Imagine commanding entire Space Marine companies, squadrons of super-heavy tanks, swarms of battle-automata and towering Imperial Titans in a single Warhammer battle. That's the appeal of Warhammer: The Horus Heresy – Legions Imperialis, Games Workshop's epic-scale mass-battle wargame.

Set during the catastrophic Horus Heresy, Legions Imperialis lets players recreate the enormous battles that shaped the Imperium of Man. Instead of controlling individual Space Marines as in Warhammer 40,000, you'll command infantry detachments, armoured formations, aircraft, Knights and god-like Titans across sprawling battlefields.

But with multiple factions, rulebooks, starter boxes and miniature expansions available, getting started can seem intimidating.

Should you begin with Space Marines or Solar Auxilia? Are Mechanicum armies suitable for beginners? Do you need a Titan? And which Legions Imperialis kits should you buy first?

In this 2026 beginner's guide, we'll explain the game, explore the major factions, recommend starter purchases and provide practical advice for building your first epic-scale army.

What Is Legions Imperialis?

Legions Imperialis is a mass-battle miniature wargame set in the 31st millennium, approximately 10,000 years before the familiar setting of Warhammer 40,000.

The game focuses on large-scale military operations during the Horus Heresy, when the Imperium was torn apart by civil war.

Its miniatures are produced at approximately 8mm epic scale, allowing entire formations of infantry and vehicles to fit on a tabletop.

Instead of moving individual Space Marines, you'll command detachments representing groups of soldiers or vehicles.

These detachments are organized into larger Formations, creating armies that resemble genuine military forces.

Key Features of Legions Imperialis

• Epic-scale miniatures: recreate battles involving hundreds of infantry and numerous vehicles.
• Alternating activations: both players participate throughout each game turn.
• Orders system: plan whether detachments advance, charge, hold position or fire.
• Combined-arms warfare: coordinate infantry, tanks, artillery, aircraft and massive war engines.
• Horus Heresy setting: choose Loyalist or Traitor allegiances and recreate legendary campaigns.
• Formations: organize detachments into themed military structures with specific requirements.
• Campaign potential: fight battles over cities, industrial worlds and strategic objectives.

The Horus Heresy: The Story Behind the Game

To understand Legions Imperialis, it helps to know the conflict that defines its setting.

During the Great Crusade, the Emperor of Mankind sought to reunite humanity under a single galactic empire.

To accomplish this, he created twenty Space Marine Legions, each led by a genetically engineered Primarch.

These Legions conquered countless worlds, supported by the vast armies of the Imperium and the technological power of Mars.

However, the Emperor's favoured son, Horus Lupercal, eventually turned against him.

As Warmaster, Horus persuaded several Primarchs and their Legions to join his rebellion.

The resulting civil war devastated the Imperium.

Entire planetary systems became battlefields. Space Marine Legions fought one another, human armies chose sides, forge worlds descended into conflict and Titan Legions unleashed weapons capable of destroying cities.

Legions Imperialis represents these enormous engagements rather than the smaller battles usually depicted in Warhammer 40,000.

Legions Imperialis vs Warhammer 40,000: What's Different?

Legions Imperialis is particularly appealing to players who enjoy the scale of historical mass-battle games, but want to experience that style of warfare in the Warhammer universe.

Which Factions Can You Play in Legions Imperialis?

There are several major army families in Legions Imperialis, each with its own background, models and tactical identity.

With the publication of Liber Strategia, the game's army lists include Legiones Astartes, Solar Auxilia, Mechanicum Taghmata, Dark Mechanicum, Collegia Titanica and Knight Households.

1. Legiones Astartes: Best Overall Beginner Faction

The Legiones Astartes are the genetically engineered superhuman warriors of the Emperor's Space Marine Legions.

During the Horus Heresy, these Legions split between Loyalists who remained faithful to the Emperor and Traitors who supported Horus.

In Legions Imperialis, Space Marine armies combine elite infantry, Dreadnoughts, armoured transports, battle tanks and powerful super-heavy vehicles.

They offer an excellent introduction to the game because their range includes a broad selection of unit types.

Popular Loyalist Legions

• Ultramarines: famous for disciplined military organization and flexible warfare.
• Imperial Fists: renowned defenders and siege specialists.
• Blood Angels: elite warriors associated with aggressive assaults and rapid attacks.
• Dark Angels: an ancient Legion with specialized formations and formidable equipment.
• White Scars: famous for speed, manoeuvre warfare and mobile attacks.
• Salamanders: known for resilience and close-range weapons.

