How to Start Playing Warhammer 40K in 2026
How to Start Playing Warhammer 40K in 2026 – Complete Beginner Guide
Warhammer 40,000 remains the world’s most popular miniature wargame, and 2026 is an amazing time to jump in. With streamlined rules, new faction starter sets, and improved model ranges, getting started has never been easier. This guide explains everything a new player needs to know in 2026—from choosing an army to buying your first models, learning the rules, and finding games.
Internal Link: Shop Warhammer 40K starters, armies & new releases here: Warhammer 40K at Tistaminis
Quick Summary
- Start with: A Combat Patrol box or 40K Starter Set
- Learn via: Free core rules, Combat Patrol format, and intro missions
- Best for beginners: Space Marines, Necrons, Tyranids, Astra Militarum
Step 1 — Choose Your First Warhammer 40K Army
Your faction choice should match your preferred style—both visually and in gameplay. In 2026, these beginner-friendly factions stand out:
• Space Marines (Adeptus Astartes)
- Iconic, easy to build & paint
- Durable units with forgiving rules
- Huge model range
• Necrons
- Metallic, easy-to-paint undead robots
- Simple rules and strong durability
• Tyranids
- Swarm or monster-style gameplay
- Great visual variety and easy expansion paths
• Astra Militarum (Imperial Guard)
- Classic sci-fi infantry & tanks
- Simple units with cinematic gameplay
If you’re unsure, choose whichever army’s aesthetic you love—Warhammer is a hobby first, game second.
Step 2 — Start With a Combat Patrol or Starter Set
• Combat Patrol (Best First Purchase)
Combat Patrol is the official beginner mode for 40K. Every faction has a balanced 500-point Combat Patrol box designed to be playable right away.
- You get: A full small army + rules + datasheets
- Perfect for: Learning the game without list-building complexity
• 40K Starter Set
Starter sets include two small armies, dice, rulers, and an intro rulebook—ideal for learning with a friend.
- Great for: First-timers, parents/kids, or couples getting into 40K
You can start playing meaningful games with just these small sets.
Step 3 — Learn the Rules the Easy Way
• Free Core Rules
Games Workshop provides free downloadable core rules—only a few pages and easy to learn.
• Combat Patrol Mode
The fastest, most enjoyable way to learn. Every faction has pre-built rules for its Combat Patrol, removing list-building complexity.
• Intro Missions
Starter sets include step-by-step scenarios that teach movement, shooting, melee, and objective play.
• Watch Battle Reports
YouTube battle reports (especially smaller learning channels) help visualize gameplay.
Step 4 — Build & Paint Your First Models
Warhammer is also a creative hobby. Painting isn’t required to play, but many players enjoy it as much as the game itself.
Beginner Hobby Tips:
- Prime models first—black is most forgiving
- Use basecoat + wash + drybrush for fast results
- Pick simple color schemes at first
- Paint just 1 model per day to build confidence
Bases, brushes, paints, and hobby tools are inexpensive and last a long time.
Step 5 — Upgrade to 1,000 Points
After learning Combat Patrol, the next milestone is 1,000 points. This allows deeper list building and more varied armies.
Common upgrades include:
- 1 HQ hero
- 1–2 troops units
- A key support unit (tank, monster, or elite infantry)
- A dedicated transport (optional)
Grow slowly—Warhammer is more fun when expanded over time.
Step 6 — Play Games & Find a Community
- Local game stores (including Tistaminis) host weekly events
- Facebook groups connect players in your region
- Discord servers help with rules, painting, and scheduling games
Many communities welcome beginners and offer demo games.
What You’ll Spend to Start 40K in 2026
- Combat Patrol: $140–$210 CAD
- Starter Set: $110–$240 CAD
- Paints & Hobby Tools: $40–$80 CAD
Most players comfortably start for under $250 CAD.
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying too much too fast
- Choosing an army only because it’s “meta”
- Skipping Combat Patrol mode
- Painting every model before playing—play early, paint gradually
Image Suggestions
- Hero banner: Space Marines vs. Tyranids on a modern 40K battlefield
- Starter layout: Combat Patrol box contents spread neatly
- Painting desk: Beginner models, brushes, and paints arranged cleanly