The Complete Guide to Games Workshop and Warhammer
Games Workshop is one of the most influential companies in tabletop miniature gaming. Its Warhammer ranges cover large-scale science-fiction battles, fantasy armies, skirmish games, historical-style rank-and-flank warfare, tactical campaigns, sports games, novels, hobby supplies, magazines, apps, and licensed products.
For someone new to the hobby, the Games Workshop catalogue can appear overwhelming. Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer Age of Sigmar are only the beginning. Players can also explore The Horus Heresy, The Old World, Kill Team, Warcry, Necromunda, Legions Imperialis, Blood Bowl, Warhammer Quest, and the Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game.
This complete Games Workshop guide explains the major Warhammer game systems, how they differ, which starter products to consider, what accessories are required, how the hobby side works, and which range best suits different players.
Browse miniatures, starter sets, armies, rulebooks, paints, tools, and other Games Workshop products at Tistaminis.
Quick Summary
- Best Overall Warhammer Game: Warhammer 40,000
- Best Fantasy Game: Warhammer Age of Sigmar
- Best Rank-and-Flank Game: Warhammer: The Old World
- Best Narrative Science-Fiction Game: Warhammer: The Horus Heresy
- Best Beginner Skirmish Game: Kill Team
- Best Fantasy Skirmish Game: Warcry
- Best Campaign Skirmish Game: Necromunda
- Best Small-Scale Mass-Battle Game: Legions Imperialis
- Best Sports Game: Blood Bowl
- Best Licensed Miniature Game: Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game
- Best Cooperative Warhammer Game: Warhammer Quest
- Best Starting Point for 40K: Combat Patrol or a current starter set
- Best Starting Point for Age of Sigmar: Spearhead
- Best Starting Point for The Old World: A complete battalion or core set
- Best Hobby Paint Range: Citadel Colour
- Best Lore Starting Point: Black Library novels or faction rulebooks
What Is Games Workshop?
Games Workshop designs and produces tabletop miniature games, plastic model kits, rulebooks, hobby supplies, fiction, magazines, digital tools, and licensed entertainment products.
The company’s best-known intellectual properties are:
- Warhammer 40,000: A grim science-fiction universe set in the far future
- Warhammer Age of Sigmar: A high-fantasy universe set across the Mortal Realms
- The Horus Heresy: A civil war set roughly 10,000 years before Warhammer 40,000
- Warhammer: The Old World: Rank-and-flank fantasy warfare in the World of Legend
Games Workshop also produces smaller and more specialized systems set within these universes. Some use compact skirmish forces, while others represent enormous battles at a much smaller miniature scale.
The Main Games Workshop Systems Compared
| Game | Setting | Game Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warhammer 40,000 | Far-future science fiction | Full armies | The broadest community and product range |
| Age of Sigmar | High fantasy | Full armies | Dynamic fantasy miniatures and accessible army building |
| The Horus Heresy | Age of Darkness | Large armies | Narrative battles and Space Marine Legions |
| The Old World | Classic fantasy world | Rank-and-flank armies | Traditional fantasy warfare |
| Kill Team | Warhammer 40,000 | Small squads | Fast tactical skirmishes |
| Warcry | Age of Sigmar | Small warbands | Accessible fantasy skirmishes |
| Necromunda | Imperial underhives | Small gangs | Detailed campaigns and customization |
| Legions Imperialis | The Horus Heresy | Epic-scale armies | Massive combined-arms battles |
| Blood Bowl | Fantasy sports | One team | Competitive sports and league play |
| Middle-earth SBG | The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit | Skirmishes to armies | Recreating battles and characters from Middle-earth |
| Warhammer Quest | Warhammer settings | Hero party | Cooperative dungeon adventures |
Warhammer 40,000
Warhammer 40,000, commonly shortened to Warhammer 40K, is Games Workshop’s flagship science-fiction miniature game.
It is set in a distant future where the Imperium of Man fights for survival against aliens, traitors, daemons, ancient machines, and countless internal threats.
Major Warhammer 40K Factions
- Space Marines
- Imperial Guard or Astra Militarum
- Adepta Sororitas
- Adeptus Mechanicus
- Adeptus Custodes
- Imperial Knights
- Chaos Space Marines
- Death Guard
- Thousand Sons
- World Eaters
- Chaos Daemons
- Chaos Knights
- Orks
- Aeldari
- Drukhari
- Necrons
- T’au Empire
- Tyranids
- Genestealer Cults
- Leagues of Votann
How Warhammer 40K Plays
Players assemble an army using units from their chosen faction. Games revolve around controlling objectives, completing missions, positioning units, managing command resources, and combining faction abilities.