Popular Traitor Legions

• Sons of Horus: the Warmaster's own Legion and a central force in the rebellion.
• World Eaters: terrifying close-combat specialists.
• Iron Warriors: siege warfare and relentless firepower.
• Death Guard: durable infantry and grinding attritional warfare.
• Emperor's Children: warriors obsessed with martial excellence.
• Alpha Legion: infiltration, deception and unconventional operations.

Each Legion offers a different background, colour scheme and army-building identity.

For your first collection, choosing a Legion whose lore and appearance you enjoy is usually more rewarding than selecting one based solely on competitive performance.

Recommended Legiones Astartes Starter Purchases

• Legiones Astartes Combat Force or an available army bundle.
• Legiones Astartes Infantry for additional line troops.
• Rhino transports to improve mobility.
• Predator or Sicaran tanks for armoured support.
• Kratos tanks or additional Dreadnoughts for heavier firepower.

Our recommendation: Legiones Astartes are the most approachable choice for players who already enjoy Space Marines and want to recreate major Horus Heresy battles.

2. Solar Auxilia: Best for Tanks and Human Armies

The Solar Auxilia are elite human soldiers who served throughout the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy.

Although they lack the superhuman strength of Space Marines, they compensate through discipline, organization and overwhelming military resources.

Solar Auxilia armies can deploy large infantry formations supported by artillery, armoured transports and substantial tank companies.

They are especially attractive to players who enjoy traditional military science fiction.

Signature Solar Auxilia Units

• Lasrifle Tercios: core infantry formations used to secure objectives.
• Veletarii: more specialized infantry suited to dangerous engagements.
• Charonite Ogryns: powerful close-combat troops.
• Leman Russ Tanks: versatile armoured vehicles.
• Malcador Tanks: substantial armoured support.
• Baneblades and Hellhammers: enormous super-heavy tanks.
• Artillery Batteries: ranged support for infantry and armour.

Why Choose Solar Auxilia?

Solar Auxilia armies provide the opportunity to recreate large conventional military forces.

Their infantry can occupy and defend objectives while tanks and artillery support the advance.

Command positioning is also important because certain Solar Auxilia troops depend on officers to issue more flexible Orders.

This creates a different battlefield experience from Space Marines.

Recommended Solar Auxilia Starter Purchases

• Solar Auxilia Combat Force or an available army bundle.
• Solar Auxilia Infantry for core detachments.
• Leman Russ or Malcador tank squadrons.
• Artillery or support weapons.
• Additional command units where required by your Formation.

Our recommendation: choose Solar Auxilia if you love tanks, artillery and the appearance of large human armies advancing under heavy fire.

3. Mechanicum Taghmata: Best for Battle Robots

The Mechanicum represents the technological priesthood of Mars and its allied forge worlds.

During the Horus Heresy, the Mechanicum itself was divided, with some forge worlds remaining loyal to the Emperor and others siding with Horus.

Its armies are particularly distinctive because they rely heavily on cybernetic troops, battle-automata and advanced war machines.

Signature Mechanicum Units

• Tech-thralls: expendable cybernetic infantry.
• Thallax: heavily modified cybernetic soldiers.
• Castellax: powerful battle-automata.
• Thanatar: heavy siege automata.
• Triaros: armoured transports.
• Krios Tanks: advanced Mechanicum armour.
• Karacnos Assault Tanks: specialized artillery vehicles.

Mechanicum armies offer a very different visual experience from traditional infantry and tank forces.

Their models combine ancient industrial design with advanced technology, creating a distinctive mechanical appearance.

Recommended Mechanicum Starter Purchases

• Mechanicum Combat Force or an available Battle Group.
• Additional Tech-thralls or Thallax.
• Castellax and other automata.
• Mechanicum armoured vehicles.
• Appropriate commanders and support units.

Our recommendation: Mechanicum is ideal for hobbyists who enjoy painting machinery, weathered metals and large robotic formations.

4. Dark Mechanicum: Best for Sinister War Machines

The Dark Mechanicum represents the heretical branches of the Mechanicum that embraced forbidden technologies and sided with the Traitor cause.

Their forces include sinister machines, corrupted constructs and disturbing mechanical creations.

