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There’s a lot to consider when it comes to choosing the best Warhammer armies for beginners, because there’s just so much to the game of Warhammer 40k 10th Edition.

For starters, some people are in it for the gameplay, some for the painting, and some for the lore. Choosing “the best” Warhammer army for beginners and not knowing which of those things the beginner is focused on is a crapshoot. So let’s try to take all of them into consideration.

There’s a difference between just being able to win games and being the best Warhammer army for beginners. Other considerations besides winning include play style, paintability, complexity, cost, and popularity. 

(Yes, popularity matters, because the more popular a Warhammer army is, the more likely it will be supported and have a wide range of options–and tutorials to help you along the way.)

By the end of this article, you should be able to have a better understanding of what makes for the best Warhammer army for beginners, and which one you might want to try.

Choosing the Best Warhammer Army For Beginners: Factors to Consider

Choosing a Warhammer 40k army can be a daunting task, especially for beginners who are new to the hobby. There are several factors to consider when selecting an army that will influence your overall experience with the game.

Play Style

Choosing an army with a play style that suits your preferences is crucial to enjoying Warhammer 40k 10th Edition. (I’ve written at length about the play styles of each Warhammer 40,000 army here.) Each army has its own unique play style, which can be categorized into a few general archetypes:

Offensive: Offensive armies focus on dealing damage to the enemy and typically have powerful shooting or close combat capabilities. These armies are great for players who prefer a more aggressive play style. Examples of offensive armies:

• Orks
• Space Wolves
• Blood Angels

Defensive: Defensive armies focus on protecting their own units and typically have strong defensive capabilities such as shields or heavy armor. These armies are great for players who prefer a more cautious play style. Examples of defensive armies:

• Imperial Fists
• Iron Hands
• Iron Warriors

Balanced: Balanced armies have a mix of offensive and defensive capabilities and are great for players who like to have versatility in their gameplay. Essentially, whenever an army has an expansive enough model range, it can be played in a fairly balanced way–there are just so many more options to choose from. For this reason, even Orks could be considered a balanced army. Examples of balanced armies:

• Space Marines
• Sisters of Battle
• Necrons

Swarm: Swarm armies rely on large numbers of cheap units to overwhelm their opponents. These armies are great for players who like to flood the battlefield and win through sheer numbers. Examples of swarm armies include the very swarmy

• Tyranids
• Imperial Guard

Elite: Elite armies have fewer but more powerful units, typically with higher stats and better equipment. These armies are great for players who like to carefully plan out their attacks and make every unit count. Examples of elite armies include:

• Adeptus Custodes
• Grey Knights
• Imperial Knights and Chaos Knights

Complexity

The complexity of an army refers to the level of skill required to use it effectively. Some armies have straightforward tactics and are easier to master, while others have more nuanced strategies and require more experience and skill to use effectively. Beginners may want to consider starting with a simpler army to avoid being overwhelmed. The best Warhammer armies for beginners are often the least complex.

I’ll be straight with you: if you’re a newcomer to Warhammer 40k right now, it can seem VERY daunting to get started. Warhammer 40k 9th Edition was widely considered to have rules bloat: there was an awful lot of stuff to remember when it comes to rules, special rules, stratagems, and traits. And 10th Edition promised to be better, but… it’s still sort of a mess. It’s not as complicated, but in streamlining it they took out some of the flavor and left some of the hair-pulling clunkiness.

If we were writing the Warhammer 40k army guide for beginners, I’d recommend that all beginners to tabletop games start with Open Play, regardless of the faction they choose. That cuts out 80% of all the complex rules and just lets you use models and their stats. Once you get better at the game, move into the more competitive play types. 

But, for now, when picking the best Warhammer army for beginners, choosing one with low complexity can be important.

Some of the most complex armies in Warhammer 40k are Adeptus Mechanicus, Thousand Sons, and Genestealer Cults. But some of the least complex and most accessible armies in Warhammer 40k are the Space Marines, the Necrons, and the Death Guard.  

Cost

Warhammer 40k can be an expensive hobby, and the cost of an army can vary significantly depending on the size of the army and the models included. Beginners may want to start with a smaller army that is more affordable to avoid investing too much money upfront.

This can mean picking a Warhammer 40k army starter set that maximizes your money (we have a whole article about how to get the best bang for your buck in both Combat Patrols and Boarding Actions.)  It’s often that the best Warhammer armies for beginners are found buy dipping your toe into the puddle by investing in a Combat Patrol or Boarding Action and seeing if you like what you’ve found.

It can also mean picking an army that has a low model count. For as expensive as individual Imperial Knights are, if you only have to buy three or four, they can be inexpensive. But perhaps the least expensive is the Adeptus Custodes, because you can get almost the whole way to a full army with the Combat Patrols. 