Armies commonly include:
- Infantry squads
- Commanders and heroes
- Elite units
- Monsters
- Tanks and walkers
- Aircraft
- Artillery
- Large centrepiece models
Best Starting Point
A Combat Patrol is usually the best single-faction starting product. Each box provides a themed selection of models and supports the dedicated Combat Patrol format.
Two-player starter sets are better when two people want to begin together or when one collector wants both featured factions.
Who Should Choose Warhammer 40K?
- Players wanting the largest Warhammer community
- Science-fiction fans
- Collectors who enjoy tanks, monsters, and large armies
- Competitive tournament players
- Readers interested in a vast fictional universe
- Painters wanting many different faction styles
Possible Drawbacks
- A complete army can require a substantial investment.
- Rules and points receive regular updates.
- The product range can overwhelm beginners.
- Large games need significant table and terrain space.
Best For: Players seeking the broadest Warhammer experience, large communities, and extensive faction variety.
Warhammer Age of Sigmar
Warhammer Age of Sigmar is Games Workshop’s primary fantasy battle game. It is set across the Mortal Realms, where gods, monsters, magical armies, undead dynasties, daemonic forces, and mortal civilizations battle for control.
Grand Alliances
Age of Sigmar factions are broadly associated with four Grand Alliances:
- Order: Stormcast Eternals, Cities of Sigmar, Lumineth Realm-lords, Seraphon, Sylvaneth, Daughters of Khaine, Fyreslayers, Idoneth Deepkin, and others
- Chaos: Slaves to Darkness, Skaven, Blades of Khorne, Maggotkin of Nurgle, Disciples of Tzeentch, Hedonites of Slaanesh, and Beasts of Chaos-related forces where supported
- Death: Soulblight Gravelords, Nighthaunt, Ossiarch Bonereapers, and Flesh-eater Courts
- Destruction: Orruk Warclans, Gloomspite Gitz, Ogor Mawtribes, and Sons of Behemat
How Age of Sigmar Plays
Age of Sigmar uses full armies, objective-based missions, powerful heroes, faction battle traits, spells, prayers, monsters, and command abilities.
The game emphasizes:
- Dynamic movement
- Hero abilities
- Large fantasy creatures
- Objective scoring
- Faction-specific combinations
- Visually distinctive armies
Best Starting Point
A Spearhead box is generally the best single-faction starting product. Spearhead also provides a smaller, structured game mode using the contents of supported boxes.
Who Should Choose Age of Sigmar?
- Fantasy players
- Painters who enjoy monsters and magical effects
- Players wanting highly distinctive factions
- Collectors who prefer dynamic model designs
- Groups seeking a major army game outside science fiction
Possible Drawbacks
- Some armies rely heavily on faction-specific rules.
- Large centrepiece models can be expensive.
- The Mortal Realms setting may feel unfamiliar to classic fantasy players.
- Competitive balance can shift through updates.
Best For: Players wanting a modern fantasy army game with dramatic miniatures and strong faction identities.
Warhammer: The Horus Heresy
Warhammer: The Horus Heresy is set during the galaxy-spanning civil war that eventually shapes the universe of Warhammer 40,000.
The Emperor’s Space Marine Legions divide between Loyalists and Traitors, creating battles involving thousands of genetically engineered warriors, armoured vehicles, Titans, Primarchs, and allied human forces.
Why The Horus Heresy Is Different
- Strong narrative and historical-style focus
- Space Marine Legions with distinct identities
- Large infantry formations
- Extensive vehicle range
- Detailed army construction
- Emphasis on thematic battles
- Rules influenced by older editions of Warhammer 40K
Popular Legions
- Dark Angels
- Emperor’s Children
- Iron Warriors
- White Scars
- Space Wolves
- Imperial Fists
- Night Lords
- Blood Angels
- Iron Hands
- World Eaters
- Ultramarines
- Death Guard
- Thousand Sons
- Sons of Horus
- Word Bearers
- Salamanders
- Raven Guard
- Alpha Legion
Best Starting Point
Choose a current Age of Darkness starter product or build around a Legion-specific force. The large number of shared Space Marine kits makes it possible to begin with a flexible core before adding Legion-exclusive units.