Dark Mechanicum armies are especially appealing to collectors who want something visually different from conventional Space Marine or tank armies.

They offer opportunities for unusual paint schemes featuring dark metallics, glowing energy effects and industrial weathering.

However, beginners should pay particular attention to Formation restrictions and unit availability when building their first list.

Our recommendation: Dark Mechanicum is an excellent second army or a first army for experienced wargamers who particularly enjoy its miniature designs.

5. Collegia Titanica: Command the God-Machines

Few weapons in the Warhammer universe are as impressive as Imperial Titans.

These colossal war engines tower over conventional troops and carry weapons capable of destroying entire formations.

Legions Imperialis supports Titan forces through the Collegia Titanica army list, with rules updated in Liber Strategia.

Famous Titan Classes

• Warhound Scout Titan: a relatively fast and mobile Titan.
• Reaver Battle Titan: a versatile engine with substantial firepower.
• Warlord Battle Titan: an enormous war machine equipped with devastating weapons.
• Warmaster Titan: one of the largest and most imposing Titan models in the range.

Titans make spectacular centrepieces, but their specialized rules and battlefield roles make them a more involved starting point than infantry-focused armies.

For beginners, adding a Titan after building a conventional army is usually the easier approach.

6. Knight Households: Noble Walkers of the Imperium

Imperial Knights are powerful armoured walkers piloted by warriors from ancient noble households.

They occupy a battlefield role between conventional vehicles and the enormous engines of the Titan Legions.

Legions Imperialis allows players to field Knight Households using the updated rules in Liber Strategia.

Popular Knight classes include Questoris, Cerastus and Acastus patterns.

They are particularly attractive for collectors who enjoy distinctive heraldry, banners and mechanical detailing.

Like Titans, Knights can be an exciting expansion for an established army or a specialized project for experienced players.

Legions Imperialis Faction Comparison: Which Should You Choose?

Best Legions Imperialis Starter Sets and First Purchases

There are several ways to begin collecting Legions Imperialis, depending on whether you're learning with a friend or building one dedicated army.

Option 1: Legions Imperialis Boxed Game

The original Legions Imperialis boxed game is a convenient introduction to the system.

It includes Space Marine and Solar Auxilia miniatures, along with core rules and gaming components.

The models can be divided between players, although the official introductory guide also provides an alternative way to organize the box into two mixed forces for learning games.

The box is particularly attractive if you want to explore both major armies before committing to a larger collection.

Because it is an earlier release, check availability before planning your purchases around it.

Option 2: Legiones Astartes Combat Force

For a dedicated Space Marine army, a Legiones Astartes Combat Force is a practical starting point.

These bundled products are designed to provide a useful selection of infantry, vehicles and supporting units.

They can form the foundation of a larger Legion army, particularly when combined with additional infantry and transports.

Option 3: Solar Auxilia Combat Force

The Solar Auxilia Combat Force is an appealing option for players who want a human military force.

It provides a starting collection that can be expanded with infantry, tanks and artillery.

This route is especially suitable for hobbyists who already know they prefer Solar Auxilia over Space Marines.

Option 4: Mechanicum Combat Force or Battle Group

Mechanicum army bundles provide an efficient route into a force built around cybernetic infantry and battle-automata.

They are ideal for players who want a visually unusual army and expect to expand into more advanced war machines.

Exact box contents vary by release, so compare the current product listing with your intended Formation before buying.

Which Legions Imperialis Rulebooks Do You Need in 2026?

One of the most important buying considerations is choosing the correct rules.

Legions Imperialis Core Rulebook

The core rulebook explains the fundamental mechanics, including movement, shooting, close combat, terrain, Orders and missions.

It is required to play the game.

Liber Strategia

Liber Strategia, released in 2025, is the main army-building reference for current Legions Imperialis players.

This 240-page supplement consolidates and updates the army lists from the original rules and earlier supplements.

It covers:

• Legiones Astartes
• Solar Auxilia
• Mechanicum Taghmata
• Dark Mechanicum
• Collegia Titanica
• Knight Households

It also includes revised detachments, updated Formations and additional army-building options.

Buying advice: budget for both the core rulebook and Liber Strategia. Older army lists may no longer reflect the latest points, profiles and Formation requirements.

Official FAQs and Errata

Games Workshop publishes free rules updates and clarifications through Warhammer Community.

Before your first game, check the latest downloads for any changes affecting your chosen army.

