Warhammer: The Old World Army Building Guide – What to Buy First for Your Faction

Warhammer: The Old World marks a nostalgic return to the classic rank-and-flank fantasy wargame, bringing old factions back to life with modern rules and beautifully reimagined miniatures. Whether you're a returning veteran or a newcomer entering the world of Warhammer fantasy for the first time, building your army can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many factions, units, and build paths available, knowing what to buy first is key to avoiding wasted time and money.

This comprehensive guide will help you confidently begin your journey in Warhammer: The Old World, understand the core concepts of army building, and offer practical recommendations for what to purchase based on your chosen faction.

Understanding Warhammer: The Old World – What Makes It Different?

Before diving into army lists, it’s important to understand what sets Warhammer: The Old World apart:

Key Features:

·    Rank-and-file combat: Units move in blocks, requiring strategic positioning.

·   Familiar factions return: The Empire, Tomb Kings, Bretonnia, Orcs & Goblins, and more.

·  Expanded lore and setting: Rewinds the timeline, providing rich storytelling pre-dating the End Times.

•       Updated rules: Modernized mechanics while preserving classic gameplay aesthetics.

Whether you’re here for the lore, hobby, or competitive scene, knowing the system helps shape your army-building goals.

Step 1: Choosing Your Faction – Know Thy Army

Each Warhammer: The Old World faction offers a unique playstyle, aesthetic, and lore. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Once you've picked a faction, your next step is identifying the most essential purchases to start building a functional army.

Step 2: Set Your Point Goal – 1000, 1500, or 2000?

Games of Warhammer: The Old World can vary in size. However, 1500–2000 points is a common standard. If you're new, aim for 1000–1500 points to begin. This scale lets you:

·       Learn core mechanics

·       Play shorter, manageable games

·       Build, paint, and experiment without being overwhelmed

As your confidence and collection grow, you can scale to 2000+ points and beyond.

Step 3: What to Buy First – Core Essentials by Faction

Let’s now break down what you should consider buying first for each major Warhammer: The Old World faction. These recommendations balance affordability, versatility, and competitive usability.

The Empire

A highly flexible human faction that thrives on variety and synergy.

Starter Essentials:

·       State Troops (Halberdiers or Spearmen): Your backbone

·       Handgunners/Crossbowmen: For ranged support

·       Great Cannon or Mortar: Excellent artillery piece

·       General of the Empire: Essential HQ unit

·       Empire Knights: Fast response cavalry

Find Empire kits and upgrade bits at Tistaminis.

Build Tip:
 Start with a 20-man halberd unit, 10 crossbowmen, and a cannon. Add characters as needed and expand with cavalry or elite infantry.

Bretonnia

A noble kingdom renowned for its heroic knights and minimal ranged firepower.

Starter Essentials:

·       Knights of the Realm (15–20): Central to your strategy

·       Men-at-Arms: Cheap but necessary foot troops

·       Peasant Archers: Basic ranged options with stakes

·       Paladin on Warhorse: Great for leading knight units

Build Tip:
Start with at least 2 units of 5–6 Knights. Pair with 20 Men-at-Arms and 10 archers. Upgrade later with Pegasus Knights and Lords.

Tistaminis offers rare Bretonnian models and classic miniatures in excellent condition: Shop Bretonnia.

Tomb Kings

Masters of the undead who rely on synergy, buffs, and numbers.

Starter Essentials:

·       Skeleton Warriors (20–40): Foundation of any army

·       Skeleton Archers: Static defense with magical support

·       Tomb Prince or Liche Priest: Command and magic units

·       Ushabti or Tomb Scorpion: Adds a punch in melee

Build Tip:
Start with two blocks of 20 warriors, add a Liche Priest for spellcasting, and mix in archers. Aim for synergy using spells like Righteous Smiting.

Orcs & Goblins

Unpredictable and full of flavor, this horde army relies on numbers and momentum.