Who Should Choose The Horus Heresy?
- Players who enjoy Warhammer lore
- Collectors interested in Space Marine Legions
- Fans of large narrative battles
- Historical wargamers comfortable with detailed army construction
- Painters who enjoy Legion colours and heraldry
Possible Drawbacks
- Armies can require many models.
- Rules are more detailed than Games Workshop’s smaller systems.
- The range includes premium resin products alongside plastic kits.
- Legion-heavy matchups may appear visually similar to new players.
Best For: Narrative gamers, Legion collectors, and players who want large-scale battles rooted deeply in Warhammer history.
Warhammer: The Old World
Warhammer: The Old World returns to traditional rank-and-flank fantasy warfare. Units form organized blocks, wheel across the battlefield, charge enemy formations, and fight over position, flanks, and morale.
It is set in the World of Legend, centuries before the final events associated with the original Warhammer Fantasy setting.
Core Factions
- Kingdom of Bretonnia
- Tomb Kings of Khemri
- Empire of Man
- Dwarfen Mountain Holds
- High Elf Realms
- Wood Elf Realms
- Warriors of Chaos
- Orc and Goblin Tribes
- Beastmen Brayherds
How The Old World Plays
- Units fight in ranked formations.
- Facing and positioning matter.
- Flank and rear attacks are important.
- Characters join units.
- Morale can cause formations to flee.
- Magic and war machines support the main battle line.
Best Starting Point
Begin with a core set, battalion, or a focused 500- to 1,000-point force. Rank-and-flank armies require careful planning because unit size and formation width affect both cost and gameplay.
Who Should Choose The Old World?
- Classic fantasy players
- Fans of organized regiment formations
- Warhammer Fantasy veterans
- Players who enjoy manoeuvre and battlefield positioning
- Collectors interested in Bretonnia, Tomb Kings, Dwarfs, Elves, or similar armies
Possible Drawbacks
- Units often require many models.
- Movement and formation rules take practice.
- Some older miniatures may use different materials.
- Army construction can be less forgiving than in skirmish games.
Best For: Players who want traditional fantasy armies moving in ranked formations.
Kill Team
Kill Team is a tactical skirmish game set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Instead of controlling a full army, each player commands a specialized squad.
What Makes Kill Team Different?
- Small model count
- Alternating activations
- Individual operative abilities
- Dense terrain
- Scenario-focused missions
- Compact collecting projects
- Strong competitive and narrative support
Typical Kill Teams
- Space Marine squads
- Imperial agents
- Veteran Guardsmen
- Ork Kommandos
- T’au specialists
- Aeldari operatives
- Chaos cultists
- Necron teams
- Genestealer Cult infiltrators
Best Starting Point
A complete starter set is the easiest introduction because it may include two teams, terrain, tokens, rules, and gaming accessories. A standalone team is suitable when another local player already owns the required battlefield materials.
Who Should Choose Kill Team?
- Players wanting a lower model count
- 40K fans who do not want a full army
- Painters who enjoy varied individual models
- Competitive skirmish players
- Collectors wanting to sample several factions
Best For: Tactical science-fiction skirmishes and smaller hobby projects.
Warcry
Warcry is the fantasy skirmish counterpart to Kill Team. Players control compact warbands fighting across ruined settlements, forests, temples, and chaotic battlefields.
Why Warcry Is Beginner Friendly
- Small warbands
- Quick setup
- Accessible core mechanics
- Dynamic scenarios
- Strong vertical terrain
- Many Age of Sigmar models can be used.
- Good support for narrative campaigns
Who Should Choose Warcry?
- Fantasy skirmish players
- Age of Sigmar collectors wanting smaller games
- Players who enjoy campaigns
- Painters wanting varied warbands
- Groups looking for faster games
Best For: Accessible fantasy skirmishes with strong terrain and narrative potential.
Necromunda
Necromunda focuses on gang warfare inside the industrial underhives of the Imperium.
Rather than commanding elite military forces, players control gangs competing for territory, resources, reputation, equipment, and survival.
What Makes Necromunda Unique?