That said, Games Workshop tends to price things according to their value on the tabletop, not just the value of the miniature, which is why single characters can cost almost as much as a box of 10 infantry. (Tabletop Minions has a great video on this.)

For now, starting a Warhammer 40k army can be best done with Combat Patrols. Which is something important to talk about:

Combat Patrols–A Great Way to Start Warhammer 40k 10th Edition

One of the smartest things that Games Workshop did with 10th Edition was that they have focused games on Combat Patrols, which is to say you buy a pre-set box of miniatures (look at all the Combat Patrols here) and you’ve got your entire playing force in one box usually for less than $150 USD. These games are, obviously, smaller than a full 2000 point game (they’re generally around 500 points) but they’re REALLY easy for beginners.

You don’t have to worry about list building and buying a lot of different boxes. You just pick a box, and play with that and only that. It’s a great introduction to the game for beginners.

Painting difficulty

Painting your miniatures is an essential part of the Warhammer 40k hobby, and some armies may be more challenging to paint than others. Some armies may have more intricate details or require more advanced painting techniques. Beginners may want to choose an army with simpler painting requirements to avoid frustration.

Now this can refer to anything and everything, because you can take the most basic model and paint it to Golden Demon standards, or you can take the most elaborate model and paint it with basic washes. It’s up to you. 

Generally speaking, though, Necrons are a very easy army to paint because you can get away with a metallic body and a Nuln Oil wash–super easy. I’ve personally found that Space Marines are very easy to paint because they are on a larger scale than other models and have (in general) fewer details. But it can go either way. Edge highlighting on a Space Marine can drive you crazy, and you can do all kinds of hard glowing effects on Necrons. No matter which army you choose, you can choose the easy way or hard way.

The best Warhammer armies for beginners are usually easier to paint. (But seriously: don’t let anyone tell you something is too hard for you if you really want to do it.)

Some of my personal preferences for easy-to-paint Warhammer 40k armies are:

• Necrons (metallics and washes)
• Adeptus Custodes (metallics and washes)
• Space Marines (big and clean)
• Necrons (Contrast paint or Speed Paint can take you far with these textures)

Popularity

The popularity of an army can also be a factor to consider for the best Warhammer armies for beginners. Popular armies may have more resources available, such as guides, tutorials, and community support, which can be helpful for beginners. Additionally, playing a popular army can make it easier to find opponents and participate in events. Popular armies, like Space Marines, are less expensive because of economies of scale, while less popular armies, like Genestealer Cults, are more expensive because they don’t have that economy of scale. 

Top Warhammer 40k Armies for Beginners

#1. Space Marines

In my opinion Space Marines are the Warhammer 40k best army for beginners, and I say that for many reasons. Space Marines are one of the most popular armies in Warhammer 40k and a great choice for beginners. They are a versatile army that can adapt to different situations on the battlefield, making them a good choice for players who are still learning the game. Their models are easy to build and paint, making them a great choice for those who are new to the hobby.

Space Marines have a balanced play style, with a mix of offensive and defensive capabilities. They can be effective at both ranged and close combat, and their units are generally tough and durable. This versatility makes them a great choice for beginners who want to experiment with different play styles. (For example, Blood Angels play very differently from Imperial Fists, just as Space Wolves play very differently from Ultramarines.)

Space Marines also have a variety of different chapters to choose from, each with their own unique abilities and play styles. This diversity means that players can tailor their army to their personal preferences and play style.

While Space Marines are a great choice for beginners, their popularity can make them a common opponent. This can make it challenging to find unique strategies and can lead to similar-looking armies on the battlefield.

Overall, Space Marines are a versatile and beginner-friendly army that offers a great starting point for players new to Warhammer 40k. Their balanced play style and easy-to-build models make them a great choice for beginners looking to experiment with different play styles.

#2. Astra Militarum (Imperial Guard)

The Astra Militarum, also known as the Imperial Guard, is a human army composed of soldiers and tanks, and it’s easily one of the best Warhammer armies for beginners. They have a straightforward play style and are relatively easy to use, making them a great choice for beginners. Their models are also relatively inexpensive, making them a good choice for those on a budget. (Well, “relatively” inexpensive, because while the individual units may not cost a lot, you need a lot of them.) Plus, they just got a big range refresh with a lot of great new sculpts and one of the best Warhammer 40k starter army boxes in Cadia Stands. 

Astra Militarum’s play style revolves around their ability to produce a high volume of fire. They excel at ranged combat, and their tanks and artillery pieces can deliver devastating blows to the enemy. They also have the ability to produce a high number of models, which can overwhelm their opponents with sheer numbers.

One of the advantages of the Astra Militarum is their simplicity. This makes them a great choice for players who are new to the hobby and want to focus on learning the basics.