Starter Essentials:

·       Orc Boyz: Your solid frontline

·       Night Goblins with Fanatics: Great for ambush and chaos

·       Trolls or Squig Hoppers: Powerful support

·       Shaman or Warboss: Lead with magic or muscle

Build Tip:
 Start with 30 Night Goblins with fanatics, 20 Orc Boyz, and one character. Consider a Doom Diver or Rock Lobba for artillery.

Dwarfs

A slow but deadly faction with excellent armor and firepower.

Starter Essentials:

·       Dwarf Warriors or Longbeards: Your infantry core

·       Thunderers or Quarrellers: Powerful ranged units

·       Cannon or Organ Gun: Devastating artillery

·       Runesmith or Thane: Your commander

Build Tip:
 Start with 20 Warriors, 10 Thunderers, and a cannon. Add a Runesmith to boost magic defense.

Hobby and Assembly: What You’ll Also Need

While collecting miniatures is the core of the game, you’ll need some hobby essentials to assemble and paint your army. Here’s what to prioritize:

Essential Hobby Tools:

·       Clippers and hobby knife

·       Plastic glue or superglue

·       Hobby mat and files

·       Citadel paints or Vallejo color sets

Painting Supplies:

·       Starter paint set

·       Good quality brushes (size 0–2)

·       Primer spray (white or grey works best for most armies)

Tips for Building a Balanced Army List

When you're new, avoid going all-in on elite units or monsters. Instead, build a balanced force with:

·       One HQ (General or caster)

·       Two core units (Infantry blocks)

·       One support unit (Archers, artillery, cavalry)

·       Optional rare/special unit (Monster, warmachine, etc.)

Use your army’s special rules and tactics to find synergy between units. For example, Tomb Kings rely heavily on magic buffs, while Bretonnia needs cavalry charges supported by blessings.

Where to Buy Models, Bits, and Supplies

While Games Workshop is the original source, many hobbyists turn to trusted third-party retailers for affordability, availability, and rare finds.

Why Buy from Tistaminis?

✔️ Pre-owned and new models

✔️ Rare and OOP miniatures

✔️ Competitive pricing

✔️ Fast shipping within North America

✔️ Large Warhammer: The Old World catalog

Whether you're missing a single knight or building a full regiment, Tistaminis offers flexibility and quality—making it a go-to choice for many tabletop generals.

Start Your Warhammer: The Old World Journey with Confidence

Building your first army in Warhammer: The Old World is a rewarding experience that combines strategy, creativity, and community. Whether you're raising legions of undead, charging into battle with knights, or anchoring the line with dwarfs, your army is a reflection of your vision and tactical style.

By following this guide and investing in well-rounded core units, you’ll avoid common beginner pitfalls and build a force that’s playable, expandable, and fun.

If you're ready to start—or expand—your army, Tistaminis has everything from rare units to hobby tools, paints, and gaming supplies. With new Warhammer: The Old World stock arriving regularly, it's a reliable resource for every phase of your hobby journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Warhammer: The Old World beginner-friendly?

Yes, it’s an excellent entry point for those who enjoy strategic gameplay and fantasy themes. Start small (1000–1500 points) to learn the rules gradually.

2. How many models do I need to start playing?

Typically, a 1000-point army will include 40–60 models. That number varies by faction—horde armies like Goblins need more, while elite armies like Dwarfs need fewer.

3. Can I use my old Warhammer Fantasy Battles models?

Absolutely! Most older models are compatible. Many hobbyists are updating their bases or painting schemes to match the new aesthetic.

4. What makes Tistaminis different from other retailers?

Tistaminis offers both new and pre-owned models, allowing hobbyists to find discontinued kits, save money, and expand collections quickly. Their inventory of Warhammer: The Old World products is one of the most extensive online.

5. What tools do I need to assemble my army?

You’ll need clippers, glue, and basic painting supplies. Tistaminis has curated kits for beginners that include all essentials.