- Detailed campaign progression
- Individual fighter equipment
- Injuries and lasting consequences
- Highly customizable models
- Dense industrial terrain
- Strong narrative identity
- Many gang-specific books and expansions
Popular Gangs
- House Escher
- House Goliath
- House Orlock
- House Van Saar
- House Cawdor
- House Delaque
- Palanite Enforcers
- Corpse Grinder Cults
- Ash Waste Nomads
- Ironhead Squat Prospectors
Who Should Choose Necromunda?
- Campaign gamers
- Model converters
- Players who enjoy detailed equipment systems
- Groups with a dedicated campaign organizer
- Collectors interested in the civilian side of the Imperium
Possible Drawbacks
- Rules are distributed across several books.
- Campaign balance can vary.
- Terrain requirements can be substantial.
- The game works best with a committed group.
Best For: Narrative campaigns, conversions, and highly personalized gangs.
Legions Imperialis
Legions Imperialis represents enormous battles during the Horus Heresy at epic scale.
Players can field infantry companies, tanks, aircraft, Knights, artillery, super-heavy vehicles, and Titans in numbers that would be impractical at the normal Warhammer scale.
Why Choose Epic Scale?
- Large combined-arms battles
- Numerous vehicles on the table
- Titans can fight alongside conventional troops.
- Armies appear like full military formations.
- Smaller models allow broader battlefields.
- Strong visual connection to the Horus Heresy
Who Should Choose Legions Imperialis?
- Players who enjoy mass battles
- Horus Heresy fans
- Collectors who love tanks and Titans
- Players comfortable painting small-scale models
- Groups wanting strategic combined-arms warfare
Best For: Recreating enormous Age of Darkness battles at a manageable scale.
Blood Bowl
Blood Bowl combines fantasy races with a violent parody of professional football.
Teams attempt to score touchdowns while blocking, injuring, fouling, and disrupting their opponents.
Why Blood Bowl Is Popular
- One team is a complete collection.
- Strong league and campaign play
- Distinctive fantasy races
- High player interaction
- Many tactical decisions
- Memorable random events
- Models are useful painting projects.
Popular Team Types
- Humans
- Orcs
- Elves
- Dwarfs
- Skaven
- Undead
- Chaos teams
- Goblins
- Halflings
- Lizardmen
Who Should Choose Blood Bowl?
- Sports-game fans
- Players who enjoy leagues
- Groups wanting smaller collections
- Painters interested in colourful teams
- Players comfortable with unpredictable dice results
Best For: Competitive leagues, compact collections, and fantasy sports.
Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game
The Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game allows players to recreate battles and stories from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
Players can command heroes, warriors, monsters, cavalry, siege engines, and legendary villains from across Middle-earth.
Popular Forces
- Gondor
- Rohan
- Mordor
- Isengard
- Rivendell
- Lothlórien
- Moria
- The Shire
- Erebor
- Iron Hills
- Harad
- Easterlings
- Angmar
- Army of the Dead
Why Players Choose Middle-earth
- Recognizable characters
- Strong connection to the films and books
- Heroic actions and duels
- Scenario and matched-play options
- Armies can begin at modest model counts.
- Good and Evil collections provide natural opponents.
Possible Drawbacks
- The range includes models from several production eras.
- Some miniatures are metal or resin rather than plastic.
- Faction organization can be less obvious to beginners.
- Exact army selection depends on current publications.
Best For: Lord of the Rings fans and players who enjoy character-driven battles.
Warhammer Quest
Warhammer Quest is Games Workshop’s cooperative adventure range. Players control heroes exploring dangerous locations, fighting enemies, collecting equipment, and completing linked or standalone scenarios.
Warhammer Quest Appeals To:
- Cooperative board gamers
- Players who prefer campaigns over competitive battles
- Miniature painters wanting a varied box
- Role-playing fans
- Groups wanting a complete experience in one set
Notable Warhammer Quest Settings
- Blackstone Fortress
- Cursed City
- Darkwater
- Other boxed adventures and expansions
Best For: Cooperative groups and players wanting Warhammer miniatures without building a full army.
Warhammer Underworlds
Warhammer Underworlds combines miniature skirmishing with card-driven objectives and abilities.
Each warband contains a small group of distinctive fighters, making it one of the most manageable Warhammer collecting formats.
Why Choose Warhammer Underworlds?
- Very small model count
- Predefined warbands
- Compact play area
- Fast matches
- Strong characterful miniatures
- Combination of cards and positional play
Best For: Players wanting small self-contained warbands and fast competitive games.
Adeptus Titanicus and Other Specialist Games
Games Workshop has also supported specialized systems focused on particular forms of warfare.