However, Astra Militarum’s straightforward play style can also be a disadvantage. They are not as versatile as some other armies, and their units can be very vulnerable in close combat. There simply aren’t enough Ogryns in the world to make an Imperial Guard army a melee army. This can make them challenging to play against more experienced opponents who know how to exploit their weaknesses.

Overall, Astra Militarum is a great choice for beginners looking for a straightforward and affordable army. Their focus on ranged combat and ability to produce a high number of models make them a formidable opponent on the battlefield. However, their lack of versatility can be a disadvantage against more experienced opponents.

#3. Tyranids

Tyranids are a swarm army composed of insect-like creatures. They have a fast play style and rely on overwhelming their opponents with numbers. They are relatively easy to play and are forgiving of mistakes, making them a great choice for beginners. Their models are also unique and fun to paint.

Tyranids excel at close combat and can move quickly across the battlefield thanks to their high movement speed. They can also regenerate wounds and re-spawn fallen models, making them a tough army to defeat. But this is not to say that you can’t balance them up with some heavy-duty shooting units. Like the Imperial Guard, the Tyranids have some major firepower that can cut across a board. But this is done while the swarm is closing in to murder your enemy, not while you wait in a trench for someone to come murder you. 

One of the advantages of Tyranids is their forgiving play style. They are relatively easy to use, and beginners can make mistakes without being punished too severely. This allows players to focus on learning the game and developing their skills.

However, Tyranids’ swarm nature can also be a disadvantage. Their large numbers can make them challenging to manage on the battlefield, and their army can be expensive to build and paint due to the high number of models required. The range received a well-needed range refresh for 10th Edition (you can buy the 10th Edition starter set, Leviathan, here) and there is a lot of wild and fun models to paint. The Combat Patrol is VERY swarm-heavy and it might seem overwhelming to someone new to have to paint 30 gaunts. But that is just kinda how the game is played. 

Overall, Tyranids are a great choice for beginners looking for a fast and forgiving army. Their unique models and play style make them a fun and engaging choice for players who enjoy close combat and fast-paced gameplay.

#4. Necrons

Necrons are an army of undead robots that can self-repair and reanimate fallen models. They have a durable play style and are relatively easy to play, making them a great choice for beginners. Their models are also easy to build and paint, with a sleek and distinct look.

Necrons excel at ranged combat. They can repair damage to their units and reanimate fallen models, making them a tough army to defeat. They also have powerful weapons and abilities that can decimate enemy units from afar.

One of the advantages of Necrons is their durability. They are tough to break and can withstand a lot of damage on the battlefield. When a Necron is killed, it can come back to life through re-animation protocols, which are kinda because Necrons are the undead army of Warhammer 40k. This makes them a great choice for players who want a more defensive play style.

Overall, Necrons are a great choice for beginners looking for a strong and straightforward army. Their unique models and play style make them a fun and engaging choice for players who enjoy ranged combat and a more defensive play style. However, their predictable nature can make them vulnerable to more experienced opponents who know how to counter their strengths.

#5. Orks

Orks are a brutish army of green-skinned warriors that love to fight. They have a straightforward play style and are relatively easy to play, making them one of the best Warhammer armies for beginners. Their models are also fun and engaging to build and paint. I can honestly say that of all the “that guys” who are hanging around game stores, I have never faced an Ork opponent who has been “that guy.” Ork players are there to have fun, laugh, and have a few drinks. If that’s your interest, you’ve come to the right place. 

(Note: in our all-faction bracket challenge, Orks came in as the best army in Warhammer 40k.)

Orks excel at close combat and have a high tolerance for pain, which allows them to shrug off wounds and keep fighting. They also have a range of unique abilities that can make them unpredictable on the battlefield. 

One of the advantages of Orks is their simplicity. They have a straightforward play style that is easy to understand, and their units are easy to use. This makes them a great choice for players who are new to the hobby and want to focus on learning the basics. This isn’t to say that they don’t have bizarre and hilarious antics, such as guns that fire grots, attack squigs, and a belief in their gods Gork and Mork (one of whom is brutally cunning and one who is cunningly brutal.)

However, Orks can also be a challenging army to play. Their reliance on close combat can make them vulnerable to enemy ranged attacks. They also require a large number of models, which can make them expensive and time-consuming to build and paint.

Overall, Orks are a great choice for beginners looking for a straightforward and engaging army. Their focus on close combat and high pain tolerance make them a tough opponent on the battlefield. However, their reliance on close combat and large numbers can make them challenging to play against more experienced opponents who know how to exploit their weaknesses.

Other Warhammer 40k Armies for Beginners

While the top Warhammer 40k armies for beginners offer a great starting point, there are several other armies that can also be great choices for beginners. These armies may have different play styles or unique models that appeal to certain players.