Visit the official Legions Imperialis downloads page for current updates.

How Does Legions Imperialis Gameplay Work?

Legions Imperialis uses a system of alternating activations and preassigned Orders to represent the complexity of commanding enormous armies.

1. Build Your Army

Players choose an allegiance and organize their detachments into legal Formations.

These formations determine which units are required and which additional troops can be included.

2. Issue Orders

Before units activate, players assign Orders that influence their battlefield behaviour.

Examples include advancing, charging, firing from a prepared position and moving rapidly across the battlefield.

3. Alternate Activations

Instead of one player moving an entire army before the opponent responds, players alternate activating detachments during the relevant phases.

This creates a more interactive game and makes the order of your actions important.

4. Fight for Objectives

Legions Imperialis battles revolve around controlling important locations.

Infantry formations are especially valuable because they can secure ground and occupy buildings.

Even an enormous Titan cannot replace the battlefield role of ordinary troops.

5. Coordinate Combined Arms

Successful armies combine different battlefield roles.

Infantry can occupy objectives, tanks destroy enemy vehicles, artillery supports advances and aircraft threaten targets across the battlefield.

The game rewards players who coordinate these assets rather than relying on a single powerful unit.

How Many Points Should Beginners Start With?

The original standard game size for Legions Imperialis is 3,000 points per side, played on a 5-foot by 4-foot battlefield.

However, that is a substantial army-building and painting project.

New players are better served by starting with smaller introductory games.

These smaller sizes are suggested learning milestones rather than separate official matched-play formats. Use the introductory mission or agree on suitable army-building and battlefield adjustments with your opponent.

How to Build Your First Legiones Astartes Army

For players who choose Space Marines, a balanced combined-arms collection is a strong starting point.

Step 1: Choose Your Legion

Pick a Legion whose lore, colours and battlefield identity interest you.

Ultramarines and Imperial Fists are excellent thematic choices for a conventional force, while Sons of Horus and Iron Warriors offer iconic Traitor alternatives.

Step 2: Build Your Infantry

Start with Tactical Marines and the command elements required by your chosen Formation.

Infantry provides the foundation of your army and is essential for controlling objectives.

Step 3: Add Dreadnoughts

Contemptor, Leviathan and Deredeo Dreadnoughts provide powerful support and visually distinctive models.

Choose the types that complement your army's intended role.

Step 4: Add Tanks

Predators and Sicarans provide mobile firepower, while heavier vehicles such as Kratos tanks can threaten tougher targets.

Check the current Liber Strategia profiles before selecting weapon configurations.

Step 5: Add Transports

Rhinos and other transport vehicles can help your infantry reach important positions.

Transport capacity and Formation restrictions should guide your purchases.

Step 6: Expand into Specialist Units

Once the core army is established, consider artillery, assault units, aircraft or super-heavy vehicles.

This gradual approach helps prevent a large pile of unassembled miniatures.

How to Build Your First Solar Auxilia Army

Solar Auxilia armies are particularly rewarding for players who enjoy military formations and armoured warfare.

Step 1: Start with Infantry

Lasrifle Tercios provide the core of your army and help control objectives.

Build enough infantry to support your chosen Formation.

Step 2: Add Command Units

Solar Auxilia commanders play an important role in coordinating troops.

Plan their positions carefully so your infantry can benefit from the appropriate command rules.

Step 3: Add Leman Russ Tanks

Leman Russ squadrons provide a versatile introduction to armoured warfare.

They are a natural choice for players who enjoy massed tank formations.

Step 4: Add Heavy Armour

Malcador tanks, Baneblades and other heavy vehicles can provide greater firepower and durability.

Choose your upgrades based on the targets your army struggles to defeat.

Step 5: Add Artillery and Air Support

Artillery and aircraft provide additional tactical options once you've learned the basics.

They also make the army feel like a complete military force.

Best Legions Imperialis Kits to Buy After Your Starter

Should You Buy a Titan as Your First Model?

Titans are among the most visually impressive models in the Legions Imperialis range.

A Warlord or Reaver Titan towering over infantry formations creates exactly the kind of spectacle that makes epic-scale gaming exciting.

However, Titans are not necessarily the best first purchase.

They require a larger hobby investment, have specialized battlefield roles and may not provide the objective-control capabilities needed in ordinary missions.