Adeptus Titanicus
Adeptus Titanicus focuses on battles between enormous Titans and Knight households during the Horus Heresy.
Aeronautica Imperialis
Aeronautica Imperialis focuses on aerial combat between aircraft from the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
Availability and current support can vary, and some miniatures or concepts may overlap with broader systems such as Legions Imperialis.
Made to Order and Returning Classics
Games Workshop periodically returns older miniatures through limited Made to Order windows. These releases can help collectors complete classic armies, but availability is temporary.
What Is Citadel?
Citadel is Games Workshop’s primary miniature and hobby-product brand.
Citadel Products Include:
- Acrylic paints
- Contrast paints
- Shades
- Technical paints
- Spray primers
- Brushes
- Cutters
- Mould-line removers
- Drills
- Plastic glue
- Painting handles
- Basing materials
Citadel Paint Categories
- Base: Strong initial coverage
- Layer: Highlights and colour transitions
- Shade: Recess definition
- Contrast: Transparent colour and shading over a light undercoat
- Dry: Formulated for drybrushing
- Technical: Texture, blood, corrosion, gemstones, and other effects
Do You Need Citadel Paints?
No. Warhammer miniatures can be painted with any suitable miniature acrylics. Citadel paints are popular because official guides use their colour names and the range supports a complete painting system.
What Is Black Library?
Black Library publishes fiction set in the worlds of Warhammer.
Its catalogue includes:
- Warhammer 40,000 novels
- Horus Heresy novels
- Age of Sigmar fiction
- The Old World stories
- Character series
- Anthologies
- Audio dramas
- Limited editions
Good Black Library Starting Points
- A novel focused on your chosen faction
- The opening Horus Heresy books
- Short-story anthologies
- Character-led series
- Books tied to a current campaign or release
Black Library is one of the easiest ways to understand why factions fight and what daily life looks like inside the settings.
What Is White Dwarf?
White Dwarf is Games Workshop’s official hobby magazine.
Issues may include:
- Painting guides
- Battle reports
- New rules
- Scenarios
- Lore
- Designer interviews
- Army showcases
- Conversion projects
- Previews and hobby challenges
White Dwarf is particularly useful for hobbyists who follow several Warhammer systems rather than one army alone.
What Is Warhammer+?
Warhammer+ is Games Workshop’s digital subscription service.
Features may include:
- Original animations
- Warhammer TV hobby shows
- Access to supported Warhammer apps
- Digital magazine and publication archives
- Annual subscriber miniatures
- Subscriber offers and competitions
The value depends on whether you use the apps, watch the programming, and want the annual miniature.
What Do You Need to Start Warhammer?
Essential Products
- Miniatures or a starter set
- Current rules for the chosen game
- Dice
- Measuring tool
- Assembly tools
- Suitable glue
- Opponent and gaming space
Essential Assembly Supplies
- Precision side cutters
- Hobby knife or mould-line remover
- Plastic cement for compatible plastic kits
- Super glue for resin, metal, or mixed materials
Basic Painting Supplies
- Primer
- Several acrylic paints
- Medium pointed brush
- Detail brush
- Wash
- Drybrush
- Palette
- Water container
Gaming Accessories
- Dice
- Tape measure
- Tokens
- Objective markers
- Army transport
- Terrain
How Much Does It Cost to Start Warhammer?
The cost depends heavily on the game and chosen faction.
Lower-Cost Entry Points
- One Kill Team
- One Warcry warband
- One Blood Bowl team
- One Warhammer Underworlds warband
- A Warhammer Quest boxed game shared by a group
Mid-Range Entry Points
- Combat Patrol
- Spearhead
- Middle-earth starter force
- Necromunda gang with shared terrain
Higher-Cost Projects
- Full Warhammer 40K army
- Full Age of Sigmar army
- Large Horus Heresy Legion
- Rank-and-flank Old World army
- Legions Imperialis combined-arms force
Start with a playable format rather than purchasing a full tournament army immediately.
Which Warhammer Game Is Best for Beginners?
| Beginner Goal | Recommended Game |
|---|---|
| Most popular overall game | Warhammer 40,000 |
| Fantasy army game | Age of Sigmar |
| Small science-fiction squad | Kill Team |
| Small fantasy warband | Warcry |
| Campaign and customization | Necromunda |
| Traditional fantasy regiments | The Old World |
| Lord of the Rings theme | Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game |
| Cooperative adventure | Warhammer Quest |
| Compact sports league | Blood Bowl |
How to Choose Your First Warhammer Army
Choose by Appearance
You will spend considerable time assembling and painting the models. Choose an army whose miniatures you genuinely enjoy.