Adeptus Mechanicus

Adeptus Mechanicus are a technologically advanced army composed of cyborgs and robots. They have a unique play style that revolves around manipulating technology and have powerful shooting capabilities. They can be a great choice for players who enjoy a more cerebral play style.

I’ll be honest: I adore the Adeptus Mechanicus, and it’s actually how I got back into the hobby after taking a break during 6th and 7th edition and returning in 8th. The look and aesthetics of the Adeptus Mechanicus are par-excellence. But the complexity is a little much. 

T’au Empire

The T’au Empire is a relatively new army to Warhammer 40k, introduced in the 4th edition of the game. (That feels new to me, because I’ve been playing since 1st Edition, but 4th Edition was like 20 years ago.) They have a unique play style that focuses on long-range firepower and use of drones. They can be a great choice for players who enjoy a more strategic play style. If you like gundams and big guns, then T’au are perfect for you. They are a bit of a glass cannon, but can really dish out the pain. 

Chaos Space Marines

Chaos Space Marines are a corrupted version of the Space Marines, serving the forces of Chaos. They have a unique play style that focuses on taking advantage of their enemies’ weaknesses and summoning daemonic allies. They have almost as much variety as loyalist Space Marines, and there is a TON of lore about both loyalists and their Chaos Space Marine brethren. They can be a great choice for players who enjoy a more unpredictable play style.

Tips for Building and Playing a Beginner Warhammer 40k Army

Building and playing a Warhammer 40k army can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be overwhelming for beginners. The following are some tips for building and playing a beginner-friendly Warhammer 40k army:

Start small

Starting with a smaller army can help beginners avoid becoming overwhelmed and can also be more affordable. It’s important to choose an army that is scalable, meaning that it can be expanded upon later.

If you can get involved in an escalation league through a local game store, or through a local online group, that can be wonderful. An escalation league is one where you start small–painting and playing maybe 500 points of models for your first game. Then the next month, everyone in the group commits to adding 250 points to their army, and on and on. It’s a great way to get into the game.

It’s also worth noting that getting started in Kill Team, or Boarding Actions can be a great introduction to Warhammer 40k. It may be that the best Warhammer army for beginners isn’t even Warhammer 40k, but Kill Team, it’s skirmish brother. 

Follow tutorials

There are many tutorials available online that can help beginners learn how to build and paint their models. Following these tutorials can help beginners develop their skills and make the process more enjoyable.

I have written a lot of articles about painters and hobbyists on YouTube who I take inspiration from. You can click here to see the best miniature painters on YouTube, or the best terrain makers on YouTube. You can read my interviews with loremasters like Baldermort. There are so many online tutorials, you can’t miss. 

HOWEVER, when you’re doing Warhammer armies for beginners, don’t make the mistake of thinking that you have to paint as well as the best of the best. I’ve been painting for most of my life and don’t come close to a lot of these YouTube miniature painters’ quality. But I still learn a little from them every time.  

Practice with friends

Playing Warhammer 40k with friends can be a great way to learn the game, improve your skills and decide what the best Warhammer army for beginners is. It’s important to find opponents who are at a similar skill level to ensure a fair and enjoyable game.

If you don’t have friends who are playing Warhammer 40k, go to your local game store and ask around. Almost all gamers who hang out in game stores are terrific people. Will there be that one guy who curb stomps the new guy? Yes. But shake it off, and don’t play with that guy again. 

Be patient

Building and painting a Warhammer 40k army can be a time-consuming process, and it’s important to be patient and enjoy the journey. Don’t rush through the process, and take the time to appreciate your progress.

Like I said, I’ve been painting and playing Warhammer for more than 30 years, and there is still a lot I don’t know and a lot I’m not good at. For example, I hobby and paint more than I play, so I would never last at a tournament. And there’s a lot of the lore that I know verbatim–and a lot of the lore I’ve never encountered before. That happens when you have a game in its 9th Edition and with more than 500 stories in its Black Library. 

Take your time. We’re all learning. Even the guys who seem to know it all. 

Takeaways: Best Warhammer Armies for Beginners

Choosing the best Warhammer 40k army for beginners is an important decision that can greatly impact their overall experience with the game. But that doesn’t mean the decision needs to cripple you–don’t get decision paralysis. You can’t really know what you like until you dive in and start trying things. 

By considering factors such as play style, complexity, cost, painting difficulty, and popularity, beginners can choose an army that aligns with their preferences and skill level.

Overall, Warhammer 40k is an exciting and rewarding hobby that offers endless possibilities for customization and gameplay. By finding the right army and putting in the time and effort to learn and improve, beginners can enjoy the world of Warhammer 40k for years to come.