For beginners, it's usually better to build a conventional army first and add a Titan when you understand how it supports your overall strategy.

If your primary interest is Titan warfare itself, you may also want to explore Adeptus Titanicus, which focuses specifically on battles between god-machines.

Painting Legions Imperialis Miniatures: Tips for Epic Scale

Painting epic-scale miniatures is different from painting individual Warhammer 40,000 models.

Because the figures are much smaller, overall colour contrast and consistent unit appearance matter more than intricate details on every soldier.

1. Paint Infantry in Batches

Organize infantry by Legion or unit type and paint several bases at once.

Using a consistent colour scheme across entire detachments creates a strong visual result.

2. Use High-Contrast Colours

Bright highlights and strong armour colours help small miniatures remain recognizable on the tabletop.

Ultramarines blue, Imperial Fists yellow and Sons of Horus green are particularly effective when applied consistently.

3. Keep Basing Simple

Fine texture, muted earth colours and small patches of rubble work well at epic scale.

Avoid oversized rocks or vegetation that would look enormous beside the infantry.

4. Weather Your Tanks

Epic-scale vehicles are excellent candidates for weathering techniques.

Try adding subtle dust, chipped armour and dark washes around panel lines.

Small transfers and Legion markings can make entire tank squadrons look more convincing.

5. Build Terrain at the Correct Scale

Legions Imperialis works particularly well with industrial buildings, ruined cities and fortified positions.

Use appropriately scaled terrain so the battlefield looks like a genuine city rather than a collection of oversized scenery.

Building a Legions Imperialis Battlefield

Terrain is a major part of the game's appeal.

A battlefield filled with industrial structures, ruined hab-blocks and armoured columns creates a dramatic sense of scale.

For a beginner battlefield, consider:

• Several small buildings or ruins.
• Industrial structures and storage facilities.
• Roads suitable for tanks and transports.
• Defensive barricades and fortified positions.
• Open areas for manoeuvring vehicles.
• Objectives positioned around important structures.

Games Workshop's Civitas Imperialis terrain range is designed specifically for the game and provides a convenient way to create urban battlefields.

Additional roads and ruined structures can help create the appearance of a city devastated by the Horus Heresy.

Five Common Legions Imperialis Beginner Mistakes

1. Buying Too Many Vehicles Before Infantry

Tanks and Titans are exciting, but infantry remains important for securing objectives.

Build a balanced force rather than relying entirely on heavy armour.

2. Ignoring Formation Requirements

Legions Imperialis armies are organized into Formations with specific requirements.

Check Liber Strategia before buying multiple specialist units.

3. Starting at 3,000 Points Immediately

A full-size game is impressive, but it can be overwhelming for beginners.

Start with a smaller introductory scenario and expand gradually.

4. Forgetting the Orders System

Orders are central to the game's tactical depth.

Learning when to advance, charge or prepare to fire is just as important as choosing powerful units.

5. Buying Older Rules Without Checking Updates

Liber Strategia revises many army lists, profiles and Formations.

Use current rules and check the official FAQs before assembling a detailed army list.

Our Recommended Legions Imperialis Buying Paths

All of these paths should be planned using the current core rules and Liber Strategia. The products listed are suggested collection-building routes rather than complete, points-validated army lists.

Frequently Asked Questions About Legions Imperialis

Final Verdict: Is Legions Imperialis Worth Playing in 2026?

Legions Imperialis offers something genuinely different from traditional Warhammer games.

Instead of focusing on individual warriors, it recreates the enormous military operations of the Horus Heresy, with entire Space Marine formations, armoured companies, aircraft and Titans fighting across devastated worlds.

For beginners, Legiones Astartes are our top overall recommendation because they combine iconic lore with a flexible range of infantry, Dreadnoughts and vehicles.

Solar Auxilia are an equally compelling choice for players who love tank warfare and large human armies, while Mechanicum and Dark Mechanicum provide distinctive alternatives built around advanced machinery.

Knights and Titans add spectacular centrepiece models, but most new players will benefit from learning the game with a conventional army first.

The best approach is to choose a faction, start with a manageable collection, learn the Orders system and expand gradually into larger battles.

With the updated army-building rules in Liber Strategia and a substantial range of miniatures, Legions Imperialis provides plenty of opportunities to recreate the most devastating battles of the Age of Darkness.

Explore Legions Imperialis at TistaMinis and begin building your own epic-scale Horus Heresy army.