Choose by Playstyle
Consider whether you prefer:
- Elite armies with fewer models
- Large infantry hordes
- Fast cavalry or vehicles
- Heavy shooting
- Close combat
- Magic or psychic powers
- Defensive play
- Highly flexible combined arms
Choose by Local Community
Confirm which systems and game sizes are played locally. A strong local community makes learning and finding opponents much easier.
Choose by Painting Difficulty
Armies with repeated armour schemes are generally faster to paint than forces containing many individual textures, skin tones, and detailed fabrics.
Choose by Collection Size
Some factions can field compact elite armies, while others need numerous infantry models.
New Models vs Used Warhammer
Advantages of New Models
- Complete components
- Current packaging
- Full assembly choices
- Clean surfaces
- Known model condition
- Best option for conversions and custom poses
Advantages of Used Models
- Lower cost
- Models may already be assembled.
- Painted armies can reach the table quickly.
- Older or discontinued miniatures may be available.
- Large collections can sometimes be purchased together.
What to Check When Buying Used
- Missing arms or weapons
- Incorrect bases
- Excess glue
- Broken components
- Heavy paint buildup
- Unusual conversions
- Whether the models match the current unit options
Games Workshop Books and Rules
Different systems use different publication structures.
Common Book Types
- Core Rulebook: Main rules and setting background
- Codex: Warhammer 40K faction rules and lore
- Battletome: Age of Sigmar faction rules and lore
- Army Book or Forces Book: Army rules for The Old World, Middle-earth, or other systems
- Campaign Book: Scenarios, narrative rules, and new units
- Journal: Focused rules or historical content
- Expansion: Additional rules for specialist systems
Always Check Current Updates
Games Workshop publishes FAQs, errata, balance updates, points changes, and downloadable rules. Printed books may need to be used alongside these updates.
Warhammer Apps and Digital Tools
Digital tools can assist with:
- Army construction
- Rules references
- Points updates
- Faction abilities
- Collection planning
- Reading digital fiction
Availability and subscription requirements vary between systems.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Buying a Full Army Before Playing
Begin with a starter format and learn which units and playstyle you actually enjoy.
Choosing Only by Competitive Strength
Rules change. Models and faction identity remain part of the collection much longer.
Using the Wrong Glue
Plastic cement works only on compatible polystyrene. Resin and metal usually require super glue.
Skipping Primer
Primer improves paint adhesion and coverage.
Buying Too Many Paints
Start with the colours required for one army recipe.
Ignoring Local Players
A system may be excellent but difficult to play regularly when no local group supports it.
Using Outdated Rules
Check current FAQs, errata, points, and downloads before organized play.
Starting Several Armies at Once
Complete one playable force before expanding into multiple large projects.
Overloading Every Unit with Options
Build a clear army plan before purchasing specialist units and expensive upgrades.
Recommended Starting Paths
Warhammer 40K Beginner
- Choose a faction.
- Purchase a Combat Patrol or starter set.
- Learn the smaller Combat Patrol format.
- Add one unit that supports the army’s main weakness.
- Expand gradually toward larger games.
Age of Sigmar Beginner
- Choose a faction by models and theme.
- Purchase a Spearhead.
- Play the Spearhead format.
- Add a hero or unit that complements the box.
- Expand toward a full army.
Skirmish Beginner
- Choose Kill Team for science fiction or Warcry for fantasy.
- Purchase a complete starter when terrain and tokens are needed.
- Build and paint one team.
- Play several missions before buying another team.
The Old World Beginner
- Choose one supported army.
- Begin with a battalion or core set.
- Plan unit sizes before assembly.
- Play smaller games.
- Add characters, cavalry, monsters, or war machines gradually.
Middle-earth Beginner
- Choose Good or Evil.
- Select a favourite film, faction, or character.
- Begin with a starter set or focused army.
- Learn with smaller scenarios.
- Add heroes and specialized units.
Games Workshop Buying Tips
- Choose the game system before choosing individual models.
- Begin with Combat Patrol for Warhammer 40K.
- Begin with Spearhead for Age of Sigmar.
