours gets your first models looking great.
You won't be figuring this out on your own
We're not a faceless warehouse. We're a shop in Barry full of people who got into this exactly the same way you're about to. Come in, ask daft questions, watch someone paint, borrow a brush. That's the whole point of us.
- In-store help & advicePop in and we'll walk you through it, no pressure to buy.
- SprueTube, our hobby communityTutorials and inspiration from people at your level, not just the pros.
- Help picking your first kitTell us your budget and we'll build you a sensible starter list, in person or online.
- Staff who actually playAsk us anything. We'd genuinely rather help than sell you the wrong thing.
Start here: beginner guides
Not ready to buy yet? No rush. These walk you through the first steps at your own pace.
Warhammer 40k for beginners
How to play, paint and collect — plus which starter set to grab first.
Read the guide → First brushPainting your first miniature
A simple, no-stress method to get a model looking great with just a few paints.
Read the guide → 40k or Sigmar?Which world is right for you?
Sci-fi or fantasy? A quick, honest guide to help you pick your first army.
Read the guide →Common questions from newcomers
Is Warhammer expensive to get into?
Less than most people think. A starter set gets you models, rules and a way to learn in one box — you can make a proper start for around the price of a couple of video games, and unlike a game you finish in a weekend, this one lasts for years.
Do I need to know the lore to start?
Not at all. Plenty of people build and paint for ages before they learn a single bit of the story. There's no test at the door — you can pick the lore up whenever you fancy, or never.
Should I start with Warhammer 40k or Age of Sigmar?
Go with the models you most want to paint — 40k is the sci-fi one, Age of Sigmar the fantasy one. Neither is harder to learn, and the hobby skills carry over between them, so you're never really locked in.
What do I need to buy first?
A starter set is the single best first purchase. Add a pair of clippers, some plastic glue, a few paints and a brush, and you're properly away.
Can you help me get started in person?
Yes — pop into our Barry shop and the team are happy to talk you through the basics, help you pick your first kit and answer any questions, no pressure to buy.
Right then — shall we?
Pick a world, grab a starter set, or just come and say hello. Whatever gets you started is the right first step.
Loaded Dice · 28 Holton Road, Barry, CF63 4HD