- Choose Kill Team or Warcry when model count is a concern.
- Choose The Old World for ranked fantasy units.
- Choose The Horus Heresy for large narrative Legion battles.
- Choose Middle-earth for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
- Choose Blood Bowl for league-focused fantasy sports.
- Check whether a kit is plastic, resin, or metal before selecting glue.
- Confirm the current rules and points before building a tournament list.
- Purchase paints according to one tested colour recipe.
- Use starter formats to learn before expanding.
- Consider used models when budget matters.
- Check local gaming activity before committing to a specialist system.
- Collect models you will still enjoy when the rules change.
Browse Warhammer armies, starter sets, miniatures, books, paints, tools, and other Games Workshop products at Tistaminis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Games Workshop?
Games Workshop is the company behind Warhammer 40,000, Warhammer Age of Sigmar, The Horus Heresy, The Old World, Kill Team, Warcry, Necromunda, Blood Bowl, Citadel hobby products, Black Library, and several other tabletop ranges.
What is the most popular Games Workshop game?
Warhammer 40,000 is Games Workshop’s largest and most widely recognized tabletop miniature game, with an extensive faction range, active tournament community, novels, video games, and licensed products.
What is the difference between Warhammer 40K and Age of Sigmar?
Warhammer 40K is a grim science-fiction game featuring aliens, tanks, Space Marines, and futuristic armies. Age of Sigmar is a high-fantasy game featuring gods, monsters, undead armies, daemons, and magical civilizations.
What is the easiest Warhammer game to start?
Kill Team and Warcry are among the easiest starting points because they use relatively few models. Combat Patrol and Spearhead are the best structured entry formats for Warhammer 40K and Age of Sigmar.
What is the difference between Warhammer 40K and Kill Team?
Warhammer 40K uses full armies containing several units and vehicles. Kill Team focuses on one small squad of individual operatives fighting tactical missions on dense terrain.
What is the difference between Age of Sigmar and Warcry?
Age of Sigmar uses full fantasy armies. Warcry uses smaller warbands and faster skirmish rules, making it easier to begin with fewer models.
Is The Old World the same as Age of Sigmar?
No. The Old World uses traditional ranked formations in the classic World of Legend. Age of Sigmar uses more flexible unit movement and is set across the Mortal Realms.
What is The Horus Heresy?
The Horus Heresy is a large-scale science-fiction wargame set approximately 10,000 years before Warhammer 40,000. It focuses heavily on Space Marine Legions and the civil war that divided the Imperium.
Can Warhammer models be used in more than one game?
Some models can be used across related systems, such as Age of Sigmar miniatures in Warcry or Warhammer 40K factions in Kill Team. Compatibility depends on current rules and supported unit profiles.
Do Warhammer miniatures come painted?
Most Games Workshop miniatures are supplied unassembled and unpainted. They normally require cutters, suitable glue, primer, paints, and brushes.
Do I have to use Citadel paints?
No. Any suitable miniature acrylic paint can be used. Citadel paints are convenient because official tutorials and painting guides refer to their specific colour names.
Where can I buy Games Workshop products in Canada?
You can browse Games Workshop miniatures, Warhammer starter sets, armies, books, Citadel paints, tools, and accessories online or in store at Tistaminis.
Final Thoughts
Games Workshop offers far more than one miniature game. Its catalogue includes full army systems, compact skirmish games, narrative campaigns, fantasy sports, cooperative adventures, fiction, magazines, digital services, and a complete miniature-painting range.
Warhammer 40,000 remains the best overall starting point for players seeking the largest community and widest faction selection. Warhammer Age of Sigmar provides the strongest modern fantasy army experience, while The Old World serves players who prefer traditional ranked formations.
The Horus Heresy is ideal for large narrative Legion battles. Kill Team and Warcry provide smaller, more manageable entry points, while Necromunda emphasizes campaign progression and model customization.
Legions Imperialis allows enormous battles at epic scale, Blood Bowl provides competitive fantasy sports, and the Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game recreates battles from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
New players should begin with one game, one faction, and one supported starter format. Build, paint, and play that collection before expanding into several systems.
The best Warhammer purchase is not always the strongest current unit or largest boxed set. It is the product that matches your preferred setting, model count, playstyle, painting interest, and local community.
Browse the latest Games Workshop and Warhammer products at Tistaminis and choose the system that best fits your next tabletop project.
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